A LANDSCAPE OF TREES, WOODLAND HEDGEROW, MIXED GRASSLAND AND DEVELOPING SUMMER WILDFLOWER MEADOW THAT SITS WITHIN THE DESIGNATED VILLAGE CONSERVATION AREA AND THE AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY.
A UNIQUE VILLAGE ASSET THAT HAS STOOD QUIETLY OVER TIME AND REWARDS ALL OUR THOUGHTFUL GUARDIANSHIP.
THE BUTTS CONSERVATION MIXED GRASS CUTS WITH THE COTSWOLD WARDEN
Get in touch via thebuttsconservation@gmail.com
HISTORY
The Butts is ancient land, its name being derived from the archery butts just beyond Mountjoy Farm.
The basket maker who lived in Elderflower Cottage, kept the whips & withies in the surfacing waters of the shallow dew pond for his basketwork.
THE BUTTS CONSERVATION GROUP
The Butts Conservation Group of volunteers was established in 2019 following a village survey, consultation and fully agreed management proposals with the full commitment of the Parish Council.
The group follows an agreed programme to support the natural seasonal care of the varied land as a safe haven, habitat and harvest for all wildlife and pollinators – birds, bees and butterflies.
In following the agreed management plan, the aim is to allow the existing dormant and increasing plant biodiversity to surface in each season in support of all wildlife benefits along with all our valued pleasure and interest in a naturally changing seasonal display.
Fund Raising events and donations of support in time, specialist surveys, scything training, tools & selected area restorative seed, all with the collaboration and support of Village Residents, The Biddestone Broadsheet, The Fete Committee, The Hartham Park Game Keepers, Plantlife.Org, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Tree Parts, John Miller Garden Machinery, The Cotswold Wardens, The ANOB National Landscape, Wiltshire Council & Biddestone & Slaughterford Parish Council.
Agreed Working Practices and Principles PDF
Wildflower, Grasses, Trees and Wildlife Identification PDF
Project Officer Report – Cotswold National Landscapes -AONB May 2026
The Butts – Project Summary Update and Reminder of Existing Plan 18 12 25 (4)
2020 - First autumn cut after summer flowering
WHATS ON THIS SEASON
General trimming, edging and topping longer grass, along with adding further linking pathways across the land has continued since Spring, for interest, access and supporting the progress of developing large flowering grassland islands – which now will be an area guide in a manageable stage by stage process of scything through to the end of August, allowing our flowering period to continue the support of all visible wildlife, butterflies bees and insects still enjoying the process of their life-cycle.
VOLUNTEERING
The Butts Conservation area is very much a community project, and we are always delighted to welcome more volunteers to help in furthering the development of this area of natural beauty, across varied areas of interest.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the adjacent information box, or contact us directly via the email below: thebuttsconservation@gmail.com