Our neighbours in Bridport who have a moth trap have noticed an alarming rise in the number of Box tree moths with up to 50 visiting each night. If you have any Box you may want to consult https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/box-tree-caterpillar Tim Gale – November 2023
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A breezy and cold autumn morning with sun peeking through clouds as we made way for the openair dairy to cross our road. From medieval times the gardens consisted of woodland and grassland, known as the Manor of Romsey Extra. In 1724 a farmer ‘Jarman’ is mentioned as taking land as a back yard of a house, perhaps the origin of ‘Jermyn’s House’. After being used as a smallpox hospital in the 18th century, by 1830 it had been extensively[…]
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Devon, better known for its cream teas has orange elephants, a nickname for South Devon cattle, which may account for the bright orange elephant (African type) looking over a hedge with an ice cream cornet: clever advertising by an ice cream company. Into Cornwall and crossing the Tamar by ferry with only a short drive past multicoloured Cornish stone walls and Scots pines to Antony House. The house built in 1721 replaced previous properties securing the Lynher estuary for[…]
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It’s four years since we started and this is our 24th Newsletter. This issue contains news about what free trees are on offer this winter to householders in and around Bridport. New – some half-standard fruit trees, coming in December and free if you apply and are a lucky winner. New – news about the planting of a community orchard in town. New – news about the great Big Dorset Hedge Project. Bridport Tree Planting October 2023 Newsletter
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Tyntesfield, is one of those National Trust properties that provide an excellent day’s visit. The Victorian Gothic mansion retains the feel of a country estate with its magnificent reception rooms and (always fascinating) kitchen. It also houses an ornately decorated chapel. Extensive tree planting now provides a framework of mature trees both native and exotic. The walled garden for cut flowers, fruit and vegetables is located some distance from the mansion. With its working greenhouses, potting sheds and tool sheds[…]
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Outings during 2023 have been very well attended and often oversubscribed. As you will know we were looking for one or more people to take on this role for next year, so we are pleased to report that Gordon and Vivienne Smith are volunteering time and expertise to help Sibyl and me with next year’s outings. It means we will be able to organise the usual number of visits in the summer months. An early start from Bridport for the[…]
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In early October 2023 members undertook a busy week of bulb planting. Groves have again generously provided 1,200 daffodils at wholesale cost which we have donated and distributed to local community groups to plant in the Millennium Green, Wellfield, Conyger Road/Victoria Way, the town planters and another circle of spring gold around ‘The Pod’ in Riverside Gardens to join those planted last year. Thanks to David Dixon and the Outdoor team from BTC who organised site preparation and to The[…]
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We held our Harvest Show on Saturday September 9th whichwas a great success both inside and outside the Hall. The Charity Plant Fair, ably run by Celia Evans and team raised almost £200 for the Beacon Church Kitchen. Inside the Hall there was a growing sense of anticipation as exhibitors set out their produce ready for the judging at 10 am. Paintings, photographs, pot plants, preserves, flowers, fruit, vegetables and baked products all competed for attention and admiration. Dahlias, Canna[…]
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We’ve not exactly been asleep, but Bridport Tree Planting has had a nice summer rest free from putting new trees in the ground. There’s been plenty of rain for our saplings (and that also means plenty of weeds to clear) and we now have a part-time paid helper, which is great. August 2023 Bridport Tree Planting Newsletter Dont forget that there is an ongoing offer of free native saplings and later in the year we will be offering free fruit[…]
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May, a time for making elderflower cordial, heading west, may and cow parsley dotted creamy white about the landscape, deeper into Devon a blue haze settled over woods and valleys. Taking the woodland railway gave a wider view of the park than would be possible by foot in a few hours: we rattled along with view of the orangery above formal Italian style gardens, reminiscent of ‘Babar King of the Elephants’. Passing from sunlight to shade, very close to the[…]
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