Wildflower planting at conservation farm

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9 September 2024

Native plants can help to boost biodiversity on the ancient floodplain meadows beside the Stour at the CRT’s Bere Marsh Farm

Volunteers sowing wildflower seed in areas where the top layer of vegetation has been stripped

A team of Dorset conservation officers and volunteers has begun a project to plant native wildflowers and meadow grasses at Bere Marsh Farm near Shillingstone, aimed at enhancing biodiversity on the Stour floodplain fields.
The 92-acre Bere Marsh Farm, between the old Somerset and Dorset railway line and the river, is owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust, a charity promoting nature-friendly farming to help reverse the biodiversity decline and combat climate change.
The team will be reseeding a total of one hectare with brush-harvested seed from floodplain meadows managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The plan is to increase coverage over the rest of the floodplain fields at Bere Marsh in future years (a total of 13.5ha).
The CRT head of conservation and land management Helena Darragh explains why the project is so important: ‘Species-rich floodplain meadow habitat in Britain has dramatically declined due to agricultural intensification, urban and industrial development of these flat, low-lying and fertile areas, as well as alterations to their hydrology through changes to river systems.
‘Due to their proximity to watercourses, species-rich floodplain meadows were once the most productive fields on farms, receiving their nutrients each year through highly fertile silt deposited on the land during flood events. This special value has decreased with fertiliser now used more widely across farm holdings and high yielding grasses selected to grow hay or silage adding to the overall loss of this biodiverse habitat.’

Volunteers and staff planting wildflower seed

An annual cycle
Floodplain meadows are characterised by diverse herb-rich swards and feature the iconic great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) plant with its crinkle-cut leaves, producing beautiful burgundy seed heads in summer. Other wildflowers include common sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and meadow vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis). ‘These magnificent lowland habitats contribute to nature-friendly farm practices through providing a valuable nutritious source of food for livestock,’ says Helena.
During winter and spring months, floodplain meadows are often inundated with floodwater, providing nesting and feeding habitat for a huge array of birdlife. As the ground becomes drier, livestock can be let on to graze the early grass growth, before being shut out to allow wildflowers to come through and produce a herb-rich hay crop, and so the cycle comes full circle.
Native wildflower seeds need contact with bare soil to germinate so machinery is used to scratch the top surface of vegetation away to create perfect conditions for sowing.
‘It may not look much at first, but keep an eye out in the spring and summer next year for a boost in wildflower abundance on these fields, providing pollen and nectar for a range of pollinators,’ adds Helena. ‘With the UK now subject to more short, sharp downpours in winter months (and throughout the year) ensuring our floodplains function more effectively by storing water helps to alleviate flooding downstream and reduce soil erosion, providing benefits to local communities.’

Established in 1993, the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) takes a holistic view of why the countryside matters, viewing wildlife, food production, employment, economics and development as all essential.

Robert Drewett DL Appointed President of the Royal Bath & West of England Society for 2024/25

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Editorial team

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9 September 2024

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The Royal Bath & West of England Society has announced the appointment of Robert Drewett DL as its new President for the 2024/25 term. Robert, who currently serves as Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset and recently held the role of High Sheriff for 2023/24, brings decades of involvement with the Society, having served as Honorary Show Director for over nine years before retiring in 2022.

Robert’s connection with the Royal Bath & West Show spans nearly 50 years, starting as a steward at the Bicentennial Show in 1977. His family has deep roots in the Society, with three generations of Drewetts playing significant roles. His father, Bill Drewett, was Honorary Show Director from 1978 to 1989, a period that saw the visit of HM the Queen and the inception of the Dairy Show. Robert’s three children are also involved, with two stewarding Ring Events and the third acting as a steward for the Grandstand.

Robert officially assumed the role of President during the Society’s Summer Council Meeting and AGM, succeeding Lord and Lady Falmouth. In his farewell address, Lord Falmouth expressed gratitude to the Council and the Society’s team for their support during his presidency. Robert thanked the Council for the honor and acknowledged the high standards set by his predecessors, stating that he looked forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones in the year ahead.

Reflecting on his appointment, Robert said, “When I first started stewarding in a very junior capacity at the Bicentennial Show in 1977, I never envisaged that I might one day be invited to serve as President of the UK’s oldest continually operating agricultural society. I am enormously honoured and look forward to supporting the Society over the coming year.”

The Society is set to welcome Robert at his first official event in October, the Dairy Show, where he will begin his term as President.

Jackie Upton King, 1944-2024

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Editorial team

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8 September 2024

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When friends and family gathered to celebrate Jackie Upton-King’s 80th birthday on a weekend in Lyme Regis recently, they had no idea that it would be the last time they saw her. Later that evening she was suddenly taken ill with a serious stroke and sadly died, leaving those who knew her with a wealth of wonderful memories and achievements.
Jackie’s legacy is all over North Dorset. From The Exchange in Sturminster Newton to the establishment of the annual Civic Award in Shaftesbury, Jackie Upton-King touched many lives. Determined, driven and incredible are just a few words frequently used to describe her passion for community involvement. ‘She was amazing,’ says Jacqui Wragg from Sturminster Newton Community Benefit Society.
Sturminster Newton councillor Pauline Batstone recalls how hard Jackie worked in the town: ‘Jackie was Practice Manager for the Stur Medical Centre before her retirement. She was one of the team involved in the early days of SturQuest, the community partnership initiated by North Dorset District Council. Stur was going through a bad patch as far as its economy was concerned, with low wages and a loss of job opportunities. Jackie was involved in the building of The Exchange on the former Market site and also the re-establishment of the medical centre there.’
When Jackie got involved in Sturminster Newton, the town was in a difficult place having just lost its famous cattle market. Robert Cowley was one of the driving forces behind the development of old site into what is now The Exchange: ‘The process that led to The Exchange took a full five years. It involved the bringing together of a wildly diverse group of organisations, represented by an equally diverse mix of individuals. A shared objective brought together many different strengths, at times in the face of some very significant opposition. Jackie and I worked together through some of the most difficult local politics.
‘No one person ever dominated the collective effort, and Jackie was notable for her ability to work with people and to make it possible for others to work together. She was always at the centre of the core team, calm under pressure, enthusiastic, well organised and determined.
‘Jackie would have agreed that if there was a key ingredient to the remarkable achievement that made The Exchange possible it was partnership. That can be very difficult to achieve and harder to maintain, especially between those who don’t agree in the first place. She was absolutely key in keeping the steering group together and focused on what became The Exchange, a major contribution to the history of Sturminster Newton.’
Jackie won an MBE for her work in the town, and when she got the letter from Downing Street she was moved to tears. Sturminster Newton had a major new development that was unique in a small country town, helping the community to move forward in a positive way.
When Jackie and her husband Norman moved to Shaftesbury, her drive and determination to improve things in her community continued. She became involved with Shaftesbury Arts Society, where she supported concerts with her love of music. She was also chair of the Shaftesbury Civic Society, where she soon got her teeth into several projects to improve the town. One was Project Belle, aimed at regenerating the old supermarket on Bell Street. Jackie scrutinised every proposal, from pedestrianising the area to attracting new businesses. Another was the Lidl development which she wanted to be a site in keeping with the town. Prior to the Civic Society being disbanded, Jackie established the Rachel Caldwell Annual Civic Award, an annual prize that recognises volunteer and community activity that makes a real difference in Shaftesbury. The award is now administered by the Rotary Club, celebrating unsung heroes in the town.
Jackie was also involved with Shaftesbury Abbey, cataloguing artefacts and working with others to maintain the historic site. Even when she became less mobile she took the computer home to work there. The Abbey plans to commemorate her contribution to the town with a memorial, a project which is to be confirmed.
Pauline Batstone summed up Jackie’s character: ‘She was a gentle but strong person, with a lovely sense of humour. I happened to bump into her and her husband Norman when I was delivering leaflets in Shaftesbury in the run-up to the election and we promised to have a coffee together after it was over. Sadly that was not to be.’
When you next visit Sturminster Newton or Shaftesbury and see the events and buildings that are created and cared for by volunteers, a physical reminder of a vibrant community spirit, remember Jackie Upton King and the difference she made across the Blackmore Vale.

Chamber CEO faces fear of heights for hospice charity skydive

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Editorial team

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8 September 2024

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Ian Girling, centre, with the Lewis Manning Hospice Care nurses

Dorset Chamber’s chief executive, Ian Girling, is preparing to conquer his lifelong fear of heights … by leaping from a plane at 10,000 feet!
As part of a charity skydive to raise funds for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, on September 21st, Ian will join other brave participants at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury to support the hospice, which provides crucial care for patients with life-limiting illnesses across Dorset, Purbeck, and West Hampshire.
The skydive is part of Dorset Chamber’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, and Ian sees it as the perfect challenge to give back to the local community. ‘I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life – including going up ladders, being near high edges and balconies … I get weak-kneed and suffer real anxiety and panic in these situations. When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital local cause.
‘Jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet is the last thing I want to be doing!’ said Ian.
The hospice is appealing for more local people to join Ian and ‘Jump for a Nurse’ by signing up and taking part in the skydive.
Each jumper will be taking the plunge to raise vital funds for a specific nurse. Ian is raising money for senior staff nurse Ellie Suthers, who was among the welcome team at a ‘meet your nurse’ event at the hospice.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, based in Poole, provides free services such as hospice at home, bereavement support, breathlessness clinics and creative therapies. The charity needs to raise £3.9 million this year to maintain its services, which are free to patients.
Clare Gallie, chief executive of Lewis-Manning, said, ‘We’re super proud of all our amazing team of skydivers signed up so far and incredibly grateful to have Ian on board too. We would love more people to join in with this exciting challenge!’
Click here to sign up for the Jump For A Nurse skydive or to sponsor Ian visit his JustGiving page here.

Bees at risk: can we stop the hornet invasion?

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Editorial team

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8 September 2024

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Asian hornets pose a growing threat to Britain’s pollinators and to agriculture – experts call for public help to stop their rapid spread

by Andrew Livingston

Vespa velutina, also known as the yellow-legged hornet or Asian predatory wasp, is a species of hornet indigenous to Southeast Asia. It is of concern as an invasive species in some other countries

The UK ecosystem is under attack by invaders.
It’s not a new story … grey squirrels have almost wiped out the native reds … signal crayfish threaten the existence of our native white-clawed crayfish …
It seems wherever man is in the world, we manage to wreck the biodiversity by meddling in what should be left alone.
‘All Asian hornets in Europe have descended from a single queen,’ says Somerset Beekeepers Association president Anne Ashford. She told the BV: ‘It’s thought she arrived in France in 2004, hidden in a consignment of pottery. From that one queen, we now have huge numbers of hornets.’
Anne says that for 20 years Asian hornets have been slowly decimating the European pollinator’s ecosystem. She says: ‘Where they have established in Europe, they are predating on pollinating insects, including honeybees. We can see they have actually reduced pollination rates.
‘To keep an Asian Hornet nest going, they need to feed protein to their larvae, and that protein comes from honey bees. For example, if the Asian hornets discover a hive, it’s like a supermarket for them … just a massive, ready-to-eat supply of honeybees, which they grab, dissect on the wing and take only the thorax back for their larvae.’
The general perception is that this is mainland Europe’s problem, but the hornets have been spotted in East Sussex and Kent this year. ‘They’re an incredibly adaptable insect. When they originally arrived in France, the general thinking was that “Oh, they’ll never survive this far north in Europe”. Well, they have. We know they’ve gone as far north as York in the UK.
‘With favourable winds, they can travel across the channel, where there are a lot of Asian hornets. They can also travel in people’s cars, caravans, on consignments of wood, lorry loads of cauliflowers … All these have brought Asian hornets into the UK and of course then deposited them around the country.’
The first Asian hornet – sometimes known as yellow-legged hornets – discovered in the UK was in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, in 2016. The nest was traced and destroyed, but 23 confirmed sightings and 14 further nests were found over the next six years. Then, in 2023, the UK experienced an unprecedented number of Asian hornet incursions with 72 nests found in 56 locations.

Don’t kill them
The first week of September is Asian Hornet Week, launched by the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) as they look for more help from the public to spot and identify the pollinators’ predator.
Anne, who has a background in journalism and is now the editor of the BBKA Newsletter, says that it isn’t as simple as just killing the insects when you see them. She explains: ‘What we need is to identify them, track them back to the nest, and then destroy that. So beekeepers and the public are the most fantastic resources on the ground.’
Asian Hornets are rather like large black wasps: slightly smaller than our European hornet (yellow body, brown legs), they have an orange face, yellow legs and one yellow band on their abdomen. You can use the BBKA website to help you identify what you’ve got – if you suspect it’s an Asian hornet then take a photo and report it: the easiest way is through the Asian Hornet Watch app, or via this online form.

‘That starts the triage process,’ says Anne. ‘Then the National Bee Unit decides whether or not to send its squad of bee inspectors to monitor and track and trace back to the nest.’
If the numbers of the hornets continue to rise, they will become a huge threat to all of our pollinators, not just bees. On their hunt for protein, the hornets will kill dragonflies, bumblebees, butterflies and more. Beekeepers will be able to protect their apiaries with traps, but at great cost.
There is, however, an additional risk to humans. ‘There’s a lot of research going into how bad the hornet sting is by comparison with other stings. In certain parts of Europe, some people who have been stung are being hospitalised – a few have died. We’ve yet to find out whether that’s a personal allergic reaction, or if it’s more to do with the hornet’s venom. Is it more dangerous than other venoms? I don’t know.’

Never just a hobby
In general, the Asian hornets shouldn’t be a threat to humans – unless you are directly attacking its nest – but, as with wasps, the hornets are attracted to sweet food. They could be after your picnic or your garden fruit tree.
In France, this has made the vineyards a real hive of activity for the hornets: ‘When a hornet feeds its larvae, it gets a sweet reward from the larvae,’ Anne explains. ‘When the larvae emerge as hornets the adults then begin seeking that reward from nectar and vineyards are a prime location for them to feed on the grapes. This not only spoils the fruit but is also dangerous if you’re the one picking the harvest! The same applies if you have cherry or plum trees – they would also be attractive. Anywhere a wasp would go, the Asian hornet can be there.’
Anne picked up beekeeping after her children grew up and left home. For her, beekeeping is a ‘whole magical world ready to be explored’.
Calling beekeeping ‘a hobby’ perhaps undermines how vital bees – and all pollinators – are to our ecosystem.
‘If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only have four years left to live.’ – not the words of Anne Ashford but of Albert Einstein. Pollinators affect 35 per cent of global agricultural land, and figures published by Friends of the Earth estimate that the annual value of crops produced in the UK with the assistance of pollinators is £691m.
‘There is a lot of research is going on all over Europe into Asian hornets and their impact – not just on honeybees and honey production but also more widely on pollination and horticulture, viticulture, agriculture … There’s no easy answer for our pollinators. Sadly, I think the only solution is for everybody to be vigilant and to keep reporting.’

For more information see the British Beekeepers Association bbka.org.uk
Do not under any circumstances disturb or provoke an active hornets’ nest.

Essential jobs in the garden this September

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Editorial team

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8 September 2024

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This month’s jobs for the garden – prolong blooming while you start sorting for next season, says gardener Pete Harcom

To deadhead dahlias and extend their flowering season, pinch off the stem about an inch from the dead flower, removing the entire head. While you’re deadheading, you can also trim any dead or damaged leaves

t’s time to get back out there! There are lots of jobs to do in the garden this month. As well as general garden-keeping, re-assessing and preparing for next year is also on the cards – it’s time to think about what worked and what didn’t!
As you have a general tidy-up of any potting sheds, greenhouses and the garden itself, you’ll inevitably find yourself planning for next year. When you plan your jobs for September, be sure to include:

In the greenhouse
Clean out cold frames and greenhouses ahead of autumn sowing and growing. Bring potting compost and seed compost into the greenhouse in preparation. Remove shading from your greenhouse towards the end of the month so that plants get the maximum light available.

Odd jobs
Netting your pond can reduce autumn leaf-fall entering the water.
Continue to feed and deadhead hanging baskets and container plants – they will often keep going until the first frosts.
Keep deadheading perennials and annuals to extend their flowering, too.
Raise pots off the ground for the winter by using bricks or ‘pot feet’, to prevent waterlogging.
Prune climbing roses and rambling roses once they’ve finished flowering (unless they are repeat-flowering varieties, in which case leave them until later in the year).
Planting
Now is the time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinths and crocus – the garden centres are now stocking them. While you’re there, add some wallflowers and pansies as plug plants: they’re welcome early-flowering support for insects after the winter months.
Divide any herbaceous perennials such as achillea, ajuga, campanula, centaurea, chrysanthemum, geranium, phlox, salvias, verbascum and verbena. They can all be dug up this month once they’ve finished flowering and split to increase your stock. Make sure they are watered well after re-planting.

Garden recycling tips
Create or purchase a compost bin in preparation for all the fallen leaves and dead plant material which you’ll be collecting over the coming months. Autumn leaves make a great addition to compost bins and are ideal for making leaf mould.
If you don’t have one, install a water butt to collect rain this autumn and winter – rain water is great for watering ericaceous plants such as blueberries, rhododendrons and camellias.
Retain water wherever possible – old washing up water can also be used for watering (when cool). And don’t throw away the hot water when you boil vegetables for meals – pop outside and pour it over the weeds that are appearing on the patio. Scalding hot water is guaranteed to damage even the toughest of weeds!
And if I’m not too late, remember that lolly sticks can be re-used as brilliant plant labels!

Walk and talk with the FCN

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Editorial team

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7 September 2024

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This Summer seems to have been a long one, with very erratic weather. Having said that, most of us are now drawing to the end of harvest and already looking ahead to next year’s crops.
Show season is once again upon us – the Farming Community Network has had a stand at both the Melplash and the Gillingham & Shaftesbury shows. We will of course also be at Dorset County Show – all of the agricultural shows are an excellent way to promote and exhibit farming and rural life, as well as a perfect get-together!

Come join us!
On 28th September, Tom Hunt is hosting a charity evening at the Udder Farm Shop from 6.30pm to raise funds for FCN. There will be a buffet, live music, guest speakers and a bar.
Tickets are £20 per person, available direct from Tom on 07581 434901

FCN is here for you
The confidential, national helpline is open every day of the year from 7am to 11pm and volunteers provide free, confidential support to anyone who seeks help: call 03000 111 999

The August diary : The Voice of the Allotment

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Editorial team

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7 September 2024

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Barry Cuff takes a look at what happened on the plot in August, the height of harvest season

‘We are now picking Purple Magnolia, a snap pea.’
All images: Barry Cuff

The weather during the month was very variable: despite many dull days, most crops were ready to harvest around the same time as they were last year, and by the end of the month around half the plot had been cleared of crop and bio-matter. These areas will be sown with green manure during September and October.
Little watering was needed through the month, except for the thirsty vegetables such as runner beans, celery and celeriac.

Autumn salad and stir fry veg – Going in after potatoes. Sown/planted so far: Chinese cabbage, radicchio, leaf mixes, mizuna and golden streaks mustard. More will be sown in September. Beetroot – We’re now lifting regularly as required from successional sowings.
Brassicas – All growing under a net to protect from pigeons! There was an explosion of caterpillars, both large and small white butterflies, around the middle of August. Normally we just pick these off the plants, but under a net this is difficult so they were sprayed with Deltamethrin – avoiding any plants which were near to harvesting.
Broccoli – Both early and late varieties doing well
Brussels Sprouts – The plants are now between four and five foot tall, and all looking well.
Calabrese – (Ironman) We picked some excellent heads mid month, and now these will produce side shoots.
Cabbage – Red Drumhead: good plants, we’re harvesting as required for stir-fries, salads etc.
Savoy: winter/spring varieties Vertus and Wintessa were planted out on 9th.
Cauliflower – We’re cutting nice heads of the cheesy and white step varieties this month. Spring varieties Snow March and Medallion were planted out on 6th.
Carrot – (Early Nantes) Last sowing made on 4th: these will only be any good if the weather is favourable. Earlier sowings are doing well, and we’re already using early ones as required.
Celeriac – Looking good and ready for mulching.

‘We harvested our first cobs on 22nd August – a good size and delicious!’

Celery – (Golden Self Blanching) We have harvested two plants early, and will harvest the rest over the autumn as required.
Chicory – Witloof for chicons. Looking well, with nice strong plants.
Courgette – Currently cutting every other day.
Dwarf French bean – Good yields from Safari and nearly finished cropping. Nautica is our later variety and is still cropping well.
Flowers (for the bees and for cutting) – All looking good: tithonia, echinops, echium, zinnia and coreopsis
Fruit – We’ve had good yields from both varieties of raspberry (Joan J and Autumn Treasure)
Leek – Planted out after the broad beans and potatoes, but seeing fairly slow growth. They probably need rain.
Lettuce – (Little Gem) We are never short of lettuces as we sow every month.
Mangetout – The Carouby De Massaune have finished and we are now picking Purple Magnolia, a snap pea.
Onion – (Bonus) All harvested with lower yields this year due to White Rot. Each year we lose up to 20 per cent to this disease. We live with this, expecting the losses despite a six year rotation. The experts reckon that an eight-to-ten year gap is required to clear it.
Parsnip – Two rows looking well for the winter.
Potatoes – We dug our last row on the 8th: we had excellent yields this year.
Runner beans – Picking every other day.

‘We’re picking tomatoes every day, with some good yields’

Squash – The bed is like a jungle, many fruits forming and most plants stopped.
Sweetcorn – (Swift) We harvested our first cobs on 22nd – a good size and delicious!
Sweet pepper and tomatoes (in the greenhouse) – Good yields from the greenhouse. We’re picking tomatoes every day, with good yields, and no more blossom-end rot which we experienced earlier in the season.

Dorset’s finest at the Love Local Trust Local Awards

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Editorial team

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7 September 2024

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On 3rd September, more than 150 people gathered in the splendid Members Pavilion at The Dorset County Show to celebrate the 4th annual Love Local Trust Local (LLTL) Awards.

The event was the result of months of preparation, culminating in a night that showcased the remarkable stories and achievements of local producers and businesses.
The busy drinks reception was followed by a delicious array of dishes crafted from the finest local produce – many from LLTL members and award entrants. It was an evening of connection for the Dorset businesses, and familiar faces and newcomers alike shared stories, celebrated their accomplishments and took pride in their contributions to the local economy and community.
Barbara Cossins, founder of LLTL, delivered a speech highlighting the impressive efforts of both the youngest emerging startups and the long-established businesses. She praised their dedication to supporting local communities and maintaining sustainable practices in a perennially difficult market.
Paul Dunlop of Blanchards Bailey introduced the judges, before the winners and the highly commended entrants across 16 categories were announced. The pride in the room was palpable – both of those winning recognition, and the wider room celebrated their collective success in being part of such a thriving community.
The evening concluded with a special Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring long-standing dedication to the local community. Then Barbara closed the night with the first ever live performance of the new Love Local Trust Local song, My Story (see video, left). Written and performed by LLTL members, the song was written to raise funds to support the organisation’s mission of promoting and protecting local produce and practices.