Many thanks to Pete for organising and leading the nature walk yesterday. We had fine, if breezy, weather for our walk. We ‘bagged’ five species of Orchid and a similar number of Butterflies. It was hard to I.D. the skippers, though!
Latest News
Leckhampton Hill Launched as a new NNR
We made BBC News! BBC NNR News.
This celebrates the launch of the Hill as a new National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper said: “This designation strengthens protection for our unique geological diversity and its precious habitats, creates a bigger and better-connected space for nature recovery, and offers thousands of people the chance to explore it.”
It’s great news, a reminder of how lucky we are to have this special place on our doorstep.
UPDATE: Cheltenham Borough Council have posted This Video to mark the launch. Good isn’t it!
Work Party Schedule
June Work Party Schedule:
The work programme for June is as follows – meet as usual at 0930, in Daisybank CP on each occasion.
Thursday 11 June: Charlton Kings Common (CKC)/East(E): Hemp and small scrub.
Tuesday 16 June: CKC/E: More Hemp and small scrub
Sunday 28 June: CKC/E: A nice surprise!
Cotswold Way Diversion at Birdlip
A temporary closure of the Cotswold Way at Birdlip (Air Balloon) has just been authorised. The diversion will run from 29th May for 6 months (but may need some extension). The closure is due to the major road reconfiguration on the A417. See the attached map for the details of the diversion. Cotswold Way Diversion at Birdlip
An amazing array of flowers on the hill today
March 30th
Leckhampton Beef for sale
Many of you will know that the cattle we see on the hill are owned and managed by Eddie and Emma from Wades Farm in Stroud. The cattle are our 24×7 conservationists, munching through the grass and brash in the traditional way, keeping the hill in great condition to the benefit of the endangered flora and fauna of the rare unimproved limestone grassland on the hill. Modern cattle do not thrive on a diet of old fashioned grass (they need richer grass and supplements to grow rapidly), but the traditional Belties do the job brilliantly.
Wades farm is a business, and this business depends on selling the beef – in the traditional way farms always have.
You can help support Eddie and Emma, and the conservation of the hill by purchasing beef from them. It’s superb meat and very good value.
The document below give prices and information on how to order.