A New Chapter for Nature in Benson and Beyond
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we are delighted that Benson Area Nature Group in collaboration with Benson Green Space Trust has secured funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, with additional support from Benson Parish Council.
The Nature Group and Green Space Trust work in partnership already but a new project will enable us to bring our operations even closer together and will fund a volunteer coordinator for three days a week. This will give us greater capacity to involve local people, develop activities and, particularly, respond to the opportunities created by Benson’s expanding population and new green spaces.
The project is expected to get underway in early October and marks an exciting new chapter for community action for nature.
What is the project about?
At its heart, the project is about giving local people the opportunity to make a practical difference for nature, while improving the places where we live, strengthening our community and providing the well-documented health benefits of being out in nature.
We will build on everything we have learned over the past 18 months, listening to residents about what they would like to see happen and developing activities that reflect local priorities and Oxfordshire’s Nature Recovery Strategy.
There are many opportunities to get involved. New green spaces provide exciting possibilities for planting and growing wildlife-friendly species such as Devil’s-bit Scabious, Kidney Vetch and Dark Mullein.
Our Action for Pollinators work will help create better habitats for insects and other wildlife, while our Green Network will make local nature more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Our streams and waterways will be another important focus. The Benson/Ewelme chalk stream is a particular priority, while Berrick Stream and Ladybrook support fascinating wildlife including water voles, dragonflies and otters.
What are the project’s objectives?
The project is not just about improving habitats—it is about bringing people together for example to:
-
Meet other people who care about local nature.
-
Learn new skills and discover more about the wildlife on our doorstep.
-
Take part in practical conservation activities, from planting and growing to mowing, scything and habitat management.
-
Help shape future activities by telling us what matters to you.
-
Explore local green spaces and water courses while making a tangible contribution to their future.
-
Help create a healthier, more wildlife-rich environment for future generations.
The next phase will concentrate more effort on Benson, however our neighbouring villages will continue to benefit from the project, with opportunities to take part, learn and make a difference.
Climate News
It was a relief to see some rain in August month but unfortunately it only amounted to just over half of the August average and the total, so far this year, is 86% of the average. Although the brook continues to flow reasonably it remains to be seen what will happen over the next couple of months. Credit: Tom Stevenson
On a more optimistic note, this summer seems to have been good for butterflies and moths.
In particular, both nationally and locally there have been lots of sightings of Hummingbird Hawkmoth – a small day-flying moth with grey-brown forewings, bright orange hind wings and a black and white tail. It migrates during the summer from Southern Europe and North Africa and was attracted in large numbers this year due to the long hot summer. It resembles its namesake with its hovering flight and feeding behaviour, using a long proboscis to reach nectar. It is commonly found in gardens.