Long Mead in Flood - photo Jodie Baker
Hello,
As you might expect at this time of year, we are now experiencing flooding across the meadows in Eynsham, meaning that for our regular plant propagation group members, wellington boots have become must-have essentials.
They have been busy tending the hedges that have been planted by the network - pruning, filling in small gaps left by any plants that have failed (or floated away!) and mulching as best they can in these conditions.
Network members in this season's "de rigueur" accessory - photo Terri Frecker
This week Nick and Allen were also busy putting up seven handmade recyled wood nesting boxes for blue tits and great tits. Their next project: Otter Holts!
If you'd like to join us all on Wednesdays, please get in touch.
Nick installing new nesting boxes - photo Allen Stevens
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Learn Traditional Hedge Laying in your community
Coming up at the end of February - a special one off hedge laying workshop and training weekend.
Traditional hedge laying is a centuries-old rural craft that involves partially cutting and bending hedge stems to create a dense, living barrier. Done well, it rejuvenates old or gappy hedges, encouraging fresh growth from the base and restoring the classic thick, bushy structure that modern flailing often loses. It’s a practical countryside skill with deep cultural roots - and it still works brilliantly today.
From a biodiversity point of view, laid hedges are fantastic. They provide shelter, nesting sites and safe corridors for birds, mammals and insects, while their flowers, berries and seeds support pollinators and other wildlife throughout the year. By letting more light reach the base, hedge laying also boosts plant diversity, creating richer habitats overall.
Learn this traditional skill hands-on, understand why it matters for nature recovery, and play a direct role in improving local habitats:
- Saturday 21st February 2026 - 10am - 3pm - workshop - register
- Sunday 22nd February 2026 - 10am - 3pm - practical - register
If you’ve attended our hedge-laying workshops before, we especially encourage you to join us again. New participants also very welcome - please attend Saturday's training first! .
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NEW Wild Arts / Science Workshop - Book Your Place
Join us for a hands-on wild arts workshop focused on invertebrates, where you’ll explore the hidden world of spiders, beetles, bugs and more with expert naturalists Linda Losito, and Mike Wilson, and artist Alice Walker.
Dark edged bee fly - photo Kerry Fisher
You’ll learn how to find and identify fascinating invertebrate species found in the UK, then use some guided creative approaches to respond to what you discover. It’s a unique blend of science and art that will deepen your understanding of nature while inspiring creativity.
- Saturday 7th March 2026 - 2 - 5pm at Mill Street Arts - please register
NRN Members £25.00 / Non Members £38.00
Places are limited, so register now to secure your spot.
View full 2026 Events Calendar
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Are you a member?
As the network continues to grow it is incurring significant costs to do what it is doing for our local nature.
Those of you who are not already members of NRN, we'd love you to join (£10 per year).
Please click here and give our local wildlife a present by becoming an NRN member! Not only will you be supporting compost/tool purchase etc. but you will get free access to all our survey workshops and discounted or no rates for workshops that we charge for.
We all look forward to sharing some time together in the Great Outdoors!
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