What did we find?
In an hour it is amazing what 7 sharp-eyed kids armed with a net and collecting pots can find; ladybirds (mature and larval stage) at almost plague levels, a wasp, aphids (misc - green, yellow, brownie-black, all sizes), wood spider, hover fly and larva, a slug, red mites, woodlice, centipede, millipede, tiger moth larva (aka "woolly bear"), grasshopper (which one girl even managed to work out the sex of), ants (assorted red, black), earthworms (when we did the planting), a leaf hopper (too fast for me), pigeon and a grey squirrel. Only one ladybird larva did not make it back into the wild – squidged on the collecting pot lid...a sticky ending.
The gravestones themselves were literally crawling with bugs.
More Pollinator Planting
In a second bit of Really Good News we found some of our plantings from June had survived Veolia’s brushcutters - Birds Foot Trefoil was one and Devil's Bit Scabious another. The foxgloves up near the gate didn't make it....
So we were encouraged to plant more and in a fairly random pattern we planted St John's Wort (of course, for the school), Marjoram, Red Campion and Toadflax. Look out for them next spring and summer next to the survivors near George Doney's grave.
And finally, a passer-by we know as Peter "the Chief" claimed we had 12 different species of dandelion in the far corner by the solicitor’s and that each species flowered for a few weeks providing continuous flowering over the summer. Local knowledge is a tremendous thing. We asked him to come back and join us next time. He mentioned Hawkbit, Ragwort and Chicory amongst the 12 dandelions and I now know that dandelion gets its name from the French "dents-de-lion" because the leaves are a bit like lion's teeth. And it is completely edible and quite nutritious.
What’s next?
The kids will be back in the spring to help us out again.
In other Green Heart news we have agreed with Watford Borough Council to host an information day on the developments by pigeon patch/sensory garden on Thursday 21st November from 3.30-6.30pm so parents with kids can drop in, as well as our neighbours and the businesses around the church.
We plan to have a display of the bug hunt, the biology of the church yard and our other plans such as the wildflower meadow, orchard, etc.. and use this as an opportunity to get the views of locals, and raise some funds by selling some butterfly cards, honey and apple juice to raise funds.
Do let me know if you are interested in coming along or getting involved.
With huge thanks to the home team of Churchwardens Marcus and Eileen, Security-detail Antony and Butterfly Rick who kindly supplied the pollinator plants and a lot of knowledge!!
Andy Roby, [email protected], 07414 832983