Concern about loss of habitat and declines in wildlife led Grimstead Parish Council to support an initiative by the village nature group to increase biodiversity: the Nectar Bars.  

In October 2019, work began to scarify four strips around the edge of the village green, sow wildflower seeds and leave them unmown for a year. To the group's delight, the hard work paid off.  Since then over 40 different wildflower species have been recorded growing in the Nectar Bars providing shelter and food for insects and birds. Some had been planted, but others had been there all the time waiting for an opportunity to pop up and, happily, many insects are now seen ‘nectaring’ on these new plants.

Of the 11 species of Butterflies recorded, 8 have been seen laying eggs in the nectar bars, including a Grizzled Skipper, which are classed as a priority species for conservation.  Beetles, spiders, bugs and grasshoppers have all made it their permanent home, needing both the flowers and taller grasses to survive. Birds have been feeding on the seeds, including Goldfinches and House Sparrows.

There is still more work to do. Grass still dominates some of the nectar bars, so annual Yellow Rattle seeds are sown every Autumn and more plants are added every year. Please contact Diana Cotter if you would like to get involved with this project.

The small pond opposite the Reading Room is cleared out every Autumn thanks to a group of volunteers from the village, Bentley Wood and Hazel Hill Wood. Both village ponds need annual maintenance to offer good wildlife habitats and remain attractive features of the village.

The next small pond clearance will take place on 16th November 2025. If you would like to get involved with this and other projects, please contact Rosie Wilkinson.

(Photos Diana Cotter)