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Oliver's Battery Countryside Group |
"Ten men went to mow, went to mow a meadow….." Well it was actually one man with a mowing machine, two men, one woman and one child in a pushchair (but of course no dog) who really mowed Oliver's Battery's meadow down on the wildlife conservation area in mid August. Perhaps this "Breathing Space" created for both wildlife and people is one of the parish’s best kept secrets, as a number of local residents asked for directions to it by the lost driver of the mower denied all knowledge of the existence of the conservation area! The parish council and our countryside group have been developing the area, located at the far side of our recreation ground (follow the arrow) for your enjoyment for well over 2 years. Do go and see it for yourself.
The story so far is that the wildlife is blooming, blossoming, thriving, sliding, chirping, fluttering, buzzing and scampering in the area! Can you match those activities to the following denizens: flowers, bushes, trees, reptiles, birds, butterflies, bees and rabbits? Take a rest on the new sustainably-sourced bench and enjoy the end of summer. Listen to the grasshoppers and watch the butterflies.
When the area was officially opened last September it was mainly bare soil and plants struggling to survive in the dry summer. Over the winter some small trees succumbed to the sharp teeth of the hungry rabbits. However, most trees survived and grew well during this wetter summer. The wildflower meadow, only sown in October, has been a delightful sight this summer with its wide variety of different grasses and colourful flowers. Members of the group are enjoying learning about the wide range of unusual plants that have appeared this year. Even plants normally considered "weeds" are appreciated as they provide vital food for insects.
Bring you own picnic to enjoy in the Conservation Area. This will be followed by "Nature's Harvest" – activities for all ages! Events will be organised by members of the OBCG to help you discover what a treasure we have. For more information, look on signboards by the CA, school and shops.
BREAKING NEWS: fantastic new website:
www.oliversbatterycountrysidegroup.org.uk
Clare Shorter, Chairperson, Oliver's Battery Countryside Group