A large area around Cookham is used for agricultural and related purposes. It is criss-crossed by footpaths and hedgerows, offering important habitats for wildlife as well as a valuable amenity for humans. Several of Cookham’s footpaths and hedgerows are old – or very old – as evidenced by archaeological studies. Across the country as a whole, a significant percent of hedges have been removed to support more intensive agricultural use of the land, with a consequent massive impact on the ability of many species to survive. Many species have now been lost to our countryside either entirely or as native breeding species. WildCookham carries out surveys of our hedges and footpaths to determine their condition and identify actions to improve their value as wildlife habitats. We encourage landowners to support wildlife projects.
Farmland birds have been declining for many years, some species by as much as 90%. Yellowhammers have been holding on to some traditional breeding areas and we are fortunate some of them are still in our vicinity. But how many? For some ID tips, and an example of the song and call of Yellowhammers and other birds, please use this link: http://www.birdfieldguide.co.uk/Yellowhammer.html
WildCookham carried out its first Swallows and House Martins survey a few years ago. The aim was to establish where these summer visitors are nesting locally so we can monitor them over time and to develop plans to stem the falling numbers of these iconic birds.