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. 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.
MENDIP HILLS, EAST MENDIP AND WELLS
Hi – I’m Liz Eley, the new contact for East Mendip, Wells, and Mendip Hills. We have a 20-acre site of ancient wildflower meadows, which are also part of an old hill fort, so the views are spectacular. We originally bought the fields to keep 150 Angora goats (mohair) and our 4 shires, but we discovered the orchids and during hedgelaying courses which we run, we found lots of other interesting things. We have bullaces, ancient oaks, and fairly uncommon wild service trees. When we walk in the Summer, we put up clouds of butterflies, with marbled whites, blues and loads of different types of ‘brown’ ones. Address: 39 Butts Hill, Frome, BA11 1HR Tel: 01373 472312 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
