Reserve Update

 Hi all,

Volunteers and staff have been carrying out works so thought I'd explain some :)

I drove around with the cut and collect tractor the other day, it was rather wet but the only window I could borrow it. This allowed me to cut back some of the paths to improve accessibility for the public. But the collect aspect means I'm removing nutrients and thatch which should encourage more wild flowers to flourish. This is why I've cut such a large area outside of the houses. It is under our agreed management plan so good to start getting in there and enhancing that area.

We have spent a lot of time, tree popping and digging out buddleia and sycamore both of which invasive species. The removal of such species reduces encroachment and encourages more wildflower meadow species. This has primarily been in the education area.

Tomorrow we will be undertaking a similar task.

I will also be planting some hopeful disease resistant Elm saplings tomorrow with our work party. These will be left to grow to maturity in which supporting the white letter hairstreak butterfly for example. Since Dutch Elms disease has wiped out a huge majority of our trees many species that rely on Elms have understandably been in decline. Hampshire County Council sourced these trees and we were successful in a grant in receiving them, so fingers crossed they are resistant.

Thanks for post regarding the deer Chris. We will keep an eye out for evidence of deer. I think the white hair on the posts could be cows scratching potentially?

Thank you all for your time,

Sam