50th Anniversary Picnic

Today we celebrated 50 years of High Batts, 1973-2023, with a picnic at the Reserve.

Talk by Mark Cocker

Guest of honour Mark Cocker, award-winning naturalist and author, spoke on the theme of volunteering.

He praised the work of High Batts volunteers over the years, and said we have created a remarkable nature-rich patch of land.

This is especially important as England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, due to destruction of habitat and use of chemicals.

Reserves like High Batts are increasingly acting as refugia, or isolated locations, where species still survive.

In the long term we need larger joined-up areas of land that are managed with wildlife in mind if nature is to recover.

Members

Around eighty members came along to enjoy a picnic and celebrate 50 years of High Batts.

Drinks and delicious cakes were provided.

Thanks to Reserve Warden Colin Slator

High Batts Secretary Alwin Knowles made a speech to thank Colin Slator for all he has done at High Batts over 50 years.

In 1973, seeing the potential of High Batts for nature conservation, Colin approached the landowner, Sir Richard Graham of Norton Conyers, to see if he could manage this patch of land for nature.

Since then, lots of people have put in time and effort at High Batts, but Colin has been the constant throughout this time. If it wasn’t for him, there would be no High Batts.

Alwin presented him with a special gift to mark the anniversary, featuring a ringlet butterfly (main photo at the top of the page).

Photographic Competion

High Batts ran a photographic competition throughout 2022.

Prizes were awarded for the best three photos in the adult category, and for the best photo in the junior category

Twelve images have been selected, and a 2024 High Batts calendar produced. It’s now on sale at £8.