Together for our Planet
In March 2022 the Parish Council was successful in obtaining a National Lottery grant as part of the 'Together for our Planet' funding.
The 'Wilder Littleham and Landcros's project was to address the climate crisis and improve biodiversity in the parishes, starting with a 'Gardening for Wildlife' event and including restoration of the Littleham village pond. A final event was held on 11th March,2023 with over a hundred people attending and including an inspiring talk from Becky Searle on no-dig gardening. A final report has been produced and submitted to the National Lottery.
Unfortunately restoration of the village pond could not proceed as planned due to an unexpected claim on ownership of the pond site by a major landowner in the village, but as an alternative, the Lottery apporved the 'Big Tree' project and 8 trees have been planted around the parishes, including one in Littleham churchyard to replace a fallen Copper Beech.
Get involved :
-borrow a Trail camera
The Parish Council has 2 Trail cameras which can record videos or still shots of animals which trigger the sensors. Contact Pete Jollands to arrange to borrow a camera.
Littleham and Landcross Biodiversity Group
Copse in playing field
The Biodiversity Group , in association with the Village Hall have established a small copse in the playing field, with locally grown tree provided by the community. This is managed as a wildlife area and is roped off. The aim is to establish wildflowers around the trees.
Littleham village pond
The Biodiversity Group have been managing the pond area for the last 12 years, clearing it of brambles, establishing wildflowers and providing a bench. The pond has a history of decline and restoration by members of the community and it currently does not hold water permanently. The Parish Council obtained a National Lottery grant in 2021 to fully restore the pond in association with the Biodiversity Group, but has been unable to progress with this as there has been an unforseen claim on the land by a local landowner and a threat of legal action if the site is interfered with.
The Biodiversity Group is continuing with maintenance and enhancement of the area as it has been identified by a majority of the community in Littleham as a priority.
The last Biodiversity Audit of the Parish was carried out in 2009.
Contact Mari Galvin for more details
Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory
Members of the Biodiversity Group and Parish Councillors are recording as many ancient and veteran tree in the parishes as we can. These are then being added to the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory. It is really important to have a record of these trees as they are part of our valuable tree heritage. Some trees in the parishes are subject to Tree Preservation orders and have some protection, but not many.
So far 10 trees have been recorded ( they are awaiting verification by the Woodland Trust) with many more to go. The picture below shows the location of trees recorded around St Swithuns Church, Littleham. If you know of any significant old trees, please contact the Parish Council or the Biodiversity Group
