Amazing stories about the lives of these beautiful birds
Swifts are the UK’s fastest birds and their exciting, aerobatic, screaching flights over Buriton is always a sign that summer has arrived.
But swifts are in trouble as changes are made to buildings which block up or remove their nest sites: new soffits, re-roofing, extra insulation etc.
The swift population has halved in the last 20 years and the decline has been noticeable in Buriton recently.
With benefits for wildlife, too
A group of villagers joined with volunteers from the South Downs National Park and Hampshire County Council on 4 July to remove dense vegetation along the long-distance Hangers Way path where it approaches the village along the Links.
The valley has been identified as a real opportunity for wildlife and a special “pollinator-friendly” cut took place, creating glades to help a range of sensitive creatures.
The expert volunteers did most of the hard work with their machine tools but villagers lent a hand to create some of the new glades and to rake away the cuttings.
National Park Trust pleased with progress
One year after being chosen for a special ‘Bee Lines’ project by the South Downs National Park Trust, an update from the Parish Council has been well received.
New wildlife habitats are being created around the edges of the Recreation Ground where actions in the twelve months have included: getting soil samples analysed; making a record of current plant species; cutting the long grass margins, followed by the second annual ‘Community Hay-Day’; getting a professional cut, collect and scarification undertaken; and sowing Yellow Rattle seeds.
Pollinators come in many shapes and sizes!
A fascinating collection of local moths was on show at the Farm Fun Day in June – all part of Buriton’s new nature initiative.
Three large hawk-moths stole the show but there were some other very attractive and delicate species including those identified as: a Heart & Club moth; Treble Lines; Burnished Brass; Buff Ermine; Dark Arches; Pale Tussock; and an Olive Pearl moth.
The moths had all been caught overnight in the community’s non-harmful moth trap which is now being used by a rota of villagers.
An excellent display at Coulters Dean
Local experts Di & Martin Mitchell provided a fascinating insight into the wide range of orchids and other species which can be seen at this local nature reserve in early June.
The incredibly rich fragment of chalk downland lies on the South Downs above the village and is managed by the Hampshire Wildlife Trust and local volunteers.
A number of species of orchids were found on this special Open Morning which had been arranged as part of Buriton’s climate and nature activities.
New homes unveiled on the recreation ground
One of the highlights of the successful B-earth Day event in April was the official opening of the marvellous bug hotel by the winner of the nature-themed fancy dress competition.
Insects and other minibeasts need safe spaces to shelter, hide from predators and raise their young.
Bug hotels can be a good way of helping and anyone can build one in their garden or outside area.
They provide a home for insects and in return the insects will increase biodiversity, pollinate plants, and prey on pests.
Excellent response to Parish Council’s initiative
As reported elsewhere on this website (see here) these exciting, aerobatic birds are in trouble as changes are made to buildings which block up or remove their nest sites: new soffits, re-roofing, extra insulation etc. The swift population has halved in the last 20 years!
Swifts pair for life and are ‘site-faithful’, so if a building has been demolished, renovated, or the gap obstructed or repaired, they must find somewhere new and quickly.
Moths are valuable pollinators and need help
Amid widespread concern about the decline of pollinating insects like bees and butterflies, researchers have discovered that, during the night-time, moths are particularly efficient pollinators.
Buriton Parish Council has agreed to help the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre (HBIC) by collecting records of moths found in the parish and has been awarded a grant to buy the equipment required.
A non-harmful moth trap has been purchased and will be used by a rota of villagers.
Finding bats in their natural environment
A guided bat walk in the evening, providing an opportunity to see and hear bats in their natural environment.
Places are limited and need to be booked in advance via this Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buriton-bat-walk-tickets-675837487117?aff=oddtdtcreator
Follow the trail around the village - or just make a bee-line to the church!
An opportunity to follow a gentle trail around the village to visit a range of places and see how the community is catering for wildlife.
It’s hoped that this might inspire even more villagers to join the campaign to support nature and improve life for all by doing some very simple things around their own homes.
Delicious Cream Teas & Cakes will be available in the church (all proceeds in aid of St Mary’s).
A full trail guide will be available in the Church and from Tithe House on the day - now available in advance at the foot of this web-page.
