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April 2024 April 2024

colonised the site. Predatory invertebrates such as hornet robberflies and wasp
spiders have been recorded, indicating the presence of other prey species. The
rare dingy mocha moth has been caught during moth surveys, a Biodiversity
Action Plan priority species confined to just few counties in the South of England.
The headwaters of the River Sherford are located at Wild Woodbury, and a
combination of the water restoration and ending the input of fertilisers has
resulted in improved water quality. We have seen enormous reductions in
nitrogen, phosphorous and suspended solids, helping to reduce the algal blooms
in Poole Harbour and creating extensive wetland habitat.

Rewilding at Wild Woodbury has already shown such hope for the future through
the results we have seen in such a short time. Increases in biodiversity and
biodiversity helps to build a resilient ecosystem and creates a wonderful
landscape for people to enjoy and celebrate rewilding.

BERE REGIS WILDLIFE AND
ENVIRONMENT GROUP

With brighter, longer and warmer days the signs of
Spring are now all around us. Primroses are in bloom
and bluebells will soon be adorning our local woods,
the first swallows will soon be arriving (do let us know
when you see your first), while other birds will be
active building their nests and incubating their eggs.
You should be able to see many if not all of these sights along the riverside path,
helped by the conservation work our volunteers have been doing over the past
years to create a wider range of habitats. A very big thank you to all our
volunteers. Come late Autumn the conservation working parties will resume. We
hope to see you there.

Marsh Marigolds
Do look out for the Marsh Marigolds
alongside the riverside path – they
will be flowering from now through
to May.
The large, golden flowers of Marsh
Marigold look rather like over-sized
buttercups set among glossy green
leaves. They are also said to look like
the cups of kings, hence its other

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