ANYONE who has followed the growing success of peregrine falcons finding lofty nest sites on our ancient cathedrals and other high buildings will probably know that Salisbury Cathedral now has a long-established peregrine roost on the tower. This year the peregrine pair had four eggs and for those who keep an eye on the peregrine-cam…
REWILDING is quite a buzz word these days, but what does it actually mean? And did you know there is a thriving rewinding project in Dorset? Learn more about it at a Gillingham Action for Nature meeting, on Thursday 1st May, at 7pm at Gillingham Vicarage schoolrooms. Many people will have heard of, or even…
THE National Trust’s Holnicote estate on Exmoor was one of three finalists for this year’s UK River Prize awards, which are organised by the River Restoration Centre. The Trust’s pioneering project adopted an innovative American “Stage Zero” technique to restore a section of the River Aller creating new wetlands to benefit both people and wildlife….
Old English roses and a menu of local food – a new team at the Walled Garden, Mells ONE of the most beautiful “secret” gardens in our area, The Walled Garden at Mells re-opened on 2nd April with a Somerset menu, a focus on old English roses, a new chef cooking local produce and the…
VISITORS to the National Trust’s world-famous Stourhead landscape gardens, near Mere in Wiltshire, can now discover the history of the property as they walk around the gardens. A new audio introduction brings the history of this masterpiece of 18th century landscape creation to life through narration and storytelling, with professional actors and an original score….
THE National Trust is restoring areas of wood pasture on Purbeck, as part of a project to amplify nature’s chorus. Wood pasture is a prime habitat for our much-loved songbirds, like this beautiful thrush. One of the UK’s most biodiverse habitats, wood pasture is a mosaic of grassland, scrub, hedges and trees. It provides important…
THE National Trust has the care of some of the most enchanting, historic locations in the south west – and they look their best in the run-up to Christmas. From magical illuminated trails through world-famous gardens to Christmas wreath-making workshops, from the chance to visit Santa’s grotto to the excitement of winter storytelling, here is…
WORK is under way to restore and re-wet peatland at Holt Mire near Wimborne, to protect a rare floating spider and flesh-eating sundew plants. Holt Mire is an important peatland habitat on Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, one of the largest areas of lowland heath in Dorset, cared for by the National Trust. The restoration…
THE deadline has been extended for farmers in Exmoor, Somerset and North Devon to get crucial advice to access the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024. Registration closes on Monday 7th November, and the workshops will be running until December. The new date gives farmers a bit more time to sign up for a programme to help…
IF you are of a whimsical turn of mind (or a fan of Beatrix Potter), you will think “Squirrel Nutkin” when you see this beautiful red squirrel. But you don’t have to go to Potter’s Lake District to see these enchanting little animals. You can see them on Brownsea Island, the National Trust property in…