Launceston
Foot-and-mouth has continued to restrict
our outdoor events. We raised about £30 at the Victorian Fair, Launceston, and
flew the flag in the local community. Thanks to all who helped. We have also had
two lane walks (in North Hill and Egloskerry) for the Parish Co-ordinators who
are involved in the Local Wildlife Survey.
We are exploring ways to provide the younger members with opportunities to get
involved and learn about wildlife. Four events a year in our local parishes are
planned for this age group, starting with a repeat of the successful Apple Day
held last year at Rezare in Lezant parish. We are supporting Boyton Primary School
Environment Club by providing information, hands-on help and a section on our
website www.parish-wildlife.org.uk where members can ask technical questions about
their projects. We hope that other schools will take advantage of this after visits
from Lavinia Archer explaining the benefits of joining Fox Club, early in the
autumn term.
The website has sections on parish news, nature notes, survey projects, meetings
etc., as well as the section for schools. You are all potential reporters out
there, so get in touch if you want to tell us or ask us about anything connected
to wildlife and habitat. One section provides information for identifying the
small rodents that cats bring home, so that you can tell us what mice, voles or
shrews are in your area. Check it out!
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Penwith
I feel I must begin this season's Penwith
newsletter with an apology to all those members who received their last magazine
somewhat late. Hopefully we have ironed out our distribution problems that led
to this situation.
However, we are always looking for volunteers to help hand-deliver (postage being
about £1 per envelope) so if you feel that you can help us out in any way please
contact me or Howard Curnow. Even if you only deliver in your road, every little
helps.
As you are probably all too aware, foot-and-mouth restrictions put paid to many
of our spring events and closed our local reserves - but I'm pleased to say that
our summer programme ran to schedule. Whilst these events seem to be enjoyed by
those who attend them, they appear to have a limited appeal as numbers are often
quite low. So, if there are any events or activities that members feel they would
like us to run, please do get in contact or better still come along to our monthly(ish)
meetings. These are very informal and in no way highbrow.
This leads me on to a plug for our annual party/get-together in February. We would
like to cordially invite all new Penwith members along to this event - we who
have been around for some time would love to see some new faces. So don't forget.
See you there.
Jane Richardson
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Tamar
The day of our Garden Safari dawned
with perfect viewing weather. This is now a well-established event, keenly anticipated
by expert and amateur gardeners and lovers of cream teas!
A friend and I set out in the early afternoon and had only to cross Rosecare Common
for our first treat - truly a garden for plantspeople this one. Next stop, Penhalt
- not just a splendid garden but stunning views, a nature reserve, Trust and plant
stalls and the first cream tea of the day!
Stratton next, with three adjacent gardens, all on steep downhill slopes, all
developed differently. Wherever we went there were friendly people to talk to
and much to see, so sadly we didn't have time to visit the other two gardens open
in Stratton or the garden and meadow walk at Poundstock on the way home - I am
saving them up for next year!
On the wilder side: a crossbill was seen at Stratton Primary School, where "Miss"
rescued a slow-worm from a blackbird - OK for the slow-worm, perhaps hard on hungry
nestlings! A pilot whale came ashore at Crooklets Beach and a porpoise at Summerleaze;
sadly these were beyond help.
I rejoice (cautiously) that footpaths are again open. The wildlife is prolific
and must have had a lovely time without us. I hope that by publication date there
will have been no recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease and that both farming and
local business will be on the road to recovery. |
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