Author Archives: wildgroombridge

Bohemian Waxwings

We have had our first sighting of Waxwings this year in Groombridge – so keep a look out for these spectacular winter nomads. The Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), to give it its full name, is a starling-sized winter migrant from Scandinavia and western Russia. Immediately recognisable for its sleek plumage, distinctive crest and red, waxyContinue reading “Bohemian Waxwings”

Wildlife corridor – we have grant funding!

Wonderful news – we have been awarded a grant by the High Weald Nature and Community Fund to help us create a wildlife-friendly corridor between RSPB Broadwater Warren and Groombridge village. We’ll be working with the farmers and landowners to explore the possibilities of their land, looking at the soil, plants and wildlife that areContinue reading “Wildlife corridor – we have grant funding!”

BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT

This year’s Big Butterfly count is underway until the 10th August. Sadly butterfly numbers have been dwindling in recent years and its even more important to keep track of what is happening in our environment. Last year these were the top 5. Go to https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ and download the free App to take part. You canContinue reading “BIG BUTTERFLY COUNT”

Bats about bats!

When the rest of Groombridge (apart from the bakers and parents of small children) were asleep, a lucky band of us were scanning the darkness for bats last night. Led by James Duncan from Sussex Wildlife trust, and clutching bat-detector devices, we headed down to the banks of the Grom by Groombridge Place. As theContinue reading “Bats about bats!”

2025 Spring surveys. Why do we monitor birdlife?

One of the most effective ways we can understand the health of our local environment is through birdlife surveys. As the RSPB notes, birds are “a vital barometer of the state of nature” (RSPB, 2023). Birds respond quickly to changes in habitat, food availability, and climate—making them excellent indicators of wider environmental conditions. Tracking whichContinue reading “2025 Spring surveys. Why do we monitor birdlife?”

Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

Choose an hour between the 24th and 26 January and record those birds that land in your garden or patch . Last year across the UK more than 600,000 people took part and counted 9.7 million birds. So if you would like to join the largest citizen science project in the world do give itContinue reading “Big Garden Birdwatch 2025”

September news – we’ve been busy!

Wild Verge trial We’ve continued to survey the wild verge outside the parish council offices, and in September made 50 separate plant observations in one morning! We’re now surveying the three sections of the verge individually – so if we found Common Dandelion in all three areas, we noted them three times. But there wereContinue reading “September news – we’ve been busy!”

Bat Walk – book now!

We’re so lucky! James Duncan from Sussex Wildlife Trust has offered Wild Groombridge a guided bat walk. It’s at 6pm on Tuesday 1 October, it’s free, and you’re all welcome (no need to be a member of Sussex Wildlife Trust or Wild Groombridge). Places are very limited, so booking is essential. Just drop me anContinue reading “Bat Walk – book now!”

Wildlife surveying training opportunity!

A couple of weeks ago we spent a fascinating day here in Groombridge with James Duncan and Laurie Jackson of Sussex Wildlife Trust. We learned so much in a short time, and it was wonderful to learn from such knowledgeable, practical and inspiring people. I asked how we could carry out better surveys of theContinue reading “Wildlife surveying training opportunity!”