WildArt Day at Welbourn Castle Hill
by Patricia Montgomery, LincsMag Writer.
Date: 01 June 2011
An interesting Lincolnshire project last month (May 2011), was the WildArt Day at Welbourn Castle Hill that turned out to be a brilliant day out for people coming to have a fun morning, as efforts were made to make people aware of the environments and habitats around where they live.
Pond dipping led by Andrew Chick in the newly renovated spring-fed pond revealed clean water species moving in. (The springs of water welling up in the pond is probably the well that gives Welbourn its name.)
The Castle Hill bird and bug walks led by young leader Jake Beaty and Marianne Overton respectively, revealed some good hedgerow plants around the edge of the meadow, a good variety of birds, invertebrates and even a toad!
Way Forward
At lunchtime they held a meeting with the Parish Council to explain what had been found and professional ecologist, Andrew Chick, gave some suggestions for management of the site. Village residents discussed thoughts, which crystallised into some ideas for the way forward.
Art creations included pavement art, led by Jean Martin, photography with Quincy Connell and Ian Morrison, string music from Richard, wood carving from Nigel Sardesen and a relaxing Digeredoo meditation with Greg Chapman.
Local Wildlife art from Toni Watts and Kate Francis was on sale. Bonnie Fricker from North Kesteven District Council did a great job involving the children and adults in thinking about their environmental impact.
Refreshments were provided by Pauline Duxbury and her hard-working team in aid of village hall funds.
The day was organised by Marianne Overton on behalf of the Society of Biology and West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and RSPB explorers, in partnership with the Parish Council and Village Hall Committee. It is hoped to make this an annual event for the area.
