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.

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/

This year Tysoe Wildlife have initiated two new projects – both supported by Stratford on Avon District Council’s Community Climate and Nature Fund. This is an update from the Tysoe and District Record about the project on swifts.

Header image from TheOtherKev.

This year Tysoe Wildlife have initiated two new projects – both supported by Stratford on Avon District Council’s Community Climate and Nature Fund. This is an update from the Tysoe and District Record about the project on hedgehogs.

Header image from Alexas_Fotos.

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 (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.

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.

Over 50 events took place in Stratford District in or around 6^th-14^th June to mark The Great Big Green Week. 

Some of the events involving wildlife included:

• The Great Big Green Week 2026 Launch: Together in Meon Vale
• Hedgerow to Hostelry – Walk In Stretton-On-Fosse
• Closing Day Conversations: Adaptation and Resilience – Stratford-Upon-Avon
• Open Gardens for Wildlife in Wellesbourne and Hunscote
• Stratford Upon Avon Local Nature Reserve Guided Tour
• Guided Wild Plant Walks – Shipston-On-Stour, Stratford-Upon-Avon
• Climate and Nature Drop In Engagement Event Alcester Town Council
• Plant and Butterfly Identification – Shipston-On-Stour
• Moth Traps & Bacon Baps – Preston-On-Stour