Often surrounded by built up areas, our community nature reserves are not only a refuge for wildlife, they are a fantastic community resource to inspire and to be enjoyed by all.
Volunteer on a nature reserve
So why not get involved by joining your local community group to volunteer with practical conservation tasks, surveying or organising events on these beautiful reserves to help protect the wildlife on your doorstep...
In Berkshire...
Haymill Valley is a wonderful mixed deciduous woodland with reedbeds, home to greater spotted woodpeckers, chiff chaffs and kingfishers. Also affectionately known as "the Millie" this reserve is situated in Burnham and considered a treasure by the local community. To find out more about this reserve, visit the community group's blog* or contact Berkshire Community Wildlife Officer
A new local volunteer group is being formed in Twyford and will be directly involved in looking after the Loddon Nature Reserve. There are many ways for local people of all ages to be involved as a volunteer with the Friends Group. We will be holding a Public Meeting about the reserve and setting up the community group at Twyford Youth Centre, Friday 17th September 2010 7pm-9pm. If you are interested, please contact Berkshire Community Wildlife Officer
Tel. 01628 829574 or email: abbystephens@bbowt.org.uk
Dorothy Morley Conservation Awards 2010
At an award ceremony at Paices Wood, Aldermaston, the groups were given £1000 and £500 respectively towards their next Conservation Project.
This award scheme was set up in memory of Dorothy Morley who lived in West Berkshire and was a strong campaigner on rural issues. The award aims to recognise projects and groups which have made positive improvements for local wildlife and community. These awards will be run again in 2012.
In Buckinghamshire...
Long Grove Wood in Seer Green, near Beaconsfield, is a pocket sized piece of old, mixed deciduous woodland surrounded by housing. Ancient and gnarled beech coppice stools testify to prolonged coppicing of the trees in the past and in the woodland glades you can find bluebells and yellow archangel.
Contact: Bucks Community Wildlife Officer
In Oxfordshire...
Abbey Fishponds in Abingdon, as its name suggests once supplied fish to the local Abbey during the Medieval age. Now, this historic wetland at the heart of the local community with reedbeds, fen and wetland meadow attract a rainbow of damselflies in the summer. To find out more about this reserve, visit the blog for Abbey Fishponds*
Blenheim Farm in Charlbury is a small meadow bordered by trees and old hedges hosts wildflowers, butterflies and bird song for local visitors to enjoy. The meadow is cut once a year by volunteers offering a wonderful chance for the local community to remember what farming used to be like. To find out more about this reserve, visit the website of the Blenheim Farm Community Group*
C.S. Lewis in Risinghurst, Oxford, is a small but beautiful woodland and pond surrounded by houses. Once belonging to the celebrated author, C.S. Lewis, it is said to have inspired the Narnia children’s classic books which includes The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
* (BBOWT is not responsible for the content of external internet sites)
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