August on Hothfield Heathlands: Moths and rushes
Blog
It's been a hot few months on Hothfield Heathlands! Long-time volunteer, Margery Thomas, reflects on recent work and sightings.
A range of different flowers will attract lots of insects and we hope to see plenty of butterflies and bees visiting the flowers next year!
Some of the plants that have been recorded so far….
Sainfoin and pyramidal orchid are already present on the verge along with other flowers such as common bird’s-foot-trefoil and ox-eye daisy.
Our new signs are in place so why not take a look next time you are in Tonbridge.
There are currently over 150 Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) sites in Kent and these vary in size from just one or two metres wide up to a massive 25- 30 metres wide. The sites are managed by Kent Highways Services and Kent Wildlife Trust led Volunteer teams. There are over 70 volunteer wardens helping to keep an eye on these important sections of road verges.
RNRs help to protect rare and declining species and Habitats such as man orchid (nationally scarce) and chalk grassland. They also help provide a network of ‘mini meadows’ to allow insects such as bees and butterflies to feed on vital nectar and pollen and to help them move and forage across the wider countryside. RNRs can also provide a home for our native reptile species that tend to favour less disturbed areas.
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What's living beneath our feet: Ironhurst Valley's soil comes alive
Blog
Before a single hedge is planted or a pond is dug at Ironhurst Valley, we wanted to know what was already happening out of sight. So, before any restoration work begins above ground, we went looking for life below it.
Volunteer spotlight: Margery Thomas
Blog
This year marks 10 years since Margery Thomas began volunteering at Hothfield Heathlands. Since 2016, she's written monthly articles on the reserve's flora and fauna, bringing readers into the heart of the heathlands through rich, observant writing,…