One of the observations from our initial wildlife survey last year was the absence of Swifts reported by residents. Swifts have been in decline for a number of years, one of the key reasons being improvements in building standards having the unfortunate side-effect of reducing favourable next sites for these fascinating birds. 

We have launched a project to address this situation, starting with a brilliant presentation from the joint coordinators of the Oxford City Swift Project which gave an incredible insight into the lifestyle of these birds. Our nest box building workshop was a great suuccess and we now have 18 boxes available - let us know if you are interested in having nest boxes for your property. 

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If you were unable to attend the presentation, an audio recording is available in two parts in our Members Only area (login required)

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Follow this link to our dedicated page for this project

Wild Weedon Members were given first opportunity to form a limited group to visit the recently re-wilded walled garden on the Lilies estate. Head Gardener, Andrew McCarthy, explained  the work that had been carried out to create this haven for indigenous wild flowers that, over the years, have become rare in the open countryside. 

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We are grateful to George Anson for providing this opportunity to see the work and take some inspiration for our own gardens - although perhaps in most cases on a smaller scale!

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We are delighted with the response to the idea of planting five elm trees in the field between the Chapel and Chestnuts Farm. The trees were provided by Butterfly Conservation as part of their efforts to support the rare White Hairstreak butterfly which depends heavily on elms. The ceremony was led by Deputy Lieutenant Sir Francis Habgood, representing Her Majesty the Queen, with further speeches by George Anson, High Sherriff of Buckinghamshire, Joanna Rose, Chair of the Parish Council, Andrew Hemsley, part of the new management in the Five Elms pub/restaurant, and Mike Stevens, Chair of Weedon Wildlife Group. 

The trees have been registered on the Queen's Green Canopy website as part of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

Paul Winrow led a group of adult and child volunteers making hedgehog boxes and filling bug hotels at Manor Farmhouse barn. Blessed with lovely weather, the adults assembled 6 hedgehog boxes and the children helped to fill 6 bug hotels with hollow sticks, fir cones and bark. Several of the finished wildlife boxes are installed around the village already, and you can apply to have one in your garden in exchange for a donation. If you are interested, please contact us.

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We held our first ever Annual General Meeting on 16th September. Reports describing the progress since the group was formed in February this year were well received and the committee members were re-elected for the next 12 months.

Minutes of the meeting, including a copy of all the reports, will soon be found on our Members Only page (login required).

On Thursday 16th September Phil Townsend, Warden of the Aston Clinton Ragpits gave a talk illustrated with many wonderful pictures (taken by him) on the wildlife of this hidden gem - a local BBOWT reserve which  boasts numerous species of orchids and butterflies. Wild Weedon Members can find a copy of the slides on the Members Only page (login required).

Thanks for the entries to our Logo Competition. Some great designs were submitted and we are in the process of developing ideas from Penny Stevens and Martin Kemp for the logo to be used in our communications and social media. Special congratulations to Jenna Rice for her wildlife design which is featured on the home page of this website.

Lucy McCaskie and Rebecca Neupert were among the villagers following the trail around local footpaths to discover the wide variety of plant life in the area. Participants were provided with a handy guide of wild flowers, and temporary information boards were on display describing lichens, mosses, butterflies, damselflies and dragonflies. Penny Stevens and Saskia Welman prepared the trail and despite the threatened poor weather (which in the end did not materialise!) participants of all ages had a thoroughly enjoyable time, rewarded with a certificate and a choice of seeds to be planted at home.

A fun afternoon spent assembling nest boxes for robins and blue tits. A few remaining boxes are available for gardens around the village - just contact our Secretary, Sally Jones.

Huge thanks to Paul Winrow for organising this event, the Rose family for providing workshop space and to our gallant volunteers for the careful assembly of the boxes.

A fascinating talk by Norman Shepherd from Buckinghamshire Owl and Raptor Group (BORG) describing the life cycle of these iconic birds and the work of this volunteer organisation in support of them.  

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Members of Weedon Wildlife Group can find an audio playback of this talk on the 'Members Only' page. Not a Member yet? Just e-mail us at contact@wildweedon.org.uk. 

Responses to our survey questionnaire were received from all areas of the village, helping us understand the existing variety of local wildlife

The survey was non-scientific, aiming to encourage villagers to simply report what they have seen in their gardens, the wider village and local countryside

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Initial analysis has provided good indications of what Wild Weedon might do to help.

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The full report is available on the Members Only page.

Around 50 people of all ages enjoyed our wildlife trail on Easter Monday. With a small goodie bag and certificate at the end, this was a 'fun for all the family' event - watch out for similar opportunities later in the year.

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Thanks to Saskia, Lara, Wendy and Penny for organising and advertising this event.