Shepton Beauchamp

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====== Meeting Notes 14th April 2011 ======


Scrub Land Management

Information/Advice gained from, Ecologists Terry Franklin YDC, Steve Scriven SCC & Mathew Marshall SWT

They suggest:
•	Cutting Regime, when to cut? The best time to cut is at the end of the summer when everything is dying off, at the present time everything is starting to move. For example, wildlife is waking up, mating, both flora and fauna are growing and developing. The area is lifting up thus providing a good source of food, protection and warmth for wildlife. The area is home for slow worms, a wide variety of spiders, insect larvae, small mammals, ladybirds, slugs and snails (break down decaying matter, disperse seeds and produce rich compost). Wildlife likes tussocks, with the area not being too tidy.
•	What to use? Allen Scythe & Scythes have a scissor cutting action which leaves a longer length this is less detrimental to wildlife and to their habitat. Allen Scythe is a receiptical mower which is what we want. Rotary mowers if set higher could be a good alternative if there are lots of brambles. Flail mowers mulch the land which devastates wildlife and their habitat. 
•	How often to cut? Every 3 to 4 years. It is best to divide the area into sections thirds, quarters or in half. For example: Quarters, cut one quarter of the area the first year and the remaining three quarters the following three years, like crop rotation, so that there is always older grass on site for the wildlife. Lift arisings to keep the nutrients down. 

I think we need to maintain the original focus of the project concerning wildlife habitat and land management for conservation – Re: Management Plan. Make decisions as a team so we all know what tasks we are going to do at work parties. 
I think we could put a small sign in this area to explain what’s going on. It was suggested that we could invite Terry Franklin to do a site survey of this area for us.

Cowleaze Sign

Launch Event

Buginham Pallets – Homemade Insect Tower

AOB