Is ‘Jenny Wren’ visiting your garden?

... was one of the questions members were asked at the October meeting of the West Bergholt Gardeners’ Association. Mike Logan-Wood, RSPB Lead for Chelmsford and Central Essex told his audience that UK’s shortest bird’s scientific name means ‘cave dweller’. Although difficult to attract to bird tables, the wren can be seen in the garden foraging in or close to cover. They are more insectivorous than most other garden birds.

The speaker entertained members with his amusing and informative account, illustrated with slides, on the ‘secret lives of garden birds’ including the robin, sparrow, starling, blackbird, song thrush and dunnock.

A day outing to East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden, Norfolk has been planned for 15 June 2011, stopping off on route at Taverham Garden Centre. Cost £18.50 for coach and entry. Members and non-members were urged to book early so as not to be disappointed. Further information obtainable from the Treasurer at terryclaydon@aol.com

Ian Rose will be addressing members at the next meeting on 15 November at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall. He will present on ‘Fungi – edible and otherwise’, Visitors are also very welcome to attend; entry £3.

A ‘fungi forage’ in Hillhouse Wood led by Ian Rose, will take place on 4 November. This is organised by the Friends of Hillhouse Wood. For further information daviddb@virgin.net or 01206 241684.

Joining our organisation is easy and inexpensive. Membership subscription is value for money at only £8 per year. The Chair, Valerie Lofthouse, can be reached on 01206 855450 or valerielofthouse1@hotmail.co.uk for details on the Gardeners’ Association.