For administrative purposes the PNR Network is divided into the natural regions of Somerset. None of the Area Contacts is expert in every type of plant or wildlife but they all have their pet loves in which they are knowledgeable. If they can’t help, they will usually be able to recommend someone who can. We’re very grateful to them. TAUNTON DEANE
David Burnell is 56, retired from the UK Hydrographic office and has three children under 12. His family cottage has 2 acres of grassland to which he has added cider trees, hedges and a pond.
A few years ago in order to increase the wildflowers he removed an area of top soil to reveal bare sub-soil (calcareous) into which meadow flowers – vetches and orchids - have seeded.
The close proximity of disused quarries and Thurlbear Wood (he is Reserve Warden) mean that he is lucky to regularly see dormice and to hear nightingales and grasshoppers. However, his current problem is bindweed.
Shown below are a few recent photos from Sunset Cottage. You can click on them to see a full sized version. EAST MENDIP
Prue Piper, a biochemist by background, has been a PNR Network member since the beginning. Her organic smallholding of 11 acres was bought in 1988 and consists of woodland, grassland and an orchard. It is a fragment of the historic park of the grand 18th century Marston House.
A stream which rises within the smallholding feeds a large pond. This year several pale pink orchids grew beside it. Within the meadow, Prue was also pleased to see a bee orchid. Twelve breeding ewes graze the land. HEART OF THE LEVELS
David German, a retired electrical engineer, is one of a syndicate of 11 people who, about five years ago, together put up enough money to buy four acres of former farmland.
Their aim was to preserve the field as a wildflower meadow. Two years ago a survey was carried out by well-qualified botanist John Marshall and on the basis of his findings, SERC arranged for the land to be registered as a County Wildlife Site.
Once a year, during late July/August, the hay is cut by a local farmer. Recently one of the syndicate planted wildflower plugs but they were unsuccessful, possibly eaten by rabbits.
Last year – paid for by a grant - 200 yards of native hedging was planted. Ragwort and creeping thistles are pulled by hand.
ILMINSTER / CHARD
Valerie and John Godsmark bought 48 acres of ancient woodland nine years ago when they retired from teaching.
Three days a week finds them working away in the depths of Park Wood, Chaffcombe near Ilminster.
Starting as enthusiastic amateurs, their knowledge is now impressive as they have researched their wood intensively, both historically and botanically. Every spring they host bluebell walks, a time when visitors can either simply enjoy the beauty of Park Wood or they can benefit from the Godsmarks’ experienced advice. SOUTH EAST SOMERSET
Barbara and Derek Simmons own two fields of former pasture land (five and a half acres) bordering the river Cale.
When they bought the land in two lots six years ago and four years ago it had been over-grazed by horses and suffered from barren patches and overgrown brambles and nettles.
Hard work clearing the grassland and laying and planting hedges has led to a dramatic increase in wildlife and flowers.
The grass is grazed by sheep each autumn after the annual hay cut. They are presently purchasing a futher five acres, including some woodland.
After a career in the biomedical sciences, mostly spent researching in laboratories, Derek is delighted with this environmental project.
CENTRAL EAST
Paul Newman (ex-accountant) and Biz Gibbs (ex-librarian) bought their house with five acres of land on the edge of East Lydford village nearly four years ago.
One of their first acts was to fence off a third and dig a large pond which, being in clay, naturally held water when it filled.
The newts that took up residence now play occasional starring roles (in a tank) accompanying Paul’s regular lectures on amphibians and reptiles.
About half an acre of land around the pond has been planted with forest and orchard trees. The grassland elsewhere is cut for hay usually in July by the neighbouring farmer and his cows graze the aftermath.
Recent surveys of wildlife have revealed a population of 40-50 slowworms; nine grass snakes; 50 different species of birds; 300 species of moths; 22 types of butterflies, a number of pygmy shrews, voles and one weasel. MENDIP HILLS AND (temporarily) WELLS
Auriol and Roger Penniceard bought their house with nearly twelve acres on Mendip scarp above Cheddar just over a year ago.
The land is divided between garden, woodland, scrub and species-rich grassland. The site is too rocky and steep for vehicle access.
The marvellous wildlife includes a diverse array of flowers, butterflies, birds, bats, badgers, adders, slow worms and buzzards. The roe deer bring deer ticks so they have brought in guinea fowl to eat them.
Ten feral Soay rams from adjacent Cheddar Gorge over-wintered there. The Soay sheep are recognisable individuals making their social interactions most interesting.
In the late winter ‘hungry gap’, up to 13 feral English Primitive goats – also from Cheddar Gorge – came in like an army clearing out the woodland undergrowth. The biggest billy goat is the size of a pony.
Amazingly, the goats are not poisoned by yew trees which they particularly relish.
Auriol and Roger are glad to find local advice and support through the Mendip Hills Living Landscape Project. |
