Nature

Talking about Owls

Kim Boog returns to the village hall

Kim Boog, from the Barn Owl Project Hampshire and Bird of Prey Hospital (BOPH), attracted a huge audience at a coffee morning earlier this year.

She will returning on 22 October to give an in-depth talk about the lives of British owls and the work of her rescue organisation.

She’ll focus on the perils owls face in the modern world and the steps that can be taken to help them flourish.

Kim will bring two owls again - both have been rescued but are unsuitable for release back into the wild.

After her hour-long talk, Kim will take questions from the audience.

Buriton’s special hay-day – please help

Our novel community event !

Lots of people like the long grass around the edges of the Recreation Ground which is helping wildflowers and insects.

But this has to be cut at least once a year or else the grass forms a thick thatch and wildflowers can’t survive.

And then all the cuttings have to be removed to reduce soil fertility which is the key to helping more wildflowers in the future.

The mowing will take place fairly soon and then it’s hoped that lots of parishioners will join a ‘Community Hay-Day’ by bringing rakes and wheelbarrows on Saturday 6th September – from 10am.

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Another popular Open Gardens Renaturing Trail

Scores of people enjoyed a stroll around the village seeing how the community is helping nature

There were eight venues to savour on the 2025 Renaturing Trail with a mix of inspiring gardens and public open spaces showing how everyone can help to cater for wildlife.

Lawns, hedges, ponds, flower beds and vegetable patches were all featured on this annual Trail. Whilst everything was managed by humans (not just left to go wild), the owners aims were to share their gardens with a wide range of living things, bringing added joy and delight to relaxation.

Insight into local farming

Trailer journey highlights challenges and opportunities

Villagers were treated to a fascinating insight into local farming practices at Weston Farm on 22 June.

Mark Rowden and Colin Hedley gave a detailed commentary about the range of activities on the farm and answered questions as the special seated trailer travelled through the landscape.

As well as learning about what crops are grown and what they are used for, there was a focus on conservation and environmental practices followed by some fascinating examples of diversification.

Unusual orchid found on Recreation Ground

A sign of success for the wilder, long grassy margins

One of nature’s greatest mimics – a bee orchid – was found growing in the pollinator patch at the side of the recreation ground at the beginning of June.

Bee orchids are one of the most beautiful and well known of British native orchids – and its unexpected appearance on the edge of the Recreation Ground added to the plants own ‘wow factor’.

New ‘Pollinator Patch’ signs

County Council support for community initiatives

Hampshire County Council wants the county to be a place for pollinators to thrive and so it is supporting efforts being made in Buriton to create, improve and connect habitats.

Signage has recently been installed at four places in the village – including the Parish Council’s Recreation Ground where the grassy margins are already flourishing with a range of wildflowers and a noticeable increase in bees, butterflies, moths and beetles.

Buriton Open Gardens and Renaturing Trail

With cream teas and cakes at the church

Stroll round the village to see how the community is helping nature.

An opportunity to visit a range of gardens and public open spaces around the village to see how they are catering for wildlife.

Each garden will show some simple renaturing initiatives to help creatures and the planet. Ask each of the hosts for details.

There are lots of wonderful plants and creations to see - as well as Cream Teas and Cakes at St Mary's church (2-5pm).  

Details of the trail (with a map showing all the locations) is available as a pdf on this web-page (below).

Coulters Dean Open Morning

A lovely opportunity at this Nature Reserve

This should be an opportunity to see a good range of orchids – and more … 

Experts will be on hand to identify the orchids and other rare plants which can be found in this small Nature Reserve on the South Downs above the village. 

Visit any time from 10am to 12.30pm. 

There is now some limited parking near the Nature Reserve (grid reference SU 749 195 and ///lurching.imported.essential) but it’s a lovely walk from the village.

Visit to Weston Farm

Book now for this opportunity to see and learn more about one of our local farms

Mark Rowden and Colin Hedley will provide an insight into the range of farming activities at Weston Farm.

As well as learning about what crops are grown and what they are used for there will be a focus on conservation and environmental practices as a follow-up to the talk that Colin gave in the village last year.

The tour will start at 2pm to be finished by 4pm with some light refreshments and informal discussion.

A seated trailer will be used on the visit which will limit bookings to a maximum of 30 people (no dogs on this occasion).

Bits of Buriton on show in London exhibition

‘Soil: a world at our feet’ at Somerset House

A fascinating exhibition in this impressive building overlooking the River Thames combines art and nature in an exploration of the remarkable power and potential of soil.

The event explains that soil abounds with life, only the tiniest fraction of which is visible to the human eye: healthy soil hums with microbial activity, is home to a mind-blowing range of insect and animal life and sustains all life above ground.