Activities of Buckland Newton Environment Group 2025/6

New Year Plant Hunt 12 people attended a wildflower walk to record winter flowering plants, both wild and naturalised. 33 species were recorded and the records contributed to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s large citizen science survey. Community walk Our first community walk was well attended with 11 people walking 4 miles on lanes and footpaths locally. A great opportunity to enjoy the local countryside and something we hope to repeat in the future. Marsh Fritillary This rare and threatened butterfly was found to be breeding in the village for the first time in many years. Several sites were surveyed to record the caterpillars which live communally in a web. Some were moved to the safety of Frogs Bottom meadow to avoid destruction from mowing. In the last few days Fizz reports flying Marsh Fritillary in her meadow – something she has hoped for for over 25 years! Riverfly work Outreach and networking We worked with Friends of Pop Maller Wood again during the winter to continue coppicing work. Some of our members have been involved in the work of Cerne Valley Sustainability group – advising on a woodland and grassland biodiversity project that they have begun. We are organising a trip to Buckland Newton sewage works to better understand the condition of the works and how this effects our local environment. Parish Paddock We have continued to support the Parish council with efforts to enrich the biodiversity of this small patch of grassland. Further hedge maintenance including weeding, mulching with last summer’s grass cuttings and gapping up tree losses with new trees. Swift survey Ongoing survey work and reports from local people have led us to conclude that currently there are no breeding Swifts in the village despite regular summer sightings of the birds over the village. Establishing new breeding colonies where no breeding currently occurs is known to be difficult and as such our limited resources will be best used in other ways to support the birdlife of the area – ideas gratefully received! Woodland Trust Ancient tree inventory We returned to Duntish Court to survey a wonderful selection of ancient and veteran trees which have now been added to the inventory. Moth trapping session 13 people enjoyed opening moth traps and enjoying the varied contents. This public event was kindly hosted by Fizz Lewis in her meadow.