DECEMBER 2024
The unseasonal warm and damp weather continued into November. My local rain recording shows that October was not as wet as it seemed – the monthly totals were 2022 – 6.71 ins, 2023 – 7.55 ins and 2024 – 5.29 ins. Although the paths on the commons are muddy, the heathland is doing a great job soaking up water, maintaining the wet heathland and mires, preventing flooding downstream.
The cattle moved off the commons following the clock change and onset of the shorter winter days and the limited grazing available. The seven Exmoor ponies are still on Red House Common and are grazing widely and foraging on bramble, grasses and gorse in amongst the brown bracken cover.
Our November talk was a presentation on Barn Owls by Terry Halahan from the Sussex Barn Owls Study Group. He told us about the different ways in which the group promotes the well being and nesting of these valuable birds and how large the nest boxes need to be and where they are best positioned. There is no meeting in December.
Forthcoming Events in 2025
- Thursday January 9th, 2025. Talk by Laura Vaughan-Hirsch the ‘Stork Officer’ at Knepp Castle on the - ‘Storks at Knepp’. Chailey Village Hall 7.30pm. Parking and refreshments; visitors welcome.
- Sunday January 12th and Saturday January 25th Birch Harvesting on Red House Common for besom brooms: 9.30 am - 1pm with snack break. Further details to follow. If you would like to take part in the birch cutting, please contact us using the email (mail@chaileycommons.org.uk) in advance so that we can get you registered as a volunteer. If you are interested in the local nature and wildlife and our activities, we always welcome new members so please come and join us. It’s now easy to join online through our website.
I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year
For further information, visit our website – www.chaileycommons.org.uk or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/chaileycommons/ or friendsofmarkstakescommon.weebly.com
William Coleman - 01444 831098