🌿 Positive Signs of Progress Across Enstone!

We’re excited to share some brilliant updates from recent Enstone Eco activities that show how our work is making a real difference — not just to the environment, but to the whole community.

📍 Hedgelaying at the Crossroads

Take a look at this fantastic view of the hedgelaying project at the Bicester Road and Great Tew Road crossroads! A huge thank you to Enstone Eco volunteers, Chipping Norton Green Gym and the Cotswold Wardens for their support in making this a beautiful, wildlife-friendly feature in the heart of the village.

📊 Riverfly Testing with Enstone Primary School Pupils

Thanks to Mrs Callaghan and the brilliant pupils from Enstone Primary School for joining Dawn and Ian down by the River Glyme. The school said the children had a brilliant time! While we didn’t formally record species, we recall spotting several types of riverflies including caddisfly larvae, mayfly nymphs, and freshwater shrimps — all indicators of healthy water although we didnt see any fish.

🌼 Growing wildflowers at school

Kari, another Enstone Eco volunteer, has also supported Enstone Primary School children with growing wildflower plants from seed which will soon be planted out in the school outdoor learning zone.

💧 STOP PRESS: Lampreys Spotted in the Glyme!

Incredible news: Carol and Andy Hicks have observed 8–9 brook lampreys mating in the river — a truly rare sight! Andy says it’s been decades since he's seen so many. Brook lampreys live most of their lives as gravel-dwelling filter feeders and only transform into their adult, non-parasitic form to breed. Another sign our rivers are bouncing back!

🐦 Birdbox Design Competition

We’ve had a flock of creativity from our local schoolchildren! We donated 12 birdboxes to Enstone Primary School so they could run a birdbox design competition with pupils. Six winning designs were selected — The six winning children (two from each class) each took a birdbox home. These will help provide homes for our local birds, and the remaining boxes will be used for future prizes. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped us raise awareness about nesting birds and the importance of habitats.

🪶 Homes for birds in the churchyard

Bird boxes made by local resident Dave Akers were also put up in the old churchyard by Dawn and Matthew to provide homes for local birds. Thank you to you all and for Sally for suggesting the idea.

💚 These moments reflect the power of the Enstone community. Whether it's through education, hands-on conservation, or just keeping our eyes open to the wonders of nature around us, we are making a difference.

Want to get involved? Drop us a message at enstoneeco@gmail.com or join us at one of our events!