AN opportunity to help record Melksham’s wildlife and nature is available as part of a Bio-Blitz.
A Bio-Blitz is a method of recording in a short time as many species, animals and plants on one site. This will be recorded and used as a model for groups such as schools to follow on study. On the weekend of 7th-8th September young wildlife detectives and their parent assistants will get an opportunity to visit the Conigre Mead Nature Reserve and record their findings. The area has recently been renovated with improved access following a £40,000 National Lottery grant.
Saturday 7th September
On Saturday 7th September there is a session that will be focusing on mainly bats and moths. This session will begin at 8.30pm.
Sunday 8th September
The following day there will be two sessions looking for bugs and beasties: 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. Everything found will be recorded with the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Record Centre in Devizes.
Booking is essential: please send name, age, contact details. Preferred session (or all sessions) to conigremeadmelksham@gmail.com
Ian Cardy who is organising the Bio-Blitz said, “It’s an opportunity for us to map Melksham and the wildlife, plants and animals we have. The aim is to one day have the whole of Melksham recorded so we know exactly what species we have. That way, in the future if a planning application came up, we could say that we have snakes in that area or a type of plant. It will give us a better understanding of our natural surroundings and give a great opportunity for schools to get involved and children to learn about what’s around us. Recently tree wardens have been appointed and asked to map where the trees are. This is the beginning of a map which records what we have.”
Everyone is welcome to join in the event and refreshments will be provided.
