News Summer 2024
Wondering what to do locally with all those awkward things that can't be put in your recycle bin?
Keen to find unwanted items a second home?
We have come up with some ideas and created a crib sheet on our new KEEP IT OUT! webpage - the idea is to keep stuff out of our black bins so it doesn’t end up as landfill, and if possible pass it on.
If you have found any local opportunities please let us know. Just send an email to info@shamleygreenenvironment.co.uk
Join us for our Autumn Litter Pick
Come join us on Saturday 19th October at 1100 for our Autumn litter pick, we’d love to build on the success of our last event by having you come along! We’ll meet at the Arbuthnot Hall for an 1100 start, everyone’s welcome, it’s a lovely family-friendly event. As always there’s a hint of competition as the winning team collecting the most rubbish is awarded both sweet treats and lots of kudos! There’s coffee and homemade cake at The Malt House afterwards too. Why not bring your dog for a multi-tasking walk? If you can’t make the pick, perhaps bake a cake for hungry volunteers? And please send this link to your friends, neighbours and social groups to help us keep our environment litter-free for all.
Sign-up at:
We look forward to seeing you!
Have you seen hedgehogs in Shamley Green? Or any other wildlife? Do let us know!!
Bobby's close encounter with the hedgehog, June 2024
One of three hedghogs regularly visiting a garden near Longacre Woods - there used to be badgers here, then foxes, but since they moved out the hedgehogs have turned up!
Bobby the spaniel was pretty confused when he came across this hedgehog in his Shamley Green garden - this may have been his first ever meeting with one!
Although hedgehogs have been declining alarmingly in the UK in recent years, a survey by Gardener's World magazine in 2023 found that their numbers may be starting to increase.
There are parts of Shamley Green where they haven't been seen for a very long time, maybe due to habitat loss, maybe partly due to our thriving badger population - but perhaps Bobby's hedgehog is a sign that things are improving here too.
Since first publishing Bobby's introduction to hedgehogs we've been sent these great photos of more hedgehog sightings. Do let us know if you have seen any hedgehogs near you, and any other wild animals. We're hoping that more environmentally friendly management of our commons will be good for all sorts of wildlife here, not just providing flowers for pollinators but also food and shelter for many other invertebrates and small mammals.
These two hedgehogs were caught on camera in a Long Common garden. The weasel also living there hasn't managed to get his photo taken yet.
Click here for loads of information about how you can help hedgehogs if you're lucky enough to have them visiting your garden too.
This beautiful grass snake was seen basking in the sunshine in the same garden
The Big Butterfly Count for 2024 starts on 12th July - get ready now!
Why count butterflies?
​
We count butterflies because not only are they beautiful creatures to be around but they are also extremely important. They are vital parts of the ecosystem as both pollinators and components of the food chain. However, they are under threat. Numbers of butterflies and moths in the UK have decreased significantly since the 1970s. This is a warning that cannot be ignored.
​
Butterfly declines are also an early warning for other wildlife losses. Butterflies are key biodiversity indicators for scientists as they react very quickly to changes in their environment. Therefore, if their numbers are falling, then nature is in trouble. So tracking numbers of butterflies is crucial in the fight to conserve our natural world. That's why taking part in this massive citizen science enterprise is of great importance not just for our butterflies but for the wider environment and biodiversity in general.
The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Step 1 - Get Ready
Download this handy butterfly ID chart, or install the Big Butterfly Count free apps for iOS and Android to identify and record the butterflies you spot.
Step 2 - Join in
Between Friday 12th July and Sunday 4th August choose a place to spot butterflies and moths. Watch for 15 minutes, on a bright or sunny day. Then record which species you see in step 3.
Step 3 - Add your counts
The Big Butterfly Count 2024 reopens on 1st July ready for the main event between 12th July and 4th August. You will then be able to look at this fascinating interactive map to see how your data is contributing to conservation science and research.
The Environment Group at Shamley Green Fete
It was lovely to be at the Shamley green fete on a beautiful June day. We were able to show people what we have been involved in over the year and chat about what we do and how they can help. People telling us about the plants and animals they see in the village really helps to build a picture. Regena attracted a lot of people to look at the amphibians she had brought with her - unfortunately all our photos are just of their backs while they were getting a really close look at these fascinating animals!
The swift stall was also a great success, explaining these amazing birds and what we are doing in Shamley Green to try to help them. Many people signed up to have boxes installed later in the year and will be contacted by Kate or Sarah. David and Julia from Wonersh won a free installation for winning the draw from the quiz (14 entrants!). If you are interested in having one please get in touch.
Loads to see on the SGEG stall - all our activities, photos of our brilliant volunteers, and a great quiz
The SGEG Swift Project stall, with lots of interesting facts about swifts and the opportunity to help them by signing up to install nesting boxes
Sarah and Kate, our Swift Project leaders