It might be interesting to post in sections my contribution to our proposed Parish Plan
First Draft write up covering local Countryside and Wildlife. (Work in progress!)
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Background
Our
village lies at the centre of approx., 6 sq. miles of beautiful and
varied Somerset farmland, parkland, woodlands, wetlands and moors.
The River Parrett is our northern and eastern boundary with the River
Isle to the south.
The
RSPB manages a large area of West Sedgemoor within the northern part
of the Parish which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSI) . The RSPB also manages Swell Wood on our western boundary
which is said to be home to the largest Heronry in SW England.
Link here:
Local
farmers generally follow good practice to encourage wildlife
alongside arable farming.
There
is a 4 acre local nature reserve off Holdens Way called Batty Piece
which is privately managed to conserve an example of rapidly
disappearing grass land meadow.
A
number of local residents are volunteers with the Wildlife Trust,
RSPB, Butterfly Conservation and the Hawk and Owl Trust helping to
protect habitats and carry out wildlife surveys.
The
local primary School helps to introduce children to the natural
world.
Consultation
issues.
Flooding.
The
2014 Somerset Levels and Moors Flood Action Plan has drawn attention
to the need for Catchment Sensitive Farming and highlighted our
location in the catchment area for the River Parrett.
( to be continued)
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A couple of photos during our annual hay cut in October. We rely on the help of a local farmer for this. It has been difficult in the past to find someone with machinery small enough to get into the field from the narrow road access! This is a 4 acre local reserve.
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