A welcome return to this small but treasured wildflower meadow, surrounded by wildlife friendly hedging, on the edge of Stapleford village.

 A local farmer helps the villagers by cutting the grass and taking it away from the site and we help by raking it up and loading it into the farmer’s trailer (where Howard spent most of his time, making sure the grass got packed down so it all fitted in). ​We also used our scythes to cut some awkward areas of grass the mower hadn't been able to reach and trimmed the hedge to help keep the growth nice and thick to provide a good habitat.

Fourteen of us turned out on a lovely sunny day, tempted in part, I suspect, by the promise of cake. And there was plenty of it – delicious homemade Victoria sponges – as well as other cakes and biscuits. Luckily, with so many of us, when too full of cake to work we were able to take lots of breaks. 

These breaks gave us time to monitor wildlife on the site and sightings included a magpie moth (very dramatic markings), Brimstone and Red Admiral butterflies, a Sloebug (or Hairy Shieldbug) and a family of bank voles with a grassy nest near the hedge.

All raked up

​Many thanks to everyone for your efforts on the day, and to Jennie who coordinated the day and all the refreshments on behalf of the Stapleford residents.
 
Jude