Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 2
An update on progress with our new dead hedge habitat. Having installed a dozen chestnut fence posts, we have started … Continue reading Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 2
Amphibian Arrivals
A little earlier than last year, the first frogs, toads, and newts arrived in our wildlife pond on Valentine’s Day … Continue reading Amphibian Arrivals
Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 1
What is a dead hedge? It is a constructed habitat for all kinds of wildlife, a barrier or protective structure, … Continue reading Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 1
A Bit of Hazel Coppicing
You cannot miss signs of recent activity when you visit the Nature Area right now. While the majority of the … Continue reading A Bit of Hazel Coppicing
Managing the Blackthorn
Blackthorn is always be the first shrub to blossom each year. The masses of small white flowers are so beautiful … Continue reading Managing the Blackthorn
Bluebell Planting
We have always thought that native bluebells would be a wonderful natural addition to the ground beneath the trees around … Continue reading Bluebell Planting
Breaking Ice
We have been having some cold and frosty weather down here in Dorset, even a sprinkling of snow over the … Continue reading Breaking Ice
Algae and Alien Pond Weed
The summer of 2025 was a particularly long hot and dry one in Charlton Down. In fact, The Meteorological Office … Continue reading Algae and Alien Pond Weed
Re-seeding the Wildflower Patch
Clearing the cuttings from scything We had no idea what hard work it would be to follow on from the … Continue reading Re-seeding the Wildflower Patch
Scything the Wildflower Patch
It was time to revive the wildflower patch in the Nature Area. It hadn’t been done for about 5 years. … Continue reading Scything the Wildflower Patch
Charlton Down Nature Area 