Nature Recovery
We in Cuckfield are fortunate in being surrounded by fields and forests. However, the general decline in invertebrates and resulting decline in birds and mammals that feed on them is a tragic reality here. Nonetheless, there are many things which we can do in our own backyards and on common land to foster wildlife such as:
- Planting native flora that attract local fauna such as birds, butterflies, and bees. Building shelters like water features, bird feeders, and insect hotels.
- Embracing organic gardening methods to minimize harmful chemical exposure and maintain a healthy ecosystem balance.
- Cultivating wild patches or meadows to create habitats for small mammals and insects.
Nature Recovery
We in Cuckfield are fortunate in being surrounded by fields and forests. However, the general decline in invertebrates and resulting decline in birds and mammals that feed on them is a tragic reality here. Nonetheless, there are many things which we can do in our own backyards and on common land to foster wildlife.
Such as...
- Planting native flora that attract local fauna such as birds, butterflies, and bees. Building shelters like water features, bird feeders, and insect hotels.
- Embracing organic gardening methods to minimize harmful chemical exposure and maintain a healthy ecosystem balance.
- Cultivating wild patches or meadows to create habitats for small mammals and insects.
Mini-meadows
We encourage setting aside verges and common greens to grow wild and uncut for wildflowers to flourish. We will conduct surveys of these areas to measure the resulting change in insect populations.
Swifts and other migratory birds
Swift populations are down by half since 1995 and other birds like house martins have suffered even worse declines. Through organising swift surveys in the summer, we will find out where swifts are currently making their nests and we can help Cuckfielders put up swift boxes to bring more nesting pairs into the village.
Swifts and other migratory birds
Swift populations are down by half since 1995 and other birds like house martins have suffered even worse declines. Through organising swift surveys in the summer, we will find out where swifts are currently making their nests and we can help Cuckfielders put up swift boxes to bring more nesting pairs into the village.
Hedgehog-Highways
It’s rare to now find hedgehogs in the village – but there still are some! We’d like to help homeowners make their gardens more hedgehog-friendly by creating “highways” through holes in fences for their nocturnal foraging runs. And, hopefully, they’ll begin to thrive.
Wildlife Friendly Gardens
We aim to raise awareness of what can be done in our own gardens and backyards. As more people do these things we plan to actively monitor the results, and show the improvement in our local biodiversity.
We have created a map showing the features that residents have put in their properties to help wildlife flourish in the village such as:
- Ponds
- Hedgehog hole
- Nesting habitats (climber, tree, hedge, bird box)
- Swift boxes (species in trouble)
- Bug homes (bee hotel, logs, leaf piles)
- Pollinator-friendly planting (wildflowers, beds, mini-meadow)
Wildlife Friendly Gardens
We aim to raise awareness of what can be done in our own gardens and backyards. As more people do these things we plan to actively monitor the results, and show the improvement in our local biodiversity.
We have created a map showing the features that residents have put in their properties to help wildlife flourish in the village.
Such as...
- Ponds
- Hedgehog hole
- Nesting habitats (climber, tree, hedge, bird box)
- Swift boxes (species in trouble)
- Bug homes (bee hotel, logs, leaf piles)
- Pollinator-friendly planting (wildflowers, beds, mini-meadow)
Wildlife Camera Hire
You can find out what wild creatures are visiting your garden by hiring our Wildlife camera from Share Haywards Heath (link = https://sharehh.lend-engine.com/product/1153).
