Enstone Eco Newsletter – November 2025 🎃🎆
- Ian Cave
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
As the leaves turn and autumn sets in, Enstone Eco has been busy exploring the wonders of nature, making new connections, and planning for the months ahead!
🌱 Allotment Clear-Up – 8 & 9 November
We’re helping with a much-needed allotment area clear-up on Saturday 8th November from 10am-5pm at the Enstone allotments. There are several piles of dumped wood and rubbish, likely from fly-tipping, that need to be cleared and put into skips. If you’re free to lend a hand – even for an hour – the help would be really appreciated. Please bring gloves and sturdy shoes and any of your own equipment that would be helpful!
❗️Allotments are still available at a rent cost of £20 per year. For more information please contact Karen - secretary.erinc@gmail.com
🍄 Fungi with the Fungal Survey of Oxfordshire
We joined Caroline Jackson-Houlston of the Fungal Survey of Oxfordshire (FSO) for an afternoon exploring our local area. With 28 species identified – including one star uncommon species – it was a fascinating glimpse into the hidden fungal world. We hope Enstone will be included in the FSO’s 2026 programme, which local residents will be able to join. Remember: not all poisonous mushrooms are red and wash your hands if you touch any fungi.
🦋 Moth Night at Asthall Manor
Some Enstone Eco members joined The Oxfordshire Nature Project (www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk/oxfordshire-nature-project) for a magical moth night at Asthall Manor. The glow of the moth trap illuminated a wide range of nocturnal species, and expert guidance helped us understand more about these often-overlooked pollinators. Moth monitoring is a good indicator of environmental change. We hope to be able to have a Enstone Moth evening in 2026 so you can join in. Keep an eye on our future events and theirs! https://www.instagram.com/asthallmanor/
🦇 Other Local Wildlife Events
We’ll continue sharing local events, such as Wild About The Wychwoods’ bat evenings on this newsletter. Stay connected to discover what’s happening nearby.
💧 Riverfly Monitoring & Enstone Swift Project
Riverfly monitoring continues at the River Glyme. You can keep up to date on monitoring dates via our Events section on the website. Each session helps track river health and supports national biodiversity data collection.
A new Enstone Swift Project is launching, offering free swift boxes to local residents. If you'd like to help provide homes for these incredible birds, get in touch with us or contact hannah.bournetaylor@enstone-pc.gov.uk for further details.
🌼 Whiteways Update
The BWT Alpine F1 team at Whiteways are continuing preparations for their site improvement project near their team gym. Wildflower seeds have been sourced, and the groundwork is underway. Once final designs are approved, we’ll be calling on volunteers to help transform the space into a vibrant, pollinator-friendly corner of the village. Stay tuned!
🌍 Volunteers Needed
We’re still looking for more hands, especially as we begin planning our 2026 calendar of events. As well as fieldwork, there are also simple administrative things which need to be done to keep our voluntary group going. If you’re passionate about biodiversity, climate action, or simply want to help out locally, we’d love to hear from you.
A Word from Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth continues to lead vital lobbying efforts to protect nature and fight climate change. They have created a clear and helpful guide to community rights, planning laws, and environmental protections. Whether you want to understand how local development decisions are made, how to challenge harmful proposals, or how to make your voice heard in planning consultations, this resource is for you. It includes campaigners' guides to the English planning system, environmental impact assessments, and public inquiries – plus your rights under Freedom of Information and how to access legal support.
Visit their website for ways to get involved!
💚 From rare fungi to moth magic and swift box schemes, Enstone Eco is thriving thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers and supporters. Thank you!
Join us as we look ahead to winter activities and lay the groundwork for a greener, wilder 2026!
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