Nature

The Parish Council arranged a special ‘cut and collect’ mowing of the wild strips around the edges of the Recreation Ground on 5^th April.

Taking all the cuttings away (rather than leaving them on the ground) should bring a number of benefits for nature and wildlife: it should reduce the build-up of a thatch of cut and fallen grass, keep nutrient levels low and ensure plenty of bare ground for plants to regenerate from seed.

Studies have shown this to be a major factor in maintaining biodiversity. 

Reports and studies have produced alarming news about the state of nature – with worrying implications for food, water, clean air and more: upon which we all depend.

Britain is becoming one of the most nature-depleted countries in the whole world – and Government reports show a loss of over half of bees, butterflies and moths over the last 50 years.

Buriton has been selected as one of only six parishes in Hampshire to help improve conditions for pollinators – and it is hoped that lots of people will want to take part.

Hampshire experts have put a short film about our recent ‘Hay-Day’ and Pollinator Project on their Twitter feed, and it is also available here:

Lots of people had liked the long grass around the edges of the Recreation Ground which helps 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.

One of the attractions at the village show was the fantastic range of bug hotels made by Ken Cox of Bones Lane.

And some are still available.

Ken uses natural and recycled materials – including catering cans from the Five Bells – to make bee-spoke resting places for important creatures: particularly pollinators.

These ‘hotels’ can help insects through the winter months so now is a great time to provide some accommodation!

The Village Show attracted plenty of idea for the parish’s new Pollinator Project – and everyone can probably help in a small way.

The parish has been selected as one of only six places in Hampshire for a project to help some vitally important creatures – and it is hoped that lots of people will want to take part.

Stalls on the recreation ground provided information about bees, butterflies and other vital creatures and the wildlife safaris in the long grass were also very popular.

The parish has been selected as one of only six places in Hampshire for a project to help some vitally important creatures – and it is hoped that lots of people will want to take part.

Experts explain that it is not just big animals like elephants, rhinos and tigers that are under threat: lots of insect species are also declining – and many of these small beasties are vital to our lives.

Bees, butterflies, moths and beetles are vital for crops and fruit – with experts estimating that over a third of the food that we eat depends on such unsung little pollinators.

A small group of villagers are meeting to begin to develop ideas to help wildlife – particularly pollinators – in and around the parish.

Please join in if you’d like to …