News archive

Saturday, 19 July 2008

It's Summer - Honest!

We are now in our summer break from the group programme - but still looking for some decent weather. As I write this note, the wind is blowing quite strongly and we have had some very sharp showers this morning. Despite the wind, rain and mostly cloudy conditions, we have seen Large White, Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Ringlet and Gatekeeper butterflies in our garden today.

The July 100 Club winners were drawn at a committee event last night: 1st prize of £16 went to Frank Dobson and 2nd prize of £8 went to Fred Coppi. Congratulations to both our winners.

Our new programme of walks and outings etc is now complete and can be viewed on the events page.

Lydden Valley, Kent appeal

Fifty years ago, the Lydden Valley in Kent, was a wetland landscape supporting a magnificent wealth of wildlife. Several linked pieces of farmland in the Lydden Valley have become available to buy, giving the RSPB a unique opportunity to recreate a swathe of grazing marsh as a new nature reserve. Once home to so many fascinating wetland species, and teeming with life, Lydden Valley has the potential to be a fantastic haven for wildlife once more.

What does the RSPB hope to achieve?

With your help we could see this whole river valley becoming the wildlife centrepiece of the Garden of England. What makes this such a marvellous opportunity is that even though the water is being channelled away this is one of the few places in the South-East where we can easily reverse the process. The existing drainage pipes can be dug out and by raising the water levels we will be able to recreate the ancient network of 'grips' - shallow meandering water courses - that will provide vital feeding areas for wader chicks. This will also encourage reedbeds to grow back.

Your gift will help recreate this truly special place as a freshwater wetland nature reserve of extraordinary potential, making the landscape wet and wildlife-rich once more.

For more details visit the website: