THE
COOKHAM WILDLIFE SUPPORTERS 2014 |
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In
June 2014 a group of 12 local people got together to reinvigorate
our wildlife support activities in Cookham. We all wish to
take care of wildlife and share our passion and knowledge in a
practical and fun way. Please get involved and find out how
you can support Cookham Wildlife.
We started off with a Gloworm walk on Thursday 24 July 9.30pm
at the Chequers. Our plan is to have regular events and
activities including walks and talks. These will appear on the
Cookham.com calendar of events. The August event is a Bat Walk
on the 22nd with the National Trust, 7.30pm to 9pm at the Maidenhead
Thicket.
The Wildlife Supporters Group all have special interests:
Cindy Barnes: gloworms, hedgehogs. email: cindy@cindy-barnes.com
Brian Clews: birds expert and author of several books.
email: brian.clews@btconnect.com
Jess Darwin:National Trust
Rachel Forsyth: Head Ranger Rache; Forsyth, Head Ranger email: rachel.forsyth1@nationaltrust.org.uk
Paul Jarczewski: Woodlands Trust
Andrew Padmore: butterflies and moths, ornithology, fungi
Clare Padmore: wildflowers, horticulture
Lynne Peperell: bumblebees, organic fruit and veg. email
lpeperell@f2s.com
Mike Southgate: CPRE, West London Wetlands
Duncan Yearly – water voles
Click
here for Our Statement of Purpose
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Strand Water with its lush vegetation attracts Grass Snakes, Dragonflies and roosting Reed Buntings |
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One of the main reasons we all love living in the Cookhams is that
we are surrounded by a wonderful landscape comprising a wide range of
natural, as well as man-made habitats, that we enjoy walking through and
seeking inspiration from. This lush and verdant environment is home
to untold numbers of plants, insects, mammals and birds which go
together to form the surroundings that we all benefit from. |
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The old chalkpit signifies and aspect of our history but is also a haven for insects and bats |
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As
part of the 2007 Cookham Plan, a team was formed to
evaluate this important issue for the Cookhams and along with the other
groups, presented an environment and ecology report. A
significant outcome was to have a complete 'Phase 1 Survey'
carried out by a professional ecologist for the entire area, kindly
supported by the Cookham Society, which has been done. This defined a
high-level statement of the habitat types we have. From this, we will
gradually create a 'Wildlife Dossier' of the village, whereby
residents are encouraged to submit sightings of interesting birds,
insects, pond life etc to build up a picture of just what we do have.
This new page for our Village Web site will form an important element of
this vision. |
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Widbrook, our largest Common and home to Goldfinches and Yellowhammers in summer, Swans, geese and Snipe in winter |
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Ultimately, it
would be hoped the information would be utilised in a local Biodiversity
Action Plan so we are alerted to the special wildlife we need to protect
as Cookham inevitably develops. Do get involved and help us to achieve
that” |
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Farmland, orchards and woodland surround the Cookhams
bringing with them the riches of varied wildlife |
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Herries' Pool and reed bed on Marsh Meadow has attracted a wide range of aquatic plants and creatures, and Hobbies hunt for dragonflies there in summer |
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