Field And Stream

Field & Stream Come and see how we’re doing at farm

By Miranda Robertson

A conservation charity is celebrating a year at its newest site by inviting everyone to come and see what’s been achieved so far. The Countryside Restoration Trust is about to give the public its first glimpse into Bere Marsh Farm on the banks of the River Stour at Shillingstone. In celebration of the first anniversary since moving into the 92 idyllic acres of wetland, meadows and woodland, rich in butterflies, birds, rare mammals, insects and wildflowers, the Trust is throwing open its doors in an Open Barn Weekend on July24/25. Manager Elaine Spencer White said: “Everyone is welcome and we want them to come and make their own discoveries about the farm. “We’ll show them what we’ve achieved in the past year, we’ll take them on guided wildlife walks and we’ll be showcasing the activity courses in rural crafts and skills we plan to introduce in the next 12 months. “On top of that there is the stunning beauty of the place and the wildlife creatures which abound – from the kingfishers and barn owls around the farm to otters in the river and glow worms down the old railway line. It will be a brilliant day out and an unforgettable experience for both young and old.” Bere Marsh Farm is the trust’s showcase for best practice farming working harmoniously alongside wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. David Mills, the CRT trustee with responsibility for the site, said: “We want to spend the next couple of years talking, listening and engaging with our local community to hear what they want to see at Bere Marsh so that we get it right for them. “It is their hopes and needs which will be the bedrock to our long term vision and strategy for Bere Marsh over the next five to seven years and we want it to demonstrate how much we care for – and about – their countryside.” As well as the resident reptiles, insects, mammals, birds and abundant fields of flowers there will be rustic activities and ancient practices on display ranging from scything and willow weaving demonstrations to walking stick making. There will be guided walks by wildlife experts explaining the different birdsong and nesting habits, beekeepers talking about Bere Marsh Farm’s planned natural beekeeping courses to help grow local wild bee populations, insights by bat experts on the different species at the farm and information on the barn owl roost, restored last year. Barn owl nesting boxes made by Bere Marsh’s volunteers will be on sale and there will be a display of stunning photographs taken at Bere Marsh by wildlife photographer and barn owl enthusiast Alan ‘Woody’ Wicks. n Bere Marsh Farm, Blandford DT11 0QY

Bere Marsh Farm, above, and below, some of its goats

Fish less peckish now they’ve warmed up

ANGLING

The Poole and Wimborne Fly Fishers made the trip across the county line into Hampshire on the 19th June for their latest fixture at John O’Gaunts Trout Fishery. The venue has a good reputation for strong fighting fish and there was plenty of fast action early on. The water temperature was high and anglers were commenting on how warm the fish had become compared to those taken from the usual spring fed waters. Perhaps due to low barometric pressure the fish became less interested in feeding as time progressed and the competition became a real battle of wills. Popular patterns included buzzers and imitative lures. This competition was a Mystery Pairs: Each angler gets an unknown partner and their catch is combined to make a total bag weight. Triumphant were Mike Slater and Karen O’Shea, whose combined weight came in at just shy of 20 lbs for eight fish. Biggest Fish went to James Pixley (pictured) with a whopper of 4lbs 11 ozs.