A Local Nature Reserve is an area of high nature conservation value, often seen as a place of special interest in the local area. Ash Common, near Bishops Lydeard, was the first Local Nature Reserve in Somerset, designated by Taunton Deane Borough Council in November 1995. It covers 20.42 hectares and consists of a variety of habitats, such as wet heath, semi-natural deciduous woodland, scrub, bracken and ponds. Taunton's Midweek Conservation Volunteers Since the creation of Ash Common, there's been an increase in designated areas in Somerset.  | | Fly Agaric (fungi) at Ash Common |
There are 10 at present, ranging from Children's Wood and Hankridge Farm to the Wellington Basins. Taunton's Midweek Conservation Volunteers (TMCV), initiated 11 years ago by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and the Taunton Volunteers Bureau, help conserve these valuable locations. The volunteers meet up once a fortnight and work on various reserves in the district. They even helped to create Hestercombe Gardens. At Ash Common, the volunteers were cutting the back the scrub to prevent it invading the heathland, clearing out ditches and streams, and clearing the bracken. John Clare, an ecology consultant, was taking part in the conservation work. He told me about protecting the species that are special to Ash Common, such as the adder and marsh orchid. He argues: "Conservation is not just about leaving the environment, it's about managing it." What the reserves are all about  | | New info boards will inform people |
Acting Reserves Manager, Barbara Collier also joined me at Ash Common. She explained how the reserves are for everyone and aim to encourage people to get out and enjoy nature. She said: "We have links with Six Acres (a special needs organisation) and there have been projects to get people out into the local environment." At Wierfields Reserve, pupils from North Town Primary School have made hedgehog boxes. While at Children's Wood there are signs along the river stating the local wildlife that may be encountered. Most of the reserves are having new information boards which help to educate visitors about why the site is important, the wildlife people can see, and a description of the local area. Funding the Local Nature Reserves  | | A view of Ash Common |
Barbara Collier also explained how English Nature is a big contributor in the funding and running of our Local Nature Reserves. She said: "Taunton Deane Borough Council received a grant from English Nature of £25,000 towards improvements and interpretations on all its 10 Local Nature Reserves. There was also a separate grant of nearly £12,000 for Ash Common. "The grant is called Wildspace! It's English Nature's scheme for Local Nature Reserves which involves local communities in the improvement, care and enjoyment of the local environment. The project has also been aided by the Big Lottery Fund." Ash Common is privately owned, while other reserves such as Frieze Hill Community Orchard are owned by Taunton Deane Borough Council. If you would like to take part in the TMCV, and you're over 16, contact Margaret Palmer on 01823 337570 for more information.
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