Growing Strength & Vision
In 2022–23, YACWAG emerged from the constraints of the COVID years with renewed energy, deeper community reach and a bold push to expand habitat protection. A generous legacy donation enabled us to place a deposit on a new field adjacent to Cobthorn Reserve setting the stage for an enlarged, better-connected reserve landscape for local wildlife, especially Greater Horseshoe Bats.
As public life returned to normal, it provided the chance to re-engage volunteers, members and neighbours in fresh and vibrant ways.
Key Highlights & Success Stories
Open Days & Public Events Rebooted
- In May, the Cobthorn Open Day welcomed more than 100 visitors. Children enjoyed nature-themed activities and met rare breed sheep and cattle and the day concluded with a bat walk underlining the conservation message.
- Stalls were taken at both the Yatton Schools Carnival and the Congresbury Village Fete. The display at the latter even won the prize for best-dressed stall.
- A bat walk at Cadbury Hill attracted over 30 participants.
Monitoring, Surveys & Conservation Work
- Four bat transects were carried out in summer as part of the Bat Conservation Trust’s monitoring programme.
- Waterway surveys contributed to the national Bat Monitoring Programme.
- Through new projects with North Somerset Council, biodiversity improvements were made along the Strawberry Line:
- At Congresbury, volunteers restored the disused station and improved habitat.
- At Yatton, scrub was cleared, ground levelled, drainage improved and a wildflower bank initiated. A litter pick along the line also engaged local people.
- Regular work parties were held at Cobthorn for tree and hedge management.
- On YACWAG reserves, volunteers maintained and repositioned bird boxes and monitored Kestrel and Barn Owl nests in partnership with the BTO and the Hawk and Owl Trust.
- Seasonal surveys continued across YACWAG land, the Strawberry Line and within parish boundaries.
Engaging Hearts & Minds
- Window Wanderland returned with the theme “Brilliant British Birds.” Over 60 homes and businesses took part, decorating windows with bird displays.
- 12 Wellness Walks were delivered, in partnership with North Somerset Council and Sport England, bringing people to nature reserves and local greenspaces.
- A wildflower evening walk at Kingston Seymour (offered by a supportive landowner) introduced participants to meadow management for barn owls.
- Throughout the year, various walks were held – a full-reserves route in one day, a fungus walk at Littlewood and a New Year’s Day walk in partnership with Cleeve Church.
- Zoom talks were organised on fungi, regenerative farming and the conservation of swifts – the latter driving awareness of YACWAG’s local Swift programme.
- A new information board was erected at the Strawberry Line Junction Nature reserve sponsored by Bristol Airport and Yatton WI Strawberry Hearts depicting nature and railway history.
- Volunteers attended St Andrews School to organise the RSPB Big Schools Bird Watch and the BTO Rook Survey.
Advocacy, Planning & Local Voice
- YACWAG responded to community concerns about development pressures. Submissions were made at two planning inquiries emphasising the need to protect key bat habitats and wider biodiversity.
- The network with North Somerset Council, Natural England and regional conservation bodies grew stronger, enabling better alignment of local land management, planning policy and species protections.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
- Acquisition timing and legal complexities: While the bequest enabled land acquisition, completing the purchase requires careful legal and financial steps.
- Balancing public access and habitat protection: As more people visited site events, YACWAG remained cautious to minimise disturbance to sensitive wildlife.
- External pressures from development: Maintaining vigilance in planning process engagement is essential, especially given infrastructure proposals near critical habitats.
- Sustaining momentum: With many projects underway, sustaining energy, funding and focus over multiple years is a continuing task.
Looking Forward
With the move into 2023–24, YACWAG will deepen and build on this year’s momentum. Priorities include:
- Completing the Cobthorn Reserve extension and integrating it fully into the wider conservation work.
- Strengthening habitat corridors and improving biodiversity along the Strawberry Line.
- Increasing citizen science, surveys and public engagement.
- Growing the advocacy role in planning decisions to defend ecological integrity.
- Continually nurturing volunteer capacity and community ties.
This year has shown the strength of local action: with goodwill, creativity and commitment, even small community charities like YACWAG can make a meaningful difference for nature and people alike.