Wild about Bolnore Welcome to Bolnore Village, situated in the beautiful West Sussex countryside. Sustainability has been a key factor in the development of the village and considerable effort has been made to minimise the effects of the development on the local wildlife. This guide provides an introduction to the woodlands and wildlife around the village whilst providing some suggestions on how homeowners can help with conservation both at home and around the Village. Woodland and Wildlife Bolnore Village is located within a rural landscape, surrounded by ancient woodland and the classic High Weald landscape. The ancient woodland in which Bolnore Village is situated is comprised of four interconnected woodlands: Catt s Wood, Pierce s Wood, Bolnore Wood and Ashenground Wood. These woodlands form the Bolnore and Ashenground Wood Local Nature Reserve which was designated in 2008 with support from Mid Sussex District Council and Sussex Wildlife Trust. A local Friends group, Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Woods, helps to plan and undertake the management for the woodland. Woodland wonders ResIDENTS INFORMATION GUIDE The local woodlands are a treasure trove of natural wonders. Here are a few that should not be missed: The 400 year old Great Spreading Oak. The wild daffodils, primroses and the distinctive yellow marsh marigolds that can be found in early spring. The vivid purple-blue carpet of bluebells that can be seen in April and May. See and hear the woodland birds collecting nest material and food for their newly hatched young.
Work in the Woodland Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Wood Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Woods (FoABW) is made up of local people, including walkers, nature lovers, dog owners and family groups, interested in caring for the Woods. Crest Nicholson encourages local residents to join the group and enjoy the woods. The group organises a regular programme of task days, nature walks and special interest events. It monitors and influences development of the surrounding area, and promotes responsible use by local residents. The group organises practical projects in the woodland, including coppicing, as well as more straightforward tasks such as litter picking. Flora and fauna surveys are carried out to monitor carefully any changes in species over time. Links with local schools and other developments are a key aspect of planning for the future. Regular newsletters are produced and contributions from members are always welcome. Ancient Woodland Buffer Zones To protect the ancient woodland from the residential areas, buffer zones have been implemented which surround Ashenground Wood to the south and Reading Wood to the North. These buffer zones will be managed by Mid Sussex District Council to create a semi-natural ecotone as part of the ecological management plan for the development. This will include grass cutting, brush cutting and coppicing. The buffer zones are an important conservation tool, not only for woodland protection but for the range of species which they themselves can support. Protected Species Monitoring Bolnore Village is home to many plant and animal species, some of which are protected by European Law. Two such species are the great crested newt and the hazel dormouse. The populations of these two species, among others, will be monitored regularly by JFA Ltd. This will ensure that the wildlife in and around the village is not adversely affected by the development. To find out more about the works that FoABW carry out or if you are interested in joining please visit www.foabw.com or contact Janice Tipping on 07752 003529. Wild about Bolnore
What can you do to help? In your back garden There are many ways householders can have a positive influence on wildlife. These range from providing wildlife-friendly features in gardens to simply being mindful of the local environment. Here are a few suggestions Water world Water is in increasing demand in Britain especially in the South-East. Gardeners can help conserve water in several ways Collect rain water using a water butt for use in the garden. Use a watering can instead of a hose pipe. Do not water your lawn. This will not only help to save water but will also mean that your lawn is healthier and better able to survive a hose pipe ban! Around 9,000 ponds are lost in Britain each year. Ponds provide habitat not only for newts, but also for frogs, toads, insects and birds. Creating a pond is an excellent way to enhance your garden for wildlife. Here are some simple guidelines for pond creation: Choose a sunny part of the garden. Shallow or gently sloping edges are best for wildlife. Add plants to your pond, but avoid vigorous and non-native species such as Canadian pond weed, reedmace and New Zealand stonecrop. Plant species which look attractive and are also valuable to wildlife. These include yellow-flag iris, water mint and water forget-me-not. RESIDENTS INFORMATION GUIDE
Compost Garden waste can be recycled into compost. This has a number of benefits: It will provide a source of natural fertiliser for your garden It is a good alternative to buying peat, which often comes at great cost to the environment Compost heaps provide a valuable habitat for a range of species including reptiles, hedgehogs and soil invertebrates. Planting Flowers provide great colour and aesthetic value in the garden. However, many cultivated varieties of flower do not produce much pollen or nectar. Generally, native species are of the greatest benefit to wildlife and provide the most suitable food sources for insects, birds and mammals. If buying plants or seeds for wildlife please try and use those which are natural locally: Climbing plants are very useful for providing features for wildlife in a small space. Ivy is particularly valuable as food and shelter for insects and birds. Native hedges and shrubs can form an attractive feature and also provide opportunities for birds to nest and to feed during the winter months. Species such as hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel can be used. As your new home is near to valuable woodlands, ornamental species such as cherry laurel and rhododendron must be avoided as they are invasive in woodland often to the detriment of our native flora. RESIDENTS INFORMATION GUIDE
What can you do to help? Around the village and woodland Bolnore Village is a desirable place to live because of the beauty of its surroundings. To ensure that its character is sustained for future generations, please do follow a few simple guidelines: Woodland and Buffer Zones The woodlands are a wonderful feature of Bolnore. The bridleway has been recently upgraded to improve accessibility and to encourage residents to use the woodland. FoABW ask that residents, whilst in the woods, remain on the demarcated footpaths and bridleways to help prevent trampling of the vulnerable woodland flora. The woodland buffer zones are also an important habitat within the village and have been implemented to protect the woodland. Please refrain from entering the buffer zones except on designated pathways. Pets and Wildlife Sadly, cats do kill wild birds and other animals. In fact, domestic cats are one of the greatest threats to our native small mammals in suburban areas including the threatened dormouse. By following these guidelines you can help protect the local animal population: Keep cats inside during the hours of darkness. Attach a small bell to their collar to warn other animals of their approach. Neutering male cats can often reduce their nature to wander further afield. Dogs are welcome throughout the village and woodlands. Please do not let dogs foul in public spaces and on woodland paths but if they do, please use the dog-poo bins provided. Littering and fly-tipping Littering and the dumping of rubbish is against the law and causes harm to wildlife. Please use the rubbish bins provided throughout the village or store your litter until you return home. This is of particular importance within the woodlands and near the village s watercourses. It is very important that the woodland and the buffer zones are not contaminated with dumped garden waste or soil. These contain seeds and plant pieces which will introduce invasive alien plants to the woodland. These are likely to overrun and kill the native species. Please protect the woodland plants. Be an active resident There are plenty of community organisations and local conservation groups to join in Bolnore and West Sussex. These include the Friends of Ashenground and Bolnore Woods and the Sussex Wildlife Trust. See the links below for further details of these groups. Further information For further information about Bolnore Village, its wildlife and how you can help, do visit: www.foabw.com www.bolnore.org.uk www.naturalengland.org.uk/advice/wildlifegardening www.sussexwt.org.uk www.rspb.org.uk www.herpcontrust.org.uk www.bats.org.uk Partnerships This guide was produced in collaboration with Crest Nicholson and: Photography: Janice Tipping FoABW 2012