Bee and Butterfly conservation in Great Waldingfield

The not so Common Blue

Yesterday evening I went to the launch of the Great Waldingfield bee and butterfly conservation project.

Mindful of the loss of appropriate habitat for wildlife caused by the indiscriminate mowing of almost all amenity grassland, the Parish Council has decided to support a pilot scheme to create a managed bee and butterfly strip on a currently closely mown area opposite the Bowls Club off Ten Trees Road.  The site will no longer be mown and further management will be in accordance with Butterfly Conservation recommendations.  The development of the site will require the introduction of native food and nectar plants.  All are welcome to help on a voluntary basis with the initial planting and subsequent management.

Under the guidance of local conservation expert, George Millins, it is hoped that space can ultimately be found in the village to create a whole range of habitats for all our local wildlife.  It is understood that the new headmistress of the Primary School is keen to engage her pupils in these projects, and it is hoped that many residents will participate in this urgent conservation work.

Last winter was long and cold, meaning that butterflies have been in short supply this summer.  It is hoped that this scheme will be a small step to redress the balance.