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May 2026 Newsletter

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Recent Activities

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Dawn Chorus Walk

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This was the first dawn chorus walk ever by BANG. The response to the announcement was so popular that additional places were offered. Forty-four of us braved the 5am start on Saturday 2nd May, for what turned out to be the most magical dawn chorus. Three groups led by knowledgeable BANG birders covered a 4km circular walk across farmland, scrub and along the beautiful Ewelme chalk stream, identifying birds by sight and sound, with occasional help from the Merlin App.

 

Not only were we greeted by joyous birdsong, sightings of hares in the early morning light and inquisitive lambs but we also witnessed a serene sunrise unfold. It was a perfect morning over Ewelme, with far-reaching views across Swyncombe Downs and the Chilterns beyond.

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The walk ended at the Ewelme Watercress Beds Centre with hot drinks and breakfast

We’re still counting up the species and will publish the full listing in due course, but to give you a taster:

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Blackbird               Robin           Wren                     Jackdaw       Carrion crow

Rook                     Blackcap      Woodpigeon           Great tit       Song thrush

Chiffchaff               Raven          Pheasant               Whitethroat  Skylark

Garden warbler      Green woodpecker                    Stock dove    Magpie

Dunnock                Red kite       Long tailed tit        Chaffinch      Yellowhammer

Greenfinch             Nuthatch     Collared dove         Goldcrest    

Lesser black-backed gull            Linnet                   Corn bunting Cuckoo

Grey partridge

 

Tree Watering in Benson   

                              

In April, 22 enthusiastic Cubs helped to water in the trees planted during last November’s Community Tree Plant at Benson School playing fields. We are pleased to report that over 80% of the saplings were looking very healthy.

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Coming Soon…..

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Family Nature Morning - Saturday 9th May, 9:00am
Roke & Berrick Parish Hall, Berrick Salome

 

A family-friendly, hands-on morning exploring local wildlife. Activities include checking a moth trap, kick sampling in nearby streams for river flies, owl pellet dissection and more. A great opportunity for children (and adults!) to learn more about nature on our doorstep. See the results of the wildflower seeds sown during last year’s event.  

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Benson Community Celebration Event - Saturday 16th May, 10am–2pm
Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside

 

Part of the national “Million Acts of Hope” campaign (https://millionactsofhope.org/), this event celebrates community spirit, kindness and the many groups that make Benson special. There will be displays from local organisations, including BANG, family activities and opportunities for short taster sessions such as guided walks, and exercise demos. A chance for residents - new and long-standing - to discover what’s happening locally and how to get involved.​​

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People’s Emergency Briefing – 7.30 pm Monday 15th June

St Leonard’s Church, Pyrton Lane, Watlington, OX49 5LX.

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Film screening showing what science is predicting about

the potential impacts of the climate and biodiversity crisis

on our economy, health, food security, national security etc.

As one of thousands of screenings across the country, it

aims to counter the mis/disinformation surrounding the

topic and to encourage policy makers to engage pro-actively

with the public. The film will be followed by a discussion of

actions we can take individually and collectively. Although

not a party-political event, Henley and Thame MP Freddie

van Mierlo will be attending this collaboration with Watlington

Environmental Group and Watlington Climate Action Group.

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For further information see here

 

Booking is essential.

To reserve your free place, click here

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Also please look out for more details soon for:

 

• Sat 13 June - Big Green Week at St Helen’s Church, Benson

• Sat 13 June -Dusk Walk and Tour of the Broad Arboretum Earth Trust, Little Wittenham OX14 4QZ. Walk and talk with John Brannan, horticulturalist. 

• Sat 20 June – Moth Breakfast and Tour of Rupert Belcher’s Regenerative Farm, Benson

• Introduction to Butterfly Monitoring – June/July​

 

Volunteering Opportunities

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Ewelme Nature Reserve, on the old watercress beds site in Ewelme, is open to visitors once a month. We are asking for help from anyone who might be able to join 2 others to welcome visitors and serve teas on 4 Sunday afternoons this year (and possibly in future years as well!).  The site is open from 2pm until 4.30 on the first Sunday of the month: June 7, July 5. August 2, September 6. If you can't do all of them, we would still love to hear from you. Please contact Kate Hart hartkate952@gmail.com or 07966 756770

 

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.

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Updated 4th May 2026