Fauna
We hope that Jubilee Meadow will be an area for the community of Thornham to enjoy. Efforts to preserve meadows continue, ensuring that natural habitats remain a sanctuary for wildlife. It is our hope that, as time goes by,Thornham's meadow will offer a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
Birds
We have started to build up a picture of birds present on Jubilee Meadow. These have produced a list of 65 species so far. As well as the regular residents, there have been some more interesting sightings.
Marsh Harriers have been regular visitors, joined more recently by Common Buzzards, while the Red Kite, which was a rarity , now puts in a regular appearance. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have installed more than 30 tit nest boxes and two barn owl boxes. In 2024, 15 pairs of blue tits used the nest boxes. The Barn owl has been seen hunting on the meadow but has not, as yet, used the owl box , but a pair of kestrels successfully bred in 2024.
Late summer sees flocks of House Martins, Swallow, busily feeding before setting off to Africa. After the Swallows go, flocks of Pied Wagtails, take their place. Smaller flocks of Pink footed geese occasionally spread over from the adjoining sugar beet fields, while a migrating flock of Whimbrel was quite a surprise. Winter brings in the flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing once they have finished off the apples at Drove Farm.
The trees have not grown enough to support many breeding birds but already, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Yellowhammer and Linnet can be seen, while summer warblers, such as Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat and Blackcap are present.
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Butterflies
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These photos are all common species – wall, common blue and gatekeeper.
Most of the butterflies seem to be found either at the far west area of the field, where the brambles and long grass cover provides the best shelter for them.
We are wondering how many more butterflies we might be able to attract, once the meadow is really up and running.
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