It often feels that everywhere you look, new houses are being built in quantity and still, it seems, more are needed. The government is promising to build like never before. Good news for some, but will there be any space left for nature?
The traditional hay meadows, bursting with wildflowers, like the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Ashtons Meadow near Treswell, are becoming rarities. The loss of these important habitats will, inevitably, have a detrimental effect on the insects that would normally live and feed there, and that, in turn, become food for birds and other animals. These insects play a vital role, but that’s not all – they are responsible for pollinating the flowering plants as they go about their daily foraging.
Hopefully, the summer will provide an opportunity to learn a little more about the insects that are such a vital part of our life support system on earth and perhaps to be a little more tolerant of them when they buzz around our picnic lunches. Keep an eye open for opportunities to visit places that are rewilding and see if we can learn anything from what they are doing to help us in our efforts to encourage nature back into our own gardens.
The North Nottinghamshire Local Group of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is still finalising its summer programme, but guided walks, visits to places of interest, and perhaps some pond dipping are likely. A visit to any place specialising in native wildflowers is a distinct possibility, so watch this space—or better still, sign up for regular emails and make sure you don’t miss anything.
For more information, phone Jan on 01777 709974 or 07969 180067, or email janwilliamson133@gmail.com to receive email updates of Local Group activities.