We’re hoping to start the next phase of the EOTH Nature recovery project as detailed in some of the earlier posts. 

The first phase last year involved installing many bird boxes around designated areas which was a great success, with many birds nesting in those installed. Secondly, we opened a clearing in the Hawthorn woods next to the Deeps and the Sportsground. This provided light and increased flora diversity which further encouraged invertebrates, including the rare Green Hairstreak and some interesting mining bees. Wildflower seed was introduced here and in the churchyard but this struggled due to the long dry spring and summer. Some seed was sown in the autumn 2025, fingers crossed it’ll germinate in spring. The plan this winter/early spring is as follows…..

Clear a further ride in the Hawthorn thicket, create a dead hedge corridor, sow wild flower seeds and add further nest boxes. This will provide a link to another clearing to be created in 2026/2027. Brush cut some returning bramble in the first phase area.

Prepare ground and sow wild flower seed in the Hawthorn thicket area and some bare patches in the Churchyard and protect the Cowslips on Top Green.

We still have Swift boxes, House Martin nests, Swallow cups and a large Barn Owl box to install. Please let me know if you want any to help these declining species.

The Swift boxes are probably best sited in some of the older parts of the village close to the existing few pairs we still have. We may try one or two in Westfields if requested.