King's Lynn Horticultural Society klhs.co.uk
KLHS News
July 2015 Volume 2, Issue 2
The squirrel with its drey behind Nolan’s house and her colleagues map the village. She divided the village up into six separate areas; each area was allocated half a day By NOLAN MILLS to map using public roads I have been involved with and footpaths. This work was carried out in July “South Wootton in when everything looked Bloom” for the past 12 years. As well as keeping good. the village looking good The mapping was quite we want to make sure it is enlightening, pointing wildlife friendly. I was out areas of the parish I delighted when Norfolk never knew existed. We Wildlife Trust chose were taken past the South Wootton to do a King’s Lynn docks to the survey. Gemma Walker far western edge of the spoke at the Parish Coun(Continued on page 2) cil Assembly and asked for volunteers to help her
WILDLIFE IN SOUTH WOOTTON
klhs.co.uk
Biting stonecrop, or sedum acre, which appeared on the verge opposite our house in June.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Wildlife in South Wootton 2 Wildlife in South Wootton 3 126th Annual Show
3
Membership Fees
3
Bus Trip
4
Gardening Talks 4
Butterfly Count
4
(Continued from page 1)
parish where there is an area of saltmarsh and creek adjoining the Lynn channel. This area is called Point Green Nature Reserve; it is managed by Natural England and there is an information board on a boardwalk. You can walk over the marsh and see
plan to the Parish Council suggesting ways of improving wildlife in the parish. One project is to improve the pond on Wootton Park. This exercise has made me very aware of what wonderful wildlife there is where we live. I have started to record all the birds and animals I see in or around my garden each day.
In South Wootton 17 different habitats were mapped, the largest (58%) being arable land. Gardens were also a feature with 99 hectares. the lovely sea lavender. There is also a small beach together with an information board explaining what happens on the mudflats. In South Wootton 17 different habitats were mapped, the largest (58%) being arable land. Gardens were also a feature with 99 hectares. Norfolk Wildlife Trust has now presented a
In a tall birch tree in the field behind us is a squirrels drey; they only come out occasionally on sunny days; we regularly hear or see muntjac deer. Woodpigeons are our main birds together with magpies, blackbirds and robins. What is quite interesting is that not too far up the road you can (Continued on page 3)
(Continued from page 2)
see and definitely hear many sparrows and starlings, but they don’t come near our garden – probably the pigeons in their perches high in the trees are a deterrent. When the deThe pond at Wootton Park cline of some bird species is mentioned loss of habitat is usually blamed – I think it is more the increase of the larger birds i.e. pigeons and magpies. Pictures by Stella Mills
ANNUAL SHOW COMING UP SOON The Society’s 126th annual show will take place on Saturday, August 15th, at South Wootton Village Hall. Entries should be submitted by August 14th to Rachel Vyse, at 64 Woodland Gardens, North Wootton, PE30 3PX, or on King’s Lynn. 631820. Exhibits should be taken to the hall for setting out between 8am and 10am on the day. The Judges will then do their rounds from 10am. The show, which will include classes for all ages in cookery, arts and crafts, and produce, will be open to the public from midday. Prizes will be given out at around 4pm by Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds.
MEMBERSHIP FEES DUE A reminder that fees are now overdue and should be sent to the Treasurer, Steve Barker. Contact him on 07771902182 for further details. Membership is just £5 a year for adults. Under 16s are free.
GARDEN VISIT
GARDENING TALKS
Plans have now been finalised for a bus trip to the RHS gardens at Harlow Carr, in Yorkshire, this September.
Daffodils and orchids were discussed at two events held at Amberley Hall, in King’s Lynn.
The visit to the site, near Harrogate, takes place on Saturday, September 19th, and coincides with a real ale and cider festival.
Mr Johnny Walkers, of Walkers Bulbs, which is part of the award-winning Taylors’ Bulbs, of Holbeach, Lincolnshire, told the audience that over 10,000 acres of daffodils are grown in the UK every year. About 5,000 tons are exported.
The cost of the outing for members of the Society is £15 and for He said there are over 20,000 varieties non-members, £20, which includes entrance to the gardens and of the flower in the 12 different classes listed by the RHS. the festival. If you would like to go, please contact Steve Barker on 07771902182 and pay by August 31st.
COUNT BUTTERFLIES
Mr Walkers explained about some of the methods of propagation and discussed some of the diseases affecting daffodils and other bulbs such as tulips.
The annual nationwide Big Butterfly Count is now under way.
Members of the KLHS were on a panel for a gardeners question time which concluded the afternoon.
Organised by Butterfly Conservation, the event asks people to count the butterflies they see in one spot during 15 minutes.
Orchid expert, Mr David Morgan, discussed the care of some showy Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, at the second talk.
This popular “citizen science” pro- He warned the sizeable audience to wet Perlite before using it in the plant’s potject runs until August 9th. ting mix as its dust was harmful. Full details can be found at Mr Morgan said Phalaenopsis should, www.butterfly-conservation.org. with care, be long lived plants. They are indoor types needing specific temperatures. He warned his audience never to take plants from the wild or bring any plant or seed into the country without the relevant health certificates.