Spooner Row Message Board

Date: Mar 22, 2019

Fauna of Spooner Row

Date: Mar 23, 2019

Oops, silly me, meant flora not fauna!!🌻

Date: Mar 23, 2019

It would be nice for enthusiasts to plant bulbs around the village grass verges for future years.

The wildflowers at the church are always lovely.

Date: Mar 23, 2019

Hi Viv, Are you going to put your potatoes in this weekend? Our first earlies have been chitting since late January so ready to go, but debating whether we still might get a frost. Broad beans planted in November have survived the winter well.

Date: Mar 24, 2019

I may leave planting my potatoes a week or two yet. Traditionally it's meant to be Good Friday for that job but as it's late

year will choose early April I think. Must sow lettuce and Parsnips too!

Date: May 12, 2019

There are some fresh wild flowers on the verges in and close to the village. Lots of the delicate white Stitchwort flowers among the Cowslips which have taken over from the Primroses. Also mixing with the Cow Parsley is some very pretty Red Campion. When the verges are left alone, it's amazing how nature takes over.

This is a recipe for Spiced Nettle soup which is best at this time of year when the nettles are at their most potent and great as a spring tonic;

8oz Fresh nettle tips
2tbsOlive oil
1/2 tsp Cayenne
1tsp Turmeric
1garlic clove chopped
1 leek chopped
2 potatoes cubed
1 carrot chopped
2 tbs flour
3pts veg stock
salt and pepper to taste.

Pick and wash the nettles (gloves needed) steam them in a little water until soft then chop finely. Heat the oil, add the spices for 1/2 minute then add the vegetables. Stir fry gently for a few mins, sprinkle on the flour mix well then add the stock. Bring to the boil simmer fro 10-15 mins then add the nettles with its cooking water. Heat through and simmer for 5mins. Season and serve!

Date: May 14, 2019

I spoke too soon, the verges have been cut!!

Date: Jul 6, 2019

Just walked down Station rd and was admiring the lovely wild flowers in the field opposite the Barley field. Noting Meadowsweet, Knapweed, Great Willow herb, Lady's Bedstraw, two types of Vetch, amongst others.Top marks to the field owner who is leaving things to nature.

Date: Jul 17, 2019

The attractive wildflower meadow between the church and the station has a beautiful aroma. It's similar to honeysuckle.

Date: Jul 19, 2019

The Big Butterfly Count is underway from 19 July to 11 August. For details of the project https://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

Date: Jul 19, 2019

Chris packham today , says we may see a mass migration of painted lady butterflies this summer,as Europe is already seeing them in mass.Do people rember the ladybird mass in the 70 s? And was it greenfly? I was on the back of my dads bike and it suddenly came over!

Date: Jul 19, 2019

Yes, I remember the ladybird plague, and as a child, I found it quite exciting.

Date: Aug 18, 2019

I watched three hedgehogs in the garden yesterday evening, one large and two smaller ones. I've been leaving out crunchie hedgehog food, water, and a little cat food (NOT fish-based) for several weeks.