HOOKY IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
A local wildlife group set up to protect and promote ecosystems and
biodiversity in Hook Norton and the surrounding area.
We are a nature depleted nation & what we have left are remnants of what was once here. Tony Juniper, Chairman of Natural England
A warm welcome to "Hooky in Harmony". We hope that you will be inspired to join us to engage with nature and help to protect our local wildlife and its habitat.
To enable everyone to get involved, there is no group membership fee. The majority of the events organised are free to attend, but occasionally a small charge may be made to cover speaker costs.
5
of the UKs Statutory nature agencies call for greater action & investment in nature
41%
of all UK species studied have declined since the 1970s
97%
of the UKs wildflower meadows have been lost in the last century
15%
of species within the UK are said to be threatened with extinction
Hooky in Harmony News
We have recently been asked for advice about helping injured wildllife. Calling a local veterinary surgery is a good place to start, but we also have some great Wildlife Rescue Centres in our area. These include:
The Nutkin Ward in Middleton Cheney, run by Tess, a registered veterinary nurse with over 20 years wildlife care experience. Tess set up the Nutkin Ward in 2010 in response to a need for local wildlife care. The Nutkin Ward's mobile number is: 07733 220266 - leave a message and they call you back.
Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue based in Blewbury. Their Wildlife Casualty Centre is open from 9am until 10pm, but they also have a 24 hour manned helpline and run a wildlife ambulance for larger casuaties that are unable to be taken by members of the public to the centre.
Our grateful thanks to the photographers who have provided photographs for our website:
Leslie Bowman, Diana Bunyon, Gemma Evans
Mark Hunter (mark@mfhunterphoto.com),
David McGill (www.davidmcgill.co.uk),
VersatileUAS, Catherine Wright
Hook Norton Brook is currently classed as
"Poor ecological status!”
Hooky in Harmony has recently linked up with Cherwell & Ray Water Watchers, to co-ordinate volunteers to help monitor Hook Norton Brook and part of the Swere. Testing is done on the second weekend of each month and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. We currently have enough volunteers, but if you would be interested in volunteering for the future, please drop us an email.
Hooky in Harmony Diary Dates
If you would like to receive our events newsletter, please subscribe on the Contacts page
Please remember to email us: Hookyinharmony@btinternet.com if you are planning to attend an event, so that we can forward you all necessary details and location. All ticketed events are on a first come first served basis, with payment by bank transfer then confirming your space. Please email for bank details.
Friday 5th April Guided walk around Banbury Ornithological Society's Tadmarton Heath Reserve. 6.30pm.
Further events for 2024 still to be confirmed. Please check back for details.
Sorry, tickets for this walk are now sold out
National Nestbox Week is an established part of the ornithological calendar. Celebrated from February 14th each year, it puts the spotlight on breeding birds and asks everyone to put up more nestboxes in their local area.
To support National Nestbox week, Hooky in Harmony gave local bird lovers the opportunity to assemble a free of charge nestbox for their garden.
On the 17th February, 26 villagers came to The Baptist Hall to build a nestbox ana we are delighted to report that 9 of the boxes have birds using them. We are very grateful to Travis Perkins in Chipping Norton who kindly provided all the materials for the nestboxes.
Saturday 27th April Guided bat walk with Oxfordshire Bat Group. We'll learn about the variety of bats flying in our area in springtime and we'll be shown how bat detectors work. 8pm for approximately two hours. Tickets £7.50 each and limited to 18 tickets. Please note that should the weather forecast be bad for the 27th, the walk will be switched to Sunday 28th. Please ensure that you are able to attend on the 28th if necessary, as no refunds can be given.
Friday 24th May Swallow watching at Nill Farm Cottages. Come along to watch these amazing birds with their babies. Learn a few facts about swallows including their amazing migration and see what is being done at Nill Farm Cottages to help them. 7-8pm. Free of charge
Saturday 20th July
Our stand will be at the Hook Norton Festival of Fine Ales to raise funds and chat about all things widlife. Do come and say hello!
Sunday 28th July The Big Butterfly Count. Leisurely walk on The d'Arcy Dalton Way to record butterflies. No experience needed! 11am-12.30pm Free of charge.
To raise funds towards the group's running costs, later in the year we shall be holding an Equestrian Car Boot Sale. Further details to follow.
Saturday 15th June Guided Swift Walk in Hook Norton village. 7.30pm. Further details to follow.
Credit: Abby Eaton/Swift Conservation
Credit: Alain Georgy/Swift Conservation
22nd May 2022