Harriet Bennett

Agriculture/nature conservation specialist working for the Chilterns Conservation Board

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Loved tuning into birdsong this morning. Today was the day to get my Breeding Bird Survey done around Penn Jubilee Woods.

[Chilterns National Landscape @ChilternsNL]

Chilterns #farmer Isobel Connell was on @BBCBreakfast, highlighting increased attacks on livestock by #dogs.

Did you know it's a legal requirement to keep your #dogsonleads on open access land between 1st March & 31st July?

Help protect ewes & lambs & #groundnestingbirds.

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

@DConwayRead @WoodlandersL @ChilternsCCC @HeritageFundUK @ChilternsAONB I’m sure I can put you in touch with someone if you would like some?

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

The historic Aylesbury Prune, a type of plum, was harvested by the tonne in the Chilterns for the London market and for dying in the local straw hat industry. Local farmers are now re-establishing this fruit tree alongside grazing. @ChilternsCCC @HeritageFundUK @ChilternsAONB

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

All is not lost! Apparently dead hedge plants that were planted before the brutal drought have sprouted to life!

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

#bekenscot model village @ChilternSociety Heritage Festival after hours tour was quite special this evening.

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

@roselewis @ChilternsCCC @NickMarriner1 @FarmWoodoaks @Ben_Raskin The hardy hawthorn seem to be coping best!

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

The drought left the 6km of new hedge we planted in the Chilterns last winter looking quite crispy, but despite appearances many are hanging on! If you scratch the bark low down you can often find greenness and signs of life. @ChilternsCCC @NickMarriner1

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Doing a tour of this winter’s hedge planting this morning. Looks full of promise. ⁦@ChilternsCCC⁩ ⁦@ChilternsAONB⁩ ⁦@HeritageFundUK⁩

[Ariel Brunner🇺🇦 #Xdissenter @ArielBrunner]

One of Europe's most important wetlands. Should be full of water this time of the year. Water gone to irrigate strawberries. Much of it illegally. With authorities blessing. #BiodiversityCrisis @VSinkevicius

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Any contractors out there looking for hedge planting and fence building work in South Buckinghamshire? https://t.co/6mveEn5Hsp

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Very satisfying to re-use 12 yr old plastic tree guards for a new hedge at Whiteleaf Golf Club. Many thanks to @ChilternSociety volunteers who carefully collected, sorted and trimmed them ready for use. @ChilternsCCC @ChilternsAONB @chilternrangers @HeritageFundUK

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

No after photo yet, as it has taken a bit longer than planned!

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Prep for hedge laying course tomorrow in Prestwood. Ten enthusiasts will be trained in ‘Southern’ style. Will post an after pic too. @ChilternsCCC @chilternrangers @ChilternsAONB @HeritageFundUK

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Hedge-laying is a real brain-teaser. And extremely satisfying. Tangly mess ➡️ neat order. Via a bit of pushing and shoving.

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

Over 500 trees planted this morning in The Lee. Thx to @chilternrangers for briefing the workforce, #bucksnewuni, local residents and friends for muscle power, @ChilternsCCC for sourcing the saplings and the landowner for offering up the space for new woodland. Great teamwork.

[Primal Meats @MeatsPrimal]

A very interesting article by @ScienceDirect on the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sinks of a cow and her offspring in a beef cattle operation: https://t.co/kzWwdFg6IU #GreenhouseGas #methane #agriculture #cattle

[Nick Marriner @NickMarriner1]

We have agreed plans with 8 @ChilternsCCC cluster farmers to plant 6km, coppice 1.3km & lay 250m hedgerow this winter. Installing 9km stock fence & 27 farm gates too 👍👍Invitations to Tender now open & live to 15/10. Interested contractors details here - https://t.co/vOaLfMy5iP

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

A very thought-provoking #chilternscluster dawn outing to @TommyVarden to learn about the ins and outs of #mobgrazing. It’s all about the soil really. But the cows find it pretty exciting too! @ChilternsAONB @HeritageFundUK @ChilternsCCC

[Harriet Bennett @natureHB]

@blackgull Wow, heather restoration is quite hard to achieve! Great work.