We want to know what species are present in our parish and where they are. To find out, we will be doing some organised surveys, but also we want to encourage everyone to record what they see.
We have chosen 20 species that we are especially interested in knowing more about and we are making the reporting of these as easy as possible.
We are offering two methods for reporting sightings. The easiest, which can be used for our ’20 Selected Species’ is via our website form below
The other method is via iRecord which requires more detail but goes directly to a national biological recording system that we can retrieve data from - but you’ll need to add our activity code when you fill in the form.
upcoming events
Wildflower walks back for 2024 and we'll be looking for insects as well this year - what will we find?
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As usual we will be using the iRecord App to capture important local data.
Everyone is welcome to join in, no experience necessary. See our schedule on our events and surveys page and come along.
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*** New photos ***
Click the image below to explore a collection of John Lindley's photos of South Stoke's ladybirds, dragonflies, damselflies and hawk-moths
news
South Stoke Swifts
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In March/April we will be putting up 10 new swift nest boxes to support the local population.
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We are happy to announce that we can now share John's awesome presentation at the Why iRecord? Virtual Symposium
How iRecord Helps a Local Wildlife Group - John Lindley
South Stoke Wildlife & Conservation Group are trying to monitor biodiversity within our village. This presentation covers our recording activities, how we identify what we've found, and our experiences of using iRecord. We aim to use the information we gather to monitor trends for some of the key species that are present in our village.
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Link to YouTube: https://youtu.be/ah0FxeNq_fE
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On Sunday 10th December we held a hedge planting session. We continued the planting in January 2024.
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Grass cutting & clear-up session - Oct 2023
SSWCG had a grass cutting and clear-up session on Sunday 22nd October at White Hill Quarry. This maintenance helps support the growth of wildflowers on the site.
Donations & Gift Aid
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South Stoke Wildlife & Conservation Group recently became a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and as such we can now claim Gift Aid.
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If you're happy for us to claim the Gift Aid on your donations please print and sign this form.
Please email contact@southstokewildlife.org for details of where to send the completed form
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If you'd like to support us with a donation in please use our SSWCG GoFundMe page. Thank you to everybody who has contributed so far.
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Thank you for your support :-)
We're pleased to announce that SSWCG are members of CAG Oxfordshire and also Social Farms & Gardens
CAG Oxfordshire is a network of almost 100 community action groups working across the county to green and sustainable ends. Social Farms & Garden is a UK wide charity supporting communities to farm, garden and grow together.
worth a read
For a really inspiring read: 'I feel I've made a mark': the man who built homes for 60,000 swifts
Trees should be planted without plastic guards, says UK study
Ten ways to be more sustainable in your garden - practical advice from the RHS
UK dragonflies are benefitting from climate change. Read all about it
CPRE releases groundbreaking new research into hedgerows. Read more here
The insect apocalypse: insects have declined by 75% in the past 50 years – and the consequences may soon be catastrophic. Biologist Dave Goulson reveals the vital services they perform. Read the Guardian article here
Jays and grey squirrels get planting! Half the trees in two new woods were planted by jays scientists find. Read more here
e-newsletter
We will be producing e-newsletters on a quarterly basis. If you’d like to receive them, please sign up.
Previous e-Newsletter issues can be found in the archive at the foot of the sign up form.