Take a walk on the wild side

Local wildlife society WildCookham is on a mission to protect and preserve native wildlife for now and for the future. Find out how this incredible charity is bringing the natural world right to our doorstep, here at The Odney Club.

For readers who might be discovering WildCookham for the first time, could you introduce yourselves and tell us a bit about the charity's mission and your day to day work?

As one of the founders of WildCookham in 2014, I have been helping to build a network of

supporters to highlight the needs of the natural world locally and to study what plants,

insects and animals we have in the Cookhams so we can protect them for future

generations. Peter and his wife Sally have walked the grounds for over 40 years as Members

and Partners he has a keen interest in all aspects of Odney’s wildlife along with a passion for

wildlife /Habitat conservation.

However, both Pete and I have been involved with The Odney Club for several decades,

monitoring its wildlife, installing nest boxes and advising management how best the estate

can support its own particular suite of wild creatures.

Are there any exciting projects you’re currently working on?

Our biggest initiative has been the re-introduction of ‘Ratty’ to our famed ‘Wind in the

Willows’ village. Lost to us some decades ago, c200 animals were relocated on our local

waterways, and some 40 people have been monitoring them, revealing that Otters are

regular visitors too! Our latest project has established a team to survey our local bat

populations, which we hope many villagers will wish to become involved in.

What have been WildCookhams proudest achievements so far?

From small beginnings, we have been involved in all of the productions of village design

statements, neighbourhood plans and the Borough Biodiversity Action Plan, ensuring that

our landscapes and wildlife are fully considered in all development activity. We have also

established working arrangements with all the local major land-owners in an endeavour to

achieve the same aims. We have, with the backing of several hundred supporters and a

team of 50 active volunteers, embarked on some fifteen specific projects.

Could you tell us about the hands-on conservation work your volunteers are doing at The Odney Club, and give us a sneak peek into future plans?

For many years, Pete has been monitoring the fortunes of the local Kingfishers along the

Lullebrook, and his studies of the other birds present led to several nest box schemes, the

latest addition being a Kestrel box near the lake. An outbreak of Ragwort in the meadows

last year was tackled by teams of our volunteers, filling over 100 black sacks with them! The

ground was so hard however, even Pete’s fork did not survive.

For any Member, Partner, or Guest strolling through The Odney Club grounds, what hidden wildlife gems should they keep an eye out for?

In addition to the Kingfisher already mentioned, the delightful all-white Little Egret has

become regular. Among the wide range of insects found has been the Willow Emerald

Damselfly, the first found in the Thames Valley being at the Odney Lake. Fifteen species of

butterfly have been recorded so there are often several types to enjoy. The clue is to walk

slowly and look at anything which moves!

How can our readers and the wider community get involved to support nature and WildCookham?

We hold a programme of walks, talks and practical activity which are summarised on our

web site (www.wildcookham.org.uk ) which also hosts our monthly Newsletters. Do join us.

If you'd like to get involved with WildCookham please take a look at their website.

Many thanks to Pete and Brian.

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