Saturday 17th of August provided a warm sunny morning with a pleasant breeze. Perfect for our work party to enjoy collecting wildflower seed with permission. The meadow was just by Hurston Lane, surrounded by fields and woodland with the Downs in the background. What could be better place to raise the spirits? Gathering the seed got grasshoppers living up to their name, additional joy was the sight of butterflies, bees and other insects working on the clover still in flower. All encouraging indications of the lack of insecticides.
The collected seed will be spread at Dyke Farm to increase the variety of wildflowers in the meadow there, vital for insects which are in alarming decline, due to the loss of habitat and the use of insecticides, such as the neonicotinoides. These chemicals, used on crops with the best intentions, get washed into the soil, spread to the field edges and are absorbed by wildflowers there, so further poisoning pollinating insects such as bees. Unintended consequences.
It is a long term problem as the chemicals persist in the soil for years. So the creation and sustaining of wildflower meadows on uncontaminated land is essential to provide healthy habitat. Not just for the benefit of pollinating insects or hungry spiders and bats, but for us, as our food depends on such pollinators. Some may remember DDT was at first thought of as a wonder until it was proved to be highly toxic. The same now applies to the newer chemicals. Yet people ask ‘Where have all the insects gone?’ The answer is in the undeniable findings of research scientists.
The September Saturday work party met on 7th on Chantry Hill to continue clearing the scrub to revive the chalk grassland for the benefit of threatened native butterflies. The reduction of such beautiful creatures is part of wider ecological problems. The work party on 5th October meets at 10.00am at Hurston Warren SSSI to remove invasive plants from this valuable heathland.
As ever we are glad to welcome those concerned in conserving native wildlife to join us. Sharing transport where possible. A refreshment break gives time for a chat.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website. www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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