Chairs welcome
Hello all and welcome to Green Ilminster’s Autumn Newsletter. Its difficult to believe that it’s been five years since Green Ilminster formed, and what a five years It’s been! We have grown into a vibrant, passionate and determined organisation which is lucky enough to have some of Ilminster’s most brilliant and inspirational folk within it. There is no doubt that the environmental problems the world faces can feel overwhelming, but we believe that we can make a difference, and we are! Our ever-growing band of volunteers, whether they are thinking about our future plans and strategy, pressuring our local government to act for our planet, picking up litter or fixing a toaster are all making such a valuable contribution to our community and that really does matter, it forms the heart of who Green Ilminster are. If you aren’t already, maybe you would like to get involved too, you would be very welcome
Sarah Hunt – Chair Green Ilminster CIC
Green Ilminster Talks: Get Ready for Winter!
On Wednesday 25th at 7.30pm, we’re excited to welcome Deb Geraghty, Energy Saving Advisor from the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), to offer practical advice on cutting energy costs this winter. With energy prices on the rise, this talk couldn’t be more timely! We’ll also showcase the Thermal Imaging Cameras available for loan through the Share & Repair shop, so you can see how well your home insulation is performing. No need to book, just turn up—doors open at 6.45pm for more event Info click here
Upcoming Talks:
- 30th October: Ben Thorne (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) – Coping with Somerset’s Flooding
- 27th November: Robin Morrison (Wildlife Photographer) – Conservation Projects in Somerset
- 25th January: James Chapman (Somerset Council Tree Strategist)
Share and Repair Update
Ilminster Share and Repair continues to go from strength to strength, averaging around 50 repairs a month and achieving a 50% increase in income compared with the same period last year. New items have been added to the shop’s library of items to share, and the introduction of liquid refills, including hand wash, washing up, and laundry liquids, have been welcome additions in recent months. Sales of good quality donated items have given the shop a boost, helping the team of 10 shop volunteers and 10 repairers secure the financial sustainability of the project within its first 3 years of operation as well as saving more items from landfill. A great achievement!
to find out more about the share and repair shop you can visit https://ilminster-share-and-repair.org.uk/
Wildlife Recording Project: Recent Sightings by Colin Hyde
As I make my contributions to the Green Ilminster Wildlife Sightings* in September, I feel that the age-old rhythm of the seasons is somehow especially obvious in Autumn. I start to notice absences and changes.
The first sign that the days are now significantly shorter than they were in June is the absence of our swifts. They need as much daylight as possible to keep feeding so that they are in prime condition to migrate. Some of these diminutive aerial insect-eaters fly 6,000 miles from sub-Saharan Africa to nest under the eaves at the back of my house in East Street. From May to August they provide the musical backdrop to my life as they dive around in screaming parties between and over the houses and gardens. This must be inter-generational bonding behaviour that will help them make a successful migration… or it could be the sheer exuberant fun of just being able to do it! Whatever the real reason I will be suffering swift-withdrawal symptoms until next spring, when I will be listening out for their tell-tale call and can see them scything through the air again. All will not be well with me until then…
This is also the time of year when you may discover the caterpillars of two of our spectacular insects: the Elephant and Small Elephant Hawkmoths. Both species may exhibit the same distraction behaviour, using the large but fake ‘eyes’ at their tail end. When under attack, they can inflate their bodies to make themselves appear larger and more threatening to a predator like a jackdaw. To distinguish the two species, look out for the ‘horn’ on the end of the Elephant, not present on its smaller cousin. You may find them on paths or pavements looking for a safe place in some leaf litter to over-winter as a pupa before emerging as a wonderful pink and yellow moth in the spring. Ideally they need plants of the bedstraw (willowherb) family to feed on, but if you find one making for a busy thoroughfare give them a chance by re-locating them into some undergrowth.
Bonus! On the rec this week I found 3 Spotted Flycatchers feeding up before migrating on a similar route taken by the swifts a month and more ago. They hawk on an acrobatic twisting and turning flight to catch insects, taking off from and landing back on the same bare twig at the top of a tree. Uncommon although not rare, the UK population is decreasing together with the decrease in the number of insects available
if your interested in getting involved in monitoring wildlife which can be done as you go about your evey day life be it in your garden or on a walk email Biodiversity@greenilminster.org.uk
River Isle Water Monitoring
After a year of monitoring the River Isle, we’ve accumulated a solid bank of data that offers valuable insights into our local water quality. However, we could use some help with data analysis! If you’re interested in environmental data and would like to volunteer your skills, please reach out to us at info@greenilminster.org.uk.
Tree Group Update
Over the past three months, our volunteers have been busy maintaining the trees planted in previous seasons, ensuring their health through tasks such as watering, weeding, and securing stakes. Though the summer isn’t the best time for planting, it has been ideal for nurturing the trees already in place. This care ensures that they continue to flourish and contribute to the town’s greenery.
In addition to maintenance, we’ve focused on monitoring veteran trees around the town. These ancient trees are not just a natural treasure but an ecological one, supporting wildlife and adding to the town’s historical landscape. Protecting them is critical to preserving both biodiversity and local heritage, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to safeguard these living monuments in the months ahead.
Dates for your Diary
for up to date events and activities https://greenilminster.org.uk/event_view/