The Wrecclesham Conservation Group has held its first-ever meeting with the aim of improving the Wrecclesham area for both people and wildlife.

Its inaugural meeting was held at Leverton Hall with the permission of the vicar, who also generously provided coffee and biscuits.

The new community group aims to maintain and enhance Wrecclesham’s landscape and biodiversity with due regard to its heritage.

A start had already been made with the help and guidance of the Bourne Conservation Group (BCG) to upgrade the condition of St Peter’s Churchyard, a green oasis rich in wildlife in a suburban setting.

Initial surveys conducted in the latter months of 2023 had already identified 85 species of insect.

A working party made up of Wrecclesham locals and members of the Bourne Conservation Group collected a vast amount of accumulated litter, later removed with the help of the town council.

Volunteers also put up nest boxes and bird feeders, constructed a compost area, collected fallen branches into log piles, and made a start on cleaning up the monuments.

A draft constitution drawn up by the BCG was circulated at the meeting for consideration, and a start was made on forming a committee.

Further work sessions are planned: An initial plant survey will be carried out on April 7 with additional surveys later in the season; a Bioblitz is being planned for June, the fallen fence along Cobbett’s Close will be cleared and replaced by a hedge of native species.

A focus will be on cleaning the seven war graves, so the group will work in close liaison with the Wrecclesham historical group.

These surveys will contribute to the creation of an inventory of all the species found within the parish.

The group already has an embryonic Facebook page, is planning a web page, and can offer talks on local wildlife.