Natural environment and heritage
The Natural Environment and Heritage theme aims to raise awareness and promote protection of Blewbury's special characteristics (springs and streams, trees, fabric), architecture and history.
We welcome ideas and help for this broad theme. If you would like to get involved,
or just want to be kept informed by email, please contact Mike Edmunds:
Blewbury's history and environment
Blewbury can trace its geological history back to 350 million years ago. However, most of its visible features are the product of weathering and erosion in the past 10,000 years. People have been living here for over 4,000 years.
For the past two decades the Blewbury Village Society Environment Group has conducted studies of the natural environment of the village and the surrounding area, raising awareness and promoting protection of its special characteristics (trees and hedgerows, streams and springs as well as its historical fabric).
Special projects have included Blewburton Hill (publication "A View from the Hill") and actions related to the Parish Plan.
Springs and streams
Blewbury is one of several villages which owe their origins to a series of perennial springs along the foot of the northern escarpment of the chalk hills called the North Wessex Downs, or Berkshire Downs. Settlement around the Blewbury springs has occurred over a period of at least 4,000 years.
Maintaining the Cleve
The Cleve is the main spring complex in the village and was formerly the site of the Blewbury watercress industry. We have conducted a number of ecological surveys and hold working parties to control the eutrophication and manage the landscape of this attractive and historic area.
Monitoring water levels
For 20 years, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, we have been monitoring the groundwater levels following the impacts of droughts and the pumping from the chalk aquifer. Measurements made at centrally located village wells illustrate the seasonality of the water table fluctuations and provide a robust long term record.
Trees
In the 2004 Parish Plan the BVS Environment Group undertook to develop actions related to the environment – the Blewbury Natural Environment Action Plan – dealing with various aspects including trees, hedgerows and biodiversity.
Tree survey
From 2007 – 2009 most substantial trees in the public realm within the Village, i.e. those along roads, footpaths and other open spaces, have been identified and measured. Their girth, spread, height, position, condition, importance and history have been recorded. Thanks to the owners we have recently surveyed many trees in private gardens. A survey of trees in the wider parish of Blewbury remains to be done.
Trees are under threat from many sources including disease, vandalism, acts of God, and impending climate and environmental change. This survey provides a baseline against which future changes can be measured.
As part of our Apple Day celebration on 16 October 2010, we are conducting a survey of apple orchards and other fruit trees in the village. We'd like to know what varieties there are and their age. Are there signs of a renaissance in fruit growing? If you have fruit trees in your garden we would like to hear from you! The survey form can be downloaded here – please print and complete it, then return to Mike & Kathy Edmunds, Wayside Cottage, Westbrook St., Blewbury (01235 850337).
Dark skies
Light pollution is increasing, leaving less and less countryside where we can enjoy seeing the stars. Much of Blewbury's light pollution is due to sky glow from Didcot and towns even further away. Light pollution is wasted light which also wastes electricity. Outside lights can contribute to sky glow and can also create glare and light trespass affecting others.
Please do your bit to reduce light pollution by making sure that external lights:
- shine downwards
- are no brighter than necessary
- only come on when necessary
Visit the British Astronomical Association's Campaign for Dark Skies and CPRE websites.
Living Churchyard project
Churchyards are important sanctuaries for wild life. Some, such as St Michael's Church, Blewbury are especially valuable, having been reclaimed from ancient meadows or pastures. If they have never been ploughed or treated with artificial chemicals, the soil will be rich in the seeds of wildflowers.
This project (supported by BBOWT and the Church and Parish Councils) won an award in 2001. There are four different habitats: hedgerow, wayside, woodland edge and ditch, chalk meadow. The existing natural floral population has been augmented by other species and a sustainable mowing routine established.
