Environment News

Barn Owls

The artificial nest boxes that were part-funded by the Parish Council have proved to be “des res” for our Barn Owls. This year seven chicks were hatched and it seems likely that the adults will have a second brood because there is plenty of prey available. The Hurst seven brings the Wokingham District total to 18 chicks. These excellent results are reflected in the national figures that show Barn Owls to be doing very well this year.

Living Churchyard

In 1989 the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) set up a project to provide advice and guidance on the management of churchyards and cemeteries for wildlife. This was part of a national initiative called the Living Churchyards and Cemeteries Project.

A representative of the wildlife trust recently visited St Nicholas church’s graveyard at the invitation of the Parochial Church Council. Various ways of managing the churchyard for wildlife were discussed and a management plan will be drawn up.

The grassland surrounding the church is species-rich because it is very ancient (a church has been on this site for over 920 years) and has not been altered by artificial pesticides and herbicides. The plan is to encourage meadow flowers by allowing some sections of the churchyard to grow longer. The mosaic of grassland at different heights will also encourage different types of insects and butterflies. The grass on the frontage and around tended graves will be kept shorter. There will be information to let people know about the management and what wildlife to look out for.

Contrary to popular belief, managing grasslands for wildlife doesn’t mean a ‘hands off’ approach. The grass needs to be cut at specific times of the year and the clippings must be raked off to lower the fertility of the soil. This will require extra manpower in summer and early autumn. If anyone in the parish is interested in helping with this project, (you don’t have to attend church to get involved!) please contact either Mary Langdown (churchwarden) on 0118 934 xxxx or Janet Spiller on 0118 934 xxxx.