A range of different flowers will attract lots of insects and we hope to see plenty of butterflies and bees visiting the flowers next year!
Sainfoin and pyramidal orchid are already present on the verge along with other flowers such as common bird’s-foot-trefoil and ox-eye daisy.
Our new signs are in place so why not take a look next time you are in Tonbridge.
There are currently over 150 Roadside Nature Reserve (RNR) sites in Kent and these vary in size from just one or two metres wide up to a massive 25- 30 metres wide. The sites are managed by Kent Highways Services and Kent Wildlife Trust led Volunteer teams. There are over 70 volunteer wardens helping to keep an eye on these important sections of road verges.
RNRs help to protect rare and declining species and Habitats such as man orchid (nationally scarce) and chalk grassland. They also help provide a network of ‘mini meadows’ to allow insects such as bees and butterflies to feed on vital nectar and pollen and to help them move and forage across the wider countryside. RNRs can also provide a home for our native reptile species that tend to favour less disturbed areas.
Since bison were released into West Blean and Thornden Woods on the outskirts of Canterbury, they have not only transformed the landscape but significantly grown in number.
Margery Thomas, Hothfield Volunteer and regular columnist looks at the lack of butterfly sightings in recent months, the work volunteers are doing to remove bracken and how this all impact the wider management of the last remaining fragments of heathland…
By August, floral glory has passed from the orchids (heath spotted, southern marsh and a few large hybrids) to the heather or ling. As ever, we hope for a protracted display of purple in the heathy areas, which is likely if the cool nights persist. Orchid…
