The Wrecclesham Conservation Group marks a year of wildlife projects, community engagement, and biodiversity.
The Herald wrote about a slug study there recently. It happened at St Peter’s churchyard. It’s in Wrecclesham. A reporter joined Myung-hye Chun and her nature-loving friends. They hunted slugs and moss on a snowy day.
It was part of the Wrecclesham Conversation Group’s work. They also did a bat walk and twig ID. The group wants to make the churchyard a wildlife haven, and they want to boost the village’s biodiversity.
They cleared paths and collected litter. Then, they cut back overgrown trees and planted things. Birds have many feeders. As a result, surveys are being done. More is planned.
The churchyard isn’t the only place getting help. Myung-hye launched the group last January. The vicar and others supported her because they wanted to help wildlife.
Myung-hye volunteered for the Bourne Conservation Group previously. She then wanted to do something for her village. The churchyard looked abandoned, but the other group restored it. Now her group helps.
Churchyards are wildlife havens, she says. The vicar loves wildlife too. They shared a vision for Wrecclesham. She asked Martin, a local expert, to help, and he liked her idea for a group.
He enthusiastically supported the group’s creation. He’s 87, but very passionate. The group started conversations in June 2023. They held their first session in January 2024.
They weren’t sure the group would last so doubts arose about its future. Myung-hye admitted uncertainty early on. She wondered if people would join and if it would survive.
Those doubts are gone now. They had their second meeting on February second. They’re planning for spring and summer. Martin is the group’s chairman now, and his help is invaluable, they said.
He shapes their conservation vision and taught them to record wildlife. He is creating a wildlife inventory too. He introduced moth trapping to them.
They found 216 moth species so far. He has recorded 975 species in Farnham. They meet the first Saturday of each month. They often hold more sessions too, because they love the work.
The group stays busy always. Teaching children is very important. They want people to appreciate local wildlife. They worked with local Brownies and Rainbows. They welcome youth groups and schools because children are the future, they say.
The other group helps students. Martin and she like children’s participation, so they invite them to sessions. They did a big project in August. Many young people took part, she liked.
She uses Facebook to share their work. She wants people to know about local nature. Children learning is important. They want to make School Hill verge a haven. This could have wildflowers and pollinators, also insects and botanical life.
Volunteers worked in the cold in February. They lifted tree crowns and removed dead trees. This will bring more sunlight. Crocuses and snowdrops are already blooming. They will improve village footpaths soon, and volunteers will maintain these paths.
Their work is recognized locally already. They received a donation from a green fund. Welcoming two new families was even better. Seeing children enjoy nature was a joy.
No booking is needed to join sessions. Find the Wrecclesham group on Facebook. They are very active online, and they foster engagement. They protect a place you love.
Myung-hye wants community spirit and also green spaces for all. It’s about people working together. They want to interest young people in nature. Everyone should access green space fast. Pay attention. Explore to realize what is around you.