July/August Focus

Here’s what we’ve been up to

During the past month nature has been getting busy despite the heat and mixed weather and so have we, with surveys of birds and plants at Mitchell’s Field. Surveys each year at this time help us to check what has changed and to see whether we have been helping the wildlife thrive.

Bright and early, at 7am , one May morning we carried out a bird survey on Mitchells Field, hearing an amazing 17 species of birds in total. Later in the month we held our annual plant survey on Mitchells Field, studying 5 sample squares, looking at changes since last year. We were pleased to see some new species on site, including Meadowsweet and Cut Leafed Cranesbill. As in previous years we also saw some Thistle and Dock (which are negative indicators of a good wildlife meadow) however, the levels continue to be low. This means that they are not getting out of control and becoming invasive.

Our bird and plant results are sent to databases which hold records across Hampshire.

In your garden

Hopefully some of you may have let your garden lawns grow long and now have mini meadows of your own. An option to keep the great set of wild blooms whilst still being able to access the garden is to cut some paths through with a strimmer. See the photo of this front lawn where Ox Eye Daises take the stage!

Upcoming events – get involved

Bioblitz – Sunday 12th July 2.30-5.30pm at Mitchells Field

Drop in and help us to find as many different plants and animals as we can find living there. We will have people who are specialists in the different species groups who can help you look. You can chat to us and find out more about Wilder Hook. This is a family friendly event and no equipment is needed – just bring a mobile phone to record your finds. Please park at the Community Centre and follow the path past the tennis courts.

Butterfly walk – Saturday 4th July 2-4pm at Bartley Heath

Early July is peak time for butterflies here. In this guided walk we will look for Silver Washed Fritillaries, White Admirals, Purple Hairstreak and other butterflies.

Marsh Gentian walk – Sunday 23rd August 2-4pm at Bartley Heath

The rare Marsh Gentian plants on the heath have brilliant blue flowers and they should be at their peak. We will also look for other late summer wildlife.

For the two Bartley Heath walks above, the car park off the B3349 will be opened for the event, 300 metres north of the M3 motorway junction 5, Hook. Please note the ground is uneven and can be wet and muddy.

For all of our events, people under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Keep an eye on the Wilder Hook Facebook page (scan the QR code below) to get up to date information on our events.

Find out more

You can join our mailing list by contacting our email address below or see our Facebook page with details of the events.

Email address wilder.hook.hart@gmail.com