Swift boxes

In October, Hampshire Swifts installed the last twenty swift nest boxes, bringing the total to sixty. The locations were carefully chosen to maximise the chances of swifts using them when they return in the spring on their annual migration. 

It was important to ensure a clear flight path, and multiple boxes went up on six buildings as swifts are communal nesters. Fingers crossed they find them on their return because it really is a special treat to have these amazing birds in your neighbourhood.

Species identification training

Our Community Ecologist Susan Simmonds led a training session for Abri’s Grounds Maintenance team at our Swanwick Lakes nature reserve.  This was attended by 13 enthusiastic staff, who learned about species identification and habitat management. The habitat management element included creating and managing wildflower areas, adapting mowing regimes, attracting pollinators and good hedgerow management. 

Bulb planting

In autumn, we planted a whopping 550 bulbs on the estate! All 32 tree guardians were invited to plant bulbs around their trees, and most did this at one of the three planting events held in late October and early November.  A mixture of Grape Hyacinth (muscari) and either snowdrops or crocuses were put in, depending on the soil type.  These were chosen to provide food for early pollinators, with Grape Hyacinth coming up first around February.

Tree Guardian Milestone

In December, we reached a Tree Guardian milestone. Following a social media post about the scheme, featuring this photo of a beautiful label by Mary Rose, six more people signed up to be Tree Guardians, some choosing to do this in memory of a loved one.  This brought the total number of trees adopted close to 50, half the trees that were planted.  

Climate Literacy training

In February, Dawn O’Malley, Senior Engagement Manager delivered Climate Literacy training to Abri's Grounds Maintenance and Sustainability teams. 

This looked at the changing climate, its impact on both our communities and biodiversity, how to communicate about climate change, and what actions we can take. Ben Earl, Head of Partnerships and Sustainability at Abri went on to deliver Abri's sustainability strategy and outline the steps Abri is taking to help customers and communities. It was valuable morning with 28 attendees and much insightful discussion. 

Living Willow Sculpture, crafts and wildlife gardening advice

Our final community event was something really special. Guided by willow sculptor Jacquie Rolls, residents created two living willow sculptures: one in the shape of a butterfly, the other a squirrel.  The frames were expertly designed by Jacquie following a vote by residents to choose their favourite designs. Residents were excited to take part in this new event. One person commented “I’ve never seen anything like it!”  

Special thanks go to Abri for installing the structures, and for committing to the ongoing care of these, alongside some of the residents who were advised by Jacquie.  These sculptures make an eye-catching addition to the Mansbridge estate, adding another way for people to connect to nature. They will also attract insects and birds, so this was a way to increase the biodiversity in the area too.  It will be fascinating to see how the sculptures grow and develop over the coming years.

Wilder School Update

Craig Whitelock, Wilder Schools and Youth Team Leader and Alison Barker, Outdoor Learning Tutor have delivered four sessions so far to Mansbridge Primary School. 

Along the way they have planted 104 trees with the school's 'Green Team' (a group of children who showed a keen interest in nature). Year R, 3 and 4 then followed up with more planting. 

The Woodland Trust donated tree saplings that have been planted to create a biodiverse hedgerow, with groups of trees used to make an exciting new wild area to explore and use for outdoor lessons. Some of the trees included wild cherry, English oak, silver birch, field maple and goat willow, adding a diversity of flowers seeds and fruit over the seasons. This habitat was further enhanced by Y5 planting living willow screens which will be used as a valuable cutting resource for craft and learning projects.

Year 1 have been exploring plants. They planted crocus and daffodil bulbs to create a pollinator corridor. The children also explored what plants they had on site and looked for pollinators visiting the early spring flowers. 

Year 5 have planted bulbs, and in January they took part in the RSPB Big School Birdwatch. Using binoculars and a scope, we observed 13 species of bird, including starling, chaffinch, redwing and blue tit. The pupils were very quiet and patient, looking and listening for birds on the ground, in the sky and hidden in the trees and bushes.

Plans for the next sessions are to look at the invertebrates, the tiny critters which are so important for the ecosystem. Pupils will be exploring food chains and how we can enhance and make habitats for invertebrates both at school and in their own outdoor spaces.

Mansbridge Primary School mural – April 

We finished the Wilder Mansbridge project with local artist Joanna Rose Tidey painting a colourful mural at Mansbridge Primary School. 

Joanna is well known in Southampton for her stunning artworks celebrating local, native wildlife. She worked with the school to choose species that are local to Mansbridge and that the pupils might encounter.  

The final design features a fox, a badger, a hedgehog, a robin, a snail, a bumblebee a butterfly, and daisies.  Children and staff stopped to chat to Joanna as she worked, and she was able to add in a few more creatures: a squirrel, a woodlouse and a ladybird.  As Alison von Landau, Deputy Head Teacher, said “The children are very impressed that some of their ideas were able to be incorporated in the design.”

Both Joanna and Alison (Barker) commented on the positive effect the mural has had on everyone.