Forge Farm, like many allotments, is an oasis for wildlife in the ever increasing urban conurbations. In recent times, over 400 trees have been planted and we are always looking to try and improve the bio-diversity for those who share our environment.
Birds
Bees, Butterflies and Ladybirds
Hedgehogs and Squirrels
Habitat
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Visitors to Forge Farm include: Chiff Chaff (a summer visitor), Long Tailed Tits, Gold Finches, Wrens, Robins, Blue Tits and Mistle Thrush.
Regularly spotted flying over our allotments are Buzzards - and the usual suspects such as crows, magpies, wood pigeons, blackbirds and gulls.
We see lots of Bees and Butterflies on Forge Farm (as well as the Cabbage White!).
Butterflies that have been spotted include: Peacock, Brimstone, Painted Lady, Comma, Red Admiral, Holly blue and Small Tortoiseshell. The Bees tend to be attracted to the blues, purples and lilacs such as Lavender, Forget Me Nots, Bluebells, Verbena, Comfrey, Alliums and Nepeta. They can also be found amongst herbs such as Chives, Sage and Rosemary - depending on the time of year.
And as you will see from the photos below, we also have a resident family of hedgehogs.
Although we haven't actually seen them, we believe there are squirrels on site - particularly now as they are eating all the hazel nuts!!!
Plot holders are encouraged to support wildlife by planting nectar rich flowers to attract pollinators!
You can create a wildlife friendly habitat simply by providing bee-boxes, ladybird and bug hotels, hedgehog homes etc., feeding the birds - especially during winter and supplying nesting boxes.
If you are interested in learning more about wildlife and nature, then you might the following websites useful: