Tor Hill Lane
Sustainable Wells has been working on Tor Hill Lane (area outlined in blue on map below) for several years to try and have the area managed in a way that benefits Nature.
Actions
A Mendip Ecological Plan (MEP) has been developed for the area and Sustainable Wells is pleased to announce that a Licence has been signed between us and Mendip District Council (transferred to Somerset CC in April 2023).
The Licence is also supported by Wells City Council who are providing the insurance cover for the project.
As a consequence activities will be carried out at times that best suit Nature as follows:
• Idverde will continue to mitigate the risk of flooding by clearing out the ditch in early Spring.
• The hedge is cut in February so as not to disturb nesting birds
• A survey of wildlife is carried out in June, and is used to assess our progress, however, it will take several years before we see a significant change.
• The annual grass cut takes place in July to give flowers a chance to seed, after-which a team of volunteers will rake up the grass to reduce nutrients soaking into the ground, making the soil better suited for wildflowers and so increase the biodiversity of the verges.
To support our work, regular visits will be made to Tor Hill Lane and a WhatsApp group of “wardens” has been set up so that issues can be picked up and dealt with quickly.
Plus we will carry out regular litter picks to keep the area clean for Nature.
We have ongoing conversations with local residents about how best to manage the area.
If you would like to join one of these events please email sustwells@gmail.com
“ This area is precious and there is nowhere else in Wells quite like it”
Update 2024
Barbra Lakin, Biodiversity Officer for Somerset Council carried out a biodiversity audit on 1st July. A wonderful selection of plants can be found along the lane as well as interesting insects and butterflies. To enrich the area further we need to encourage a greater variety of wildflowers, which if all goes well we will start to do in Spring next year.
Along the path we can report the following sightings: Wild flowers: Meadow sweet, Meadow Cranesbill, Greater Willow herb, Knapweed, Purple Loosestrife, Comfrey, Yellow Flag Iris, Creeping Thistle, Hog weed, Cow parsley. Birds: Spotted woodpecker, goldfinch, nesting blue tits; Butterflies: Ringlet, Red Admiral and Peacock; Insects: Darter Dragon Fly, Banded Agrion Dragon Fly, Oil Beetle.
Comments from Barbra Lakin:
The Banded agrion damsel flies are lovely and a good water quality indicator as their larvae will be living in the stream.
Of course it is brilliant to know you have the black oil beetle on site - (A Mendip AONB target species)
Floristically I think the area at the start with the running water is best - purple loosestrife, Meadow Sweet, Greater Willow herb, comfrey etc. The Meadow cranesbill further along is nice to see too.
If you spot any interesting wildlife along Tor Hill Lane please let us know by emailing maddy@milnes.myzen.co.uk. Photos too would be much appreciated.
If you would like to be part of the warden group of volunteers for Tor Hill Lane, please get in touch. For more information email Maddy at: maddy@milnes.myzen.co.uk
