Helping nature

The circular walk across Shipston Town Council’s wildlife site at Cornmill Meadows (opposite the cemetery on the London Road), and then to Willington and Barcheston, is proving popular. This winter we’ve had the existing hedge laid so that it doesn’t develop into a line of trees. This traditional skill has been used to maintain hedges to contain livestock, but it also creates green growth near the ground and that habitat is good for insects and animals. We’ve had help from Severn Rivers Trust to dig a scrape (a shallow pond) that will increase the wetland, again encouraging different plants and animals. Dog-walkers, please do not allow your dog to go in the pond, as that will put off creatures trying to settle there.

This spring, look out for the Community Orchard coming into blossom and wildflowers blooming along the pathway and in the meadow. Last year we saw a great variety of butterflies and birds, so it’s becoming a haven for them. Take a quiet moment on one of the seats the Council has installed and listen to the rich variety of wildlife that Shipston has to offer.