Browne’s Folly Nature Reserve

One hundred and eighty four of the responses to Village questionnaire included useful comments on the Browne’s Folly Nature Reserve.

The Nature Reserve is owned by the Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) based in Bristol. Their funding largely comes from their membership and other benefactors, and grants from local authorities and English Nature. Some projects will attract lottery funding. The Folly tower is owned by a separate trust and is actually in Wiltshire.

The Reserve is a Site of European Importance on account of the twelve species of bats hibernating in the caves that have entrances within the Reserve. Included is the greater horseshoe bat, which is an endangered species. It is also a site of Special Scientific Interest on account of the outcrops of all seven types of middle Jurassic limestone plus a fossilised coral reef 

The site is also a popular recreational source for residents from Bathford and the neighbouring area. The beauty of the trees and the exposed cliff faces are much appreciated. The plateau just below the folly is a natural venture playground for children and is a favourite picnic site with outstanding views of Bath.

The thin limestone soil there encourages beautiful wild flowers to flourish; notably yellow rock-roses, blue harebells and scabious, plus early purple, common spotted and pyramidal orchids. This same area also supports colonies of locally scarce butterflies. Amazing fungi were seen this autumn in the woods.

Sixty years ago there was extensive grassland extending from the car park to the folly but this area of grassland has been steadily declining. To prevent its disappearance Avon Wildlife Trust has installed the enclosure for the area to be grazed in the late summer and autumn. The area will be cleared of scrub to give the animals a chance to get it under control. AWT have been improving access with steps and path improvements.

Many lessons have been learned and while the unsightly clearances that lead to rampant bramble growth should not be repeated, bramble is a natural part of the woodland regenerative cycle, and has value for a variety of forms of wildlife.

Two volunteer wardens, Bob Colston and Richard Pooley, have been working on a programme approved by AWT in felling individual trees, mainly non-native Turkey oaks and sycamores, to make small clearings. These provide good habitats for butterflies and other insects. There is also replanting with native species to improve the diversity of the woodland. Working with the AWT or wardens provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about the wide range of wild life in the reserve.

I am proposing to set up one or two guided walks during this year for members of the parish who have an interest in wildlife. Please contact me if you are interested in the reserve and would like to join a walk.

Please let me know if you wish to come.

Don Turner (859254 or E-mail donturner@whsmith.net)