MARCH FLOWERS

Spring has really taken off in March 2021 with more than 70 herbaceous species in flower. The results of the volunteers’ observations can be seen if you click the Dog Violet on the left. The January and February reports can be found further down this page.

FEBRUARY FLOWERS

Volunteers from the Group have continued scouring the hedgerows and grasslands of the valley recording which species are in flower. The February results be seen if you click the Butcher’s Broom on the left. The January report can be found further down this page.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the largest citizen science projects in the world with nearly half a million families submitting data on birds visiting their gardens in late January. The SVBG collected the results from local gardens which show the valley is typical in some aspects, but has its own distinct character. Click on the bird feeders to read the report.

JANUARY FLOWERS

In 2020, Sidmouth Arboretum volunteers carried out a survey of the valley’s hedgerows (see report below). One thing they found out was that many of the valley’s hedgerows are rich in herbaceous species. In 2021, a wider group of volunteers will be revisiting some of these sites month by month to survey which herbaceous species are flowering. To see what was found in January, click the Sweet Violet on the left.

Members of the Biodiversity Group took part in the national Big Butterfly Count. This what was found in our valley. Click on the butterfly to open the report.

Sidmouth Arboretum has carried out a survey of the valley’s hedgerows. The report includes facts and figures, but also a fascinating review of the history which dates back to prehistoric times. Click on the cover picture to open the report.