Please join in …
Lots of people like the long grass around the edges of the Recreation Ground which is helping wildflowers and insects.
But this has to be cut at least once a year or else the grass forms a thick thatch and wildflowers can’t survive.
And then all the cuttings have to be removed to reduce soil fertility which is the key to helping more wildflowers in the future.
It’s planned that the mowing will take place at the very end of August and then it’s hoped that lots of parishioners will join the ‘Community Hay-Day’ by bringing rakes and wheelbarrows on Saturday 2 September – from 10am.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATE MAY NEED TO CHANGE IF THE WEATHER DELAYS THE MOWING
About 50 people have helped make this new community event both productive and fun in previous years, bringing praise from County Council experts (see here).
Long trousers, gloves and sensible shoes are recommended and it’s hoped to have some refreshments available.
The raking action during the Hay-Day also helps to open up the grasses and give more wildflowers a chance to get established.
The Parish Council’s nature and wildlife projects have been selected as part of the South Downs National Park Trust’s ‘Bee-Lines’ and ‘Re-Naturing’ initiatives as well as being a Pollinator Pilot area for Hampshire County Council’s Countryside Service.
As well as improving conditions for wildlife by connecting green spaces and creating corridors to help creatures, the work is intended to increase awareness and understanding for everyone.
More families in the parish are now helping wildlife in their gardens and there are also contributions from local farms, in local Nature Reserves and hopefully along road verges in the future, too.
Many small creatures are vital for crops and food production but they have been declining badly in recent decades. These projects are intended to help people appreciate the wider benefits that managing land for biodiversity can bring for everyone: helping nature to help us!
The Hay-Day event can be fun for all the family – please tell all your friends and neighbours.
