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July 2019 July 2019

Bioblitz – our next event
We are holding a ‘biobltz’ on Saturday 6 July between 2pm and 4.30pm starting
th
at the Scout Hut and wildlife experts are coming along to help us. We would like
you to come along and help us search for as many plants, flowers, insects,
butterflies, grubs, bugs etc on Souls’ Moor, in May’s Wood and the stream. You
don’t need to have any prior knowledge of plants etc as experts will be on hand
to help – this is a great opportunity to find out more about the special habitats
and wildlife in our local area. There is no need to book and there will be no
charge. Children are most welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult.
See you there!

Souls Moor Ponies and their Conservation Work
The ponies are back on Souls Moor – they are very friendly, do say “hello” to them
when you pass, but please do not deliberately approach them, feed them, and
do keep dogs on a lead.

As the new notice put up by the Parish Council states, for those of you
concerned for the ponies’ welfare, be assured they are regularly checked and
they have a plentiful supply of water from the pond.

Souls’ Moor Pond
The pond at Souls’ Moor was dug two years ago to provide a permanent water
supply for the ponies. Still water, rather than running water in the stream, attracts
a different range of plants and insects thus helping to increase the bio diversity of
the area. The range of plants and insects at the pond will improve with time.
However, we are really pleased with what has already arrived – we will be
checking them out at the ‘bioblitz’.

Wildflowers
The summer flowers are now with us. Along the riverside and in Souls’ Moor you
can see yellow flag iris. Also, ragged robin (similar to red campion, but as the
name suggests very ragged edges to the flowers), which has greatly increased
because of the grass grazing by the ponies. Purple loosestrife and common
valerian (which isn’t common! will be in flower in July. In the main meadow areas
at May’s Wood there are the nodding heads of ox-eye daisy, the thistle like
purple heads of knapweed (otherwise known as hardhead), clover and many
different grasses. All providing valuable nectar and seeds for bees, butterflies and
birds. In the original planting plan for Mays Wood, there were areas left to create
small wildflower meaows and Tilhill have again ploughed and created these
annual meadows where traditional cornfield flowers should be out later this

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