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Williams Hall Spinney The principal objective is to actively manage the Williams Hall spinney in such a way that the abundance and diversity of wild animals, insects, invertebrates, birds and plants is increased. Secondary objectives include: An opportunity for community engagement in a long-term environment project; Provide a place where groups of young people can locate wildlife habitats and bird feeding stations; Provide a place where all members of the community can observe wildlife; The Williams Hall spinney comprises an area of small trees and hedgerow plants, about 75m long and 8m wide, on the south-west boundary of the village hall area. It contains a number of species, but it is dominated by Hazel. The spinney was planted soon after the construction of the Williams Hall (2006) primarily as a ‘sound barrier’ to protect the occupants of adjacent houses from any noise emanating from the village hall. Apart from periodic trimming of branches there has been very little management of the site. Many tree species have thinned or died. The potential for the spinney to support wildlife has been critically compromised and was in danger of becoming an ineffective ‘sound barrier’. A programme of active management will ensure its primary purpose is achieved and it goes on to be a healthy and biodiverse community area accessible to all. Based on the survey report produced by Sara Shuttleworth, low-level coppicing and trimming has started - before the growing season starts in March 2022. Some ground clearing is also taking place to encourage grass and stinging-nettle growth – both of which are essential to several species. The area will also be staked out to preserve a grass boundary that remains uncut throughout the summer period. The Hazel coppicing and clearing will produce materials that can be recycled and are ideal for construction. A series of dry hedges will be constructed within the spinney boundary where ‘waste’ materials will be used to create natural habitats and shade. Some of these materials will also be used to make bird feeders. Signage will be produced, as the site develops, informing visitors of the work being undertaken and the species that are supported in the rejuvenated spinney. Due to the amount of coppicing and trimming necessary, the project will be long-term, and the spinney will require routine maintenance for several years. A grass buffer strip will be formed along the eastern edge of the spinney. This will be left unmowed and will support invertebrates (beetles, bugs, moths and butterflies etc). A further 0.5m will be left unmowed from April to end of August every year. This will give some security and cover to small mammals and insects that need to venture out beyond the tree boundary. Areas of longer grass and extra nectar resources will greatly enhance the biodiversity of the spinney as many invertebrate species need a diversity of habitats to support each life stage. This in turn will increase the number of insectivorous species like birds and mammals. This will follow with: nest boxes and feeders; slowworm habitats (old corrugated tin sheets); (solitary) bee habitats; owl box. There will then be signage to inform visitors of the work being undertaken and the range of species being supported by the spinney. Come along and join in. Let's all share this little bit of managed spinney. Get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com

LINKS & ARTICLES NEW March 2023 Two important events coming up from Somerset Wildlife Trust on adapting to Climate Change One in Burnha m-on-Sea on 21st March - Click HERE and One in Glastonbury on 23rd March - Click HERE While you're there have a look at all their other events. Carbon Savvy - a leaflet to help us get started on lightening our carbon footprint. Available HERE Idling - vehicles not us. Does it annoy you? Some myths busted. See HERE ​ LINKS FROM 2022 - BUT STILL RELEVANT! Woodland Trust: Identifying empty nests HERE From the Guardian: Revival of 'Gleaning' in vegetable fields HERE If you're thinking of cloth nappies, have a look HERE From the R.S.P.B.: Helping birds through the rough weather HERE Woodland Trust: Thinking of planting trees, but need some help? It's HERE This booklet might inspire you to make some small changes that will help you reduce the amount of food you waste in your home HERE Working For Wildlife: Farmland Bird Identification Guide; How to make a Barn Owl Nest Box; How to create the ultimate insect hotel. Download HERE Local Web Links Climate Action Athelney Somerset Waste Partnership Stoke St Gregory Village Web Site North Curry Wildlife Group Local Articles Hedges - An article by Paul Parmenter Soil - an article by Charlotte Sundquist, our Footpaths Officer

Take photos any time before the end of May 2022 Four age categories: under 12 years; 13 - 17 years; 18 – 59 years; and over 60 years. Full Rules Available HERE *NEW* Links to Handy Hints Below This Competition is to raise awareness of the natural world around Stoke St Gregory, and to encourage us all to take an interest how the natural environment plays a part in our lives. Being out taking photos can help us appreciate our surroundings. We encourage you to submit a photograph, taken between January and May 2022 in the Parish of Stoke St Gregory, that captures an example of the natural world. The best photographs in each of four age ranges will be awarded a prize at the Envirofair 22. Photographs may be taken using a simple ‘everyday’ device such as digital camera, mobile phone, tablet etc. No editing or ‘photoshoping’ of the image will be allowed. Photographs will be accepted in digital format at any time between 1 January and 31 May 2022 . There will be no specific topics, but the photograph must be taken in the Parish and is expected to capture a natural subject – it can be flora or fauna and any native species of either. So the photograph can feature anything from an earthworm to a sunset! To ensure the quality is maintained when printed, images must be of 2Mb size , at least. A panel of SEG members will be formed to judge the winner of each age category. If possible, a guest ‘celebrity’ judge will be included. The top four photographs will be printed, mounted and framed . Permission will be sought to display each picture in the HOTV Coffee Shop for three months after which, the framed photograph will be presented to the originator. So, Get Snapping! If you fancy a few tips and handy hints here are a few links to other web sites: ​ Naturehood HERE Natural History Museum HERE C.P.R.E. HERE Ephotozine HERE Countryfile HERE

Home Composting Composting Workshop - Saturday 19th March, 10 am - 2 pm It is possible to produce good quality garden produce from a range of kitchen waste (vegetable peelings, paper etc) and garden cuttings in a relatively short space of time and with minimal equipment. However, there are some simple techniques that can improve the quality of the compost. An expert in the field of home composting, Nicky Scott, has authored several books on composting and recycling. He also advises schools, local authorities and businesses on composting kitchen waste and helps set up community composting groups. Check out his web site HERE The “hot box” composter he developed is widely used for composting food waste. Nicky has agreed to visit Stoke St Gregory and run a four-hour ‘workshop’ which will include ‘hands-on’ demonstrations. For the practical part of the workshop, Nicky will use prepared compost and answer any queries on the topic. There will be a small charge for the workshop, but it will be subsidised from SEG funds. ​ Get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com if you would like to come along Why Home Composting? Compost is a pile of organic waste that over time breaks down or 'decomposes' into a nutrient rich soil. The compost pile is usually made of a mixture of green organic materials like food scraps, garden trimmings or fresh manure and brown organic materials like dead or dry leaves, cardboard and wood chips. The green materials contain a chemical called nitrogen and the brown materials contain a chemical called carbon. Add air and water, and the bacteria and moulds, as well as creatures like worms and insects can feed on the organic matter and help to break it down. It is estimated that almost half of the food waste in the average rubbish bin could have been composted. You can do your bit to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or other more costly forms of treatment by composting your food and garden waste at home. You may ask "Why do I need to compost - and why should I worry when my local council does food waste collections?" It saves money, saves resources, can help to improve your soil and can reduce your impact on the environment. Did you know, composting at home for can save global warming gases equivalent to all the CO2 your kettle produces annually, or your washing machine produces in three months? What to Compost? The best compost will be made from a mixture of 'greens' and 'browns' in the table, and it's always best not to put too much of one thing on at a time (unless you are able to fork it in well with the mixture). The table below shows what NOT to compost. An increasing amount of packaging is now labelled as 'compostable', but beware! Some of it can only be processed industrially at high temperatures. For a look at the different labels you might find in this minefield see HERE There are plenty of helpful web sites out there - just put 'home composting' in your search box. The Eden Project has also produced a useful video See HERE ​ Happy Composting and don't forget 19th March

Towards a socially responsible and sustainable community Actively caring for our environment and the wellbeing of current and future generations ENVIROFAIR 24 Start Reading HERE New May 2024 Envirofair 2024 Exhibitors HERE New May 2024 Envirofair 2024 HERE New February 2024 2023 Report to AGM HERE New October 2023 Revised Autumn Progr amme HERE New August 2023 Bat Detectives HERE Autumn Glut Recipes HERE New July 2023 Autumn Progr amme HERE A Safer Stoke HERE New June 20 23 Round Robin Number Three HERE 20's Plenty HERE Village Pla n HERE Bio Blitz 1st July HERE New May 20 23 ENVIROFAIR 23 Raffle Prizes HERE ENVIROFAIR 23 Exhibitors HERE Village Walks Update HERE Good News? HERE New April 2023 Recycle your Smart Tech HERE Wild Gardens & No Mow May HERE Plant Table for ENVIRO 23 HERE Round Robin Number Two HERE New - March 2023 iNaturalist - Wildlife Species ID HERE See our Updated Links Page HERE ENVIROFAIR 23 HERE Somerset Food Waste Week HERE New - February 2023 - Task List fo r 2 023 HERE New - December 2022 - Round Robin Number One HERE Our Vision Statement A rural community that is friendly, inclusive and resilient, where people share skills, ideas, knowledge, experience and time. A connected and healthy community, where everyone can get around with minimal carbon emissions. A green community that is rich in wildlife, that encourages biodiversity and cares for all species. An empowered community, where every individual can make a positive difference for the benefit of all. A socially responsible and sustainable community where we actively care for our environment and the wellbeing of current and future generations. Footpath Group: Formed in the spring of 2021 as an offshoot of the Stoke Environment Group, the aim is to encourage people to walk round and across fields and vary their walks to get to know the lovely countryside that surrounds the village. See more HERE VILLAGE WALKS: Eight circular walks around Stoke now available to download HERE ​ ​ Feb 2022: Update to LINKS page with links to ideas and articles that have been featured on our Facebook page If you can sign up to this vision, why not sign up to our mailing list, as a supporter or helper Contact us today: envirostoke@yahoo.com

RESOURCES & INFORMATION BACK to Themes Stoke Environment Group will be: > Working with, and supporting, education and information providers During the 2021 Summer Term, Stoke School have been exploring how best to include environmental issues in their curriculum. The results will become mainstream in September 2021. > Providing nature information around the village > Connecting with young people in our community and respond to their concerns > Constructing a ‘library’ of information on environmental success stories and practical guidance Karen Housego is putting together the first of a series of booklets on handy hints for conservation. The first is about what we can do around the home. If you have any of your own, please do get in touch envirostoke@yahoo.com The first two of a series of articles by local experts are available on the 'Links' page. They are on the subjects of 'Hedges' & 'Soil' Environmental education refers to organized efforts to teach how natural environments function, and particularly, how human beings can manage behaviour and ecosystems to live sustainably

THEMES Biodiversity Understanding the challenge Undertaking nature surveys Monitoring endangered species Wildflower planting Developing and implementing solutions to support and increase biodiversity ​ ​ Hedges & Trees Surveys and mapping of species and locations Identifying improvements and planting opportunities Developing and maintaining a positive relationship with landowners Planting new hedges and trees to increase the community’s Carbon Capture and to support species reliant on these habitats Managing communal resources ​​ Mobility & Transport Mapping paths, tracks and permissive routes etc. Improving signage and guides Identifying improvements to access whilst respecting coexisting natural habitats Encouraging responsible use of motor transport Providing improved facilities and encouraging healthy exercise ​​ Resources & Information Hub Working with, and supporting, education and information providers Providing nature information around the village Connect with young people in our community and respond to their concerns Construct a ‘library’ of information on environmental success stories and practical guidance ​ Home Energy & Waste Management Providing guidance on practical measures that lead to a reduction in the use of energy and increase carbon capture Identifying grants and funding to reduce the impact of carbon (and other gas) emissions Identifying and coordinating initiatives that will minimise unnecessary waste and preserve our natural resources Identify and coordinate projects that help people adopt the principle of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink’ We have produced a task list which covers all the possible projects we have identified to date. It is available HERE

Community Wildlife Mapping Williams Hall, Stoke St Gregory, TA3 6HA Saturday 1st July, 10.30 am - 12 noon Even before the dust settles on Envirofair, we are thinking about our next event which is the Bio-Blitz/Learning to use Seek and iNaturalist apps. This is being run in conjunction with Somerset Wildlife Trust and Bryony has kindly organised the advertising from her side. The object of this event is to use how to properly use Seek and iNaturalist and to upload species data. We will be joined by Bryony, and also Leon de Bell of the Somerset Environmental Records Centre, with expert Val Graham, who is Chair of the Somerset Botany Group, and Sarah Shuttleworth from N Curry - also a botanist and moth expert. This event will start and end at the Stoke St Gregory village hall where we will learn all about two smart-phone apps called ‘Seek’ and ‘iNaturalist' . We will then head out on a nature walk and see how many species of plants (and maybe a few bugs and beasties) we can find, record them using the apps to contribute to our local community wildlife map and national data. Citizen Science in action! Adults and young people (14+) are welcome to join expert botanist Val learning the basics of plant identification and recording skills. Younger families are invited to join Bryony (claiming not to be an expert botanist!) for a child-friendly recording session. Advanced b ooking is not essential but would be much appreciated so that we have an idea of numbers. ​ It would be useful if people planning to come along could download the two apps to their phones or tablets - see below Please book HERE (yes, it's still free!) This event is a partnership between Stoke-St-Gregory Environ ment group, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Botany Group and Somerset Environmental Records Centre. iNaturalist is the platform recommended by Somerset Wildlife Trust for recording wildlife data. It can be accessed either through a computer or via an app on a smartphone. Several SEG members have started using it with varying success rates. Like any similar app, it needs fine tuning and a reasonable amount of use to become accurate. Once you have set up an iNaturalist account you can join a project such as the ‘Big Count’ or the ‘Great Somerset Wildlife Count’ project. More details on the SWT site HERE where you can download the app, and the accompanying ‘SEEK’ app which does the actual recording. There are also three videos to help you on your way. If you want to experiment, or have some specific wildlife aspect in mind, there are alternatives: iRecord is another system which matches species sightings with GPS coordinates, descriptions and other information, which is then made available to National Recording Schemes. Their app is available HERE If you are into trees, the Woodland Trust has produced a useful app. In just a few steps you can identify native and common non-native trees in the UK whatever the season using leaves, bark, twigs, buds, flowers or fruit. The app is available HERE If for example you are interested in grasshoppers, crickets, earwigs, cockroaches and stick-insects, you might need something more specialised. The Biological Records Centre has produced a list of available ID apps. Click HERE Do let us know how you get on - envirostoke@yahoo.com

Click HERE for ENVIROFAIR Home Page Click HERE for full list of contributors Fixy Van Average Somerset households hold on to 20 unwanted electrical items. Fixy’s first year is dedicated to giving anything with a plug or batteries a new lease of life if it stops working, and helping people to get things mended rather than throwing them away. Fixy will be at our Envirofair. The initiative is led by the Resource Futures consultancy, in partnership with Somerset Waste Partnership and Donate-IT, a local community interest company that refurbishes laptops, tablets and phones, and distributes them to families who need them. The van has a collection point for these items and Donate-IT will securely data-wipe donations. ​ So, bring along your broken, and/or unwanted, electrical items on Saturday 25th June 10 am - 4 pm Every year, we throw away millions of tons of electrical and electronic items. Recycling is good, but reuse is even better, and it is often surprisingly easy to fix things. Not only can you save money, materials and energy, but repair is a useful action against climate change. Why not love your stuff for longer? ​ Check out some good advice from SWP HERE And to look at the idea of a 'Circular Economy' click HERE

1921 - 100 Years Ago Towards the end of 1921 saw the Diamond Wedding celebrations of a lad from Knapp, Walter Boobyer who had married a Stoke girl all those years before. The festivities were reported in the Taunton Courier on the 9th of November: DIAMOND WEDDING CELEBRATION AT NORTH CURRY Mr and Mrs. Walter Boobyer. of Greenway. North Curry, celebrated their 'diamond' anniversary of their wedding on Thursday the 3rd of November, having been married at the Parish Church of Stoke St. Gregory on the 3rd November 1861, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. Richard Watson Moor, the vicar of the parish for 47 years, who died in 1884 at the age of 80 years. Mr Walter Boobyer was born on 13th April 1839, at Combe Lane, Knapp, his father being the late Mr Charles Boobyer. Mrs Boobyer was born in 1836, and was the daughter of Mr Richard Boobyer of Curload, Stoke St Gregory. "At an interesting interview, Mr Boobyer was full of reminiscences of the early part of his life and records the fact that as a young boy he recollects the days when his father was wont to take home a bushel of wheat on a Saturday as his weeks wages, and his mother had to carry the wheat to Creech Heathfield to be ground, leaving the bran for the cost of the grinding, and taking home the flour to break bread early on the Sunday morning before her children could be fed. Mr Boobyer, at the early age of seven years, commenced work by scaring birds, and as he grew older he was engaged in general farm work. At the time of his marriage he was employed at Huntham Farm, Stoke St Gregory, by the late Mr William Hembrow, for whom he worked for 12 or 13 years. "From that time onwards he was employed as a cattle and sheep drover, visiting most of the principal markets and fairs in the West and South of England, including Barnstaple, Torrington, South Molton, Crediton, Devizes, Marlborough, Salisbury, Bridport, Wimborne, Blackwater, Basingstoke and Dorchester, at the latter place attending five fairs a year, and doing most of his journeys on foot. He attended the London Christmas markets for 27 consecutive years, and. As his daughter interjected, never forgot to bring his children a souvenir of his visit. "Mr Boobyer rather prides himself on the fact that he used to walk to Wells market from Stoke St Gregory in the olden times, reach Wells by 9 am, and returning with cattle to Stoke the same day. Mr Boobyer relates that, when first married, his weekly wage was but 10 shillings, and on this he was successful in keeping his wife and their first three children. He recollects the time when wheat made but 9 shillings a sack, and during the Crimean War bread had to fetched from Creech Heathfield, and was 2 shillings for two quartern loaves. "Asked as to the withy industry Mr Boobyer said his father helped to plant the first withy bed in the district, now known as Bennett’s Bed in Sedgemoor. Walter (but not his wife) received a telegram from Buckingham Palace. and the Courier added it's own congratulations: "This letter will be treasured with the many other congratulations and presents received on the auspicious occasion, which add our personal wish that in their eventide they may blessed with every comfort and joy, and be spared each other for some years." ​ At the end of November, the following item appeared in the Courier: ​ "Lively Girl (Stoke St. Gregory). A most self-assertive, keenly practical, independent, retiring, and business-like young lady this, with dignified, elegantly-dressed figure, and go-ahead activity in versatile pursuits if well rewarded, brimful merriment when interested and amused, scarcely gushing among companions, slow to boast or confide in utter strangers, won't allow rivals a look in edgeways, highly educated, very critical to minute detail, with clever secretarial, dramatic, and scientific qualities, unlimited pluck and resource, a capital buyer and sales hand, brilliant hockey player and photographer, and mimic or medical nurse, fanciful in selecting a suitable husband until diamonds are trumps." ​ Who was she and what became of her? ? ? In December 1921 the Taunton Courier reported on a rather more serious matter, a year or more after the League of Nations (See HERE for more details) had been set up: ​ "STOKE ST. GREGORY. LEAGUE OF NATIONS.- An address ‘The League Nations and the League of Nations Union’ was given by Capt. W. Gurney, R.E.S.R. in the National schoolroom the 15th inst. The chair was taken Mr. H. M. Hembrow, who, before introducing the speaker, read letters apology from Col. Barrett and Mr. H. C. Garland, also telegram from Sir A. Boscawen, M.P., expressing his regret at not being able to be present, but stating his full agreement with the League of Nations.—The lecturer in some length explained the functions of the League. It, he said, now embraced all the countries the world, except the United Slates and one or two late enemy nations, who would, doubtless, be soon admitted. Capt. Gurney then proceeded to explain the objects of the League of Nations Union, showing that the interest of the people, as a whole, was absolutely necessary in international affairs if there is to be a betterment of conditions in the world. Mr. Edmund Boobyer supported the object, and spoke of the good the League must from do from a business point of view. Mr Musgrove voiced the feeling of the Non-Conformist Church, which was one of hearty agreement with the League. The Rev. H. F. S. Gurney also expressed the full approval the Church of England, reading extracts, referring to the statements at the Lambeth Conference. The last speaker then proposed a resolution that a branch of the L.N.U. should formed in Stoke St Gregory. This was seconded Mr. E. Poles and carried unanimously. A branch was afterwards formed, and the following officers have been appointed:- Chairman, Rev H. F. S. Gurney (vicar), Mr Edmund Boobyer (Chris Coate’s grandfather), Secretary, Mr. E.Poles, Teasurer, Mr H. S. Chedzoy (owner of the village stores). Reverend Gurney in the Vicarage Garden FOOTBALL TRAITORS AT THE LOCAL DERBY One hundred years ago, Stoke St Gregory and North Curry were fierce rivals, whether it was sport or anything happening in public life. It's still the same today, of course, but perhaps the rivalry does not erupt in the way it did in a football match in October 1921. Someone from Curry was playing for Stoke, and three Stoke brothers were playing for Curry. Traitors! The Taunton Courier reported on the match: ​ "AN UNPLEASANT GAME. This match was arranged to be played Stoke St. Gregory on Saturday last, and the teams lined up on a hard ground in very hot weather. Being neighbouring parishes, a good deal of interest had been aroused in the fixture, and this was increased by the fact that in the Stoke team was one resident of North Curry, viz., Lane, while in the visiting team were three Stoke residents, the brothers Musgrave. It cannot be said that the best of feelings prevailed on either side from the commencement, but the trouble was merely verbal for a time. However, this led to the use of more energy than skill, and consequently one or two players were cautioned. Ultimately, a deliberate foul upon Lane caused marching orders to be given to Gill, member of the North Curry team, whereupon the visiting captain adopted the course of calling the whole of his team from the field, and so brought about a very unfortunate and premature conclusion to the game. No goals had been scored. Strong disapproval of this action was expressed the spectators when the North Curry team took their departure."

CONTRIBUTORS Click HERE for ENVIROFAIR Home Page Outside Seed/plant /produce swap under the porch (Trevor & Jane Williams) See more HERE Somerset Bee Keepers Seed Bombs and Bird Feeders with Mandy Boobyer Making Bird Boxes & Bee Houses (£2) Nationwide e- Bikes Growing Minds – young children play in nature Messy Church (Baptist) Fixy Van -see more HERE Offgrid Solutions SSG Cubs ​ Meeting Room - see more HERE Somerset Butterfly Talk Somerset Wildlands – Alisdair Cameron Owl Experience – Sharandy’s Bird Sanctuary Refreshments WI - teas and coffees, cake: 10-12 and WI/SEG 2-4pm. Veggie & meat Barbecue SEG 12 – 2pm. ​ Main Hall SSG Primary School Tree & leaves – ideas for our community SEG – Uses of plastic bottle/Future projects and 7 R’s/ Footpaths/ Spinney & hedge (Rota) Butterfly Conservation & badge making Chedzoy Fair Share Project Somerset Waste Partnership Reimagining the Levels Somerset Wildlife Trust Bumble Bee Conversation Trust Somerset Eco Centre Climate Action Taunton Field Studies Centre WWC Photo Display & Competition winners Crafts and Dog Toys (Karen Housego) Dykes Farm Raffle - The Levellers See more HERE Centre for Sustainable Energy Willowset