# SBV

> Uniting our Community for a Greener Tomorrow


## Posts

- [Keeping the Heat In: My Experience with Wooden Windows in a Listed Home](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/keeping-the-heat-in-my-experience-with-wooden-windows-in-a-listed-home/): When we moved into our Grade II listed house, one of the first things we noticed—especially in winter—was how much heat was escaping through the windows. It’s no surprise: up to 40% of a home’s heat can be lost this way. In most modern homes, the fix is straightforward—install double or even triple glazing. But for us, planning permission for sealed units was refused. That left us with two choices: secondary glazing or finding ways to improve the original timber frames. And after much research, we decided to repair our original window frames, which seemed the most cost-effective and environmentally […]
- [AGM Report 2024](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/agm-report-2024/): Date: 29th April 2024 Another successful year for the Sustainable Bourne Valley, thanks to the many volunteers who help with Toad Patrol, Hirst Meadow, the Repair Café and of course the members of the group itself. There has also been a revamp of the website, with much more information available all in a lovely new format. The Valley Toads We had a lovely crowd of new volunteers this year keen to get out there and get started, but the little creatures have had the weirdest year weather-wise since we began patrolling. They like to travel in warm and wet conditions, […]
- [Sowing the Seeds of Change](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/sowing-the-seeds-of-change/): St Mary Bourne School Children help out at Hirst Meadow Last autumn, the children of the Sycamore Class at St. Mary Bourne School rolled up their sleeves and embarked on a mission to help nature thrive. Their project? A thoughtful and hands-on effort to restore balance in the Hirst Meadow by planting yellow rattle seeds—small, unassuming seeds with a big ecological purpose. Yellow rattle is known for its unique ability to suppress dominant grasses, especially in richer soils, allowing a wider variety of wildflowers to flourish. With this in mind, Rose and Caroline from Sustainable Bourne Valley took great care […]
- [Sustainability Day 2024](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/hello-world/): Once again interesting boxes of equipment and plants appeared in the Village Hall for the 3rd Sustainability Day on Saturday 12 October.  It is always difficult to tell what is the most popular activity, apart from consuming homemade cakes and tea and coffee with friends.  As ever the repair café attracted many interesting problems to solve, or not in some cases.  The bike repair corner saw plenty of customers, and next door to that children were busy making hedgehogs out of teasels and finding out how to help hedgehogs not just survive but prosper in the valley.  And of course, the […]
- [Sycamore class visits Hirst Meadow](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/sycamore-class-visits-hirst-meadow/): On 20th November 2023, the St Mary Bourne school children from Sycamore Class visited Hirst Meadow to plant four juniper trees. The juniper trees had been planted in pots in 2022, by the previous year’s Sycamore Class and they were now ready to be planted out into their final positions in Hirst Meadow. The school children were divided into two groups. The first group led by Caroline Hoyes from Sustainable Bourne Valley, explored Hirst Meadow and had the opportunity to witness firsthand the amazing wildlife features that Sycamore Class 2022 had implemented, including hedgehog homes, and bug hotels. They were […]
- [The Remarkable Journey of the Toads](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-remarkable-journey-of-the-toads/): In our tranquil village of St. Mary Bourne, a heartwarming spectacle unfolds every year as dusk settles in – the migration of toads. These resilient amphibians embark on an extraordinary journey, returning to their ancestral birthplace. Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, including the main road through St Mary Bourne, the toads persist, driven by an instinctual urge to complete their pilgrimage. St. Mary Bourne Lake serves as the focal point of this annual migration. The lake holds profound significance for the toads, as it represents not only their breeding ground but also their ancestral home. The tranquil waters […]
- [Recycling Soft Plastic](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/recycling-soft-plastic/): Great News! Soft Plastics can now be recycled. Although soft plastics are not taken by the council, many supermarkets are now providing recycling bins for soft plastics, in an aim to combat environmental degradation and climate change. Soft plastics are the packaging that you can’t normally put out with your household recycling. If you can scrunch the plastic and it bounces back, it’s likely to be a soft plastic. So, this means packaging such as crisp packets, cereal liners, pasta bags, salad bags, biscuit and cake wrappers and bread bags can now be recycled. They are turned into coloured pellets, sent […]
- [Exploring Home Energy Efficiency](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/exploring-home-energy-efficiency/): Thermal Imaging Cameras can expose Hidden Heat Loss In the quest for energy efficiency, thermal imaging cameras are emerging as powerful tools to identify and address heat loss in homes and buildings. These advanced devices, originally developed for military and industrial applications, are now being harnessed by homeowners and professionals alike to pinpoint areas of energy waste and enhance overall sustainability. How Thermal Imaging Works: Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by objects and convert it into a visual representation of temperature variations. Warmer areas appear as brighter colors, while cooler areas are depicted in darker shades. This technology […]
- [Holiest Pants Competition 2023](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/holiest-pants-competition-2023/): SBV holds a Competition to see who has the Healthiest Soil in The Parish! Last summer (2022) the series writers of The Archers included a Holey Pants competition in that well-known radio drama.  Having checked out that this competition was based on scientific research, which it was, the SBV decided to raise awareness of soil fertility by holding a similar competition, The Holiest Pants Competition, at the SMB Flower Show 2023. What does burying your cotton pants in the ground and digging them up again 6 weeks to 2 months later show about the fertility of your soil? So, if […]
- [Unveiling the New Hirst Meadow Sign](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/unveiling-the-new-hirst-meadow-sign/): Last week the children of Sycamore class from St Mary Bourne Primary School, helped us unveil the new sign and information board at Hirst Meadow. Sustainable Bourne Valley (SBV) has been slowly and steadily transforming an unused plot of land in the centre of St Mary Bourne into a haven for wildlife, creating a habitat for many threatened species, such as bees, butterflies, moths and birds. The aim was to establish a wildflower meadow, a small woodland area, and introduce plenty of habitat and shelter for the wildlife, such as log piles, hedgehog shelters, and refugia (refuge) for slow worms […]
- [Is solar worthwhile?](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/is-solar-worthwhile/): Author: Nicholas Cross. In 2005 I installed photovoltaic solar panels on our roof, the kind that generate electricity rather than the ones that heat hot water. There was not much information available in the UK at the time on how long they would take to pay back and there were no financial incentives. After some searching for information on the amount of solar available, I worked out that they would pay for themselves in a little over 300 years. This was definitely a hobby project. For 5 years my long-suffering family put up with half of our house running off […]
- [Dark Skies in The Bourne Valley](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/dark-skies-in-the-bourne-valley/): For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. This rhythm is encoded in the DNA of all plants and animals, including us. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night sky. Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators. Nocturnal animals are roughly divided into two groups. Some strenuously avoid light, often going on long routes around lit areas, wasting precious energy; alternatively, they may delay or even give up on mating […]
- [The Lake & Bourne Rivulet Survey 2021 - Butterfly, Dragonfly & Damselfly Report](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-lake-bourne-rivulet-survey-2021/): Between April and October 2021, a survey was conducted at the Lake in St Mary Bourne (the “Lake”) and the adjoining Bourne Rivulet. The objective was to establish a baseline for butterfly, dragonfly, and damselfly populations. While ideally conducted in 2020 before habitat management changes, the one-year difference is not expected to impact the findings significantly. The survey also preceded the Watercress & Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme’s work on the Bourne Rivulet, carried out in late 2021. Baseline surveys like this one are essential for understanding current ecological conditions and evaluating future conservation measures. Habitats Overview The area includes several […]
- [Create an eco-friendly wildlife garden!](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/create-an-eco-friendly-wildlife-garden/): Our wildlife is under serious threat due to loss of habitat, pesticides and intensive farming practices.  Worldwide, the number of wild animals has halved in the last 40 years, and it’s estimated that between 200 and 10,000 species become extinct every year. Ten million farmland birds disappeared from the British countryside between 1979 and the turn of the last century and we lost more than 100,000 kilometres of British between 1984 and 1990 alone. But there is hope. With the right planning and planting, even the smallest of gardens can help provide much needed habitat for our struggling wildlife and […]
- [Apsley Farm's Biodigester](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/apsley-farms-biodigester/): Author: Deborah du Val de Beaulieu. Apsley is a 1050 acre farming operation in the Bourne Valley. In 2011 we decided to invest in a biodigester and farm for energy using anaerobic digestion. 40 farms supply us with break crops which supports a healthy crop rotation on ours and other local farms. We produce 4 products: renewable electricity, biomethane (green natural gas), liquid food grade CO2 and fertiliser certified for use on organic farms. We feed the biogas plant with crops such as oats, rye and maize which produces biogas (Methane and CO2) and as the main by-product, digestate (which has […]
- [Eating to help the planet](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/eating-to-help-the-planet/): In our fast-paced lives, many of us rely on supermarkets for convenience, often losing touch with the origins of our food. This convenience, however, comes at a cost: food production is a leading contributor to climate change, responsible for 60% of global wildlife and biodiversity loss. Small Changes, Big Impact Making small, conscious choices—like buying locally-produced food and eating seasonal produce—can significantly benefit the planet. Experts recommend eating less, but better-quality, meat and increasing plant-based foods in our diets. High-quality meats, such as locally-produced organic, free-range, or grass-fed options, are more sustainable and humane than those produced on industrial mega-farms. […]
- [Black Garden Field Butterfly Survey 2020](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/black-garden-butterfly-survey-2021/): Black Garden Field is situated on Egbury Road, St Mary Bourne. It is the long field on the right-hand side as you come out of the village towards Whitchurch. A survey in 2020 of Black Garden Field (the “Field”), recorded four rare butterfly species: Small Blue, Marsh Fritillary, Grizzled Skipper, and Small Heath. Notably, a colony of approximately 30 adult Small Blues was identified, thriving in specific habitats at the Field’s south-western end and the south-eastern corner of St Peter’s churchyard. Additionally, the Duke of Burgundy, an endangered butterfly, may potentially inhabit the area, supported by the abundance of its […]
- [What about a wood pellet boiler?](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/what-about-a-wood-pellet-boiler/): Our visionary plumber put the question to us in 2011 when we started serious renovation of our property in St Mary Bourne.  Having been almost lifelong rural dwellers we had always relied on oil. We looked at air and ground source heat pumps as an option (mindful even then of being a good citizen of the Earth, years before people started blocking bridges in London) but unless you have a modern house with modern insulation that was a no-no. Oil is not sustainable. Once you have pumped it out of the ground and burnt it you have to pump some more. What’s […]
- [Thank You for Your Support](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/thank-you-for-your-support/): Thank You to Everyone Who Supported Sustainable Bourne Valley in 2019 At Sustainable Bourne Valley (SBV), we’re incredibly grateful for the wonderful community support we received during our fundraising events in 2019. Your enthusiasm and generosity are what make our work protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living possible. Here’s a look back at two amazing events that brought us together to celebrate sustainability and raise vital funds for SBV projects. The SBV Big Breakfast Fundraiser A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Big Breakfast fundraiser in November 2019! Over 160 people came together to enjoy […]

## Pages

- [Steven's Green Community Orchard](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/stevens-green-community-orchard/)
- [Contact Us](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/contact-us/): We’d Love to Hear from You! Whether you have a question, idea, or simply want to get involved, we’re here to connect. At Sustainable Bourne Valley, community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Reach out to us using the form below or any of the contact details provided. Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
- [Join us](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/join-us/): Be Part of a Sustainable Future At Sustainable Bourne Valley, we believe that building a greener, more sustainable community starts with you. By joining us, you’ll become part of a local movement dedicated to protecting our natural environment, promoting eco-friendly living, and fostering a vibrant, connected community. We Need You! Why Join Sustainable Bourne Valley? Your involvement helps preserve the beautiful Bourne Valley for future generations. Gain valuable insights into sustainable practices and share your ideas with like-minded individuals. Meet people who share your passion for the environment and create lasting connections in your community. From wildlife conservation to energy […]
- [Volunteers](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/volunteers/): Want to be part of our team! Become a Volunteer with Sustainable Bourne Valley! Are you passionate about the environment and ready to make a real impact in your community? At Sustainable Bourne Valley, we believe that small, local actions can lead to big, global change—and we need people like YOU to help make it happen! When you volunteer with us, you’ll have the opportunity to: Get Your Hands Dirty: Help create vibrant community gardens, plant trees, and restore wildlife habitats to improve our valley’s natural beauty. Connect with Like-Minded People: Join a friendly, motivated group of people who share […]
- [The Repair Café](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-repair-cafe/): St. Mary Bourne Repair Café runs on the first Saturday of each month in The George Inn, St Mary Bourne. Bring Your Broken Bits From 10 am until 12 pm Since September 2022, our Repair Café has been helping the community breathe new life into household and electrical items. We’re part of a nationwide initiative focused on reducing waste and saving money by repairing items that might otherwise be too expensive or impossible to mend. Our dedicated team includes three expert volunteers who donate their time and skills to tackle all kinds of repairs. Occasionally, we’re joined by a talented […]
- [St Mary Bourne Toad Patrol](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/toad-patrol/): Why Did The Toad Cross The Road? Every spring, toads migrate back to ancestral ponds or lakes to breed. Being very particular about where they breed, they invariably migrate back to their ancestral breeding ponds each year, taking the same route, regardless of what lies in their way. Here in St Mary Bourne, this means a slow, perilous journey to St. Mary Bourne Lake, often from far-away feeding areas. This journey crosses the road near Derrydown Surgery at the junction with the main St. Mary Bourne village road. Their grey-brown color makes them hard to spot on the road, increasing […]
- [The Wildflowers](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-wildflowers/): Over the summer of 2021, SBV planted 75 wildflower plug plants, with help of volunteers from the local community. Here is the list! Total: 75 Plants
- [The Story of Hirst Meadow](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-story-of-hirst-meadow/): SBV began the ambitious project of transforming an unused piece of land behind Hirst Copse into a thriving sanctuary for wildlife in 2019. St Mary Bourne Parish Council kindly granted us permission to give the piece of land behind Hirst Copse a new lease of life. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of many volunteers and St Mary Bourne school children we set to work clearing the land ready for planting. Our trees were planted over the winters of 2019 and 2020 by Sycamore Class of St Mary Bourne School and volunteers, after the clearance of large areas of […]
- [The Bourne Valley Walkers](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/the-bourne-valley-walkers/): SBV: Explore the Beauty of Walking Together Welcome to The Bourne Valley Walkers! Our walking group brings together like-minded individuals who enjoy exploring the stunning countryside, making new friends, and staying active—all in a relaxed and social setting. This group is not an organised walking group. As there will be no leaders or first-aiders, everyone will be responsible for their own safety and well-being. Why Join Us? Explore the Bourne Valley Our valley offers a variety of walking routes, from short, family-friendly trails to more ambitious adventures. Each walk is an opportunity to discover new landscapes, enjoy some social interaction, […]
- [TerraCycle in Whitchurch.](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/terracycle-in-whitchurch/): There is a wide range of TerraCycle recycling available in Whitchurch. Money raised goes to Whitchurch Primary School and Rising Fives Nursery. Drop-Off Locations: Main Drop-Off Point 16 Queens Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7JQRadka Wigmore kindly collects many recyclable products to raise money for The Rising Five’s Nursery in Whitchurch. Drop off a variety of recyclable items here! Be sure to check the list below for updates on accepted items. Additional Drop-Off Point Rising Fives Nursery, Old School Kitchen, Wells Lane, Whitchurch, RG28 7FG 01256 893708 (term time only)Small amounts of recycling can also be left here. What Can You Recycle? […]
- [Sustainable Bourne Valley Annual Reports](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/sustainable-bourne-valley-annual-reports/): Welcome to the Annual Reports section of Sustainable Bourne Valley (SBV). Here, you can explore the milestones, achievements, and community-driven projects that have shaped our journey toward protecting the environment and promoting sustainable living in the Bourne Valley. 2023 Annual Report Message from the ChairKatie Dixon, Chair of SBV, reflects on a year of community engagement and environmental achievements. Here’s what we accomplished together: Read the full Chair’s Report here. 2021 Annual Report Chair’s ReflectionsKatie Dixon highlights the resilience and innovation of the SBV team despite challenges like Covid-19. Discover more about our 2021 journey here. 2019/2020 Annual Report A […]
- [Meander Through the Meadow](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/meander-through-the-meadow/): As you enter the meadow from Hirst Copse, you will see a central path that leads to the Woodland Burial Ground. Also on the left of the central path there is the lush meadow. This more fertile area has longer grass and hedgerow flowers to provide cover. To the left of the path we have planted small native trees including crab apple, hawthorn, walnut, hazel, rowan, holly, juniper, guelda rose, blackthorn, spindle and whitebeam. In the top left-hand corner there is a blackberry patch for the hundreds of insects that visit them throughout the year, for pollen, to spin webs […]
- [Recycling](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/recycling/): Recycling is vital in protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future. By recycling, we can divert waste from landfills and incinerators, significantly reducing environmental harm. Why Recycle? When waste ends up in landfills, it can take years to decompose, releasing harmful gases that contribute to climate change, contaminating soil and water, and endangering wildlife. While Hampshire County Council sends only 5% of non-recyclable waste to landfills, the majority is incinerated, which has its drawbacks, including toxic air pollution and increasing carbon emissions. For a deeper dive, Channel 4’s Dispatches report, The Dirty Truth About Your Rubbish, explores these issues […]
- [Our Projects](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/our-projects/): At Sustainable Bourne Valley, we’re dedicated to fostering a greener, more resilient future for our community. Through our various impactful projects, we aim to protect our environment, enhance biodiversity, and empower local residents to adopt sustainable practices. Hirst Meadow Hirst Meadow SBV has transformed an unused plot of land into a haven for wildlife to boost biodiversity and create much needed habitat for many threatened indigenous species such as bees, butterflies, moths and birds. Toad Patrol Toad Patrol Toads are a biodiversity priority species because of recent declines in numbers and after many sightings of squashed toads on the SMB road […]
- [Native Trees](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/native-trees/): A little more information on the trees that we have planted at Hirst Meadow Hazel (Corylus avelana) Strong growing trees which are often coppiced as ours probably will be. Coppicing makes good cover for ground nesting birds such as nightingales. The catkins are a precious source of pollen for bees and the nuts are eaten by many animals especially dormice. Nuthatches feed on the nuts in winter and they will hide surplus hazelnuts in gaps in tree bark for later. Walnut  (Juglans regia) 35 metres. Good for lots of micromoths and nuts are eaten by mice, rooks andsquirrels. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) 15 […]
- [Hirst Meadow](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/hirst-meadow/): A Haven for Wildlife in the Heart of St Mary Bourne At Sustainable Bourne Valley (SBV), we are excited to introduce Hirst Meadow, our project dedicated to boosting biodiversity and creating essential habitats for our local wildlife. This previously unused plot of land, located between Hirst Copse and the Woodland Burial Ground in St Mary Bourne, was generously granted to us by St Mary Bourne Parish Council. It is being transformed into a vibrant sanctuary for many of the valley’s threatened species, including bees, butterflies, moths, and birds. As modern development and intensive agriculture continue to threaten natural habitats, projects […]
- [Hedgehog Street](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/hedgehog-street/): Sustainable Bourne Valley is proud to bring the Hedgehog Street initiative to our community! Hedgehogs are one of the UK’s most beloved species, but their numbers have been declining drastically due to habitat loss, urbanizsation, and barriers to their movement. Together, we can make a difference right here in St Mary Bourne. What Is Hedgehog Street? Hedgehog Street is a nationwide project aimed at creating hedgehog-friendly habitats in gardens, parks, and open spaces across the country. By working together, we can ensure our local hedgehogs have safe pathways and plenty of food and shelter. Hedgehogs roam up to 2 km […]
- [Equipment Lending Library](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/equipment-lending-library/): We would like to offer the local community the opportunity to borrow our equipment. SBV have a Thermal Imaging Camera and a Wildlife Trail Camera to loan out for a small donation. Save Money and Energy with SBV’s Thermal Imaging Camera! In the quest for energy efficiency, Sustainable Bourne Valley can help you identify and address heat loss in your home or building. We’re pleased to offer our thermal imaging camera that you can borrow for a small donation of just £5. How Thermal Imaging Works Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by objects and convert it into a […]
- [DIY Tips](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/diy-tips/): Test for Heat Loss in your Home The Thermal Imaging Camera is very easy to use; just press the on button on the top to switch it on and point it at the areas of your home you want to investigate. The screen will show a live view of the area’s temperature. Warmer areas show up as brighter yellows and reds, and colder areas show up as darker blues and blacks.  You can then capture still images which will help show the impact of any changes you make. We can download the images and email them to you for before […]
- [Cosy Homes Bourne Valley](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/cosy-homes-bourne-valley/): Welcome to Cosy Homes Bourne Valley! Sustainable Bourne Valley launched this project in 2022. We are dedicated to helping residents of the Bourne Valley improve home energy efficiency, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. Do You Need a Helping Hand? While the climate crisis might feel distant, local actions can make a big difference. Did you know poorly insulated homes can waste up to £1 out of every £3 spent on heating? That’s heat—and money—flying straight out the window. Would you like to make your home more energy-efficient, save on heating bills, and contribute to a sustainable future? How […]
- [A-Z Recycling Guide](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/a-z-recycling-guide/): SBV has created this guide to help you through the mind-boggling system of recycling TerraCycle in Whitchurch There is a wide range of TerraCycle recycling available in Whitchurch. A Air Fresheners Containers and Cartridges Terracycle – 16 Queens Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7JQ B Baby Food Pouches and Lids Washed baby food pouches and lids Soft Plastics Supermarkets. Andover – Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s. Whitchurch – Coop Balloons Zuru Bunch of Balloons, plastic stamps, ribbons, party and foil balloons Terracycle – 16 Queens Road, Whitchurch, RG28 7JQ Batteries (Car) All metals and some of the plastics are recycled and the bin is […]
- [Meet the Team](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/meet-the-team/): We are a passionate group of community members, working together to make sustainability easy, inspiring, and fun for everyone. Take a scroll to meet the folks behind SBV—we’re here to support, collaborate, and make a difference with everyone who shares our passion for a greener, brighter future. Charlotte Rimmer Chair Person I moved to St Mary Bourne in 2022 and was keen to get involved with the village community. Professionally I work as a Senior Countryside Officer for Test Valley Borough Council and am passionate about all things wildlife and conservation. In my spare time I am secretary for Hampshire […]
- [Blog](https://sustainablebournevalley.org.uk/blog/): Read more: Browse by Category:


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