Saturday 7th September was of course the first Saturday of the month, and as such, the day of Pulborough Brook's monthly Wildlife Explorer and Phoenix meetings.
11 members of Phoenix group gathered in the wildflower meadow, undaunted by the threat of intermittent downpours. At the far end of the wildflower meadow is the living willow dome and screen, beyond which lies a sanctuary for wildlife from birds to beetles. This is where we were to focus our efforts. The long summer growth of grass had been cut and removed and the area was looking a little tired and in need of attention.
A brief flipchart and pen planning session lead to frenzied activity as the whole group put their energy to good use shifting logs, crushing suet fat-balls, raking thatch-choked grass, and filling water containers. The aim was to create the perfect home for nature with all the essentials of life; water, food and shelter. Hibernating amphibians and hedgehogs were high on the list of priority species for the group, as were beetles and bugs, particularly the larvae of stag beetles.
The area benefited from pre-existing standing deadwood, tree trunks half buried on-end in the ground, a rare and important habitat for invertebrates, which formed a basis to build around. Water was provided in two large containers, strategically positioned and accessorised to enable safe and attractive usage for all kinds of wildlife. Crushed suet-balls, filling pre-drilled holes in logs and empty half-coconut shells provided visiting birds with additional food. Logs, cut grass, roof tiles, bricks, they all found their way into a number of 'habitat piles' the Phoenix members constructed.
A tiny toad and even tinier newt, a ladybird, dragonfly and numerous beetles were all spotted moving in almost before the final touches were completed!
So here they are; fantastic Phoenix members and their wonderful homes for nature...
Amy built "Hedgehide", a thatch-roofed home for hedgehogs padded out with plenty of cut grass/hay, and "Amy's Diner" (left) a feeding station that makes the most of available structures and provides suet for birds or mammals who like a high-rise dinner and plenty of invertebrate habitat below for insects that will feed the ground loving birds.
Bed and breakfast facility "Bark and Bricks", built by Alicia and Ellie provides a cosy home for small mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates, with the addition of gourmet menu of blackberries from the neighbouring hedgerow.
"The Toad in The Hole Roadside Inn" was built by Kirsty and Rosanna. A perfect watering hole and habitat for amphibians.
"Out in the sticks" was the largest creation bringing a new lease of life to a large tree trunk that was already sheltering many small creatures. Certainly a 5* hotel. It was built by Luke, Dan and Callum
George, Thomas and Ed's "The Haymaker" (below) was a complex construction, involving half buried logs, roof tiles and hay with a carefully planned entrance to enable access for hedgehogs and small mammals.
Several of the group also assisted with raking the grass to remove any dead cut grass and thin the dense mat of thatch at the base of the plants to allow wildflowers a stronger chance of gaining a foothold amongst the thuggish grass.
Thank you to all the Phoenix group for their hard work, I think we all had tremendous fun. See you all next month!
Have you been inspired to give nature a home in your garden? There are tips and projects of all shapes and sizes on RSPB Giving nature a home website: www.rspb.org.uk/homes or pick up a leaflet from the visitor centre when visiting a reserve!