News from Branchlines AGM

On Friday evening a select band attended the Branchlines Annual General Meeting at Great Waldingfield School.

We learnt about the progress that has been made at the community woodland over the past year.  The most significant news is the completion of the pond, which, it is hoped will fill up naturally with rainwater over the coming winter.  Struggles with ragwort continue, and a number of unexpected species of plants have appeared on the site.  Children from the school have enjoyed a number of visits over the year.

After the formal proceedings were completed we heard from George Millins, our local wildlife champion, who has been attempting to introduce lizards to the site with some success.  In addition to pictures of the lizards we also enjoyed some fine pictures of native and ‘migrant’ butterflies. George was able to inform us about the plants on which they feed. and also the relative robustness of each type in the face of the challenges of modern life and farming techniques.

So many creatures are under threat due to the selfishness of humankind.  George always points out that we are all part of one huge chain of mutual support, so that the loss of any species is a loss to ourselves that we are often too blind or greedy to realise.

We worry about the financial legacy we are leaving for our children and grandchildren.  We should spend more time being concerned about the level of biodiversity too.