30 keen volunteers recently attended 2 field days to remove some of the tree guards.  This will give the larger new trees some breathing space to begin to develop more strongly.  All enjoyed contributing physically towards improving the landscape and an added bonus was the discovery of a nest of cute wood mice sheltering inside one of the tree guards, which was then left undisturbed. 

An exciting development is the survey and habitat enhancement report by Charles Flowers, an expert on wildflower regeneration projects.  The next steps are to test the soil to find the most suitable areas for trial seeding in September. Chalk grassland wildflowers will only thrive on thin soil over chalk, away from rabbits, humans and dogs - so they won’t interfere with areas used regularly.

We’ve been very fortunate to secure 2 grants from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council and The Chestnut Fun to help towards the cost of insurance, tools, practical and educational activities.  Details of future events will appear in the next edition.

The local community can help us in a number of areas.  These include joining us either as active or interested members, attending events, telling us about the wildlife you have spotted, sharing any knowledge on the subject, helping to pick up the litter or even just spreading the word.  Subscriptions will give us much needed funds in addition to the grants. Minimum £2 individual subscription or £3 for a family, but increased donations are very welcome. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Paul Beevers, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 475944, Cathy Mitchell-Reid This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 463964, or Debbie Sampson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 477279.

(Article supplied by Kempshott Kourier)