Fauna
We hope that Jubilee Meadow will not be just a picturesque sight; but also an area for the community of Thornham to enjoy. Efforts to preserve meadows such as ours continue, ensuring that natural habitats remain a sanctuary for plants, birds and butterfies. It is our hope and aspiration that, as time goes by,Thornham's meadow will be a refuge for wildlife, offering a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.
Birds
Over the past 12 months, we have started to build up a picture of birds are already present on Jubilee Meadow. These have been casual observations rather than serious birding, but have produced a list of more than 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 mega rarity only a few years ago, 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, a big increase on our first year. 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 three young in 2024..
Late summer sees large flocks of House Martins, Swallows and their young, busily feeding on insects before setting off to Africa. After the Swallows go, large flocks of Pied Wagtails, sometimes in their hundreds, take their place. Smaller flocks of Pink footed geese occasionally spread over from the adjoining sugar beet fields, while a migrating flock of Whimbrel in the pouring rain was quite a surprise, as was a small group of migrating Ring ouzel in the spring. Winter brings in the flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing once they have finished off the apples at Drove Farm.
The trees have not quite 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 can be seen, or more often, heard.
If you are walking the meadow and see any interesting birds, please do let us know. We are sure we can add to our list as time goes by, and we would be delighted to hear from you. We are sure we can add to our list as time goes by, and we would be delighted to hear from you. If you are walking the meadow and see any interesting birds, please do let us know.
Butterflies
These photographs of butterflies were taken either on or near the Jubilee Meadow over the past year.
They are all common species – comma, small skipper, peacock, red admiral, speckled wood, common blue and large white.
Most of the butterflies seem to be found either at far west area of the field, running from north to south, where the brambles and long grass cover perhaps 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.
If you do see any, during your summer walks next year, please do let us know. We would be delighted to hear from you.