The Dever February 2021

The

Dever

February 2021

80p

The Journal of the Upper Dever Valley

Oak in snow at Micheldever Station

Photograph ©Peter O'Keefe

First-Sunday-in-the-Month Walk - Lockdown style Let us hear YOUR suggestions. We cannot walk as a group but YOU enjoy exploring our fine countryside in your own time. Where do you walk?

One of 6 bags of RUBBISH collected on 4th Jan 2021 by local residents, from the roadside of the A33.

The A33 cuts a diagonal line through the parish. Many of us remember when every A road was bordered by a footpath/pavement. Our stretch of the A33 has remnants of a footpath, now largely impassable due to encroaching trees/shrubs.

We must spread out and make use of all available paths to KEEP OUR DISTANCE. If the A33 path was SAFE to walk we would have many more circular walk options. DO YOU AGREE? Let me know.

Evidence of original path alongside the A33

At 10.30am on Sun 7th Feb I will be walking from the star, beside the A33.

Where will YOU be walking? Let’s rove the parish. suebell0906@gmail.com

The

Dever Contents

Upper Dever Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 View from the Vicarage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News from Woodmancote & Popham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Micheldever WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Questor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Micheldever Village Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Follow The Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Culinary tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Winter in Art and Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Favourite Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Dever and The Advertiser magazines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Church Services in February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Micheldever Rights of Way Volunteers – the RoWVers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Stubborn Optimism For The Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Citizens Advice Winchester District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 From Our MP, Steve Brine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 City Councillors’ News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Jackie’s County Corner for February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In the Garden – February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Micheldever & Stratton Pre School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Hall Booking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Forthcoming Events 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 February Diary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Post Alpha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Dever February 2021 3

Upper Dever Contacts

Priest in Charge

Rev'd John Rennie

Ordinand Benefice Cordinator

Dr Robert Rees Clare Fancourt

01962 760827

07590 909811 coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

Church Wardens

St. Mary the Virgin Micheldever Jan Mason 01962 774362 Juliet Pattinson 01962 774399 Holy Trinity Wonston Sarah Hobhouse 01962 760003 St Mary & St Michael Stoke Charity Ruth Guy 01962 760259

All Saints’ East Stratton Chris Hilling Ed Beckwith St James’ Hunton Campbell Dye St James’ Woodmancote Linda Albin Mary Wallis

Websites

01962 795134 01962 774918 01962 760001 01256 397616 01256 397271

St Mary the Virgin www.stmarysmicheldever.co.uk Holy Trinity www.wonstonchurch.co.uk

The Dever

Editor: Peter O’Keefe 07515 339279 1 Canada Cottages, Overton Road, Micheldever Station, SO21 3AN. Email: editor@thedever.org Printing: Richard Vellacott and team Micheldever Maureen Allan Micheldever Station Andy Adams Ann Hawkins

Annual Subscription January to December for 12 issues: £8.00; £14.00 by post.

Articles for March issue to be received by the editor before 15th February please.

Articles printed in The Dever are accepted ‘as is’ and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editorial Team.

Treasurer: Paul Knight 01962 774683

Subscriptions Enquiries & Distribution 07702 879865 01962 774363 01962 723347

East Stratton Olly Bramley Woodmancote Liz Hawkesworth External/Postal Caroline Knight

Dever Advertiser Sales: email:

Editor: 4

01962 774516 01256 397429 07548 955374

Amanda Forsey deveradvertiser@hotmail.com 01962 774115 07500 334393 Roger Forsey The Dever February 2021

View from the Vicarage Moving beyond “giving up chocolate for Lent” Visiting Ethiopia I was always rather ‘when’ you fast. Jesus assumed amazed at the discipline of the that his disciples would fast. surgeons I worked alongside.

But why would we fast in a Fasting was such a part of their sophisticated western culture? culture and that of the Ethiopian There are many reasons to fast orthodox church that everybody and many examples in scripture fasted for a day each week. It was hot where fasting is mentioned. and dry, the days in the operating I have chosen three reasons theatre were long and arduous but for us to consider . all, irrespective of faith, fasted.

Sometimes we have difficult and Fasting in our western culture is possibly life changing decisions to unpopular for a number of reasons– make. A period of fasting to allow us unless of course we need to shed a few time to pray or reflect–rather than to pounds after the festive season. Lent eat–brings us closer to God. Missing is probably the only time when out of a meal a day for a few days may help tradition, Christians give up something, us to see the issues more clearly. eg alcohol or chocolate to identify with We may be approaching a crucial the suffering of Jesus during his passion. time in our nation or as individuals.

Fasting is certainly not unique to the The corona virus pandemic is Christian faith. Muslims, Hindus and such a time. Our emergence from the detoxing New Agers all recommend this time of repeated lockdowns is it. Usually people fast for a specific vital. Will we be able to learn and reason or purpose. It is intentional. apply lessons we have learnt to our So what did Jesus have to say families, communities and church life. about fasting. Jesus himself fasted The prophet Isaiah saw an in the desert at the time of his opportunity to set his people free baptism and before he was to face from the injustices that afflicted them. his temptations in the desert.

For him fasting as a prerequisite for He taught his disciples to fast, but this deliverance was inevitable. persuaded them not to do it in a How many social injustices do we to way that would draw attention to seek to erase even within our own land. themselves. Make sure you continue to Politics alone cannot reverse these look well and healthy, he said, and not injustices but when the people of God to look downcast with ash on your face. are united in prayer and prepared to For Jesus is wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ fast then God can and will intervene. you fast you should do it this way, but

The Dever February 2021 5

News from Woodmancote & Popham We were all very sorry in Woodmancote that the 3rd lockdown meant we were unable to hold our Plough Sunday Service, when we bless the tractor and plough before the spring sowing.

We had hoped to hold the Service outside again, as we did for our two Services in December, which were both very well attended. I think despite the cold on these occasions, everyone so enjoyed being able to sing outside, that they managed to tolerate the Winter weather!

But alas, it couldn’t happen.

I did notice however, how the snowdrops are poking their heads up all over the Church yard, reminding us that life continues,

however tough the going gets.

There is a Woodmancote WhatsApp Group that offers support to anyone in the local community who needs it. If you would like to be added, then please do get in touch with either of the Church Wardens for St. James’.

Spring will still come, you only have to look down at the earth and see all the bulbs coming to life to know it. Spring and with it hope for an end to this most unpleasant of times.

Jane.

Micheldever WI The members of Micheldever WI were very sad to hear of the passing of Heather Attwood just before Christmas. Having lived in Micheldever for most of her life, Heather was well known in the village and was a member of our WI for very many years and a valued member of our committee. Always ready to help at any event we organised, she would turn her hand to most things and would encourage others to do the same. Even when asked to tackle a mountain of washing up, Heather would set to with a smile. Heather was also the organiser of raffles and keeper of our scrapbook.

She will be greatly missed by us all.

6

Despite all of the positives provided by the introduction of the Covid 19 vaccines, it seems that, unfortunately, the virus is staying one jump ahead at the moment and clubs and organisations are no nearer to being able to meet.

Micheldever WI have been keeping in touch with one another through telephone calls and monthly newsletters. Members have recently had the opportunity to vote on amendments to documentation so that meetings held through virtual platforms such as Zoom and Teams become a legal part of the National Constitution. We have also had the opportunity to vote to choose the Resolutions we would like to go forward to another round of voting to choose those which will become our Campaign themes for 2021/2 The Dever February 2021

The options this year ranged from the need to raise awareness of the signs of ovarian cancer to a call to stop the destruction of peat bogs. The result of this initial vote will be known shortly and plans made for the completion of the next round, which is traditionally carried out at the National Annual Meeting. At the moment, this is due to be held at the Royal Albert Hall in June but, of course, this will depend on the situation at the time.

Hampshire Federation’s Annual Meeting is going ahead virtually on the 23 March and we will be welcoming Amanda Owen (The Yorkshire Shepherdess) as our main speaker.

Did you enjoy last month’s quizzes? I am sure you all managed to solve them, but just in case here are the answers: Hidden Towns and Cities of the British Isles.......

1. Blackpool 2. Caterham 3. Beer 4. Bishop Aukland 5. Selby 6. Deal 7. Nuneaton 8. Eton 9. Bakewell 10. Canterbury 11. Margate 12. Oxford 13. Andover 14. Sheffield 15. Broadstairs

And for the Quiz with a twist some answers could be: 1. Who was the first Dr. Who? 2. Which US President was assassinated in 1963?

3. What is the name of the star sign with the fish as a symbol?

4. What was used to teach children how to cross the road?

5. Who killed Cock Robin?

6. What is a slang name for money beginning with ‘D;?

7. What is the name of the Longest River in Italy?

8. What is the full name of the pioneer of frozen food?

9. What is Japan’s National Drink?

10. Name a machine used in weaving 11. What name is given to the stones on Salisbury Plain?

12. What bird is the symbol for the RSPB? 13. Who was the Fastest Milkman in the West?

14. What sticks together?

15. What is the term given to someone who always thinks they are ill?

16. What is the capital of Malaysia?

17. Who wrote the Paddington Bear Books?

18. What vegetable beginning with an ‘A’ is traditionally used in the dish Moussaka?

19. What is John Wayne’s real name?

20. What is the length in metres of an Olympic swimming pool?

How many did you solve??

Until next time – take care Gina

The Dever February 2021 7

The Questor The Wild Gospel..… …..the Adventure begins Until now, most of the action with regard to the new church had taken place in and around Palestine. But the Message of Jesus was beginning to spread out into the wider world. Within ten years of the death of Jesus, people from countries other than Palestine were spreading it even further.

Some men from Cyprus and North Africa decided to go to Antioch in Syria and preach the Message there. These men had originally been Jews and they started off preaching to the Jews in their synagogues. But they soon moved on to preaching to non-Jews. That was quite something because Antioch was the Las Vegas of its day. It was the third largest city after Rome and Alexandria and was a place of pleasure seeking and loose morals – encouraged by the worship of Daphne whose priestesses were sacred prostitutes. So the Message of Jesus was seriously counter cultural. Against all the odds, their preaching was successful and many people became believers. And it was in Antioch that they first became known as Christians, Christ-folk.

The news of their success reached the ears of the church leaders in Jerusalem and they felt the need to check it out. So they sent wise old Barnabas, who had spoken up for Saul when he first came back to Jerusalem. He was blown away by what he found and set about encouraging the people there to keep up the good work. But he felt that there was a need for strong leadership and he figured that the ideal man for the job was Saul. So he went to Tarsus to look for him – remember that was Saul’s home town and the place he’d gone to after he left Jerusalem.

In the local church in Antioch there were men who were gifted in prophecy. After 8

Saul and Barnabas had been in Antioch for some time, the prophets discerned through their prayers and fasting, that God wanted them to release these two men from their local commitments to spread the Message more widely. So they gave them their blessing and let them go. They sailed from the port of Seleucia to Cyprus taking with them a young man named John Mark who was destined later to write the Gospel of Mark.

Barnabas was a native of Cyprus, so that must have been helpful. Interestingly it was here that Saul became known as Paul. In those days most people were known by their Hebrew name or the Greek version of it. For Saul, the Greek version was Paul. It’s not known why he changed, but maybe he felt that since his mission was to the wider community, he might as well use the Greek version of his name.

They went through the whole island as far as

Paphos. There they came up against a sorcerer who was in the pay of the Roman governor, Sergius Paulus. The sorcerer opposed them and tried to turn the governor against them.

So Paul told him that he would go blind for a period because he had stood up against God. The Dever February 2021

It happened just as Paul had said and Sergius Paulus was amazed – and became a believer.

Paul and Barnabas then sailed from Paphos to the Turkish mainland and John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem.

They landed at Perga and from there they took the extremely dangerous road to another city named Antioch, this one in the province of Galatia. This city lies at over 1000 metres altitude and to get to there it was necessary to cross the Taurus mountain range – a hang out for bandits.

The adventure was about to enter a more difficult stage. Although the region of Galatia was part of the Roman Empire, it was on the outer fringe and not as well policed as other areas. The further Paul and Barnabas went, the further they moved from Roman protection. Out here they were constantly under the threat of mob violence. These were two very brave men.

Next month – Tough times

The Micheldever Village Store 2021 is the Chinese Year of the Ox but in Micheldever it is the Year of the Village Store….we, the Micheldever Community Enterprise Society, are striving to ensure it may seem that notions of the store are merely my monthly Dever entry but, believe me, a great deal is going on behind the scenes. Richard Vellacott, Becs Tarry, Wendell Harris, James Alpe, Jon Coles and I are doing our level best to get as near a perfect outcome for an accessible, convenient store of which the village can be proud.

When all the strands come together, we will have to start getting the funds assembled.

This will involve a share issue in your Community Enterprise Society (more later but, in essence, giving you ownership of the Society) as well as approaches to grant making bodies and donors. Meanwhile, as mentioned in January, a little bit of income would be enormously helpful. You can help without paying a penny! We are registered with EasyFundraising. All you have to do whenever you shop online, is enter Micheldever Community Enterprise Society on the EasyFundraising website the first time you use this platform and the supplier you wish

to access (there are some 4,600 including Amazon!).

You will then be linked directly to that supplier’s website. You shop as normal and MCES gets a small percentage of your purchase value as a donation from the supplier–and it costs you nothing! Please go to EasyFundraising.org.uk and start some revenue generation for us. If you are unsure of how to do this, contact Charles on charlesholden1@hotmail.co.uk. I have been doing it for a month now and can justify to Vicki my purchases as they contribute to the shop she so enthusiastically wants!

It would be incomplete not to say something about the pub. Despite the unprecedented challenges that Paula and Andy face, it was really special to see them open for takeaways in mid-January. Takeaways are their only source of income until restrictions are lifted sufficiently for them to run the vibrant Half Moon and Spread Eagle–which we know they can…. with all our continuing support.

The Dever February 2021 9

Follow The Farm My name is Jim Liddiard, and I am the working farm manager for Blackwood Farming Company which is based at Weston Farm, Weston Colley. I live in Northbrook with my long-suffering wife Fiona, 3 lively young children and a menagerie of demanding pets! Blackwood Farming grows arable crops on just over 1600 acres, or 650 hectares in new money. We currently plant a rotation of wheat and barley, with ‘break’ crops of oats, linseed and beans.

No doubt many of you have long enjoyed living in such beautiful countryside, and thanks to the recent pandemic it’s great to see even more people walking the lanes and footpaths. Hopefully as you are out and about on your daily exercise this contribution may help you ‘join the dots’ so to speak as we move through the farming calendar.

January As an arable operation we hope to take a breather in December and January, after a long busy period from July to October (harvesting, cultivating and then sowing winter crops). Farming has been less affected than most businesses by Covid-19 restrictions, as for most of the year it is a fairly solitary occupation, but we still had to change some of our habits. Despite this, and despite eight inches of rain in October (five inches in the first few days) we managed to complete our planned 2020 autumn sowing before the weather really closed in and soils became too wet to work on. This allowed us to enjoy a ‘normal’ December and January, even taking some holiday over Christmas, in marked contrast to the previous year, when due to continuously wet conditions we were still trying to sow autumn crops until March!

10

January’s tasks include: Ή Conservation works take place such as coppicing and trimming of hedges, before spring growth and before birds start nesting again; in future years we plan to fill some hedgerow gaps with new planting, to create more continuous corridors for wildlife. Ή Farm maintenance of buildings, tracks, fences and machinery. Ή There would normally be some training courses or conferences to attend, but these are currently on hold for the obvious reason, partly replaced by Zoom meetings. Ή It’s also a good time to hide in a cosy Farm Office and catch up with some paperwork!

The main focus this month has been on hedge trimming, as you may have noticed.

Two common questions I get asked are: Why are some hedges trimmed and some not? And, Why don’t you cut them earlier?

There is a lot of good advice available (and some rules as well) on hedge management, but the main points are to avoid cutting until birds have flown the nest and do not cut the hedge too often; roadside hedges may be trimmed more frequently for road safety reasons. We try to cut our field hedges in alternate years, or even every third year if possible. This maximises cover and food supply for all the creatures who depend on the hedgerow habitat. If hedges are left for too long they become very difficult to manage, and you risk losing both the purpose of the hedge and all its wonderful biodiversity as it grows too tall.

This year we didn’t start trimming until January as there seemed to be a bounty of berries still available for all manner of little beasties to live off.

We favour trimming hedges to an ‘A’ shape, as this allows light into the base The Dever February 2021

of the hedge, thus promoting growth throughout. In the long run this gives a wider hedge bottom, offering more habitat, more berries and better longevity.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of hedgerows is obviously the bird population and this year we are taking part in the national Big Farmland Bird Count, running from 5-14 February. This is our first time and we are far from experts but the plan is to build both a local and national picture to ensure the survival and protection of many species. It’s also a great excuse to drag yourself and/or your family out to see what you can spot; please find a ‘Spotters guide’ and ‘recording sheet’ on the back cover.

The relevant web address is www.bfbc.org.uk, do please get involved.

A look ahead to next month: February brings the start of fertilising autumn-sown crops (weather and soil conditions permitting), and cultivation ready for sowing spring crops. We grow some cover crops to protect the soil over winter, and these have to be incorporated into the seedbeds. Any wet spell will be filled with yet more maintenance.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first contribution, and I look forward to keeping you up to date with life on the farm as the spring approaches. I don’t plan to offer similar levels of drama to ‘The Archers’ I’m afraid!

Jim Liddiard

Culinary tips To shell a hard boiled egg.

Place the boiled egg in a container of water (glass, jug etc) and shake well.

Take out the egg and the shell should easily peel off – no little pieces of shell left!

We are a mul) award winning sustainable deli and eco-friendly store selling salads, cakes, soups all made in our kitchen in Winchester.

We are now delivering every Thursday to Micheldever and East StraAon areas; order online to receive our deli goodies together with seasonal fruit + veg boxes, local produce and essen)al ingredients.

We are offering 15% off your first order using the code LOCKDOWN. Visit our website www.openhousedeli.co.uk to place your order and for all the informa)on.

The Dever February 2021 11

Winter in Art and Literature To start off this occasional series on the seasons in art and literature, I have chosen one of my favourite paintings and one of my favourite Shakespeare plays.

Hunters in the Snow by Peter Bruegel the Elder is one of the best-known paintings in the history of art. It is remarkable for its sensitive portrayal of winter: there’s certainly a strong sense of cold as the weary hunters plod through the snow on what seems to have been a somewhat unsuccessful trip. Bleakness extends across the plain from the frozen lakes to the jagged mountains and sombre sky, distance accentuated by the bird flying across the sky. The predominant colours are black, white and grey. The eye moves from the hunters towards the lake and mountains.

You can almost feel the chill in the air. But there is warmth as well. The fire on the left was, perhaps, prepared for something more substantial than the skinny-looking hare on the shoulder of one of the hunters. Children, and adults as well, are enjoying skating on the frozen lake. Two children are playing with a sledge in the bottom right. There is happiness and fun amidst the gloom. “Never has the poetry of a Northern landscape been expressed with such intensity”, said an early art critic. I think most people would agree.

Hunters in the Snow was painted in about 1565. About fifty years later, Shakespeare wrote The Winter’s Tale, categorised as one of Shakespeare’s late plays. It is less well-known than many and does not neatly fit into the category of comedy, tragedy or history. It tells the story of Leontes, the King of Sicily, who becomes suspicious of his virtuous wife’s infidelity with Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. Suspicion turns to obsessive jealousy which leads to Leontes 12

ordering the execution of Hermione, his wife, and newly-born baby girl (believed to have been fathered by Polixenes). Miraculously, Hermione manages to escape. The baby is separated from her mother and brought up by a family of shepherds who name her Perdita, the lost child. Sixteen years later, Perdita falls in love with a dashing young prince who also happens to be the son of Polixenes.

In the meantime, Leontes has realised his appalling mistake and is full of remorse for wrongly condemning his virtuous wife and daughter. He is desperate for forgiveness and redemption. In one of the most remarkable scenes in Shakespeare, a statue of Hermione, who has been taking refuge in a convent, is brought back to life in front of Leontes’ eyes. He realises that Hermione is still alive. Also Perdita is still alive and her true identity as a princess is discovered.

So what does all this have to do with winter? The story has elements of fantasy, not unlike a fairy story or ballet. Interestingly, it has been choreographed for ballet. In this sense, it is a winter’s tale, a story to be told on a long winter’s evening to while away the time. But it also contains themes of cold winter giving way to the new growth and optimism of spring, despair giving way to hope. Above all, it is about the healing quality of time passing. Perhaps this is a relevant message today to so many people who have suffered recently. Things will get better!

Tim Pattinson

The Dever February 2021

Hunters in the Snow by Peter Bruegel the Elder

Perdita dressed as a shepherdess (Perdita by Anthony Frederick Augustus Sandys) The Dever February 2021 13

Favourite Recipes Sussex Smokie

This is one of my favourite recipes, particularly when the weather is cold. It’s perfect for entertaining because you can prepare it in advance. It is easy and tastes really luxurious. It is a traditional Sussex recipe thought to date back to the 1800s. You can serve it as a starter in ramekins with a watercress garnish, or, as a supper dish with mashed potato or crusty bread. Yummy!

Ingredients for about 6 ramekins (as a starter) 1 ½ lb/750g of smoked haddock 1 small onion, thinly sliced 2 bay leaves 3oz/90g butter 2oz/60g plain white flour 6oz/180g strong Cheddar cheese 1 ½ glasses dry white wine 4oz/120g grated Parmesan Freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Poach haddock in just enough water to cover, with the bay leaves and onion for about 5 minutes. Set aside to infuse 2. Gently melt butter in saucepan, add flour and blend to make a smooth roux

Lamb Seekh Kebab for 4

Ingredients: 500g lamb mince 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp garam masala 2 medium cloves of garlic 1 tsp ginger powder 1 tsp salt 3 tsp fenugreek leaves (optional)

14

3. Strain fish, keep liquid. Remove onion and bay leaves.

4. Slowly add 3 pints of the reserved stock to the roux, stirring all the time.

When completely blended simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

5. Add the cheddar cheese, wine and a generous amount of black pepper. Cook until you have a smooth cheese sauce.

6. Flake the haddock and share between the ramekins.

7. Cover with the sauce, sprinkle with grated Parmesan 8. Flash under the grill if serving immediately or bake for about 10 minutes in a hot oven if reheating from cold.

Juliet Pattinson

2 tsp malt vinegar 1 tsp sunflower oil Preparation: Place all ingredients in bowl and knead. Then cover bowl and keep in fridge for one hour.

Form into 8 patties.

Fry in pan.

Serve with Coleslaw, jacket potato etc.

Tricia Patston The Dever February 2021

Church Services in February 7th

10.00 am

will be on Zoom

John Rennie speaking

14th

6.00 pm

will be on Zoom

James Gray speaking

21st & 28th will be on YouTube and accessed anytime after 9 am on Sunday morning For links to all the services above please email the Upper Dever Parish Coordinator. coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

The Dever and The Advertiser magazines The Dever magazine together with The Advertiser are looked after entirely by volunteers. Peter O’Keefe is the editor of The Dever and Roger Forsey is for The Advertiser.

Both devote a considerable amount of their time to this editorial role. In addition, Amanda Forsey is marketing The Advertiser to potential Advertisers on a regular basis and, of course, many of us subsequently use the services advertised. Caroline Knight has also taken on what can best be described as an invaluable sub editing role which includes the sourcing of articles. Paul and Caroline Knight continue to look after the finances.

The printing and collating of the magazines is done on a fully automated Ricoh printer but some human involvement inevitably is necessary. Tricia Patston, Peter Bell and Richard Vellacott provide the printing team.

Prior to printing the magazines are proof read.

Following printing the magazines are bundled into area bundles by Maureen Allan and then delivered by her to the very local distributors to deliver the magazines to subscribers doors. On the biannual months

when the Parish Newsletter is distributed, also printed by The Dever team, the Parish Councillors help with the local distribution.

Subscribers, in the main, are in Micheldever, Micheldever Station, East Stratton, West Stratton and Woodmancote and supplied by over 15 local deliverers. Some former villagers like to keep in touch and Caroline Knight looks after the postal distribution.

The Dever operation is a great community effort and it is appropriate to thank all those involved as we enter a new year. Hopefully the content of both magazines will begin to grow again as we emerge from the pandemic and we revert to a more normal life. But readers can help to make The Dever interesting and relevant by contributing articles, stories, humour, advice etc which might be enjoyed by others. Under normal circumstances it is a great way to find out what is going on locally.

The Dever and The Advertiser, are produced by the community for the community.

Thank you to all those involved in making these two magazines so widely available.

RV

The Dever February 2021 15

Micheldever Rights of Way Volunteers keeping the footpaths and bridleways of Micheldever Parish accessible.

Images supplied by Lynsey Sweeney

16

The Dever February 2021

Micheldever Rights of Way Volunteers – the RoWVers Update 2020/21

Belated Happy New Year from the Micheldever Rights of Way Volunteers. We’re an informal group of volunteers from the parish who seek to keep all our rights of way easy to spot, safe to access and clear for use. We’ve been working across all corners of the Parish since 2017, and we welcome volunteers to join our group from any part of it if they have an interest in local rights of way and may be able to help with some practical tasks from time to time.

In these restricted times, our footpaths are more important than ever as a local amenity and we have been keen to help out wherever possible. Whilst some larger group work and our summer annual BBQ gathering were cut from the diary in 2020, plenty of smaller groups got together and completed works.

We’ve cleared trees and other obstructions from paths, erected footpath fingerposts and worked with the County Countryside access ranger to plan new steps and safer pathways across some of our rights of way.

will be located in Micheldever village, East Stratton, Micheldever Station, Weston Colley and the Alresford Drove – the locations were discussed at various rights of way volunteer meetings over the past three years, and approved by the County Council– we hope that they will prove a welcome addition to our local areas, for all. More on this as they appear, in Spring editions of the Dever, and do look out for them!

Contacts: To report anything about a Right of Way, or to join the Rights of way volunteer group please contact: James Alpe: james.alpe@gmail.com Lynsey Sweeney: lynseysweeney17@gmail.com

James Alpe and Lynsey Sweeney

Map Boards 2021 A sub-group of the Rights of Way volunteers have also been working through 2020/21 on the drafting, development and design of five Map Boards, due to go up by Spring of this year, subject to Covid restrictions permitting group volunteer work. These Boards combine local OS Mapping with descriptive information about the immediate local area, and we hope that each Board will encourage and inspire local people and visitors alike to explore our beautiful landscape with confidence, knowledge, and respect for rights of way. The Boards The Dever February 2021 17

Stubborn Optimism For The Climate "This decade is a moment of choice unlike any we have ever lived," says Christiana Figueres, the architect of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

As we begin this new year, amidst difficult and uncertain circumstances, I am inspired by this amazing leader – Christiana Figueres – who, in a recent TED talk, describes stubborn optimism as choosing to approach challenges with hope and action.

For each other and the health of our planet we can choose to do our bit, choose to assume that our bit matters, choose to trust that others will do their bit–like adding our piece to the jigsaw puzzle of life. This is true in face of a pandemic. This is true when it comes to cutting greenhouse gases.

Each February, the Climate Coalition invite people to get involved in the Show The Love Campaign. Thousands of people across the country use green hearts to celebrate all we love and want to protect from the worst effects of the climate crisis and ask their MPs to tackle climate change. Find out more at https://www. theclimatecoalition.org/show-the-love At Winchester Action on Climate Change, working with communities who want to take action to reduce carbon emissions is one of our priorities this year. Working together is a choice. The question of tackling the climate emergency is being asked in all areas locally, nationally and globally – the City Council; the County Council; parishes; churches; businesses; farms; energy suppliers; the Government announcing a 10-point plan for a green revolution and the 6th Carbon Budget from the Committee on Climate Change (you can read WinACC’s response to these on 18

the website https://www. winacc. org.uk/ follow-themoney-tocheck-uk-action-on-the-climate-crisis/); and later in 2021 the UK will host the United Nations climate summit – a chance to lead the world towards a sustainable future.

As you step into the year ahead, making choices about your impact on those around you and on the planet, do please link up with WinACC if we can help with climate action you are involved in. You are welcome to our zoom open meetings at 10.30am on the last Saturday of every month – see our website winacc.org.uk, or email contactus@winacc.org.uk And if you have 8 minutes, I highly recommend Christiana Figueres’ TED talk (link below) in the hope you too will be inspired: ‘Optimism means envisioning our desired future and actively pulling it forward’! https://www.ted.com/talks/christiana_ figueres_the_case_for_stubborn_optimism_ on_climate?utm_source=tedcomshare&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=tedspread Jo Crocker, Coordinator, Winchester Action on Climate Change

The Dever February 2021

Citizens Advice Winchester District Q. I’ve fallen behind on my bills and the debts are building up, especially after Christmas. I don’t know where to start?

You’ve already taken a great first step by asking for help, and it’s important to know you don’t need to face this alone. Your local Citizens Advice can help you make a plan to manage your debt but in the meantime here are four steps you can take to get started: Work out how much you owe. Make a list of whom you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month. If you don’t have your most recent statements, contact your creditor to find out what you owe. Some creditors will have special arrangements for people with Covid-related arrears.

Prioritise your debts. Your rent or mortgage, energy and council tax are called priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. Separate these and work out how much you owe. Again, you can ask the companies or council what support might be available during the pandemic.

Work out how much you can pay. Create a

budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and housing, and taking these away from your income. Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool that can help (www.citizensadvice. org.uk). Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts, starting with the priority debts first. If you have any money left after paying priority debts, but not enough to make your usual payments on other debts, consider getting advice on the best way for you to start getting on top of them.

If you can’t pay your debts. If you’ve got little or no money spare to pay your priority debts or if you’re struggling to pay for basics like food, seek advice from Citizens Advice straight away.

We know it can feel very daunting to deal with debt, but having a plan really helps and our team will be here to help you each step of the way.

Contact Citizens Advice Winchester District on 0808 278 7861 or email them at advice@cawinchesterdistrict.org.uk

Lesley Rose, Advice Services Manager for Citizens Advice Winchester District, shares her advice on how to manage debt.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is an independent charity offering free, independent, high quality advice to everyone in our community.

Anyone requiring advice or support can call into our offices in Winchester or Bishops Waltham, get help online at www.citizensadvice. org.uk/winchester-district or call the Adviceline on 03444 111306.

The Dever February 2021 19

From Our MP, Steve Brine

As you read this February edition of The Dever, we remain in lockdown and 2021 is starting to look at lot like 2020.

The difference, and the reason I could support lockdown #3 in the House, is we finally have the ultimate escape from the deadly cycle of lockdown and release in the form of a COVID vaccine.

I have spoken regularly in Parliament on the subject and am liaising with Ministers to help our area play its part and support the national effort. Furthermore, I have been doing my bit locally to help in a more practical way so when it’s your turn to jab for victory keep your eyes peeled for a friendly and familiar face.

While this is good news it remains my strong belief that these odious restrictions on our lives must not be in place a day longer than required. Alongside the published vaccine delivery plan – and daily figures on how we’re getting covid done – we must give the public hope.

Around 88% of those likely to get seriously unwell (and sadly die) reside within the top four priority vaccine groups. Given the only metric that really counts, and the reason why public support for lockdown is so high is the desire to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed. Logic would dictate that once that threat has gone away we can start to lift restrictions.

We need clear heads if we want to do that. Covid-19 is not a conspiracy and it is not a hoax. We were right to take it seriously last Spring, and since, but we are equally right to demand a plan that dismantles the most draconian of laws in lock-step with the vaccination programme.

20

Steve Brine in House of Commons

The plan commits Government to vaccinate the top four groups by 15th February so this really is a game-changer.

My old colleague, Chris Whitty, grimly reminds us that we expect between 7,000 to 10,000 deaths from flu in an average year and the most cautious reading would suggest the vaccination programme should take Covid deaths well below this level.

So when we have vaccinated the highest risk groups, what will we do? And when we’ve completed phase one by vaccinating all those with above-average risk in late March, what will we do then?

These are important questions and ones I and my colleagues will be asking. It won’t happen unless we do, of that I am very certain.

We do not lock society down for common colds, seasonal flu and we cannot (no matter how awful it can be) for the little understood condition that is long covid. The many other economic, health and societal impacts of this pandemic are already serious enough so we need a roadmap out of this the public can believe in or this year is going to make the last look tame by comparison.

Much more, and daily updates, via www.fb.com/SteveBrineMP Steve Brine MP for Winchester & Dever Valley The Dever February 2021

City Councillors’ News The Government are not to change the calculation for how many new homes we must allow for across Winchester to meet the national housing shortage.

Across the whole District, our new Local Plan must allocate land for around 14,000 new homes by 2038 – up from 12,500 by 2031 in our current plan. The same options outlined in July 2020 are to be consulted upon soon, some of which will have a significant impact on our Ward: Option 1: Increase development in line with the current Local Plan Option 2: Focus development on Winchester Option 3: Allocate land for a new settlement Option 4: Build new homes in proportion to the size of existing settlements.

We are pressing for the greater involvement of the Parish Councils in agreeing any allocation outside existing settlement boundaries to ensure that we avoid inappropriate development, which is still possible under these options. Please respond to the consultation when it starts - details will be on the WCC website.

Stephen

Cllr Stephen Godfrey 119 Downs Road South Wonston SO21 3EH Tel: 01962 884477 sgodfrey@winchester.gov.uk

Caroline

The Hampshire Hospitals consultation on the location and services to be offered by their proposed new hospital has been delayed until the summer. This should allow more time for development of the plans and permit more people to be involved in the consultations when they eventually happen.

Hampshire County Council have started work to reduce flooding under the A303 on Overton Road. A pump is going to be required, which may take some time to install.

Meanwhile the County Council have recently acquired new machinery for clearing surface water drains. If you know of any blocked gullies on roads in this area, either report them to one of us or to the County Council.

Following consultation with local residents, the Housing team at the City Council have amended plans for new homes in Southbrook Cottages, Micheldever. Although these would be welcome, we have told the officers that we will not support the plans until additional resident parking is included.

Parish Councils are still all meeting online using video conferencing applications. Please look at their websites for details. All City Councillors are available for you to contact at any time.

Cllr Caroline Horrill Wheatlands Woodman Lane Sparsholt SO21 3SH Tel: 01962 776844 chorrill@winchester.gov.uk

Patrick

Cllr Patrick Cunningham The Corner House North Drive Littleton SO22 6QA Tel: 07866 367897 pcunningham@winchester.gov.uk

The Dever February 2021 21

Jackie’s County Corner for February

I hope that you and your loved ones are managing to cope in this third lockdown.

Thank you to the local groups in the Itchen Valley division who have continued to offer support to our communities into this new lockdown. Your work is invaluable and makes us all feel safer.

But some problems are more complicated and it’s worth keeping a note of the HCC Coronavirus Support helpline too. If Covid-19 has a serious impact on you or any aspect of your life, including anyone who is self-isolating, education, threat of eviction, unpaid bills etc, please call the helpline for advice and support.

The Helpline (open 9am to 5pm) can be contacted on 0333 370 4000.

(Calls charged at local rate.)

You can also call Citizens Advice for support on 01962 848000, from 10-1pm, or 0808 278 7861 Looking for a new challenge? Why not try out the online learning from Hampshire’s libraries? This term the Learning in Libraries programme has commenced with a wide variety of course, including a Film review course, dance classes for toddlers, helping your child with school work and Zumba Gold!

Although libraries are closed for browsing, the IT facilities (and printing) can be booked for use.

Usually, I use my February column to advertise our opening for the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Sunday, but husband Mark and I are really conscious that this year, the message is clearly ‘stay home’, so unfortunately we aren’t opening in 2021 now. See the ngs. org.uk website for details of commercial sites which may be open this Spring.

22

But you can still get outside: Hampshire’s Country Parks remain open but the public is clearly encouraged to stay near to home for exercise. Public footpaths are getting muddier with increased use: volunteer teams are not allowed to carry out works in Covid-19 lockdown, but please continue to report problems: the County team can do emergency works, eg: holes appearing, and fallen trees blocking paths etc.

Recycling centres are still open by booking online or calling 02380 179 949 (9-5.30pm).

Unfortunately, the service is still only open for car drivers: the hoped for pilot for non‑car drivers this Spring is postponed.

As I write, the first few days on the A31 were quiet, but so far, Brexit paperwork ‘compliance’ is good. Once the hauliers become familiar with the changes, it is hoped to stand down the system and we can all use the A31 as a dual carriageway again.

There is a 24/7 monitored email address for queries. Please contact me or HCC direct on a31.operationtransmission@hants.gov.uk or telephone 0300 555 1388 School matters: Despite Press announcements of ‘schools closed’, our schools are definitely open. At present, classes are part managed both in the classroom and online as key worker and vulnerable children are at school. If your child is year 3 and above, schools (through HCC) can help with IT including pre-paid 4G internet if necessary, at the Headteacher’s discretion.

The Dever February 2021

Online and phone scams seem more plentiful than ever. It is very easy to be taken in by a credible phone call or email. Please report scams by phoning the Action Fraud line 0300 123 2040 (8am-8pm) or on their website www.actionfraud.police.uk. They offer an enhanced service for vulnerable victims.

There is a telephone scam asking for bank details to validate ID for a vaccination appointment. It is a SCAM! Please NEVER give out your bank details on the phone.

Cllr. Jackie Porter, www.jackieporter.co.uk 07973 696 085, Jackie.porter@hants.gov.uk, twitter @JackieLibDem,

In the Garden – February How lovely it was shortly after Christmas to see the first signs of snowdrop and daffodil poking up through the grass with the braver primroses in flower. In these dark days of lockdown the slightest sign of new life is encouraging.

We seem to have our own resident fieldfare, who has taken up station in the old crabapple tree opposite our kitchen window. He sees off all the other fieldfares and blackbirds who are brave enough to venture onto his patch and sits up in the branches when not filling himself up with fallen apples, he must be pretty fat! It certainly entertains us at breakfast time when sitting eating our porridge.

Most of us are fortunate to have a garden in which to put out food and water for birds, nest boxes too and it gives us an interest when stuck at home in lockdown to watch visitors to the bird table. Some birds use nest boxes for shelter in cold weather, as well as claiming it for the nesting season. Blue and great tits are already pairing up for the breeding season so put out any nest boxes you took down in the autumn. Those of you who are handy with a saw and hammer might try making some out of old bits of wood you might have.

I have sent off for several packets of seeds as we have several family birthdays in March

so I thought it a good idea to send packets of seeds to children and grandchildren to sow. I personally will be sowing flower and vegetable seeds in the greenhouse and hope to have something to bring to our annual plant sale at the end of May, restrictions permitting.

Garden tasks: Ή Cut back last year’s overwintering pelargoniums and re-pot them using soil-based compost. Ή Pinch out sweet pea seedlings that were sown in autumn under glass. Ή Start feeding roses with rose food and apply a mulch. Ή Cool season grasses such as stipa, festuca etc will start producing new growth early in the year. To maintain their looks and lengthen their lives, give them a thorough grooming and trim, by combing through the clumps, teasing out the previous season’s beige remains and divide or repot if necessary. Ή Warm season grasses such as panicum, pennisetum and phalaris should not be cut or divided until late spring before they start new growth from their base. Ή Hoe out new weeds that emerge in vegetable and flower beds and pull up any self sown ivy plants before they start spreading.

CK

The Dever February 2021 23

Micheldever & Stratton Pre School Pre School Open as Normal In light of the recent lockdown in the country and that some of our community are missing attending school for the next 6 weeks, you would think that the pre-school children would feel quite nervous about returning, especially with some of them having older siblings at home. However it has been great to see how well they have settled in especially after the Christmas break.

We have had so much fun on our first few days back too, we have been making some dairy free trifles, explored the toys we have not had out for a while and also taken part in a Wake ‘n’ Shake session (all in a week!).

Over the next few weeks, we are looking forward to making some lovely homemade treats and developing our skills such as learning our phonic sounds, name writing and strengthening our number recognition. We will also be exploring our community further and considering all the wonderful things nature has to offer us.

Last term was wonderful as we celebrated our social distancing Nativity at All Saints Church. We made some wonderful

Hall Booking

East Stratton Village Hall Northbrook Hall The Warren Centre 24

hampers which raised us £70 and most importantly we have raised £600 from the sale of our Christmas puddings. A massive thank you to the Northbrook Arms for their generous donation and to Charlotte Lawrence and her team for their amazing help and excellent baking skills.

If you are looking for a pre-school setting that offers a small community, family type feel with highly experienced and qualified staff who can offer a high level of care and early years education then please contact our pre-school leader Mrs. Nicola Rae at leader.micheldeverpreschool@gmail.com Marcus Mann

01962 774517, 07731 952705, info@thewarrencentre.co.uk The Dever February 2021

Forthcoming Events 2021 March 3rd 7.30 pm 7th 10.30 am April 4th 10.30 am 6-9th 7th 7.30 pm 29&30th 7.30 pm May 1st-2nd 7.30 pm 2nd 10.30 am 5th 7.30 pm 9th 11.30 am 15th 7.30 pm 27th June 2nd 7.30 pm 6th 10.30 am 26th 1.00 pm July 4th 10.30 am 5 7th 7.30 1pm

MVG the Peter Pan Pantomime - tbc First Sunday in the Month Walk - The Warren Centre - tbc Micheldever Parish Council - tbc Celebrating Micheldever Station 2020+1 - The Warren Centre - tbc Safari Supper - tbc.

Plant Sale & coffee morning - tbc.

Micheldever Parish Council - tbc First Sunday in the Month Walk - The Warren Centre - tbc Micheldever Church Fete - Lord Rank Playing Field.

First Sunday in the Month Walk - The Warren Centre - tbc 8 6 Micheldever Parish Council–tbc

1 9

4 8

4

Sudoku 2 4 (Medium)

9

3

6

5

8

3

6 5

2

1

7 4

Daily Sudoku: Fri 11-Dec-2020

9 5 4 6 2 3 8

8 6 3 4 5 2 7

5 7 2 9 8 4 1

Daily Sudoku: Fri 11-Dec-2020

4 8 1 5 9 6 3

1 2 7 3 6 5 9

7 4 6 1 3 8 2

3 9 5 8 7 1 4

medium

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

5 4 7 1 3 2 8 9 6 3 8 1 9 6 7 4 5 2 6 3 9 2 1 7 5

3

6

7

medium

January Solution

2 1 8 7 4 9 6

2

3 6

4 3 9 7 8 2 9 1

6 7 8 9 2 3 2 8 1 2 4 7 1

Daily Sudoku: Fri 15-Jan-2021

5

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2021. All rights reserved.

3

First Sunday in the Month Walk - The Warren Centre - tbc MVG & Debbie Rush, Mary Poppins Play in a Week - tbc Micheldever Parish Council - tbc MVG the Peter Pan Pantomime - tbc

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2020. All rights reserved.

2

Micheldever Parish Council - virtual meeting First Sunday in the Month Walk - The Warren Centre - tbc

medium

The Dever February 2021 25

e F rb uaryiD ary

d n2 .8 pm 0 r3 d 7.3pm 0 h t7 .0 1 am 30 d n2

o P stAlphastartssee - o n it cebelow.

Micheldevera P risho C uncilsee - o n it cebelow iF rstu S d n ayinh t eMoh tn a W lkh T - ea W rrene C rtn ebtcFairtrade Fortnight starts see - websitewww.fairtrade.org.uko f rdetails

Please Remember to Check That Events Are Taking Place Before Venturing Out Mobile Post Office Wednesday morning 9.30–10.30 Lord Rank Car Park (please note: times may vary slightly)

Post Alpha

2nd February - The 'Post Alpha’ course will begin on zoom at 8pm each Tuesday evening.

If you didn’t attend the Alpha course but would like to attend this follow up course, please contact us for the zoom link.

Clare Fancourt Parish Coordinator - Upper Dever Churches coordinator.upperdever@hotmail.com

www.micheldeverparish.org.uk Parish Council Matters–Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters, Parish Assembly and more.

The next Micheldever Parish Council meeting will be Wednesday 3rd February Meeting Link–https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89662669263 Dial-In–0203 481 5237 Meeting ID: 896 6266 9263

COVID19 Information The latest information for Micheldever Parish, including live links to local services.

Visit www.micheldeverparish.org.uk and select COVID19 Information button on home page.

26

The Dever February 2021

| RECORD SHEET

GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count Record Sheet Record your bird sightings during your 30 minute count.

Following your sightings, please upload them at bfbc.org.uk Weather on record date:

Name:



Which of the following features are near to or in your survey areas? (please tick all that apply)

�



(please tick all that apply)

Clear and sunny Frost � Sleet/snow � Rain � Overcast � Snow cover � Other (please specify)

Count time: e.g. 10.30am

County:

Hedgerows Woodland � Ponds � Grass margins � River/stream � Ditch � Scrub � Field trees � Other (please specify) �

Bird sightings Count Bird

Count Bird

Barn owl Blackbird Blue tit Bullfinch Buzzard Canada goose Carrion crow Chaffinch Coal tit Collared dove Common gull Coot Corn bunting Dunnock Egret (Little) Fieldfare Goldfinch Great spotted woodpecker Great tit Green woodpecker Greenfinch Grey partridge Sponsored by

Our partners

Grey wagtail Heron Herring gull House sparrow Jackdaw Jay Kestrel Lapwing Linnet Long tail tit Magpie Mallard Meadow pipit Mistle thrush Moorhen Mute swan Nuthatch Pheasant Pied wagtail Raven Red kite Red-legged partridge

Count Bird

Redwing Reed bunting Robin Rook Skylark Snipe Song thrush Sparrowhawk Starling Stock dove Teal Tree sparrow Woodpigeon Wren Yellowhammer Other (please specify)

| Join the Big Farmland Bird Count, 5-14 February 2021

A spotter’s guide Record your bird sightings during your 30 minute count.

Get your species ID, bird information sheets and upload your sightings at bfbc.org.uk

Blackbird

Bullfinch

Buzzard

Carrion Crow

Chaffinch

Coal tit

Collared dove

Curlew

Dunnock

Fieldfare

Goldfinch

Greater spotted wood pecker

Grey wagtail

House sparrow

Jay

Lapwing

Long-tailed tit

Mistle thrush

Nuthatch

Pied wagtail

Raven

Red kite

Redwing

Skylark

Snipe

Song thrush

Starling

Join the count

Tree sparrow

Woodcock Sponsored by

Wren

Our partners

5-14 February 2021

The Big Farmland Bird Count is an important initiative that records the effects of conservation schemes.We need your help to ensure the survival and protection of many farmland bird species.Simply spend 30 minutes recording the birds seen on your farm.

bfbc.org.uk © Photos by Peter Thompson, RSPB, Steve Round