Spring at Ham Hill brings wildlife, volunteer efforts and improved access
Ham Hill Visitor Centre
May is a wonderful time of year to get out and about in nature. The days are longer and warmer, and everything is in full growing mode. This means the rangers and volunteers will be spending much of their time cutting back vegetation to keep paths open for our visitors to use as they explore the site.
The Monday volunteer team have done a fabulous job of restoring the footpath that brings you to the top of Ham Hill from Ham Hill Road. This will help our walking visitors to avoid the narrow and slightly treacherous bit of road as they walk up from the village.
Our Green Estates Team has recently carried out surveys for great crested newts at 2 of our Local Nature Reserves, Berrow Dunes and Moldram’s Ground, and they were thrilled to find these protected species at both sites.
Great crested newts are protected at a European level, so the UK’s population is of international importance. There are 3 native species of newt in the UK and the great crested is by far the largest.
 The latest recycling league tables, published by DEFRA have revealed that Somerset has secured a place in the top 10% in the country. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and efforts of Somerset residents in doing the right thing and recycling as much waste as possible.
In the latest league tables, South Oxfordshire tops the charts with an impressive recycling rate of 62.9%. Somerset, with a commendable recycling rate of 56%, has secured the 31st position out of 321 local authorities and ranks 7th out of 97 unitary authorities.
 Resource Futures, Somerset Council, and SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK were once again shortlisted for an Award for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management thanks to the continued success of The Fixy Project, a mobile initiative tackling e-waste through reuse, repair, and redistribution.
Nominated for the second year running in the ‘Reuse Initiative of the Year’ category, Fixy was recognised for its creative, community-driven approach to raising awareness of, and driving activities around, the reuse, repair and redistribution of electrical items.
Spring clear-out? Think, pass it on!
 Recycling is great, but reducing and reusing waste is even better. If you’re planning a spring clean, don’t forget to check if your items could be used again. Your pre-loved items could be another’s treasure and by passing your things on, you’re helping to reduce waste.
It’s simple to pass them on and there’s several Somerset-based furniture reuse groups where you can donate furniture and white goods. Charities will often collect items for free, so long as they’re in good condition and working order and have the relevant fire safety tags.
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