Trial starts with scything section of grass

Maddy Milnes of Sustainable Wells reports on recent Tor Hill Lane project activity

SUSTAINABLE Wells is pleased to provide an update on this lovely project in Wells and to acknowledge and warmly thanks those who have supported and helped us so far.

In July we started cutting the grass and as it’s a trial we are using different methods to see what works best for Nature. With the help of the superb Strawberry Line Association volunteers – Richard Jones, Richard Page, Andy Laight, Geoff O’Sullivan and Angie Benoy – we have started by scything a small section of the grass and left it to dry for week. With the help of three ‘hands on’ councillors: Tanys Pullin (Mayor), Denise Denis and Sarah Powell, and super local people: Tanya Smith, Eric Lewis and Nigel Milnes, the grass was collected up into three big piles. Our marvellous Outdoor Spaces team from Wells City Council came along and picked up the grass piles for composting. Cakes supplied by the Tor Hill volunteers: Kath Marsh and Naomi Deutsch. A wonderful exercise in cooperation and the shared joy of looking after Nature.

Further cuts will be carried out over the coming weeks either by scything or by ID Verde, and other raking days will be organised to collect up more grass. In the end there will be areas that have been scythed and cleared of grass; areas cut by ID Verde and cleared of grass; and finally areas cut by ID Verde but left as in previous years, so we can assess the impact of the different methods. We are clearing dead grass from the fence as some residents prefer an overall tidy look. We are pleased to report that we have found no dog mess in the long grass.

Earlier in the month, a wildlife survey was carried out by Somerset Council’s very knowledgeable Biodiversity Officer Barbra Lakin, which revealed a wonderful selection of plants along the lane as well as interesting insects, birds, and butterflies.

Barbra said: “Not cutting the grass along Tor Hill Lane this year has allowed the wide range of plants and insects living here to show themselves. Knowing what already lives here is the first step towards supporting nature recovery. Along the path, we found wildflowers such as Meadowsweet, Meadow Cranesbill, Greater Willow herb, Knapweed, Purple Loosestrife, Comfrey, Yellow Flag Iris, Hogweed, and Cow parsley. An array of native birds was also present including the spotted woodpecker, goldfinch, and nesting blue tits. Insects such as butterflies are also thriving with sightings of Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, and Peacock butterflies as well as Darter dragonflies, and a very good colony of Banded agrion damselflies, a great indicator that the adjacent stream’s water is good quality.”

Another exciting find happened on a routine litter pick this spring, when we found a black oil beetle. A wonderful find and one that the Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has identified as a target species. Most of the existing wild plants have now peaked and seeded. We plan to encourage an even greater variety of wildflowers and will sow native seeds in some test areas along the lane. It will be exciting to see what pops up next year.

If you would like help out with one of our ‘Rake for Cake’ days or to find out more please email me – maddy@milnes. myzen.co.uk