Award for Lydlinch Common

English Nature has an SSSI award scheme each year to reward owners and managers of SSSI’s for outstanding management and co-operation.

This year, the SSSI at Lydlinch Common was selected for an award. Habitat management at Lydlinch Common is carried out each month through the winter months to restore and maintain grassland habitat suitable for the growth of Devil’s Bit Scabious, the food plant for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly, while still retaining suitable scrub growth areas for nesting Nightingales.

As a result of the selection, representatives from the management team and the owner of the land were invited to attend the Royal Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Tuesday 2nd July to receive their awards.

Colin Burningham and Sue Anderson, accompanied by Andrew Langmead, Estate Manager for the Stock Gaylard estate, were presented with their awards by Sir Martin Doughty, Chairman of English Nature.

Management work parties will recommence at Lydlinch Common on Sunday 29th September, meeting at 10am in the lay-by on the Sherborne to Lydlinch road (map reference ST735135). Anyone interested in helping at our workdays will be very welcome, and they can contact Colin Burningham on phone number 01935873219, or just turn up on the day. Tools and gloves are provided but bring your own lunch. The Common can be quite wet underfoot so suitable footwear should be worn.