Foxley Fields

Foxley Fields is a busy park in the centre of Binfield surrounded by houses with gardens. There are several amenities, including a café, a children’s play area and four tennis courts; the village school borders one side. 
The grass which covers most of the area is cut short regularly, leaving only narrow margins for plants to mature, however there are also several trees and hedges and a few formal flower beds. Unfortunately, one of the oldest oaks fell during the summer. Some of its wood was left in place, then in the autumn whips of native species and woodland bulbs were planted around it. Each year bulbs are being added to the area to extend the season for pollinators. The WI Environment Group (WIEG) look after the Mindfulness Garden where there are flowers in bloom all year round.
The monthly survey of this area is carried out by members of the WIEG who work in small groups. As different members have different areas of expertise it is possible that some identification errors may occur. The Merlin app, the Field Studies Council guides and Picture This have been used to help identification.
26 species of birds were identified this year, compared with 19 in 2024. Collared dove, pheasant and grey heron were seen for the first time since the survey began in 2023.
5 species of butterflies were identified: small white, large white, gatekeeper, speckled wood and red admiral, compared with 3 in 2024.
7 species of bee were identified, compared with 6 in 2024.
The total number of flower species seen in bloom since the survey began is over 200, a combination of wildflowers and garden flowers. The long term aim is to have flowers all year round.