Conservation work encourages more wildlife to pay visit

Members of Ferring Conservation Group have been carrying out practical work to improve the village environment and make it more welcoming for wildlife.
Ferring conservation group work at community orchardFerring conservation group work at community orchard
Ferring conservation group work at community orchard

The first meeting of the new monthly working parties included removing brambles growing near the community orchard at Glebelands Recreation Ground.

Jane Hayman, publicity officer, explained: “The invasive brambles had grown up in the small copse of trees that back on to the fruit trees themselves and had threatened to overwhelm them.”

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The large tawny owl nest box was relocated, as it had been unsuccessful at Warren Pond.

Jane said: “It was felt better to move it to a location where tawny owls have been heard on a regular basis.”

Tree surgeon Shane Jones, from Worthing company Mr Tree, was called in as climbing equipment was needed to safely mount the box in a suitable tree.

A bat box donated by members Lindsey and Chris Green was also fixed to a large sycamore tree in a nearby copse of trees.

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Jane said: “Time will tell but we hope that the local tawny owls and bats approve of what we’ve done for them, especially as their natural nesting sites are reducing in number and suitability.

“We’ll be keeping an eye on the boxes, which are in addition to the significant number of smaller nest boxes that we’ve already put up around the village.

“Thanks are due to committee member Graham Tuppen for refurbishing many of the boxes this winter.”

The next working party will be on Tuesday March 6, at 10am, meeting on the village green.

The task will be to cut back some of the bushes and tidy up the area.

Volunteers are advised to take secateurs or loppers, if possible, and to wear suitable clothing.

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