Biodiversity Group
March 2012 - Spring is around the corner and we have been preparing with the following project work:
- Construction of 20 bird boxes for Robins or Bluetits completed and installed in gardens and along paths in the village. It’s over to the birds to take up residence – if you see one of the bird boxes being used do let us know via email from this website.
- Oliver, Jamie and Toby cleverly worked out how to construct the Tawny Owl box which is fixed high up above the bridlepath behind the church. They also helped put together the last two bird boxes with the help of Owen and Iona.
- On request from the Parish Council the Biodiversity Group selected a Mazzard Cherry tree to be planted in recognition of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. This is a native Devon species that is undergoing a revival to save it for future generations. The Littleham and Landcross Mazzard has been planted in the wildflower area of the village playing fields.
- On March 24th we will be clearing a bramble patch in St Swithun’s churchyard and planting wildflowers.
- We’re keeping a watch on the RWE website for publication of Atlantic Array environmental study data so that we can
input to the next stage of consultation.
The Mazzard is planted.
Bird boxes constructed and finished!
Bird box given its new home!
October 2011 - the Biodiversity Group has been busy on a variety of projects:
- After a glorious display of summer flowers, two hours of brisk activity got the Playing Field Wildflower and Pond Wildlife areas cleared ready for Winter.
- The Littleham Churchyard and Playing Field information boards displays are updated to help you identify Autumn plants and wildlife as well as the rare collection of churchyard lichen.
- Two fun afternoons bashing hammer and nails resulted in 20 robin/blue tit bird boxes which are ready for installation around the Parish in January. Some boxes have already been taken home by the children who made them and the remainder will be sited by the Biodiversity Group at the two existing project sites and in the churchyard. We’re adding a Tawny Owl nesting box and hope to attract this beautiful bird to the churchyard.
- We have informed ourselves about, and contributed to, the Atlantic Array Consultation Process as the Parish Biodiversity Group and eagerly await publication of the environmental data that is needed to fully inform the consultation process.
The photo shows the Littleham playing field information board.
May 2011 - the bluebells planted in the wildflower area of the playing field flowered this spring and a number of other wildflowers including yellow rattle are just coming into bloom among the grass.
The pond area at the top of church lane has been cleared of some of the brambles and stinging nettles to allow a wider variety of grasses and wildflowers to become established there. Snowdrop bulbs and primroses have been planted, and a mix of grass and wildflower seed sown. Also the willow which was shedding dead branches has been felled so that the area has more light.
This photo shows the Biodiversity Group busy clearing the pond!
The AGM of the Biodiversity Group is on 15 June 2011 starting at 2.30pm at the pond and then 3.00pm at Furlong House. All are welcome.
Flora database (courtesy of Anne Davies) - Click Here
