Page 8 - Wildlife News December 2015

NaitnuTrreust Grangelands and The Rifle Range

Long-standing members may remember that the Trust used to
manage the fabulous Grangelands and the old Kimble Rifle Range
near Princes Risborough some years ago – now Grangelands is
coming ‘home’. Grangelands and The Rifle Range is remarkably rich
in wild flowers and is so buzzing with life it will quickly re-establish
itself as a firm favourite among BBOWT supporters. Try to visit on a
warm, calm day in early summer. Find time to linger and bring your
camera, as there is plenty to see and capture. Look out for chalk
fragrant- and pyramidal orchids, autumn gentians, silver-spotted
skipper butterflies and the Roman snail, our largest European
terrestrial snail, among many other delights.

Keep an eye Updated members’ handbook
open for the
chiffchaff in BBOWT’s updated members’ handbook Your Wild Guide has just been
Pavis Woods. published thanks to the support of sponsors Panasonic UK, Henmans Freeth
Solicitors and NFU Mutual Witney & Oxford Agency. In addition 18 Reserves
(Amy Lewis) Champions kindly gave a combined total of £3,000.The handbook includes full
descriptions of these new nature reserves as well as established favourites.
BBOWT has just taken on the management of four See your cover letter for more details.
new nature reserves in Bucks – good news for the
wildlife within them and for visitors. Christopher Come and get involved!
Williams, the county’s Head of Conservation, leads
us on a personal tour of these special sites Our new nature reserves need new volunteers. If you
would like to get involved, now is the perfect time to get
The Trust is taking on the management of some of the in touch. Contact Kate Sheard for details: 01442 826774 or
best places for wildlife in Buckinghamshire on behalf of katesheard@bbowt.org.uk
Buckinghamshire County Council. Like many local
authorities under financial pressure, the council has had to Look out for walks and talks at the new nature reserves.
rationalise what it does, including the role of its countryside estate. For details visit: bbowt.org.uk/whats-on
The council approached a number of organisations with a
view to transferring management of selected sites where this
was possible and desirable for everyone concerned. BBOWT was
approached about the possibility of taking on dozens of sites but
after a careful selection process we narrowed the final list down
to four special places for wildlife and people to enjoy. We believe
all four nature reserves will add year-round interest to our suite
of reserves in the county. Our management will ensure their
continued protection for generations to come.
Together, these new nature reserves will add more than 100
hectares to our reserve holding in Buckinghamshire. All the sites
are either adjacent or near to one or more of our current nature
reserves. While each of the reserves already has significant wildlife
interest, we will be investing in the sites to make them even better
for both wildlife and people. Fortunately, the council is able to
provide some funding in order to help offset the additional
management costs that the Trust will sustain as a result of the transfer.
Reserves Manager Mark Vallance is excited by the prospect
of taking on these new additions: “It’s great to have the chance to
manage these fantastic reserves in Buckinghamshire. My team is
looking forward to working with local people and volunteers so that we
can keep them as special places for people to enjoy.”
Throughout 2016 we will be running a series of walks to help
everyone appreciate these sites but until then, let me introduce you
to these special wildlife havens.

8 Wildlife news