South Notts Local Group

Please be aware that links to external news sources given in articles on this page may no longer work. This is because many news sites archive or remove items which they regard as out-of-date.

Have your say on nature conservation in Rushcliffe (29 Jan 10)

The Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Group (RNCSIG) have been reviewing the strategy for the next five years. They are now moving to a phase of wider consultation and are asking interested members of the public for their comments. You can see the draft Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy (2010-2015) on Rushcliffe Borough Council’s web site, which also provides contact details if you wish to comment on the strategy.

Rushcliffe Community Awards (25 Nov 09)

We’re pleased to announce that Margie & Jeff Richards, long-term Notts Wildlife Trust members in south Notts, won the Protecting and Enhancing our Environment award this year! South Notts wildlife reserves were well-represented with award nominations for volunteers at Keyworth Meadow, Sharphill Wood, Wilwell Cutting and Bingham Linear Park. More details on the Rushcliffe council website. The awards were announced just too late for our Winter Newsletter, so there’ll be full details in the spring issue.

Remember, remember… (27 Oct 09)

…To check your bonfire for hibernating wildlife! If you’re having a bonfire for Halloween, Guy Fawke’s Night or just to clear autumn leaves, please search it before setting alight. Hedgehogs, frogs and other animals regard a heap of firewood as an ideal shelter to hibernate in. Ideally store firewood etc. away from your bonfire site and then move it into place immediately before burning.

Bad news for Sharphill Wood! (25 July 09, updated 18 September 09)

Unfortunately the secretary of state at the department of communities and local government has approved a proposed housing development next to Sharphill Wood local nature reserve, overturning Rushcliffe’s rejection of the planning application. Reports: on the BBC, in the Evening Post and from Rushcliffe Borough Council. Background: Notts Wildlife Trust policy briefing on Sharphill housing development. On the plus side there will be some compensation from the Community Park that will be created, with additional woodland and species-rich grassland, around the wood and funded by the developer. Details of the Community Park: Green Infrastructure Biodiversity Managment Plan and the Community Park Map.

Bad news for Sharphill Wood! (7 July 09)

Unfortunately the secretary of state at the department of communities and local government has approved a proposed housing development next to Sharphill Wood local nature reserve, overturning Rushcliffe’s rejection of the planning application. Read reports on the BBC and in the Evening Post.

Conservation success at Predannack Farm (7 July 09)

We know this is outside our area – Predannack Farm is in Cornwall – but the amazing increase in biodiversity there that has been brought about by land management for conservation is a real good-news story for wildlife. And it gives us hope for our own biodiversity projects! Read more and enjoy the photo gallery.

RSPB Nature Count week, 8—14 June 2009 (31 May 09)

This is works like Garden Birdwatch – where you count the numbers and types of birds you see in your garden over an hour during the week – but this time they’re asking about garden habitat (lawn, flowers, shrubs etc.) and other wildlife you see (hedgehogs, squirrels, frogs etc.). The results will tell us a lot about the state of wildlife in British gardens – so please take part if you can! Details and results form on the Nature Count web site.

Winter birds in south Notts (15 April 09)

This winter’s cold weather and northerly winds brought some interesting garden visitors, including yellowhammers and flocks of field fares. Here are some photos...

Wildlife affected by poor summer in 2008 (25 Jan 09)

Cold wet weather in 2008, from Easter through ‘summer’ into the early autumn, had a serious affect on wildlife throughout most of Britain. Birds had a difficult breeding season and a poor flowering season affected butterflies. See press release from National Trust.

Awards update (26 Nov 08)

Unfortunately the Friends of Bingham Linear Park were pipped at the post by Flintham’s Growing Greener project in the Notts Wildlife Trust Green Guardian Awards, see the awards report on the NWT website. But Willwell Cutting Work Party received a Rushcliffe Community Partnership Award, with Sharphill Wood, Keyworth Meadow and Cotgrave Country Park volunteers also being nominated, see the Environment section of the report on Rushcliffe’s website.

Sharphill Wood gets regular work party (26 Nov 08)

The Friends of Sharphill Wood are now running regular monthly work parties on this new local nature reserve. They are held on the fourth Sunday of every month, 10am – 4pm. See the Work Parties page for details of how you can help!

Sharphill Wood development rejected (25 Aug 08)

Rushcliffe Borough Council has turned down the latest plan for a residential development in the area around Sharphill Wood local nature reserve. The proposal was to build about 1,200 houses plus infrastructure. But it’s possible the developers may appeal the decision.