Conservation
One of the main aims of the site is to ensure that we protect the natural space of the meadow and don't over cultivate or over manage the land. The wildlife element is very much at the heart of the acre.
We are fortunate to have a great range of wildlife and variety of natural habitats which we are working to preserve and promote the natural biodiversity.
A substantial part of the meadow is sown with wildflower seed and is allowed to thrive each year. This means we see a huge number of bees and butterflies on the acre during the summer and the insects go on to support so much other wildlife. We've also introduced a wildflower bed planted by children from the local school and one of our regular volunteers planted a dedicated bee friendly flower bed to attract even more bees to the acre. It really does come alive with buzzing during the summer.
A pond has been introduced to the acre, working with a conservationist with an extensive knowledge of flora and fauna to help establish the plants surrounding it. We've also used this as an excellent educational tool, having the Guides come to the acre and help with the establishment of the pond learning about the variety of wildlife that can be supported by the introduction of a pond. We've already seen a variety of new insects, including fantastic dragonflies.
The animals that have been spotted on the acre range from toads and slow worms hidden under the compost, hedgehogs hidden deep within the bamboo and a vast number of moths which we have had the opportunity to get a closer look at with the use of a light box kindly donated to the project.
The acre is also a healthy haven for our birds. The abundance of wildflowers has been amazing for the birdlife. large numbers of the finch family can be seen feeding on seeds. Most commonly spotted are gold finches but green finches are are about too - a little more elusive. We also have a large number of bird feeders which are a popular destination too. Especially prevalent are blue tits and great tits, but there are also coal tits in smaller numbers. Grey wagtails, thrush, robin and blackbird are regularly spotted.
We work closely alongside The Bishops Meadow Trust which comprises of 31 acres of low lying agricultural land that sit alongside space2grow and are active members of the Farnham Biodiversity Group. The Group has been set up by local conservation and ecology experts who are concerned by the decline in the biodiversity of the natural world. It brings together local conservation groups to draw up and put into practice a detailed Biodiversity Action Plan for the Farnham area.
Click here to read more about The Bishops Meadow Trust
