We believe that Drumalis is a place where the healing from the impoverishment through pollution and industrialisation, can happen. It is a sacred place for those who visit it or participate in its activities.
We are trying to make our environment not only healing to us humans but to many other species who co-exist on this planet with us. To this end we have a few programmes to enhance our grounds for the good of other species.
The heronry in the tall trees gives an added dimension to the area as the birds float in and out giving their sharp calls. This feature is monitored as the herons return each year.
We also hope to increase the number of nest boxes to facilitate some of the smaller birds including the endangered swift population. Boxes will be placed throughout the wood and under eaves of the building.
There are also a small population of red squirrels nearby. These are under pressure from an expanding grey population. The proposal is to reduce and control the grey population to allow the reds to expand into the Drumalis wooded area.
Surveys of macro-moths and other pollinators are planned and an extended survey of the bats.
We don’t only care for the animal population, so there is a scheme to plant 2000 more trees, some replacing storm damage or diseased trees and also expanding the extensive woodland already present.
A small exploratory investigation to find out what wildflowers might be surviving in some of the grassy areas is to be carried out.
Although this will be a limited exploration it should give us an indication of the plant life that could be present and indeed the animal life that might thus be attracted. Signage will be posted so the area could be used for demonstration as well as exploration.
The proposed exploration is to be in a small strip 20m long by 3m wide, alongside the fence running down to the field on the east side. This rectangular area will be divided into four,1/4 mowed, 1/4 mowed twice annually 1/4 not mowed at all and 1/4 having the turf removed. The areas will be monitored for different species.
Also a small section (about 2 m) of the bank on the north side of the path above the Rose Garden will be left uncut. This area would seem to exhibit good plant diversity at present. The rest of the bank would be mowed as usual. With these programmes underway it is hoped that the environment will be enhanced for the pleasure and wellbeing of all species including humans.