Great Kingshill Cockpit Hole Restoration and Community Days

Hughenden Parish is lucky enough to enjoy some stunning natural areas, as well as some crucial village green spaces for the enjoyment of all parishioners.

On Saturday 7^th October Hughenden Parish Council joined forces with Great Kingshill Village Hub, and the Chiltern Rangers, to begin restoring the area around Cockpit Hole.  A team of volunteers were guided by Chiltern Rangers, to work within a sustainable plan.

Work included clearing some of the overgrown reeds, removing dead shrubs, mowing, raking and removing the arisings, sowing yellow rattle seeds, and general tidying.  Follow up work will include new planting, further clearing, and the installation of some bird and bat boxes.  A consultation will take place to gauge community opinion on the possible installation of community art.  Of course, the volunteers also enjoyed refreshments, provided by the Chiltern Rangers, and plenty of fun for everyone who joined in – with ages ranged from young children through to some in their 80’s!

The ongoing maintenance of the area is crucial to sustain a range of wildlife that relies on the pond habitat.  An updated management plan has been developed for this space.  The council is working hard to assess all its key natural assets, and will prioritise nurturing its wild spaces in the coming months.  We look forward to more successful community days.

Debra Main

Ward Councillor – Great Kingshill