An update from Shallowford Trust
A lot has been happening over the past few months at Shallowford Farm!
Read on to find out what's been going on and what events are coming up over the next couple of months.
Credit: Vaughn Matthews
As we move spring into summer, we look forward to the next phase of the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly conservation project funded by Green Recovery. Come late June we will be holding a workshop for volunteers on how to survey for the adult butterflies so we can get out and about in time for the peak adult flight period to survey the habitats of the eleven farms involved in this project.
Sericomyia silentis on Devil’s bit scabious
The change in the seasons has also brought with it the first signs of the Devil’s-Bit-Scabious seeds sprouting. These seeds were hand harvested by Mark at Challacombe farm and then planted by volunteers back in January to give the cold stratification period they need for successful germination. These seedlings are an integral part of the project as they are the only food plant of the Marsh Fritillary caterpillars as well as the only spot where the females will lay their eggs. Once big enough, in September, they will be transplanted out into the habitats where there is little Devil’s-Bit-Scabious to improve their suitability for the butterfly.
We are also adding the final touches to our brand-new wheelchair accessible vegetable garden. This space will enable young people to experience where their food comes from and what healthy eating looks like. We also hope it will provide an area that will bring joy to many for years to come, whether for their mental health, physical health or simply to have a go at a spot of veg growing! We are also finishing our new barns which will again provide us with more options to educate and engage young people with farming and wildlife which is the primary mission of The Trust.
So, what’s next? From 22nd - 23rd July we will be holding a Bioblitz at Shallowford Farm! And there is much more coming up… including workshops on boundary repair and the ecology of rhos pastures. Follow our Instagram to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities or email ellie@shallowfordfarm.co.uk to find out more! Everyone is welcome!
By Ellie Baker