Site Last Updated
2 January 2008

Plants and shrubs

A recent visitor to our Parish, researching the family history of the Eve Family, spotted a rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga tridactylites) near to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Lynsted village.  Richard Mabey, in his Flora Britannica, notes this plant is widespread but declining.  So, there is a case for preserving this small and delicate plant in our Parish. The Millenium Hedge in Cambridge Lane is an important hedgerow project in our Parish too.

Ann Diamond (13 June 2005) brings to our attention a cluster from a meadow along Lynsted Lane of Grass vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia), hop trefoil (Trifolium campestre Schreber), and Hairy tare (Vicia hirsuta). These are indicative of meadowland that has not been the subject of intensive farming.

If you want more websites on ecological gardening and tools - we have updated our links page.

Fungi

The Society survey of Toll Wood (Fungus Foray) revealed a rich mix of fungi associated with mature woodland.

Trees

Toll Wood retains some mature Elm (Ulmus glabra Hudson (wych elm)) trees that managed by a quirk of nature to survive the Dutch Elm disease that so ravaged the Kent countryside in 1975. A Forestry Commission article that looks at the current position can be found here.  In 2004 the Society supported a Fungus Foray in both the Community Orchard and Toll wood - survey results.

The Parish Council has an exciting project in its “Community Orchard” that hosts events and promotes community interest in fruit-growing in the area.

Did you know there are only three native British conifers and one that is listed as being under threat is the Juniper.  Read about the campaign to reinstate this part of our legacy. By the way the other two are the Yew and the Scotts Pine.

Bird life

• BIRD BOX CALENDAR: In 2007 we set up a new page that brings each phase in the life of the visiting birds together for each year. See what you think?
• BLUE TIT BOX: Society Diary with photographs from inside a bird box in our Parish. “NatureCameras” Site also shows a birdbox diary (and supplied the equipment used for the Society’s own Birdbox diary).
• Winter is tough for birds - so what can you put out? Many of your scraps for a start!
• But remember to observe good hygeine practice if your birds are to remain disease free
• We also have a colony of Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) on Park Farm - they are somewhat brighter coloured than house sparrows.  They also have a rich chestnut crown and distinctive black spot on the cheek. This is on the Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species List and Kent Red Data Book. The species has experienced a rapid decline in breeding numbers. The RSPB has reviewed the ecology of the tree sparrow and is very keen to learn of any new colonies that are spotted so they can be conserved.
• Birdtrack: Do you keep records of the birds that you see? If so, why not contribute your data to Birdtrack, set to be the largest online database of bird records in Britain and Ireland?  This new initiative by the RSPB, British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and Birdwatch Ireland enables you to store and manage your own observations, and see summary information and maps on the ebb and flow of species across the British Isles.  In addition, your personal bird watching records will contribute to wider understanding of migration in spring/autumn and bird distributions and numbers throughout the year. If you want to help build this important database with your own observations - visit the birdtrack website and database.
• RSPB Conservation Science Review 2004 - a fund of insights. The third report explains what RSPB is doing about ecology issues and more.

Mammals

A small mammal survey in February 2006 in Park Farm Cherry Orchard and Dadmans Shaw revealed many small mammals thriving in those woodland habitats. Some surprising inclusions and a surprising absence of bank voles.  Read more.....

Insects

By contacting the RSPB, you can take part in an annual (around June) project to count bugs that have “splatted” on your car number plate.  That  survey will help the RSPB build a picture of the current populations of insects that support our bird life. NEW:The results can also be found here....

Garden Habitats that work with nature

Your garden can help the survival and health of so many species native to this part of Kent. Careful choice of plant species using your postcode and the Natural History Museum’s database, leaving a small pile of logs for the threatened Stag Beetles and others to enjoy [learn more at the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species], composting [visit the Composting Association or Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth].

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