Wild in Coxbank

AWEG, the Audlem Wildlife & Ecology Group, recently visited Coxbank.

A quick tour of the topography perhaps indicates why we receive so many interesting wildlife reports from this southern extremity of the parish.

Sandwiched tightly between the canal and the old railway line, on undulating and wooded ground with small fields, and divided by brooks running through steep gullies, this small enclave is a relative haven for wildlife.

It also happens we have several gardeners there who purposely manage part of their land in ways which attract birds, insects and mammals, and encourage increasingly scarce grasses and wild flowers.

A dozen or so members and friends of Audlem Wildlife and Ecology Group (AWEG) visited the gardens on July 22nd to appreciate the efforts of the gardeners and to enjoy the rich colour and diversity.

Trees planted only about 15 years ago have developed into attractive brookside woodland. Vegetables grown with flowers and herbs form a particularly colourful corner in one garden, attracting a mass of pollinating insects.

In another, a damp meadow reclaimed from grazing land is being managed for wild flowers, including orchids, and grasses. Peter displayed the contents of his moth trap set the previous night and we were amazed by the number of species present.

AWEG thanks our hosts Maggie, Peter, Derek and Megan, and Monique, for a fascinating and educational afternoon which concluded with a shared teatime spread.

The next AWEG meeting is at 7.30pm at the Lord Combermere on 20th September.

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