Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 78

Local countryside with Tony Ridd BACK TO NATURE y r a i d 's n a m y r t n u o Ac ‘high’ season know that our ill w u yo of t os en a great By now, m er wise, it has be th ea W f. of g is just kickin on a couple of us to get ahead g lin ab en n m autu nce and spraying me scrub cleara so t ou ng yi rr and the jobs, ca plants arriving, d te oo -r re ba r he prior to ou dge planting. T t of tree and he en m so ce al en ve m ha m co Copse at Briddlesford es up co d d an an l dl va woo r arri readiness for ou in t, ou d ill ke w ar at th been m g and tree felling in ic pp co nt ue year when the subseq contrast to last ve si as m a l al is tures and ensue. This ee zing tempera fr h it w r be em we star ted Dec t of interest snow. there is still a lo at th y sa to d se y people are I’m plea and work. Man dl oo w d an e id ng wildlife in countr ys hedges or creati e id ys tr un co their planting mixed more wildlife to e ag ur co en to rt n berried areas in an effo how a fe w doze ng si ri rp su is It grass to grow gardens. d allowing the an gs lo of k ac Now is shrubs, a st wildlife haven. a e m co be y kl long will quic to help, we have ning this, and an pl be to e m thir ty varieties the ti rser y with over nu d te oo -r re ba are not only our own ts available, they an pl e dg he d of trees an ard. to plant and gu for all cheap but easy ter enthusiasm in w y rl ea y m I am aware that shor t lived as it ish, may only be eid ys tr un co t assured, things and wetter. Res er ld co ts ge y el make it progressiv my best to still do ll I’ , ts ge it however bad d! , next time roun sound attractive 78 www.visitislandlife.com Nature Tots at Bouldnor Forest The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are running a ‘Nature Tots’ outdoor parent and toddler group offering you the chance to learn and enjoy the woodland, in the natural environment of Bouldnor Forest in their ‘Early Years Education and Forest School’. Learn to love nature with like minded families. Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 (during term time) at Bouldnor Forest Centre, nr. Yarmouth. Suggested donation: £3.00 per family. Drink and snack included. To find out more call Kathy on 01983 760018 or email [email protected] Beavers sow a meadow… Thanks to the 1st Freshwater and Totland Beaver Scouts, the meadow at Granny’s Meade will be an array of colour next summer. The young people were assisted by Mark Russell of The Footprint Trust’s Grassroots Project, supported by The West Wight Landscape Partnership; to plant wild meadow seeds in recycled margarine pots. They will then care for the seedlings and plant them out in the meadow in the spring. The project is part of Freshwater Parish Council’s commitment to caring for this site, and will ensure that the meadow at Granny’ Meade, and the surrounding hedgerows are there for future generations to enjoy. Granny’s Meade, Bedbury Lane, Freshwater PO40 9PE. DO YOU HAVE A COUNTRYSIDE STORY? Call Tony on 07966 292334 [email protected]