The Changing Of The Guard

As the nights are starting to draw in and the sun’s warmth is beginning to dwindle, the chaos of the breeding season is settling into a calm. As we move into September, sunrise which was once filled with the dawn chorus, is now quiet and birds are turning their attention to winter, abandoning their nesting grounds in search of food, or readying themselves for migration. Whilst it seems like only yesterday scores of summer visitors were arriving in Thetford to breed, many birds are already starting to pack their bags in preparation for migration to their winter grounds. Our skies will soon be empty of the screeching cries of Swifts, Swallows and Martins as they begin their journey back to warmer climes. You may have already seen Swallows beginning to look restless and gathering together on telegraph wires. Cuckoos are long gone and are now south of the Sahara (www.bto.org/our-science/ projects/cuckoo-tracking-project). But whilst the changing of the guard sees our summer visitors leave, autumn migration has birds arriving that bring excitement & anticipation! Waders from the arctic are dropping in for a stopover enroute to destinations further south, with Green Sandpipers, Common Sandpipers and Greenshank all having been spotted at The Nunnery Lakes in recent weeks. Berries that have been ripening in abundance will soon be swooped upon by the first thrushes from Scandinavia who are arriving for their winter holidays. And what would winter be without the arrival of tens of thousands of geese, filling the air with honks and cackles. With so much to see (and hear!), from summer warblers to winter thrushes and much more in-between, it’s no wonder Thetford is considered an international travel hub for migrant birds. It has become a great place to not only watch birds, but also learn more about the migratory patterns of many species. By recording the birds that we see, using tools such as the BTO’s BirdTrack app, we can have a big impact on our understanding of the movement patterns of different species, but also the value of the sites we see them in, helping us to protect and conserve the nature that we love. To learn more about BirdTrack, visit:

www.bto.org/our-science/projects/birdtrack

Emily Cuff, BTO

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As usual, there are a number of community litter picks taking place across Thetford in September. If you are interested in helping to keep Thetford clean and tidy then please pop along to one of these sessions. All equipment is provided, but if you have your own then you are encouraged to take it along.

Kevin and Matt who supported the Burrell Ward litter pick in August Saturday 4th September, 10am - 11am Meet at Admirals Way Shops - organised by Norwich Road Residents Association Saturday 18th September 10am - 12pm Meet at Meet Up Cafe, Canon’s Walk Free lunch provided afterwards Organised by Burrell Ward Breckland Councillors Friday 17th & Saturday 18th September, 10.30am. Meet at Cloverfield Church Car Park Organised by Cloverfield And The Willows Residents Association (CAWRA). If you are organising a community litter pick, or are passionate about litter picking locally - please get in touch with About Thetford magazine via: aboutthetfordmagazine@googlemail.com

News From Thetford Flower Club

Thetford Flower Club is delighted to announce that the club will be re-opening on Thursday 16th September. Members and friends are welcome to join us at the Church On The Way, Churchill Road, Thetford IP24 2JW. The speaker for our first meeting will be Brenda Tubb NAFAS, with 'More Blooming Flowers'. Covid precautions will be in place. For more information or details on how to join please contact Lynda Moore on 01842 762919.

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There is still time to apply for a Green Grant with Breckland Council - a new £100k pot, with grants from £500 to £10,000. The Council's Green Grants scheme has been launched as part of its commitment to drive environmental-friendly changes in the district. To enable a really diverse mix of projects to be supported the criteria is broad, however projects which are most likely to receive a grant include those which find solutions to environmental problems, reduce litter and waste, save water and energy, promote green travel options, protect natural habitats, and educate people on ways they could make small changes in their lifestyles which are good for the planet. The council hopes to award up to 80 small grants of £500 and between 6-12 large grants of between £5,000 - £10,000, depending on the applications submitted. Applications can be submitted by Breckland community groups, schools as well as businesses, town & Email: help@bailiwickit.com Website: www.bailiwickit.com Van and a Man AD REV 06.19.qxp_Layout 1 10/06/2019 parish councils, and charities. VANVAN ANDAND A A MANMAN Cllr Ian Sherwood, Breckland's Sustainability Strategy lead, commented: "At the heart of MOVE ANYTHING, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE our Sustainability Strategy is a commitment to NATIONWIDE COVERAGE l SINGLE ITEM OR FULL HOUSEHO l STUDENT MOVES/OFFICE/PIANO LD REMOVAL MOVES S not only make positive environmental changes ourselves, but to work with others so they can deliver green schemes too. This significant l SAME DAY SERVICE funding will help local groups' ideas become a l SEVEN DAYS/EVENINGS reality and I can't wait to see the breadth of the l FREE INSTANT QUOTES proposals that are put forward." l ONE OR TWO MAN TEAM l ALL CLEARANCES UNDERTAKEN Councillor Jane James, Breckland Councillor for Tel: 01953 488919 or 01362 687222 Thetford Castle Ward said: “The Green Grants scheme gives our fabulous communities the DKM Services AD.qxp_Layout 1 09/07/2018 15:51 Pag Mobile: 0775 1171606 www.vanandaman.com Email: gary@vanandaman.com opportunity to make a difference locally. I would urge any group, school, business or organisation DKM Services that has an idea or plans to help reduce our impact on our natural environment to send in a funding application and help make a difference to

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ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS l BRAKES l SERVICING FOR ALL MAKES OF CARS AND VANS Green Grant scheme applications must be

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Thetford IP24 1XA Visit the Breckland Council website for further Tel: 01842 753733 information: www.breckland.gov.uk/climate-change/

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