Old Down
Spring has sprung and on Old Down and Beggarwood the first flowers to show were primroses, cowslips and native bluebells. On Old Down we again have the fabulous yellow haze of cowslips across the meadow. The view across the yellow meadow to the bright yellow rapeseed oil fields beyond is truly breath-taking. We are very lucky in Kempshott to have such a sight.
It has always been the aim in managing Old Down to promote and encourage only native flowers, plants (often classed as “weeds”) and trees and to discourage and remove non-native/garden species. There is one species of ’garden’ flower on the site – the daffodils which can be found on the tumulus – but they are such a lovely sight in early Spring that the Group leaves them to thrive. Many insects depend on “weeds” such as butterflies on nettles, bees on dandelions and hover flies on hogweed. Unfortunately, non-native species do appear and this is often as a consequence of garden plants spreading under, and green waste being thrown over, the fences adjoining Old Down. If home owners could try to stop the intrusion of garden plants and not throw green waste into Old Down that would help with achieving the aim to make Old Down a native species site.
It is good to see all ages enjoying Old Down but unfortunately some people do not care about the mess they create. One Sunday in early May, a small pop up tent was left on the meadow with bottles and paper strewn around it. There are bins provided – it would have been no effort for the tent users to put their litter in a bin and take the tent home.
Just a reminder that there is a guided butterfly walk on Old Down on Saturday 3rd June at 2pm, meeting at Old Down Hall. A donation of £2 would be most appreciated.
Work Parties
For Old Down, we meet outside Old Down Hall every Thursday 10-12noon. For Beggarwood, we meet monthly on the third Saturday of the month 10-12noon at The Maze. Please come and join us. Always check our website just in case there is a change in dates and also for further information about work parties and events.
www.olddownandbeggarwood.org.uk Email: odandbwd@gmail.com
