Anna Field of Cotswold Bird Surveys has conducted a new bird population survey of the Hill.  She made three visits, one in winter and two in the breeding season. following approved scientific methods (as far as the budget would allow). The published results can be seen Here. It’s well worth a read!

Please note that owing to the forecast high temperatures all work parties in August will start at 09:00. Meet Daisybank CP as usual.

High School Leckhampton (HSL) have been active helping FOLK with conservation work on Leckhampton Hill. The pupils from HSL have been allocated a patch of the hill to work on, they’ve cleared the area of gorse and hawthorn and helped remove invasive non-native species. It’s bearing fruit! For the first time a Fly Orchid has been spotted on the patch!!! This is a rare and vulnerable orchid, so well done, and thank you to LHS. No photo, as the Fly Orchid has a short flowering season so the flower is not there now, but it’s a joy to know it’s found a new home.

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!