Enstone Eco Newsletter – September 2025

August brought an incredible mix of exploration, community spirit, and deepening our connection with nature here in Enstone. From wading into the River Glyme for citizen science to gathering around a fire with friends old and new, we’ve truly embraced the summer season as we head towards the cooler months and the leaves starting to change.

🦇 Bat Safari in September - £10!

Don’t forget about our Evening Bat Safari on Saturday 13 September at 7:15pm, meeting at St Kenelm’s Church. Ecologist Frank Lucas will lead a magical night-time walk to discover the bats of Enstone. With bat detectors provided, this family-friendly event (ages 8+) promises a unique glimpse into the hidden world of our nocturnal neighbours. Bring a torch and wrap up warm—RSVP via our website!

Please note - booking in advance and then paying by bank transfer is essential so we can put on the event. After you have RSVP'd, you can transfer to our business account - Enstone Eco - 08-92-99; 67297762 and will get a confirmation email once your place is booked.

💧 Riverfly Monitoring – Citizen Science in Action

Our Riverfly Testing session on the 20th welcomed volunteers to test the River Glyme, where we took samples and identified key indicator species like caddisfly larvae and mayfly nymphs. These tiny riverflies help us track the health of our waterways and feed into national data that protects rivers across the country. If you missed it, keep an eye out—we’ll be doing more! No experience needed, just enthusiasm and maybe some wellies.

🌼 Enstone Meadow – A Rare Glimpse Into the Wild

We wrapped up the month with a guided tour of the Enstone Meadow Local Wildlife Site on August 30th—photos below! With permission from the landowner, visitors explored one of the most biodiverse corners of the parish, spotting otter signs, finding snake skins, and learning about native plants thriving beside the Glyme. Thanks to everyone who came and helped raise funds for future Enstone Eco efforts! Please see a write up on the day below, from Enstone Eco member Dawn!

As we stood on 'The Planks' we were able to observe a Black Poplar, a rare native tree located near where the River Glyme and Heythrop stream converge. A Buzzard and a small group of Swifts flew overhead as if to welcome us! We stepped into a wonderful world of nature kindly invited and led by Kate Farquhar-Thomson.  The flood plain has been designated Lowland Fen and a Local Wildlife Site by TVERC & BBOWT. In 2015 a survey revealed Marsh Marigold, Water Mint and Wild Angelica as some of the interesting species present.  As we followed the lovely curvy pathways that Kate has created we learnt about Sedges and Willow trees. Any cut Sedge is used to create homes for wildlife as this material really doesn't work well in your compost bin. On a sunny day there are lots of Damselflies, Southern Hawker Dragonflies and tiny toads are seen. Large sticks have been placed for habitats which had obvious entrance holes maybe from a fox and provided great shelter for many creatures. We tracked single file along the 'Otter Path' to the river and could see the Otter spraint on the stone they love to use. There was an obvious pathway where the Otters come onto the bank and the Otters have been seen on wildlife cameras at this location. Ted enthusiastically told us about the 17 species of bird he had recorded on the Merlin App this morning which including Wren, Blue titi, Marsh Tit, Long Tailed Tits and Siskin. We were delighted to see Kate's collection of feathers found on the wildlife site and were fascinated by the Grass Snake skin. Grass Snakes are often seen on the site as well as newts and Speckled Wood Butterflies. Kate recounted her observations of Rat tailed maggots in her water butt which devour aphids and later develop into Hoverflies, excellent pollinators. We all had such a wonderful afternoon being out in an amazing habitat and talking about Nature (The rain didn't dampen our spirits).  Thank you Kate for sharing your wildlife site and for all that you are doing for Wildlife. 

Check out @katefthomson on instagram #Wildwoodford for more wildlife posts.

🐝 Fun at the Village Show – Flowers, Food & Biodiversity

Despite the heat limiting floral entries, the Village Show offered a rich display of inspiration. There were homegrown vegetables, jams and vibrant flower arrangements that delighted people, nature was celebrated in abundance. Among the highlights were bunches of herbs featuring purple chive and marjoram blooms, along with striking blue borage—great for bees and soil fertility. While pom-pom dahlias dazzled, it’s the open-headed varieties that truly support garden wildlife. Some even entered mixed grasses straight from their ‘No Mow’ patch—reluctant to cut them as butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers had made it home. A big Thank you Enstone Garden Club & Parish Hall Committees for making this happen - it made for a wonderful afternoon.

🌊 Save Lough Neagh – National Campaign, Local Action

Lough Neagh, the UK’s largest lake, is facing an environmental crisis. Polluted by farm and human waste, it’s now choked with toxic algae, endangering wildlife and risking public health. Supplying almost half of Northern Ireland’s drinking water, it urgently needs protection.Friends of the Earth are calling for a 5-point recovery plan and public ownership to stop decades of mismanagement.

Even from Enstone, we can help:🔗 Sign the petition

📷 Village Nature Gallery

We loved this month’s nature photo submissions—especially the striking sunflowers near Fulwell. Keep sending them in—we’d love to feature your seasonal snapshots in future newsletters.