Tysoe Wildlife Calendar 2027 – now available to order online!

Rosemary on October 5, 2026

The Tysoe Wildlife Calendar is now ready to go to print. The quality of entries to our photo competition was outstanding. Tysoe Wildlife are very proud of the end result. 

In order to confirm the print run, please place your orders ASAP, so that we can ensure you get your copies as the calendar is bound to be a sell-out. It makes an ideal Christmas present for friends and family!

We are offering it in two sizes: 

  • A4 – £10  
  • A3 – £12.50  

You can order online at https://cherry-paintings.sumupstore.com/ 

The calendar should be available for collection from Tysoe, towards the end of this month.

Thank you for your support. The proceeds from the calendar will go to support Tysoe Wildlife projects for 2027.

Warwickshire’s High Sheriff visits SWAN groups

Rosemary on October 4, 2026

In a visit organised by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WkWT), Warwickshire’s High Sheriff, Susan Rasmussen, visited Preston on Stour to hear more about the Preston on Stour Environmental Group (PEG) and Wild about Clifford (WAC). The event was held on Tuesday, the 22nd of September, in Lower Cottage Garden, hosted by Ron Hoe. The group included Susan Rasmussen, Amanda Evans and Grace Clarkson from WkWT, Nathan Johnstone from WAC and Margaret Brocklehurst and Ron Hoe from PEG. They sat and enjoyed tea and biscuits in the sunshine, chatting about the kinds of things our groups do. Susan was very interested in our activities, and she enjoyed the tour of Ron’s garden before she left.

Curlew update from Banbury Ornithological Society

Rosemary on August 16, 2026

This summer, Banbury Ornithological Society members and volunteers found and monitored 7 curlew nests in the Edgehill and Napton areas. They also monitored two further nests in the Upper Cherwell area.

A total of 8 eggs hatched in the Edgehill area and, of these, 5 curlew chicks fledged successfully. In the Napton area, 8 eggs hatched and one chick fledged successfully. Most of the nests were protected with electric fences – which really improves egg survival, predators being the greatest threat to them.

The team are very grateful to all the farmers who support the curlews and to all who have generously donated to the curlew funding initiatives. They are also very grateful for support from the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment, the Cotswolds National Landscape and the Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme. There is more information about curlews here: Curlew Recovery Partnership.

All the photographs were taken by Mark Hunter.

Green Hay Harvest at St Mary’s Churchyard, Oldberrow

Rosemary on August 11, 2026

On 4 August, volunteers from Warwickshire Butterfly Conservation spent the morning harvesting the rich mix of grasses and wildflowers that flourish in the churchyard of St Mary’s.

St Mary’s is home to an exceptional species-rich churchyard that has remained largely undisturbed for centuries. Native wildflowers have continued to thrive here, flowering and setting seed year after year. In spring, the churchyard is carpeted with cowslips, while summer brings a vibrant display of knapweed, scabious, betony, quaking grass and many other wildflower species. In recognition of its ecological importance, the churchyard was designated a Local Wildlife Site in 2003.

After cutting, the freshly harvested “green hay” was carefully raked into piles. Some was spread within St Mary’s churchyard, while the remainder was packed into builders’ bags and transported to several other churchyards across Warwickshire.

Timing is crucial when using green hay for habitat restoration. To maximise the transfer of viable seeds, the hay must be spread on recipient sites within a few hours of being cut. As a result, the bags were quickly collected and delivered to their new locations.

The transfer of high-quality green hay is one of the most effective ways to increase wildflower diversity. It also ensures that the seeds are of local provenance, making them well suited to Warwickshire’s landscapes and growing conditions.

This simple but valuable conservation practice helps preserve and enhance the county’s rich natural heritage for future generations.

Artwork by Robin Restall: Ornithologist and Illustrator – for sale

Rosemary on August 3, 2026

When Robin Restall, passed away in 2023, his family were honoured to be able to donate nearly all his artwork to the Natural History Museum in London.  He asked them, however, to retain a few dozen pieces to sell in aid of the charity, The Friends of Sun Rising, which will care for the nature reserve where he was laid to rest into the long-term future. 

These pieces are now available for sale, at an event on 22-23 August Art for Sale in the Longhouse – Sun Rising and online. Some are from his opus, The Birds of Northern South America, with others painted for other publications and areas of study. His daughter, Emma Restall-Orr has written a blog giving the information to make it easy for you to do so. 
https://sunrising.co.uk/blog/2026/07/21/robin-restall-ornithologist-and-illustrator/

Upper Lighthorne – Foster a Tree Scheme

Rosemary on July 10, 2026

The Upper Lighthorne Resident’s Association are inviting local residents to help care for trees and hedgerows in public areas of the town through its Foster a Tree Scheme.

Trees and hedgerows play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, improving air and soil quality, storing carbon and creating healthier, more resilient places for both people and wildlife. However, they need ongoing care to survive and thrive.

That’s where local residents can make a real difference. Simple actions such as watering, light pruning and keeping an eye on young trees and hedgerows can help them flourish and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy their many benefits. For more information or to get involved, please email pulra.upperlighthorne@gmail.com

Warwickshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy launched

Rosemary on July 10, 2026

Warwickshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) was officially launched on 27 May 2026 as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations at Ryton Pools Country Park.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies were introduced under the Environment Act 2021 as part of national efforts to reverse the decline in nature and support nature’s recovery.

The LNRS was developed by Warwickshire County Council in close collaboration with the Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull Local Nature Partnership (LNP). The LNRS is web-based and fully interactive. To find out more, visit the Warwickshire Coventry and Solihull Local Nature Partnership website.

New green projects delivered through Stratford’s Community Climate and Nature Fund

Rosemary on July 10, 2026

The Community Climate and Nature Fund is an initiative run by Stratford-on-Avon District Council that provides funding to local councils, community groups and charities to reduce carbon emissions and improve local biodiversity.

Since it was set up in November 2023, £250,000 has been allocated to local initiatives by the scheme across 53 projects.

The latest round ended in April 2026, and the following projects supporting wildlife received funding:

  • £3,971 to Tysoe Parish Council and Tysoe Wildlife Group to preserve and enhance local swift and hedgehog populations
  • £5,110 to Stratford Beekeepers’ Association to fund equipment and events to defend against the impacts of the Yellow Legged Asian Hornet
  • £5,000 to Long Compton Action Group to clear vegetation and debris from Nethercote Brook

The Community Climate and Nature Fund has been reopened for a Fourth Round. The budget for this round is £200,000, and the upcoming deadline for applications is Monday 27 July 2026.

Visit the website to find out more information, including whether you may be eligible, and what projects have been delivered by the CCNF in the past.