Iden

Members of the Iden & Playden Garden Society were treated to an interesting talk by Dr Mick Lynn on encouraging Wild life into domestic gardens. The main points covered were provision of food and water, provision of shelter from the elements, and provision of safe havens from predators.

Since different forms and species have widely differing needs the garden should provide as wide a range of habitats as possible. Also the gardener should not attempt to eradicate what are regarded as pests such as aphids which are a food source for a wide variety of insects and birds, which without this larder would probably not visit the garden. Similarly, slugs and snails, are amongst the lower parts of food chains.

With regard to habitat, diversity is again paramount both in provision of nectar and pollen, but also for vegetation to harbour and nurture eggs, larvae of butterflies and other insects. Trees and shrubs of differing forms and sizes are necessary for birds to nest. If these can be producers of berries or nuts this will also attract birds all the year round. This could be augmented by “feeding stations”. etc. Dr Lynn went on to suggest some of the varieties that could be planted. He was adamant that large expanses of lawn would probably not be an attraction unless they were to be allowed “ to go wild” and left uncut until the grass had seeded and died down naturally.

Finally he warned that whilst gardeners may wish to attract birds ,butterflies and some animals they have to be around the area in the first place.

Do you need to change your books, or are you just coming for coffee? Which ever it is, the Pop - in Coffee Morning will be open from 11 am until 1.30 pm, and the Mobile Library will call between 12.05 and 12.45, all at the Village Hall.

Tonight, Friday 22nd November, at 7.30 pm, the Iden and District Natural History Society will be meeting to hear Jenny Willsher talk about the Flowers of Crete. Visitors will be very welcome, admission just £3.

I hear that the Vicar, Rev. Teresa Munro is making slow, steady progress after the surgery. She will be out of action until after Christmas.

Not much news this week. Have you anything planned for which you would like publicity?

There will be a service of Parish Communion at 9.30 am, it being the celebration of Christ the King, and the last Sunday before Advent.