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Spring is still some way off, but there are signs that the worst of the winter weather may be behind us. Hazel catkins are beginning to turn into golden tassels which allow the wind to carry pollen to the female part of the plant, a very small cone with red stigmas. Snowdrops are another early and welcome arrival. Although normally found in gardens, they have become naturalised in many other places and can be found in woodland and hedgerows. Keep an eye open when out for a winter walk.
Some birds have already started to sing, especially on sunnier days, as they claim their territories for the coming breeding season. Listen for song thrushes and great tits which recently have been very much in evidence.
Immediately before Christmas, two of our Junior Planters, Cameron and Emily, joined us in the Old Orchard and planted some hawthorn, blackthorn, buckthorn and dog rose which, over the coming years, will provide some much needed ground cover for birds and small mammals. We have also put up some bird boxes to encourage more nesting in the area. Where the young fruit and nut trees are growing, we plan to sow some meadow flower seed to try and increase the variety of wild flowers growing there.
Last year, the Kempshott Residents’ Association very generously donated £100 to our funds. There is space for one or two more trees in the Old Orchard and we are planning some succession planting in the Old Meadow – more news on this in future months.
Work Party dates for February and March are as follows:-
Date & time | Meeting point | Date & time | Meeting point |
Thursday, 7 February 14 00 – 16 00 |
Old Orchard, Kendal Gardens |
Sunday, 9 March 10 00 – 13 00 |
Old Orchard, Kendal Gardens |
Sunday, 17 February 10 00 – 13 00 |
Gate leading to Old Meadow by St. Mark’s Church |
Thursday, 20 March 14 00 – 16 00 |
Gate leading to Old Meadow by St. Mark’s Church |
Thursday, 28 February 14 00 – 16 00 |
Southern end of Old Hedgerow between Coniston Road and Down Grange |
Sunday, 30 March 10 00 – 13 00 |
Southern end of Old Hedgerow between Coniston Road and Down Grange |
To find out about joining your local conservation group, please send an e-mail to
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or contact Marion Wolstencroft on 01256 470171. Alternatively, we would be delighted to see you at one of our Work Parties. Don’t forget to bring some gloves. Looking after the local environment is rewarding, fun and a great way to keep fit so, wherever in Kempshott you live, please do get in touch.
(article supplied by Kempshott Kourier)
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