On 5 August 2026 I was invited into Sandford Nursing Home to talk to residents about the garden wildlife survey that the Strettons Area Community Wildlife Group conducted in 2025.
A small group of residents joined me as I explained to them that most of the people that responded to the survey managed their gardens with wildlife and biodiversity in mind, leaving areas such as log piles and wildflower patches for nature.
I told them about the hedgehogs that are living near to the nursing home as well as otter, grass snake and slow worm that have been seen nearby. We also talked about the impacts of the dry hot weather this summer and how fewer birds have been seen about.
It led us to a trip down memory lane as I asked them if they had any wildlife memories that they wanted to share with each other, particularly as we have lost so many species and habitats in the past few decades. Some of the wonderful memories they shared included June’s recollection of a walk out with the family years ago and a stoat popped up on the path, nonplussed to see them there. Brian used to farm in Clun and remembers the sound of grasshoppers stridulating (rubbing one wing against the other) – a sound rarely heard these days. Sylvia soaked a hedgehog once when watering the garden one evening; it curled into a ball straight away. She said they were more common when she was younger. Both Brian and Sylvia remember curlews and Brian said lapwings (peewits) were so plentiful you had to be careful you didn’t tread on them in the fields. Jerry recalled seeing a kingfisher on a regular walk he used to do, always there catching fish. Jean remembered making daisy chains and catching tadpoles, and Frank has seen hedgehogs.
It was lovely to reminisce and I hope you too will spend a few moments thinking about your experiences of the natural world, and the calmness it brings to our lives.
Julie Cowley
SACWG Secretary
