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NATURAL HISTORY
OF DODDINGTON PARISH
The information on these pages comes from the excellent Village Appraisal carried out in 1997.
I have adapted the Appraisal for the web and added more pictures to illustrate

The four reports, (see bottom of page) by members of the Natural History study group, look at different aspects of our natural surroundings. The first and second, by Chris Mason and Aad Sipsma-Memelink respectively, give general overviews; the first looks at the parish through the seasons; the second records the changes observed in a specific part of the village (the Churchyard and Sharsted) over time. Both take a personal perspective, the authors being regular walkers of the village. These are followed by a look at the bird-life of the parish, by keen bird-watcher Graham Cuthbert, and a report on trees, reptiles and amphibians by enthusiast Nigel England.

Our parish no doubt represents a near perfect example of the North Downs landscape. Its natural history, enshrined in the traditions of the coppice, the field and the orchard, has changed little over the years. In common with the rest of the county and beyond, changes in farming practices have adversely and irreversibly affected the diversity of natural communities; increased development and the use of the countryside for leisure activities are also threatening this diversity. However, our parish is still home to a fascinating array of plants and animals that share our environment throughout the seasons.

View to the south-west, across Doddington village. Spring 1997. By Alpha Mason

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