Haselbury Wildlife Vol 2 Spring 2022

Haselbury The Quarterly Journal of
Wildlifethe Haselbury Wildlife and
Habitats Group

Issue 2 - Spring 2022

Table of
Contents

Winter 2021 Report 4

Winter Achievements 6

Spring Activities 8

Pollinators and Wild

2

Flowers 10

The Park Project 12

Creating Wildflower

CONTRIBUTORS Areas 14

Haselbury Wildlife Alison Scott Spring 16
Sandy Giles The Water Shrew 18
Lynn Williams Composting 20
Hugh Williams Small Brook 24
David Scott
Allan Giles
Robbie Hawkins
William Hunt

Haselbury Wildlife 3

Haselbury WildlifeWINTER
2021/2022
REPORT

COMPILED BY WILLIAM HUNT

4

What We
Achieved

Haselbury Wildlife 5

Over the Winter period
the Group completed the
Avenue of Trees project,
planting 18 oak and 18
beech trees along
Claycastle Lane.

HEDGEROWS AVENUE OF TREES

With the kind cooperation of the After over a year of planning and

lessee, the Group planted a 20m preparation (see Quarterly Journal No 1),

section of native hedgerow plants in we are proud to have completed the

the Community Orchard creating a planting phase of the Avenue of Trees

wildlife corridor along the eastern project in January.

6 boundary. Trees play a critical role in reducing

Hedges may support up to 80 per greenhouse gases by locking in tonnes of

cent of our woodland birds, 50 per carbon and, of course, they also provide

cent of our mammals and 30 per cent habitat for birds, insects and mammals.

of our butterflies. The ditches and Despite their importance, just 13% of the

banks associated with hedgerows UK’s total land area has tree cover,

provide habitat for frogs, toads, compared to an EU average of 35%.

newts and reptiles.

The planned total of 36 trees - English

Dead timber is also a rich source of Oak (Quercus Robur) and Common

insect food and should be left in the Beech (Fagus Sylvatica) were all

hedge unless it is unsafe. The greater sponsored by the community, predomin-

the variety of shrubs and trees, the antly individuals, and planted along

better. Different species flower at Claycastle Lane.

different times, providing nectar

over a longer period, and so will With the kind permission of the

support more insects. They will also landowner, the trees were planted on the

Haselbury Wildlife supply a variety of berries over a inside of the hedgerow to provide better

long period. protection.

Our Winter

Activities

The completion of the planting process is Haselbury Wildlife
clearly not the end of the project. We have
to monitor and maintain the trees, BIRD BOXES 7
exercising contingency plans to deal with
any damage and potential drought. We have erected additional bird boxes, made
The project was designed and planned by by the group, in public places around the
our village Environmental Champion, village.
Alison Scott. It was approved by the Parish
Council and implemented by the Wildlife We have created a Bird Box Walk, which is a
and Habitats Group. two-mile route in the village where 20 boxes
can be observed from public places.
PARK ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT The Bird Box Walk will be viewable from
We have started a project to enhance the the Parish Council website, which is under
village park, as part of the Parish Council’s development.
Park Improvement Plan, by replacing some
fallen trees and by creating a large Wild- We will add a report form to enable walkers
flower Area. to report their observations to the Wildlife &
We have acquired the trees and the wild- Habitats Group, which will be recorded on
flower seed and have prepared the Wild- the interactive map.
flower Area by removing the turf and
lightly tilling the surface. DORMOUSE BOXES
Further details on pages 12 and 13.
The Group made a further six dormouse
boxes which have been strategically placed
on private properties in the village. This
brings the total to about 50 deployed boxes.

Our monitoring system is passive, only
inspecting the boxes at the end of the breed-
ing season and recording our findings.

The occupancy rate of these boxes is low,
with other species of mice or birds often
taking up residency.

The design and construction material of
dormouse nests is unique.

Haselbury WildlifeSPRING 2022
PROJECTS

8

What We
Plan to Do

Haselbury Wildlife 9

Pollinators and Wild Flowers

WHAT ARE POLLINATORS?

Pollinators are animals which move from flower to flower to drink their nectar for energy and to
collect pollen, which is protein, and is fed to their larvae. In doing this, they transfer pollen from one
flower to another – the pollination process which enables plants to reproduce.

Pollinators are vital to our existence – not only do they pollinate our food crops but without them the
wild plants which support so much of our wildlife would not survive.

There are 1,500 species of pollinating insects in the UK alone, including bees, butterflies, moths,
beetles and flies. In addition to this role, they are also an important part of our natural eco-system,
providing food for birds, mammals and other insects. They are threatened by habitat loss, pesticides
and climate change and we should do all we can to encourage the growth of wild flowers.

FIVE WAYS TO HELP 3. PLANT POLLINATOR
P O L L I N AT O R S FRIENDLY PALNTS
Whether you're a keen gardener or
1.GROW, DONT MOW don't have a garden, you can still
Leave a portion of your garden grass support pollinators by planting
uncut and let the dandelions, clovers pollinator friendly plants in your
garden, in pots or window boxes.
10 and thistles flower. You might have Annuals like cosmos, perennials
like bellflower and even herbs like
considered them weeds, rather than rosemary, lavender and sage are all
flowers, but together they can be great sources of food. Note that
quite beautiful! traditional bedding plants like
geraniums and begonias have very
2. GROW YOUR OWN little pollen.
Your garden fruit and veg plot needs
pollinators to provide seeds and fruit 4. MAKE A HOME FOR BEES
- the perfect system. Apple blossoms, The commercial bee homes are
blackberry bushes, runner beans, great, but don't forget about the
strawberries and tomatoes are all mining bees. If possible, leave a
pollinator friendly. patch of bare earth somewhere flat
and sunny on a southern or eastern
Haselbury Wildlife facing bank. This is the perfect spot
for a solitary mining bee.

5. REDUCE PESTICIDE USE
If possible, remove weeds in your
garden manually or, if necessary, try
spot treatment of weedkiller rather
than spraying. If you must, spray
after sunset on a dry, still day.

AT? he Science Haselbury Wildlife

Pollination is a critical ecosystem service underpinning the productivity of agricultural systems
across the world. Wild insect populations provide a substantial contribution to the productivity of
many crops and the seed set of wildflowers.
Insect pollinators are vital for the maintenance of ecosystem health and for global food security, with
75% of crop species, 35% of global crop production, and up to 88% of flowering plant species being
dependent on insect pollinators to some extent. However, substantial concern exists over their
current and future conservation status.
.
Key threats to pollinators include agricultural intensification (particularly habitat loss and pesticide
use), climate change and the spread of alien species.

11

Haselbury WildlifeThe Park

Our Principal Spring ProjectEnhancement Project

As noted on page 7, the Group’s plan to enhance the village
Recreation Park has been authorised by the Parish Council and we
have commenced implementation of the project, under which five
trees have been replaced and a large Wildflower Area for pollinators
will be created. This will bring to 41 the number of oak and beech
trees we have planted in the village during the Winter.

Due largely to intensive farming methods, wildflower meadows have
all but ceased to exist which has been a major factor in the decline of
pollinators. We aim to give nature a helping hand through the creation
of a large Wildflower Area in the park, which will attract pollinators
and provide a habitat for wildlife.

We chose the village Recreation Park for this project because it is a
focal point in the village, and has a large amount of unused, turfed
area available.

Preparation for the Wildflower Area included removal of the turf
which was repurposed as part of another project to enhance a

12 neglected part of the western approach to the village.

Haselbury Wildlife

13

FIVE KEY POINTS 3 We have also planted some buddleia
and viburnum shrubs dispersed on
1 We have planted five oak trees to the flower bed to add to the range of
replace disease and storm casualties flowers available to pollinators.
or to fill gaps in the hedgerow.
Trees are an important factor in 4 In addition to routine watering,
reducing the effects of climate which will take place when ne-
change. cessary, we will carry out an annual
maintenance programme which
2 We are creating a large Wildflower includes cutting back the wild-
Area of some 360 m/sq on part of flowers after seeding, as well as
the north boundary to benefit pruning the shrubs.
pollinators.
5 We are keen to involve the
There will be 22 local, native community and there will be an
species of annual and perennial organised Seed Sowing Event on
wildflowers sown in order to ensure Saturday 9th April at 2pm. All
an annual pollen supply and a residents, especially children, are
pleasing display of flowers. invited to come along and help sow
the seed.

Creating Wildflower Areas

There are several ways to create wildflower areas, including laying wildflower turf, or
simply starting right from seed, but whichever you choose, it is essential to create the right
conditions. Choose wildflowers which are native and local to South Somerset, that will
enjoy your aspect and conditions and avoid feeding, as this can encourage vigorous grasses
to take over.

Choose a good mix of annuals and perennials to create a sustainable wildflower area that
will self-regenerate annually.

Wildflower meadows require an annual maintenance programme to allow the more de-
sirable species to flourish and to reduce the vigour of the more rampant species. This
usually involves mowing and some judicious weed control. For new meadows, the
vegetation needs to be cut to a height of 5cm (2in) after about six-to-eight weeks of growth
and this should be repeated every two months throughout the first Summer. Established
meadows can be cut at a number of times in the year, depending on the vigour of the
meadow and which types of flowers are to be encouraged.

SOWING SEED VARIETIES TO PLANT IN
SOUTH SOMERSET
Scatter wildflower seeds thinly over
bare patches of watered soil or sow in ANNUALS
rows in a seedbed to transplant later
as small clumps - barely cover seeds • Black Medick
• Night-FloweringCatchfly
14 when sown in rows. Alternatively, • Field forget-me-not
• Yellow Rattle
sow tiny pinches of seed directly into
small modules of seed compost and
plant later as ‘plugs’.

Haselbury Wildlife PLANTING PLUGS PERENNIALS

Plug plants are available in Spring by • Lady's bedstraw
post or from garden centres. First cut • Salad Burnet
the grass short, then remove divots of • MeadowButtercup
turf (use a bulb planter), part-fill with • Red Campion
seed compost then plant groups of • While Campion
three plugs together throughout the • Wild Carrot
area and water. • Wild Clary
• Cowslip
WILDFLOWER TURF • Ox-eye Daisy
• Wild Foxglove (Biennial)
For a small area, lay wildflower turf • Goat's-beard (Biennial)
over raked and firmed but unfed bare • Common Knapweed
soil. • Greater Knapweed
• Musk Mallow
For larger plots, dot single wildflower • Self-heal
turfs throughout normal meadow • Common Sorrel
grass, after cutting the original grass • Common St John's-wort
short. Water in • Yarrow

Haselbury Wildlife 15

Spring

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

The Spring Equinox - March 20th - means that Spring is here at last, symbolising new life. It is also
the beginning of Aries in astrology. Aries is governed by Mars which is the planet of energy and
action, hence the term “to spring forward”.
We can feel the change in the air and it can be exciting and rejuvenating. Buds on trees are rapidly
becoming blossom or leaves. Spring bulbs and flowers embrace the lengthening days and warmer
nights and insects vie for their life giving nectar. Birds are nesting and hoping their young will not
become another’s food. This is a hard season for prey animals - so much work to raise young only
for them to be caught and eaten, or worse, killed by domestic cats, hit by cars, snared or poisoned.
We await the arrival of swifts, swallows and house martins with bated breath as they come in fewer
numbers each year. We hope there will be enough insects for them to breed successfully.
Ponds and streams come alive with tadpoles, sticklebacks and minnows. If really lucky, you may
spot a water vole (Ratty from the Wind in the Willows) or a water shrew. Keep your eyes and ears
alert for our wonderful but diminishing wildlife and who knows what you may find. Good luck!

16

Haselbury Wildlife

Haselbury Wildlife 17

Haselbury Wildlife18

Water Shrew

ALISON SCOTT

WATER SHREW SIGHTING Haselbury Wildlife

On a cold but bright morning recently, I was walking along Claycastle, looking into the
Small Brook, hoping to see a water vole. I saw a movement and stopped and watched. Not
a water vole but a water shrew! I stood and observed it as it dived under the surface and
back up again, fast and agile, living life at speed. After a minute, at most, it realised it was
being watched and disappeared into the far bank of the brook. I was thrilled, not having
seen a water shrew for decades. They are not uncommon (although they are in decline) but
are shy, secretive creatures who mainly hunt at night, so it felt like a huge privilege to have
shared a minute of its brief life.
The Eurasian Water Shrew is our largest shrew at 6-10 cms long with a tail of 4-6 cms. It
has very dark hair, small ears and large hind feet. It only lives for 1-2 years, breeding in
burrows in the banks of streams and ponds. It produces between 3 and 15 young per litter
and the females can have 2 litters in a season. Most of the adults die at the end of Summer.
The water shrew, like other shrews, has red teeth caused by iron, making the enamel very
strong. It is unusual among mammals, however, in having a venomous bite! The poison in
its saliva is strong enough to immobilise frogs and small fish and it can tackle prey very
much heavier than its own weight, including frogs, newts, crustaceans and snails.
The water shrew is preyed on by cats, foxes and raptors but, as it can produce a foul-
smelling oil from scent glands, it often escapes. The main threat to their survival is man
made and comes from water pollution.

19

Haselbury WildlifeCOMPOSTING

20

Reuse Your
Kitchen &
Garden Waste

Haselbury Wildlife 21

RECYCLING YOUR ORGANIC WASTE WHY COMPOST?

Home composting is the most environmentally
friendly and economic way of dealing with
kitchen and garden waste, plus it produces
compost that can be used as an excellent soil
improver.

With the Winter clear up completed you are
probably left with lots of plant debris: the spent
crops, weeds and pruning of the old growing
season that form the perfect ingredients for a
soil-nourishing compost. Composting is a great
way to recycle valuable organic matter and, of
course, plants love it!

That said, loose compost heaps have a habit of
looking a bit messy, so read on and discover a
way of making a tidy compost bin using wooden
pallets:

For a single bin you will need:

• 3 untreated wooden pallets

22 • 6 stakes, 4 to 6 cm in diamater, 1.2m long
Haselbury Wildlife • A sledgehammer

Home Composting • A spade

You could add additional compost bins alongside
the first. A three-bay compost setup allows for
the three main stages of composting. The first
bay is the active bay, into which new material is
currently being added; the middle bay has been
filled and is left to rot down; while the final bay
is beautiful, mature compost that’s ready to use.

1-Prepare the ground

HOW TO COMPOST Haselbury Wildlife

Start filling the compost bin with a mixture of “browns”, such as dried leaves or torn
pieces of cardboard, and fresh green materials, including grass cuttings and kitchen
scraps. Try to ensure a good balance of browns and greens to speed up decomposition
and so air can penetrate the compost heap.

Do not include woody material like tree prunings unless it has been shredded.

A REFUGE FOR WILDLIFE
A compost heap can provide a refuge and feeding area for creatures such as hedge-
hogs, beetles, toads, bats, birds, grass snakes, small mammals and slow worms, many
of which feed on insects and slugs thereby sustaining the natural balance of the eco-
system without the use of pesticides and other chemicals in the garden.

Try not to disturb your compost during the months May-August when grass snake eggs
will be developing and hatching.

2-Drive in stakes

23

Haselbury WildlifeSMALL BROOK

24

A Rural Fresh
Watercourse

Haselbury Wildlife 25

Haselbury Wildlife26

Small Brook

ALISON SCOTT

MAINTENANCE AND POLLUTION Haselbury Wildlife

As noted in the last Quarterly Journal, Small Brook is a tributary of the River Parrett, which 27
runs through the village, passing alongside Claycastle. It is an important wildlife corridor
which supports many amphibious and aquatic species, including the highly protected water
vole, and our Group has delegated authority to maintain it. However, the only time we can
work on the brook is between November and the end of February, when it is cold and the
water voles are in their burrows.
Unfortunately, this last Winter has seen few cold spells so we were not able to carry out
maintenance work until February when the Brook by Claycastle was clogged up with grass,
brambles and debris. As a result, we worked on two consecutive weekends to set about
clearing what we could, avoiding the far (north) bank where there is most cover and,
therefore, the greater likelihood of wildlife, including water voles.
On the first day, we had to stop early as, in spite of our best intentions, we disturbed a water
vole and, therefore, could not continue, as advised by the County Ecologist. The following
weekend, we managed to clear most of the brook along Claycastle and it was good to see it
flowing freely once again. We are very lucky in that we have permission to put all the
debris in a field alongside the brook, allowing any small creatures to make their way back
and leaving the rest to rot down.
Regrettably, in the middle of March, a raw sewage slick was reported in this area of the
brook, probably from an overflowing septic tank or a broken pipe. This pollution was
continuing at the end of the month, as we go to press. In addition to this leakage, a large
amount of raw sewage is being released routinely into Small Brook from a Wessex Water
sewage treatment plant at the north end of the village. These issues have been reported to
the Environment Agency but no action has been taken or promised.
Despite the Claycastle slick, there are many plucky sticklebacks racing around underneath it
but, sadly, there has been no toad or frog spawn along this stretch of the brook for the last
three years. Hopefully, garden ponds in the village are well stocked.

HASELBURY WILDLIFE

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HASELBURY WILDLIFE