The Buzz of Life - biodiversity in action at Kingcombe

‘The Buzz of Life’ is what greets you as you arrive in west Dorset’s Kingcombe Valley in spring and summer, and this is the theme for a weekend of events and activities to celebrate International Biodiversity Day in May. To visit the meadows and lanes of this hidden hamlet is to step into the past, when every farm was alive with the buzz of insects, the song of birds and the meadows and field edges glowed with the colour of wild flowers. This idyllic picture is a reality at Kingcombe, where wildlife co-exists in harmony with farming practices, which is why it has been selected as a national focal point for the International Year of Biodiversity.

Chris Packham of BBC TV's Springwatch says:

'Kingcombe is a little piece of heaven on earth , a vestige of old England , a rich repository of a fantastic array of species and thus the perfect spot to celebrate and immerse yourself in a riot of biodiversity . . . and have a great day out!' .

Celebrate food, farming and biodiversity at Kingcombe

Kingcombe neighbours, including Dorset Wildlife Trust, the Kingcombe Environmental Studies Centre, local farmers and residents, have joined together to invite people of all ages to discover the wildlife of the valley and how farming and the food we eat have made it what it is and continue to do so.

Debbie Watkins, West Dorset Manager for Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Kingcombe is a beautiful example of how to bring back the buzz of life to farming landscapes. Some of us might call it biodiversity, but we can all appreciate when a place is full of life, which is what it means. Our farming practices may take inspiration from the past but they are relevant to the present and future. It’s all about eating good, locally- produced food, using sustainable practices that benefit the health of all of us ­ not just the wildlife. Come and see, smell, hear and taste the difference!”

Meet the experts

The Buzz of Life weekend will include guided walks, food demonstrations and lots of activities. It will be a chance for the whole family to learn about how the way we grow our food affects the beauty of our countryside, with talks from experts, including Pat Morris, one of the UK’s leading mammal experts and John Wright of River Cottage fame. On the Saturday, there will also be guided walks at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s nearby Powerstock Common nature reserve.
 

Conserving diverstiy in a changing climate

Dave Aplin, Director of Kingcombe Environmental Studies Centre, said: “The variety of life at Kingcombe is outstanding. However, we can never take it for granted. In a changing climate nature reserves fail to offer the same insurance policy for wildlife as they once did. Animals and plants migrate beyond its borders into farms and gardens. Today, safeguarding the diversity of life relies on good neighbours. Lessons learned from the Kingcombe Valley are as applicable to other areas of the country. During this weekend event Kingcombe becomes a national focal point with activities for all ages aimed at celebrating life, attracting it into your small patch and highlighting its vulnerability”.

Where and when

The Buzz of Life weekend is on 22nd and 23rd May, with activities from 10 am to 4 pm daily and talks between 4pm and 6 pm at Lower Kingcombe, near Toller Porcorum. Follow signs for event parking. All activities included for £5 per car; no charge for walkers and cyclists. For more information, please contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620 or The Kingcombe Centre on 01300 320684.

What else can I do?

Click here to visit the Kingcombe Meadows  web page.

Volunteer with the Kingcombe work party - click here  to view schedule.

Click here to find out more about International Biodiversity Day.