Earlier this year, the Bourtons became a Wildlife Friendly Community, joining a growing network of villages and small towns across the UK. I was pleased to visit All Saints Church in Great Bourton this month to meet local residents and hear more about their exciting plans.
Resident Ann Brooks, who has spearheaded the Bourtons’ application, told me about their initiatives to protect and enhance local biodiversity. Parishioners have already created a bug hotel and hedgehog drinker in the churchyard, and are looking at areas around the village to set aside for wildflowers and tree planting. I was also pleased to catch up with Sue Upton, Chair of the Bourtons Parish Council, about a number of village matters including planning and traffic management.
An issue which is close to residents’ hearts is the All Saints Church Bell Tower. One of just three of its type in the country, the bell tower is in urgent need of renovation. The village conservation project have already raise a considerable sum of money towards this, but more is needed. All Saints PCC are running a series of fundraisers to try and meet the cost. They have also set up a JustGiving page for donations which you can visit here.
