Enstone Eco - August 2025 Newsletter

As summer blooms, we’re reflecting on a productive and collaborative year so far at our committee meeting this month. Enstone Eco has been busy in the community - with monthly newsletters, events, and continued regular riverfly and water quality monitoring with more trained volunteers on board. We’ve supported the school in wildflower planting, hosted hedgehog expert Hugh Warwick for talks with both the Garden Club and the school, helped judge ENCON’s biodiversity photo competition, and organised wildlife events and surveys at St Kenelm’s churchyard. We've also joined up with groups like Transition Chipping Norton, explored verge planting schemes, and visited nearby Local Wildlife Sites to build knowledge and connections. All these efforts highlight what we can achieve when we work together for nature.

🦋 Many of you have taken part in the Big Butterfly Count, contributing to vital citizen science. Special mention to Dawn, who spotted two Southern Hawkers in her garden — a wonderful sighting and sign of healthy ecosystems!

🌿 Upcoming Event: Guided tour of the Enstone Meadow Local Wildlife Site near The Planks: Saturday 30 AugustJoin us for a walk guided by Kate Farquhar-Thomson through her beautiful, rarely accessed area along the River Glyme. Expect to see otter signs, snake skins, and a rich variety of plants and wildlife. Book via: www.enstone-eco.co.uk/events

🦇 Coming Soon: Enstone Bat Safari – 13th September, 7–9pm

Join us for a magical evening exploring the nocturnal world of bats with ecologist Frank Lucas! We’ll begin with a short talk inside St Kenelm’s Church before heading out on a gentle walk at dusk to listen and look for bats using special detectors. With luck, we’ll spot pipistrelles, Daubenton’s and more. Suitable for ages 8+, this family-friendly event is limited to 13 people. 🎟️ £10 per person – booking essential. Book via: www.enstone-eco.co.uk/events

♻️ Plastic Film Reminder: We are thankful for a great reminder from Councillor Carol Glendenning - plastic film can now be recycled at all major supermarkets, but can’t be at home, so next time you head to the shops, take it with you to be recycled there! Together, we can keep doing the small things that make a big difference.

🌍 Friends of the Earth: How You Can Support Renewable Energy Locally

Friends of the Earth have published a helpful guide for local groups like ours on how to support planning applications for wind and solar energy. The guide explains:

• How to find and assess local renewable energy proposals

• How to write supportive comments during public consultations

• What policies, like the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), say about giving "significant weight" to clean energy

• Ways to ensure new schemes are also beneficial for wildlife and biodiversity

• Tips on community campaigning and getting involved at committee level

This is especially relevant as communities across England are being encouraged to support clean energy to meet climate targets. It's a great resource if you'd like to see more renewable energy in West Oxfordshire. Read more here: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/supporting-onshore-solar-and-wind-applications-responding-planning-applications-and-local 

More good weather is forecast, so we hope you enjoy getting out and about in nature!

The Enstone Eco Team

Sweet peas from Nathan's Garden