NEWS

Summer came early, and Autumn has too…

Having seen the Commons and our gardens dry to a frazzle, the last day of August brought about a big change, one day before the formal start of Autumn, and there has hardly been a day without rain since. It is amazing how quickly the countryside responds. There has been an abundance fruit - and acorns (they are really not good for dogs!). We are now planning our pre-Christmas sale at the Cricket Club and our planting for next year, Read the October newsletter...

Pre- Christmas sale at the Cricket Club - Saturday 22 November

As usual, we will have 2026 calendars, some ‘Christmasy’ cards, apple juice an dsome other seasonal goodies. Do come, 10am till noon

and.. our first Photographic Competition!

We have some great photographers - and young ones too - locally, so we thought we would get you to pit your skills ahaonst eachother on a competition to be judged at the Cricket Club on the morning of the Sale. Find details in the Newsletter.

Moth Release at the Full Moon

David Dennis and Peter Bygate held their second Moth Release of the year by the Full Moon. and amongst others found a Poplar Hawkmoth in their ‘catch’, the 488th different species they have identified on the Commons! Due to the wet weather in recent months rather fewer moths were seen than on recent trappings. Again, see the Newsletter.

‘Our Important Polinators’:

Thank you to John Catton and David Dennis, Bee, Butterfly and Moth experts, who gave excellent talks on the decline in insect life both globally and locally prior to the AGM on 22nd April. As reported by Butterfly Conservation "We are in a Butterfly Emergency” Find a full comentary here.

Commons Report

Janet Hopkinson has again provided a report of life on the Commons (thank you, Janet) to be seen here (link awaited).

Heather on the Commons

Following some great work by Janet Hopkinson and a team of helpers last year all the bracken was removed from the heather beds and these were wonderful last Autumn, thank you! But, as bracken does, it has come back, so more work has been done. This will be one of the jobs for a working party next year, so we will be looking for volunteers.

Last year, before, during …. and after! It is about to flower again now.

Emperor Moth caterpillars

David Dennis and Isobel Clark have continued their efforts to breed and release Emperor Moth caterpillars and released some on the Commons last autumn. Hopefully, we will see more of them this year on their favorite hawthorn trees. See more on the Conservation pages