June 2026 Newsletter
Last week a small group of us got together to look at the Oxfordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and how we can contribute locally. There will be more news soon but we’re expecting, amongst other actions, our chalk stream will be getting a boost in effort. Meanwhile there are some actions we can take to protect this precious local natural asset.
There are fewer than 300 chalk streams globally most of which are in England, so we are very lucky to have one running through Ewelme and Benson. Every month BANG members take samples of the stream at several locations between the source at Kings Pool, Ewelme and its confluence with the Thames. The samples are analysed for the number of invertebrates present which gives a good indication of the health of the stream.
Sadly, a recent sample, taken along brook Street in Benson showed signs of pollution with dead Mayfly larvae and other invertebrates showing signs of distress. It is impossible to identify the exact cause, but possibilities include road run-off, chemicals washed into the stream from an adjacent garden and animals treated with toxic flea treatment such as imidacloprid and fipronil entering the water. Road run-off is outside our control but we should use garden chemicals very carefully and only if absolutely necessary and ask our vets if an alternative flea treatment is available.
Warwick Spinney, Benson, is well worth a visit at the moment with masses of Oxe-eye Daisies, Meadow Brown and Painted Lady Butterflies, a few bee and pyramidal orchids, as well as this rather nice White-legged damselfly (photo credit Tom Stevenson). There have also been several sightings (and other lovely photos) of dragon- and damselflies recently. See our Facebook page for more.
Sadly too, there have been reports of birds meeting their deaths locally by flying into windows. Several BANG members have suggested using bird window stickers to deter birds from trying to fly “through”. Apparently, these do help and can be purchased online through CJ Wildlife, The RSPB shop or Amazon.
Love butterflies and want to learn more?
We are delighted to announce a new Butterfly
Identification and Monitoring training
opportunity, led by Richard Soulsby, who has
over 20 years'experience monitoring
Oxfordshire's butterflies.
If you enjoy seeing butterflies in your garden,
on walks, or around the village, why not come
along?
No experience is needed—just an interest in
butterflies and a desire to help local wildlife
monitoring. Richard will help you learn how
to identify common butterfly species and
show you how simple recording can help us
better understand and protect local nature.
The training consists of two sessions:
an indoor introduction at the Millstream Centre,
Benson, on 30 June at 7.30pm, followed by a
practical field session at Warwick Spinney
on a suitable weather day on 5, 11 or 12 July.
We're not looking for experts - just people who would enjoy learning more about butterflies and helping to record them on village green spaces.
We hope you'll join us!
Coming soon………
Our summer activities are ramping up.
Big Green Week – St Helen’s Church, Benson – 9.30 am, 13th June
We’ll be participating in St Helen’s Church’s Big Green Week. Please join us for the following activities:
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9:30am Moth trap opening
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10am -2pm Family activities, including nature surveys, meeting crayfish and bees. Talk to our councillors. Displays on sustainable living and local food producers. Tea and cake and more
Earth Trust Broad Arboretum Guided Walk – 6pm, 13th June
Discover the diversity of our native trees and explore their future prospects in a changing climate.
Join expert horticulturalist John Brannan for a guided walk through the Broad Arboretum at the Earth Trust Centre, near the Wittenham Clumps. With 45 years' experience and involvement in the project from its inception, John offers a unique opportunity to learn about Oxfordshire's native trees and shrubs from someone who helped plan, grow, plant and manage this remarkable collection.
The Broad Arboretum brings together all 49 of Oxfordshire's native tree and shrub species in one place, arranged and labelled to highlight the similarities and differences between species.
If the weather is good, we'll continue to Wittenham Clumps for a picnic (bring your own).
People’s Emergency Briefing – 7.30 pm Monday 15th June
St Leonard’s Church, Pyrton Lane, Watlington, OX49 5LX.
There are still a few places remaining for this free film outlining the risks posed by the climate and nature crises to food and water supplies, national security, health systems and the economy. It summarises the National Emergency Briefing (Nov 2025) given by UK experts to 1200 national leaders including MPs. The film will be followed by a discussion of actions we can take individually and collectively.
This initiative is non-partisan, supported by the UK Health Alliance, National Education Union, National Trust, Church of England, Exeter University, the Royal Meteorological Society, WWF; to name but a few. Freddie van Merlo MP will be attending this collaboration with Watlington Environmental Group and Watlington Climate Action Group.
For further information see here
Booking is essential. To reserve your free place, click
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/watlingtonclimateactiongroup/2141154
Moth Trap and Tour at Hale Farm, Benson – 20th June
We're excited to announce that, for the first time, we'll be running a Moth Trap at Hale Farm, Benson, a farm that has recently embraced regenerative farming practices. We're hoping that, through these nature-friendly approaches, we'll discover a fantastic and diverse array of moths.
Rupert Belcher, who spoke at the Six Inches of Soil event earlier this year, has been transitioning his family's Benson farm to regenerative methods since 2023, including planting herbal leys—diverse mixes of grasses, herbs and wildflowers that improve soil health and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
After the moth trapping, Rupert has kindly offered to lead a short walk around the farm, including the herbal ley fields, and will be happy to answer any questions about regenerative farming.
Date: Saturday 20 June
Start Time: 9:00am
Location: Hale Farm, Hale Road, Benson
Parking and Travel
Please note: No parking is available at the farm.
If you are driving, please park at Benson Parish Hall car park and walk to Hale Farm (approximately 5 minutes). Alternatively, we encourage visitors to cycle or walk to the venue where possible.
Remember: you can always share your feedback on our events or suggestions for future activities on social media or by e-mailing bensonareanature@yahoo.com
Updated 7th June 2026
