Creating the Bog Habitat – a summary
When the New Pond was built at Charlton Down Nature Area in early 2024, we decided to convert the shallow … Continue reading Creating the Bog Habitat – a summary
Signs of Spring
They say that yesterday was the warmest day of the year. It was certainly bright when I visited the Nature … Continue reading Signs of Spring
Common Toads at Night
We went out by the light of the crescent moon and the star-filled sky to watch for the toads arriving … Continue reading Common Toads at Night
Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 2
An update on progress with our new dead hedge habitat. Having installed a dozen chestnut fence posts, we have started … Continue reading Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 2
Amphibian Arrivals
A little earlier than last year, the first frogs, toads, and newts arrived in our wildlife pond on Valentine’s Day … Continue reading Amphibian Arrivals
Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 1
What is a dead hedge? It is a constructed habitat for all kinds of wildlife, a barrier or protective structure, … Continue reading Building a Dead Hedge Habitat – Stage 1
A Bit of Hazel Coppicing
You cannot miss signs of recent activity when you visit the Nature Area right now. While the majority of the … Continue reading A Bit of Hazel Coppicing
Managing the Blackthorn
Blackthorn is always be the first shrub to blossom each year. The masses of small white flowers are so beautiful … Continue reading Managing the Blackthorn
Bluebell Planting
We have always thought that native bluebells would be a wonderful natural addition to the ground beneath the trees around … Continue reading Bluebell Planting
Breaking Ice
We have been having some cold and frosty weather down here in Dorset, even a sprinkling of snow over the … Continue reading Breaking Ice
Charlton Down Nature Area 