Leader: Chris Kinchinton-Smith
Cerise pink and blue Valerian greeted us as we gathered at the entrance to Lyncombe Hill Fields. Nearby, Mike noted Hedge Mustard, Herb Robert, and Green Alkanet. Ivy-leaved Toadflax was growing on an adjacent wall. A singing Thrush completed our welcome.
We were to be guided round the reserve by Chris Kinchington-Smith, as Maurice Tennenhaus had broken his fibula. Enormous changes have been brought about on the hill over six years by hard graft on the part of two directors and between 20 and 40 volunteers.
Our first stop was the tree nursery, where up to 1,000 saplings were being nurtured. The preparation of the site and the level of care have resulted in only a 3% failure rate. In the future, hope is to grow saplings from local seeds. Here Mike spotted a Nursery Web Spider, a Thick-Thighed Beetle and a Figwort Weevil (an uncommon species, but found frequently around Bath).
Three sloping fields of wildflowers are the site’s biggest achievement as regards biodiversity. Field Scabious, Clover, Buttercup, Speedwell, Ragged Robin, and Cow Parsley were abundant. One Cowslip was spotted. Two fields have been left to grow as they wished. In the north field, plug plants and seeds of Cowslip, Red Campion, and Yellow Rattle have been planted, the latter to curb the growth of grass. Many different species of grasses swayed in the wind around us. Cranesbill graced the hedgerows. The diversity of plants is increasing, due in large part to two mowings in the late summer each year. The grass is then removed to encourage the growth of more plants. Mike discovered a Rustic Sailor Beetle and Athous haemorrhoidalis (a species of click beetle). We heard a Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the distance.
Chris showed us the tiny forests (Miyawaki forests) of between three and four hundred trees. The idea of a Miyawaki forest comes from Japan. Many seeds or saplings are planted close together in a small space. They grow rapidly, enabling them to capture large amounts of carbon. Those working on the fields are keen to engage with local children. Seeing the trees grow and change over a short period of time gives the children a sense of how trees develop. No one knows as yet what the lifespan of trees grown in such conditions will be.
We saw bat boxes and monitors, as well as the small, hidden ponds. Carefully placed cameras revealed the nightlife of the woods. Foxes and Badgers were the most frequent visitors to the water, but a Weasel’s appearance caused some excitement.
In a hedge, Mike found a Holly Blue butterfly, Wild Garlic and a Long-tailed Tit’s nest. Whilst walking over the slopes, we were treated to the calls of Wren, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, and others. Whitethroat, Firecrest, Goldcrest, and an owl are frequent visitors, Chris informed us.
The regeneration of Lyncombe Hill Fields has provided the city with an open space of natural beauty to be enjoyed, where nature is free to blossom as she needs.
Janet Snowdon
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