Revitalisation of Lodge Hill making progress and workshops bloom

The Turner Dumbell Foundation has been making progress on its project to revitalise the ecology of Lodge Hill. Cattle have been reintroduced after a six-year absence and together with work by the Monday Group and volunteers from the South Downs National Park will help to control the bracken, which was threatening to overwhelm less vigorous plants on the site. Work to eradicate bamboo, which has invaded part of site, is scheduled to be carried out in September, and the foundation apologies in advance if this causes any disruption on Boddingtons Lane.

Further proposals to plant more native trees to fill out the copse at the bottom of the hill, and to introduce more ponds to help with drainage, are also under consideration.

Engagement with residents has also been stepped up with children from St Margaret’s School visiting the hill with more visits being planned for the next academic year. In addition the foundation has funded free guided nature walks led by local naturalist Michael Blencowe, highlighting the birdlife and butterflies to be seen there. It is also hoped a bat walk, which had to be postponed in the spring, can be rearranged for later in the year.

A vivid illustration of the Foundation’s commitment to the environment has also been resplendent alongside its workshops in North End. Careful nurturing of the verge enabled more than 60 pyramidal and bee orchids to put on a great display through June and into July. Thank you to Gordon Bain for the fantastic picture.