Neonicotinoid pesticides.

I thought this news should be spread around!

Dear David Today is a momentous day for our bees. In the last few minutes the European Union has voted to ban bee-harming neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) on all crops grown outdoors. And Friends of the Earth supporters like you – and across Europe – played a massive part in making it happen. In the past neonics were banned on a handful of crops. Now, if a crop is grown outdoors, neonics are totally off-limits. Our bees will be able to fly more freely through our countryside without the risk of these harmful chemicals. Following huge pressure from thousands of you, UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove played his part and voted for the ban. So an extra well done if you signed our petition. Let’s celebrate and share this huge success for our bees.

National Trust,Lytes Cary, Farming and Wildlife

Our local group of the Somerset Wildlife Trust reminds local members and friends about our next talk. All welcome of course.

Dear Heart of the Levels supporter,

For some time we have wanted to hear George Holmes (Head Ranger) talk on the National Trust property at Lytes Cary. As it is one of the closer properties to the Heart of the Levels area, many of us have visited the house, gardens, or the surrounding farmland and woods. George is going to tell us how he manages to balance the demands of running an on-site farm with the need to provide gardens and outdoor facilities to the general public.

For those planning to visit Lytes Cary this Spring, the talk will help you to familiarise yourselves with the extent of the grounds and the diversity of plant and wildlife that it offers.

The talk starts at 7:30pm on Tuesday 21st February in the Parish Rooms, off the Market Square in Somerton. There will be the opportunity to talk to George after his talk and over a cup of tea or coffee.

Entry as usual is £2.50 for SWT members and £3.00 for non members. 

I hope to see you there.

Roger

Roger Dickey | Chairman Heart of the Level Group 

Draft Parish Plan , Instalment 3

To add a bit of colour!  Photo taken in our garden of a Jersey Tiger , Euplagia quadripunctaria

The next extract will start to show recommendations.

Wildlife friendly gardening.

Gardeners have a huge role to play in the future of wildlife as the traditional British countryside changes. Encouraging nature in gardens can be rewarding and inexpensive.

Making a small change to the way we garden can add interest and make a huge difference to wildlife. See separate appendices for more information.

Wildlife education and awareness

Education doesn’t mean studying botany and zoology but simply to raise awareness of local assets, our wide range of habitats, moors, woodlands, fields, open hilltop and the corresponding wide range of birds, animals & plants.

Urbanisation.

The sparsely built up edges of the village, should not be further urbanised. It is important to protect the endangered species of shy birds who are thriving and breeding in these peaceful places.

Farming and Wildlife.

The 
issue of balancing public access to farmland and wildlife conservation needs to be debated and guidance given to all. Access to productive farmland must go hand in hand with an understanding of how farms work. Some agreed guidelines need to be circulated and perhaps additional signs erected.

Dogs.

Not least of the issues needing attention is how to live with a large dog population