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www.cornard.info |
The Great Cornard Information Website |
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Helping Wildlife (2008) |
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Page updated - 07 March 2008 |
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For further information - Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 01473 890089 or Suffolk Wildlife Trust Website |
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Cornard News - This advice was previously published in Cornard News |
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2008 Spring |
Issue 33 |
FRIENDS OF THE COUNTRY PARK Great Cornard is fortunate indeed to have an extensive area of 'Country Park’ that includes a variety of habitats and some uncommon, even rare species of flora and fauna. In the early days of the parks’ history it was sown with a variety of now uncommon or rare wildflowers which included a cornfield mix such as corn flower, corn marigold, pheasants eye, corn cockle and yellow rattle. Resulting from poor or minimal management the latter species is currently the only survivor. The seeds were of local provenance coming from John Stevens at Sawyers Farm, Little Cornard. Trees were planted, sadly, in unnaturally straight lines and close together to allow for losses. These trees should have been thinned out a few years after planting; this process was neglected until now.
Inspired by a local councillor David Thomas we now have a small group of volunteers and with the valuable help of Adrian Walters of the Sudbury Common Lands Trust, there is now an active group addressing the problems resulting from lack of management. Over the last three years a local biologist, Debbie Ping, has spent many hours recording birds and other wildlife; the most surprising record was a recent sighting of a Tree Sparrow. Small colonies existed about a decade ago in Long Melford and the northwest outskirts of Lavenham but have since gone.
About 18 months ago Dave Thomas found a young volunteer, Dean Walton who, due to his energetic approach to any task in the field is better known as 'Hurricane Dean.' It is indeed fortunate that Dean, who cares passionately about the survival of our threatened wildlife and the environment has subsequently been elected to Great Cornard Parish, Sudbury Town and Babergh District Councils. A recent, but very enthusiastic and energetic supporter is Sudbury's deputy mayor, John Sayers. John has a lifelong interest and enthusiasm for the natural world and will fight to protect and preserve it.
There is now an effective working group to set the Country Park back on the course originally intended when that talented and inspirational naturalist of our time, David Bellamy, officially opened the Country Park back in the nineteen eighties for the benefit of the local community. John Sayers has suggested a 'Friends Of The Country Park' scheme to engage and encourage local people to use this wonderful facility and, if they wish, help with work parties and monitor and record the increase in birds, butterflies, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles on the site. For further details and information on the Friends of the Country Park scheme, please call John Sayers on (01787) 319006.
George Millins – Local Conservationist
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2008 Summer |
Issue 34 |
SUMMER CONSERVATION |
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2008 Autumn |
Issue 35 |
SUMMER CONSERVATION |
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2008 Winter |
Issue 36 |
WINTER CONSERVATION |