In the UK, rabbit numbers fell by 43% between 2008 and 2018, with the latest surveys showing no sign that the decline is slowing. The cause is RHDV2, rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus type 2.
Continue reading “Save the rabbit”Save the rabbit
A seasonal robin from DKG to cheer us all up on an overcast December morning. Thanks DKG.
There is problem with our tech and there won’t be a post from the park today: we apologise.
There is a hardware problem which we hope is being fixed. In the meantime, while we are learning to operate a WordPress site from a smartphone, here is a gallery of pictures taken in the reserve by the late, great DKG.
Q&A
Email from Clive: This plant has been slowly developing, it’s about a metre high now. My app says Wild Carrot but we all know it’s is not reliable so over to you. If you need more pics let me know.
Read on for our answerRain!
The park is full of water; there are deep puddles everywhere. Everything is wet and muddy and the paths are flooded.
Continue reading “Rain!”We are having WiFi problems this morning and today’s post may be delayed. We apologise.
Solstice
Today is the day after the shortest day: the year has turned.
Continue reading “Solstice”Nature Prescriptions
By David Feather
What would you say if you went to see your GP because you were feeling a bit down and was told to get out into a green space like Southwick Country Park? I ask because a number of GP practices in Scotland are doing just that.
Continue reading “Nature Prescriptions”Oak gall ink
More about our oaks.
Continue reading “Oak gall ink”Stormwatch
That could have been the longest official heatwave, with temperatures over 35°C, that the UK has ever recorded. As it breaks and the thunder rolls around the hills, here, just for the fun of it, is a link to a website where you can watch the storms as they happen.
Lost!
Message from Becky Lou: Someone’s little Piglet found at the park today, he hung on but no one returned so he’s being looked after… Get in touch if he’s yours.
We apologise to the Village Green Vandals. After a closer examination, we are beginning to think that the goat willow trees in Sleepers Field were actually stripped of their bark by squirrels.
POLICE MESSAGE
The police have received reports of criminal behaviour in the park and PCSO Mat Till has asked us to post his contact details:
Matthew Till PCSO 6337
Community Policing Team 1 Trowbridge
T: 101 ext 36337 M: 07471029309
He also recommends that if you see criminal behaviour, you should call 101 in a non-emergency or 999 in an emergency.
Elderflower champagne
It’s elderflower time. Here is a tried and tested recipe for elderflower champagne, a bubbly, lightly alcoholic beverage with the delicate aroma and flavour of muscat grapes.
Continue reading “Elderflower champagne”There are traffic cones across the entrance to the main car park. Neither the Friends nor their Countryside Officer know who put them there or if they mean that the park is closed. We are making enquiries and will keep you informed. In the meantime, let’s assume that the park is closed.
A Stroll in the Park
Mail from Ian Bushell:
Continue reading “A Stroll in the Park”PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The public consultation on planning application 20/00379/OUT has been extended until Friday March 13th.
Over the weekend Wiltshire Council’s phones and website went down and with them all the links we had put into our posts about Planning Application 20/00379/OUT . Wiltshire Council has fixed the problem and all the links should work now.
Inspector’s report on WHSAP
The button below will take you to Wiltshire Council’s Planning Policy page; the first item on the page is Wiltshire Housing Site Allocation Plan – Inspector’s report. There are two documents: Inspector’s Report and Appendix 1 – Schedule of Main Modifications.
Lost Keys
Keys were found in the park yesterday.
2019 review – part 3
Just two new species of birds were seen in the park this year:
Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) seen by Dave Galliers on 03/05/19
and Coot (Fulica atra) seen by Ian Bushell on 31/3/19
Header picture: meadow pipit, taken in the park by DKG
This morning, somebody clicked a button and became our 800th follower. Welcome, whoever you are!
Sloe Gin
First, pick your sloes; there are plenty in the park. Some recipes insist that you shouldn’t do this until after the first frost which is believed to sweeten the sloes but we don’t think it’s essential.
Continue reading “Sloe Gin”
Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve 