Bumpers Lane
Bumpers Lane Nature Reserve
Restoration has begun on a conservation area by sowing wild flower seeds during late 2023. The seed was harvested during the summer/autumn of 2023/24 we have carried out the first part of the Management Plan, sown wildflower seed we harvested on the Island on a restored area. The aim being to establish flower-rich limestone grassland to provide a stepping stone for species moving across the landscape, In 2024 Chalkhill Blue and Small Blue butterflies were seen in the area, a positive sign that they will establish breeding populations in the near future.
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This wildlife area is popular with residents and visitors alike and the work we have carried out so far has been very well received.
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Habitat Management 2023
Area 1. 730m2 – focus on the southern edge to bring back more open limestone grassland, with removal of non-native scrub a priority. Cut and control scrub a 1-2m swathe alongside the track heading north.
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Area 2. 870m2 – focus on southern corner with a swathe of scrub cut and controlled heading north. Remove 1 or 2 Sycamore trees and lift crown of any remaining. Potential to use area behind largest Sycamore trees for composting arisings.
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Area 3. 368m2 – lift crown of large sycamore and remove scrub to the east 3-4m up embankment.
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Area 4. 720m2 – focus on clearing Traveller’s joy and non-native Buddleia along south eastern area, remove some Sycamore but retain several for temporary landscape/amenity value until native grassland and scrub has been restored at a later date.
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Area 5. 270m2 – focus on clearing non-native scrub, retain some Sycamore but remove those around the edge.
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Habitat Management 2024-25
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Following on from previous years cutting and scrub control the aim this year is to recut/brushcut regrowth and rake and remove the arisings to compost areas. And then to tackle several blocks of Buddleia especially on corners or at pinch points to widen the area for long term expansion of limestone grassland and native scrub.
Area 1. 800m2 - Recut regrowth of all scrub focussing on Buddleia and treat all stumps with an approved herbicide in water. Extend cutting into blocks of older Buddleia at either end of this area. Brushcut all woody regrowth/bramble/Old Man’s Beard and rake and remove to compost areas on site.
Area 2. 1000m2 – as above and extend cutting and removal of 2-3 blocks of Buddleia. Brushcut all woody regrowth/bramble/Old Man’s Beard and rake and remove to compost areas on site.
Area 3. 470m2 – Brushcut all woody regrowth/bramble/Old Man’s Beard and extend cutting along this edge and rake and remove to compost areas on site.
Area 4. 780m2 – As with last year focus on clearing Traveller’s joy and non-native Buddleia along south eastern area. Cut and treat all Buddleia and Sycamore regrowth from last year and remove one or two blocks of mature Buddleia. Arisings to compost areas.
Area 5. 270m2 – as above. Area 6. 190m2 Not treated previously, some localised cutting/removal of Buddleia along the ridge is required. Cut and herbicide treat, as above.
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Further sowing of locally harvested wildflower seed on a newly restored area took place in November.
