BedsLife SOUTH August 2022

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Community News

Bedfordshire Walking Festival Summer Reading Challenge

£25 Prize Crossword

10,000 copies Delivered to Elstow, Shortstown, Wixams, Wilstead, Houghton Conquest, Stewartby, Marston Moretaine.

www.bedslifemagazine.co.uk

AUGUST

2022

Home Counties Loft Ladders, Quality You Can Trust!

These days most homeowners suffer from a lack of storage space.

So many precious items that need to be kept – but where to store it all? That’s where Home Counties Loft Ladders come in.

The company, based locally, offers homeowners the opportunity to maximise their storage space with a loft ladder, 50sqft of boarding and in less than a day from just £444! But it’s not just the affordability of the package that makes Home Counties Loft Ladders stand out, as manager Jamie Oakley explains: ‘Our

watchwords are Quality, Integrity and Value.

Quality in the materials that we use for all our installations and the fact that all our loft packages tradesmen, so our customers are assured of the best job.

Integrity in that we will turn up at the time we say and make sure the house is spotless when we leave, and value in that we offer our services at a price people can afford.

- that simply wouldn’t happen if we didn’t adhere to our overriding principles.

At the end of the day the old adage that happy customers lead to more happy customers is true and we work hard to make that happen for

every installation we carry out!’

So, if you want to make use of your loft space, call Jamie free on 0808 301 9559 and he’ll be happy to pop round and give you a no obligation quote so you too can make use of your loft!

Our business relies on referrals and we get a huge amount of our calls from people who have been referred to us by our existing customers

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Contents

South editio

Community News

4&6

Volunteering Opportunities

8

Martin Lewis Column

10

Prize Crossword

12

Books

14

What’s On

16

Summer Reading Challenge

18

Bedfordshire Walking Festival

20

Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary

22

Forest of Marston Vale – Fascinating Reptiles

28

Last Months Crossword Answers

30

Don’t forget to check out our website

WWW.BEDSLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

for even more local articles and lots of interesting and helpful local information!

LIKE our Facebook page BedsLife Magazine to keep up to date with events, offers and local businesses and services.

FOLLOW us on @bedslife_magazine and @bedsLife

Com mun ity New s Bedf ords hire Walk ing Fest ival Sum mer Read ing Cha lleng e £25 Prize Cros swor d

10,000 copies

Delivere Houghton Conques d to Elstow, Shortsto wn, Wixams, t, Stewartby, Marston Moretain Wilstead, e.

www.bed slife mag

azin e.co .uk

Plus of course we have a final Bank Holiday to enjoy in England, Wales and Northern Ireland before Christmas, which prompted us to read up a little on the history of our Late Summer Bank Holiday. We discovered that it was initially introduced in 1871 as a way to give us all a chance to make the most of the summer, and for bank employees in particular to attend cricket matches!

It didn’t always fall on the last Monday of the month – up until 1971 it always took place on the first Monday of August. It was moved as it clashed with the traditional two week shut down that many companies utilised at that time.

This month instead of being chained to our desks every day we’re determined to make the most of our summer and get out and about more with the family. On the agenda we have picnics, open air cinemas, long walks in the countryside, and plenty of ice cream!

So whether August means taking a break from work or continuing life as normal, we hope you find time to relax with friends and loved ones.

Until next month,

Christa: Tel 01234 962929 | 07827 015170 E: christa@bedslifemagazine.co.uk

Christa & The BedsLife Team

DESIGN AND ARTWORK

www.dougdawson.co.uk DISCLAIMER

All adverts and editorial are printed in good faith, however, BedsLife Ltd can not take any responsibility for the content of the adverts, the services provided by the advertisers or any statements given in the editorial. No part of the publication may be reproduced or stored without the express permission of the publisher.

AUGUST

2022

24

Gardening

ADVERTISING

A

ugust is traditionally the inside month when we try to slow things down a little, and although our modern pace of life means that’s not always possible, it still feels like this month is a little bit unique – at least to us! The days are long and warm (if sometimes wet!) and everyone seems to be taking things at a slightly less frantic pace than normal.

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE DEADLINE WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST

communitynews A Bedfordshire first at the country park

create optimum conditions,” said Anna. “We’re delighted our hard work has resulted in breeding, and that we are playing our small part in national conservation efforts for this bird!”

Whilst bitterns are a rare breeding bird in the UK, activity can be safely viewed over the reedbeds from the paths and hides in the Wetlands Nature Reserve at the park. Tickets can be bought at the Forest Centre. www.marstonvale.org

Shortstown Summer Spectacular

Anna Charles, Head Ranger of the Millennium Country Park at the Forest of Marston Vale, has confirmed that a bittern has bred in the park.

“We originally heard a male ‘booming’ – a distinctive call used by male bitterns to attract a mate – in our reedbed area this spring,” reported Anna. “If you visited during this time, you may have been lucky enough to hear the call which is fascinating and sounds like blowing over the top of an empty bottle.”

Booming has been recorded at the park in previous years, but this year is the first that a bittern has been seen carrying food to a presumed nest, which is evidence of breeding.

Following discussions with Peter Nash, the Bedfordshire County Bird Recorder, Anna was able to verify that this is the first confirmed record of breeding bitterns in Bedfordshire.

In 1997 there were only 11 booming bitterns within the UK which led to improved habitat management by conservation organisations and subsequently an increase in numbers. “We’ve worked hard to

4

Head to Shortstown Village Hall and playing fields from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 7 August for a fun-filled family event.

There will be plenty to see and do at the Summer Sunday Spectacular with a petting zoo, face painter, fair rides, dog show, family entertainer and car boot sale. Not forgetting the BBQ, licensed bar and ice cream van!

The event will raise money for two charities: Mind which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and Sands which supports anyone affected by the death of a baby.

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Stewartby Outdoor Cinema

The station was originally planned to be delivered in partnership by the Wixams developers and the railway industry. However, changes to the railway organisation meant that they were unable to deliver the project. The Wixams Station project is now being delivered by Bedford Borough Council with support from the rail industry.

The Station will be located in the ‘Station Quarter’ on the western boundary of Wixams, and on the Midland Main Line between Bedford and Flitwick stations. It will be served by up to four Thameslink trains per hour in each direction.

Tickets are now on sale for a fun community event at the Dave Law Sports Fields in Stewartby on Sunday 28 August.

Stewartby Outdoor Cinema is for the whole family with a showing of Disney’s Encanto at 12pm followed by the musical rom-com Grease at 5pm.

With stalls, a licensed bar, a bouncy castle and games for the children, a fun day is set for residents and their families and friends.

Tickets, priced at £3 for adults and £1.50 for children, cover both movies and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stewartby-outdoorcinema-tickets

Plans for the station include two platforms, a station building with toilets, a waiting room and coffee shop, parking for up to 350 vehicles with provision for electric vehicle charging and blue badge users, secure cycle parking, provision for taxis and bus stops, and more.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “The residents of Wixams have been promised a railway station for a long time, and I am pleased that we have been able to step in, fill the funding gap, and help to get this station back on track.”

Information about the plans for Wixams Station, including frequently asked questions, can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/WixamsStation

Plans on Track for Wixams Station

Following a public engagement on plans for a new railway station at the Wixams, Bedford Borough Council intends to submit its planning applications for the site.

Do you have some village news to share?

Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the September issue is 10 August.

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7

VOLUNTEERING

OPPORTUNITIES

Here is our volunteering pick for August 2022. It gives a flavour of the many opportunities we hold at CVS Bedfordshire from organisations across the area, so do contact us for more opportunities if you can’t see something that appeals to you.

Beyond Detention Caseworker

This role befefits from ongoing training and mentoring to ensure that you are able to give the best possible support to people who have left Yarls Wood Immigration Removal Centre with the right to remain in the UK, as they establish themselves in their new community. You will be giving advice, guidance and emotional support whilst showing empathy and emotional resilience.

HMP Bedford Prison Visitor

You will be supporting Ormiston Families to facilitate prison visits – providing prisoners and their families with a valuable visiting experience.

This may involve spending time on the wings with prisoners, supporting Story Book Dad sessions, booking in and welcoming visitors and serving refreshments.

Sight Concern Bedfordshire Low Vision Service - Administration

An opportunity for someone who enjoys administration. You will support the Low Vision Clinic through managing emails, checking invoices and adding information to files and spreadsheets. Join this small friendly team and help them to deliver this important service either in Luton or Bedford.

You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter at www.cvsbeds.org.uk/ volunteer-newsletter for all the latest opportunities and other volunteering related news.

Search for and register an interest in all the listed roles above and many more, by adding the name of the organisation into the keyword field on our Simply Connect opportunity search at cvsbeds.org.uk/volunteer. Call us if you need any further information on 01234 354366.

43 Bromham Road, Bedford Call 01234 354 366 or Email: volunteering@cvsbeds.org.uk www.cvsbeds.org.uk 8

Hand Holder for Friends of Moorfields Eye Hospital

A simple gesture such as holding a hand of someone about to go into theatre or having a medical procedure can make such a difference.

This is an opportunity to provide emotional support to patients going for surgery such as cataract procedures – giving comfort to anxious patients.

Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust Treasurer

You are wanted for your ability to do some year end accounting, give advice on banking, fees, grants and fundraising and your passion for the environment. You might be a student looking for experience with start up charities, someone starting a career in finance, you could be working or retired. Ideally you will also want to join this newly formed trust as a trustee

Bedford Daycare Hospice Caring for people with life-limiting illnesses

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3

• WARDROBES • DRAWERS • TABLES • SOFA’S • • LADIES FASHION • MENS WEAR • TOYS • • KID’S WEAR • ELECTRICALS • BRIC A BRAC •

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Years

SHOP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CONSUMER

The Martin Lewis column

MONEY ON MY MIND...

He’s the UK’s leading money saving expert – a journalist and presenter who has kept millions of pounds in people’s pockets as well as lifting the lid on the threats and dangers we need to be aware of as consumers.

In this month’s column, Martin Lewis looks at how we can repair our credit score.

Let’s be honest, the last couple of years haven’t been kind to our finances. The good news is the ability to rescue and repair that credit rating is within our own hands, and with a concerted plan we can get back to where we want to be. And that’s important – having a good credit rating means gaining access to preferential interest rates; it could be the difference between being able to buy a house, or rent a flat, or not; and it also gives us peace of mind

that if an emergency crops up we can lean on financial support.

When it comes to improving our credit score, first check your current rating – with the likes of Experian or Equifax – and know what you’re dealing with.

When you’ve done that, see about disassociating yourself from others who may be pulling you down with their own chequered credit history – their activity may be negatively impacting yours.

Next, get yourself signed up on the electoral roll. It’s a great way for credit agencies to be able to verify who you are and adds a layer of authenticity to any application.

Spring cleaning your finances is another really sensible option.

Many of us have old credit cards or bank accounts that we don’t use. They may seem harmless on the face of it, but they all represent risk as far as your credit score is concerned.

Next, start investing in your credit future. Using a credit card

may seem a peculiar way of improving your credit, but done sensibly it will. And by sensibly, I mean use it for everyday purchases on the specific understanding you’ll clear the balance at the end of each month. Doing this will boost your credit rating and prove to any lender that you can be trusted.

Finally, if you can’t afford to clear your full balance at the end of the month, at least pay off more than the minimum payment.

Mending your credit score won’t be achieved overnight, but your future self will thank you for your efforts today!

Martin Lewis is the Founder and Chair of MoneySavingExpert.com. To join the 7.5 million people who get his free Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

Call Jamie to book a FREE survey & quotation

01234 815230

£25

Prize Crossword Complete the crossword, fill in your details below, cut out this section and send to the address below before Friday 12th August. Prize Crossword, BedsLife, 17 Foxbrook, Stevington, Bedfordshire MK43 7QY

Last Months Crossword Winner – Lindsay Taylor, Wilstead For last months answers please turn to P30

Across 1 3

9 10 11 12 14 16 19

Daring (4) Three babies born together (8) In the wrong (2,5) Fibbing, falsifying (5) Inuit canoe (5) 40th president of the United States (6) North American wild dog (6) Male parent (6) Champagne (slang) (6)

Name: Address:

21 Distant suns (5) 24 Large bird of prey (5) 25 Spear-like whaling weapon (7) 26 Male singing voice (8) 27 Couple (4)

Down 1

Invisible winter driving hazard (5,3) 2 Elevated (5) 4 Come back (6) Tel:

5 6 7 8 13 15 17 18 20 22 23

Lively dance (5) Inscription on gravestone (7) Pungent herb (4) Pail (6) Captive (8) More juvenile (7) Ridiculous (6) Large snake (6) Baa, sheep noise (5) Fragrance (5) Edge of the pavement (4)

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13

Big-time

BOOKS The Final Gambit

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Aug 30th)

To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House.

The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building.

Danger is a fact of life. Yet as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help.

Love on the Brain

by Ali Hazelwood (Aug 23rd)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis—with explosive results.

Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercingeyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school— archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

Yet Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas… and the possibilities have all her neurons firing.

This month, four forays into fantastic fiction to ease you through the summer sun.

Stay Awake

by Megan Goldin (Aug 9th)

Liv Reese wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea where she is or how she got there. When she’s dropped off at her door, a stranger answers a stranger who now lives in her apartment and forces her out in the cold. She reaches for her phone to call for help, only to discover it’s missing, and in its place is a bloodstained knife. That’s when she sees that her hands are covered in black pen, scribbled messages like graffiti on her skin: STAY AWAKE. In the vein of SJ Watson’s Before I Go to Sleep and Christopher Nolan’s cult classic Memento, Megan Goldin’s Stay Awake is an electrifying novel that plays with memory and murder.

The Hookup Plan

by Farrah Rochon (Aug 2nd)

Strong female friendships and a snappy enemiesto-lovers theme take centre stage in this highly anticipated romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Dating Playbook.

Successful paediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress.

According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hook-up. A night of fun with no strings. But no one, least of all London, expected it to go down at her high school reunion with millionaire Drew Sullivan…

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15

SUMMER FUN

AT THE FOREST OF MARSTON VALE

Wonderful woodland animal crafts Tues 2nd August

For fancy dress or just for fun – you can pretend to be a Forest creature this summer with our woodland animal craft activity at the Forest Centre! We provide the art and craft supplies and an eye mask ready for you to decorate like your favourite animal! Ticket includes all materials for crafting, and your mask to take home at the end of the session. Price – £4 per child (age 3+) Sessions last one hour and start at 11am and 1pm – please arrive in plenty of time, so that you are ready at the start time. Parental supervision is essential.

Suitable for ages 3+.

To book visit www.marstonvale.org/Event/ woodland-animal-crafts-tuesday-2-august

Dinosaur crafts Tues 16 August

Become a prehistoric painter this summer holidays and try your hand at some dinosaur themed craft activities at the Forest Centre! We provide the art and craft supplies and a dino decoration – you just need to let your imagination run wild with fantastic designs!

Ticket includes all materials for crafting, and the decoration to take home at the end of the session. £4 per child (age 3+) Sessions last one hour and start at 11am and 1pm – please arrive in plenty of time, so that you are ready at the start time. Parental supervision is essential. Suitable for ages 3+.

Wonderful woodland animals activity trail Weds 3 August to Tues 9 August

The young woodland animals are ready for summer and have all come out to play! Can you spot the 10 different animal species hiding in our Sensory Garden, and find all our furry (and feathered) friends to win a prize? £3 per child (age 1+) includes trail sheet and a small prize per child. Sessions: 11am – 12pm or 1pm – 2pm. You can turn up at any time during your booked session – please make sure you turn up for the correct session (check your email for confirmation). We may be busy at certain times, so you may have a short wait before entering the garden. This is a self-led activity.

Dinosaur activity trail Weds 17 to Tues 23 August

Join us on a dinosaur safari – 10 different dinos have been stomping and flying around the Sensory Garden! Spot them all and complete the trail sheet to tell us where you saw them and win a prize. £3 per child (age 1+) includes trail sheet and a small prize per child.

Sessions: 11am – 12pm or 1pm – 2pm. You can turn up at any time during your booked session – please make sure you turn up for the correct session (check your email for confirmation). We may be busy at certain times, so you may have a short wait before entering the garden. This is a self-led activity.

THE FOREST CENTRE, STATION ROAD, MARSTON MORETAINE, BEDFORD MK43 0PR

The Summer Reading Challenge is back in local libraries this summer and you can take part from now until Sunday 4th September!

This year’s challenge has been developed in partnership with The Science Museum Group, the world’s leading alliance of science museums.

The challenge features the Gadgeteers – six fictional young innovators who, using creative thinking and teamwork, plan a party for their town’s summer fair celebration.

Gadgeteers will be a celebration of reading, science and imagination.

the Gadgeteers are getting reading for their summer party.

Every child who completes the challenge, by reading 6 library books, receives a medal and certificate.

There is also a Mini-Challenge for children aged 3 and under.

How to take part in the library

Children sign up at the library to start their Challenge, collecting the Gadgeteers collector poster.

Borrow books and get reading! Children choose the books they want to read, recording what they have read in their poster.

Library staff and volunteers are on hand to chat to children about books they have read.

For every book read, children will pick up stickers (some are smelly!) along with other rewards. They will also discover the inventive ways

The Mini Challenge is a bite sized version of the Summer Reading Challenge for our youngest readers.

Children collect stickers on a special collector card for the books they borrow and read.

It’s all free, fun and a great way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

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19

BEDFORDSHIRE WALKING FESTIVAL The 12th annual Bedfordshire Walking Festival starts at 8-00am on Saturday 10th September and finishes on Sunday afternoon 18th September. There are walks every day across the county ranging from short informative heritage walks of between 90-180 minutes to morning and afternoon half day walks of between 5-8 miles and to long walks of twelve miles up to the 40-mile Greensand Challenge over the last weekend. This year, following a number of enquiries, a one-day practical training course on how to use apps and maps on Sunday 11th has been included.

If you have ever thought about getting out into the countryside but feel it would better to go with others, or if you are new to Bedfordshire and want to see what the county has to offer the festival is an ideal opportunity and one of the great things about living in this part of the county is the accessibility to the countryside and

its network of well-maintained paths.

The festival has sixteen walks within the boundaries of the Borough and almost certainly one to suit you.

This year the festival has teamed up with the award-winning John Bunyan Boat for a day out mixing walking with cruising and is ideal for both groups and individuals. On Thursday 15th September a morning informative walk from Priory Marina to Great Barford is followed by an afternoon cruising back to Bedford. If the walk is too far for you there are options to join or leave at Willington and whatever you decide to do the cost of the trip is the same at just £20 per person.

Booking necessary. www.johnbunyanboat.org.

More informative heritage walks are at Bedford Bedford Cemetery Foster Hill Road on Sunday afternoon 11th and on Tuesday 13th “The Jewel in the Crown” starting from

outside the Swan Hotel at 11-00am. On Sunday afternoon 18th starting at 1-30pm come and see and hear how Stewartby has changed from Pollution to Picturesque with a tour entitled A village in the heart of the vale.

Those who prefer to stride out and cover the miles taking all day may like to come to Harrold on the first weekend with an Ouse Valley exploration of 12 miles on Saturday and a Village Meander of 18 miles on the Sunday. On Wednesday 14th join the Slow Ways linear walk from Bedford to Riseley of 11 miles and on Thursday a 16-mile circular gallop from Riseley taking in parts of north Bedfordshire often overlooked.

To end the week, take up the challenge of the Greensand Ridge Path 40 miles,19 miles on Saturday and 21 miles on Sunday. certificates for all those who complete the challenge.

The Festival’s half day walks of 2.5 to 3 hours are split into morning and afternoon.

The morning walks are starting from Little Staughton, Mowsbury Park, Turvey, and Willington. The afternoon walks starting from Pertenhall, Mowsbury Park and Roxton and Great Denham.

These are just the walks in and around the Borough there are plenty more across the county. Almost all the walks are free and do not require booking enabling you to just turn up a short time before the start but if you have a query, please contact the walk leader.

Some walks require booking so please book and not just turn up.

Several walking events have a cost involved and this is shown to avoid hidden surprises.

Programmes are now available both in printed form and on the festival web site www.bedswalkfest.co.uk.

TWO OAKS PONY SANCTUARY

OPENING DAY Dog show, live music, pony grooming, BBQ, stall holders, face painting and more.

Meet all the animals, including pigs, horses and goats!

SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST | 12:00-4:00PM PARKING ON SITE TWO OAKS PONY SANCTUARY, DARR’S LANE, HP4 3RJ Entry on the gate – £1 adults, children go free Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary opened in 2006 as an entirely self-funded project. They offer a safe home for horses, ponies, chickens, ducks, pigs, goats and many other animals. The owner, Carol, pays for most of the upkeep and treatment of these animals out of her own pocket, and with helpful donations from the public. As anyone in animal rescue knows, this is an incredibly expensive and time consuming passion, factoring in the crisis of Covid-19 Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary sadly had to close its doors to the public for two years.

For these two years Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary has continued to take in, rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, abused and unwanted pets from many places – including the large rehoming of many chickens, and the addition of more furry friends who found themselves in need of Two Oaks’

help. Unlike some rescues, Two Oaks do not take any funding from the government, and so every donation, share, and event helps to keep them open and continuing the vital work that they do.

For the first time since the covid-19 crisis Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary will be re-opening its doors to the public on Sunday 14th August 2022, between 12-4pm.

This event will include a dog show, live music, a BBQ, and many trade stands and stools from local businesses selling an array of products on the day, along with advertising opportunities within the programme on the day.

Visit the facebook page Two Oaks Pony Sanctuary

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23

A GUIDE TO The UK’s six reptile species are often overlooked.

Their shyness and increasing rarity means they are seldom encountered, but if you are lucky enough to stumble across one it is sure to make your heart beat a little faster!

Reptiles can tolerate the peripheries where mammals struggle to succeed, and are great indicators of the health of our habitats. Sadly, all are suffering declines due to loss and degradation of habitats, continual fragmentation of populations and persecution, so it is crucially important that we protect our precious reptile populations now.

In Bedfordshire these four native reptiles can be found in Bedfordshire, including the adder; Britain’s only venomous snake, the grass snake; known for its aquatic lifestyle, the slow-worm; a legless lizard that is often mistaken for a snake, and the common lizard, which sheds its skin each year.

Adder

Although venomous, the adder is not aggressive, choosing to retreat from disturbance rather than face confrontation. Even when harassed the snake often hisses and warns well before striking.

A small and chunky snake, adders typically measure around 50cm. Males are pale grey and females are usually brownish with orange and red 24

shades. Adders have red eyes and a distinctive brown zigzag down the spine, which is darker in the males.

To feed itself, the adder sits motionless and waits for small mammals such as voles or mice to pass by, relying on its camouflage. On striking, it waits for its prey to retreat and die and then follows the scent of its own venom to find it. It will also feed on small birds and lizards.

It favours sheltered areas where it can bask in warm sunshine, such as woodland clearings, glades and edges, heathland, moorland and areas of open scrub, bramble and gorse where it can hunt and commute in relative safety from predators.

Adders give live birth to between three and over a dozen young. They are usually born between August and October. From October, adders go into hibernation and usually emerge in the first warm days of March, which can often be the best time to spot them.

Grass snake

The grass snake is the UK’s largest and commonest snake. It prefers wetland habitats, and good places to look for them include clean, slow-

a stripe down the back, and very occasionally individuals can be found with blue spots.

They are small, usually measuring between 30 and 40cm. They have blinking eyes and fragile tails that can break as a defence mechanism, like most lizards.

BEDFORDSHIRE’S FASCINATING REPTILES flowing rivers, canals, lakes and ponds. The grass snake is a strong swimmer and its diet consists mainly of fish and amphibians, although it will also eat small mammals and young birds. Occasionally grass snakes are seen on heathland sites too – especially the larger females that can tackle mammals and other reptiles.

The grass snake can be identified by its grey or olive-green body and yellow and black collar.

Another distinguishing feature is its round pupils (adders have vertical slit-shaped pupils). Females typically grow to around one metre, while males reach around 70cm.

Females lay between 10 and 40 eggs, favouring warm, rotting piles of vegetation in which to incubate them. They sometimes choose garden compost heaps in which to lay their eggs. If you’re lucky enough to find a grass snake in your heap, you can cover the heap with an old piece of carpet to provide extra protection from predators.

Slow worm

The slow worm is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a grass snake. Although it resembles a snake it is actually a legless lizard. The slow worm is smooth, shiny, and a metallic golden brown in colour. The females have darker flanks and

Lizards are particularly fond of hunting on warm days after rainfall when slugs and earthworms can be caught. It is regularly found in allotments, gardens and on rough grassland, but is most often encountered on heathland sites and insect-rich unmanaged grasslands, particularly heathland and woodland edge habitats. It lives mainly out of sight under the grass thatch and among thick vegetation where it can hunt invertebrates.

The slow worm is less likely to be seen out in the open, as it gains heat and energy while basking underneath vegetation, leaf litter, timber or rocks.

Common or Viviparous lizard

The common lizard is generally small, measuring about 15cm. It is variable in colour, but most are brownish-grey, often with rows of darker spots or stripes down the back and sides. Males have bright yellow or orange undersides with spots, while females have paler cream bellies with stripes.

It is found in warm, insect-rich habitats, often unmanaged with plenty of diversity and dead wood.

Main habitats include heathland, moorland, scrub, woodland edges and geological scree sites.

Like the adder and slow-worm, the common lizard gives birth to live young. This way the eggs are not at the mercy of erratic spring and summer weather, and the mother can carry them into warm areas or hide underground when surface temperatures are too cold. The young are born around July, when the insect population is usually at its highest.

If you do encounter a reptile while out and about – especially on one of our sites – we’d love to know about it. Your sightings will help inform our conservation work, and build up a picture of populations in our county!

Email info@marstonvale.org 25

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Gardening Tips and Advice from

THE POTTING SHED OF THE GENTLEMAN GARDENER Recently, my grandson Sam, who is 19, has been working with me on my gardens. It’s so good to see the next generation of gardeners showing genuine interest and passion for all things horticultural, asking questions, handling plants and getting the soil between their fingers.

Well, we’ve certainly had some varying weather and temperatures over recent weeks. To keep hanging baskets looking good, deadhead regularly and trim back if they look a bit untidy.

Water regularly with a liquid feed high in potash.

Cut back hardy perennials such as geraniums and delphiniums to encourage a second flurry of flowers. If your deciduous magnolia is getting a bit big, trim it back now to keep it a nice size. Tie in new growth on roses, clematis and other climbers to avoid damage if there’s a summer downpour.

Runner beans and celery are crops which need a lot of moisture; if the hot weather continues, water as often as you can.

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A rustic, reclaimed wooden step ladder with each step filled with scented herbs in terracotta pots looks very cottage garden. Rosemary, basil, thyme and some lime mint work well.

A plaque on my potting shed reminds me everyday: “Hands in the dirt. Head in the sun.

Heart with nature.”

Nurturing your garden doesn’t just feed the body but also the soul.

Please have a lovely time out there in your garden during August and enjoy every minute.

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The Gentleman Gardener NTLEM GE

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If you didn’t prune and feed your blackcurrants last month, do it now to bring on young fruiting growth for 2023. I can see those mouthwatering pies now.

I discovered a beautiful white-flowering, fragrant Jasmine last year, Jasmine Polyanthum, which blooms in winter. Train it up at one end of your greenhouse. At bud stage its flowers are a lovely pink.

HE

Welcome back to my potting shed.

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