In celebration of 2021!

With your help, 2021 was an amazing and productive year for HUGS

Here’s some of what we’ve done, together with you.

Trees

Over the last 2 winters, together we’ve chosen, ordered and planted more than 700 trees and hedging plants in the local area.  That’s an amazing boon for local wildlife.  Trees and hedgerows are key habitat and vital, living networks for nature.  

Wildflowers

You’ve also helped us to manage another life cycle in the wildflower meadow in Hagbourne Cemetery.   This is alive with butterflies, hover-flies, bees and other pollinators over the spring and summer months.  This year we noticed more orchids than before too!

Verge Habitat

With agreement of the East Hagbourne Parish Council we have left areas of the parish unstrimmed which has seen a greater diversity of plants growing, giving more nectar to pollinators and more habitat to nature.  This is something we’re very keen to continue as less strimming is better for the climate and longer grass and wildflowers are better for nature. And what’s better for nature is better for us all!

Wild Walk

We completed our 4 seasonal guides for our wild walk route this year and it has been lovely to hear feedback from those of you who walk the route and find birds, insects and plants you haven’t seen or noticed before.

Owl Boxes

Nearly all 28 owl nest boxes have been installed now within our SODC funded owl project and are very grateful to all of you who have hosted a nest box on your land.  You are helping by creating vital new nesting and roosting opportunities for our local Tawny, Little and Barn Owl populations.

Wildlife Garden Competition

We’re super grateful to everyone who took part in our Wildlife Garden Competition.  We were very impressed and heartened by all that you’re doing for nature.  Over time, we’d like to see more and more folk following your amazing example. 

Madge Trophy

We were also honoured to judge the West Hagbourne Madge Trophy front garden competition in the summer of 2021.  The judging criteria widened from just garden design and presentation to be 50% wildlife friendliness and 50% presentation and design.  The winner was Lilley Cottage; a beautiful, naturalistic style front garden with lots of shelter and food for wildlife; particularly birds and insects.

What a great year! May 2022 be just as good! Thanks for all your support and involvement!