Blog

First Contribution To EBBRAG Newsletter

Sunday 29th March 2026

From the Facebook and Instagram pages of EBBRAG:

The first contribution to the EBBRAG Newsletter.

From Jeremy Cuff:

THE DUKES OF WARMINSTER – On the Wing Soon!

In mid to late April, the diminutive and pugnacious Duke of Burgundy Fritillary will emerge from pupation to fly in secluded areas of the Chalk downlands around Warminster and other suitable habitats nearby, and in good years will make attempts to colonise neighbouring areas where their Cowslip foodplant grows. They’ve even been seen next to Home Farm in the past.

They live in small population densities and are very vulnerable to excessive disturbance and habitat degradation as a result of development, and the spin-offs of more people affecting the areas in which they still survive.

Due to its’ rarity, this species is of “principal importance” (under the NERC Act), is designated on the GB Red List as a vulnerable species, and is a high priority species for Butterfly Conservation’s efforts.

Unsuitable developments such as the one proposed at Home Farm pose a threat to this rare species, and many others besides.

email: info@ebbrag.com

website: www.ebbrag.com

Stunning Photograph By Keith Rattray

Thursday 26th March 2026

From the Facebook page of EBBRAG:

We recently came across this stunning photograph, taken by our friend and “all round good egg” Keith Rattray, taken in early August last year (2025). He has given us permission to share it. Thank you Keith.

It shows the wonderful view west from Scratchbury Hill, looking over the treetops of the deserted medieval village site of Middleton, and further over can be seen some of the fields of Bishopstrow Farm and Boreham Farm, with the railway and the military Southern Range Road weaving their ways through the scene. Copheap and Arn Hill in the distance.

We know full well that this landscape is much enjoyed on a regular basis by local people and others from farther afield. We also see people taking photos. It would be wonderful to see your photos of Boreham and Bishopstrow – whether they are views, wildlife, wild flowers, butterflies, the farmers at work, the military on manoeuvres, the hotel at Bishopstrow House, the river Wylye, even your friends and families enjoying themselves out walking, cycling, whatever! All weathers, all seasons, welcome!

Please feel free to share your photos of Boreham and Bishopstrow on the EBBRAG Facebook page for others to see and enjoy – copyright of course remains with original photographers.

EBBRAG Supporters Are The Best!

Tuesday 24th March 2026

From the Facebook page of EBBRAG:

This photo shows the wonderful view from Battlesbury Hill, looking south to Home Farm, and Bishopstrow and beyond. It is a green and pleasant scene many of us are familiar with and love.

If housing ever fills the fields of Home Farm, this view will be irreversibly changed forever. That would be a disaster for people and wildlife and would wreck heritage and archaeology. And the consequences of unsustainable building include flooding risk, pollution of the River Wylye, more problems because infrastructure needs not being met, the loss of green open space, etc., etc.

These are some of the reasons why EBBRAG have been fighting to get the Home Farm housing allocation removed from the Warminster Neighbourhood Plan 2.

EBBRAG has been tremendously spurred on by the great support of many people, not only those living at Boreham and Bishopstrow, but from all parts of Warminster, who recognise it for the beautiful countryside it is and for the health and other benefits the outdoor experience brings. And there has been further support from folks who come here especially to holiday, walk, ride and enjoy in many ways what is undoubtedly a stunning landscape.

EBBRAG thanks you all for your great support, signing letters, writing to make your feelings known, helping us canvas, filling out surveys, contributing to technical and conservation reports, and donating to the fighting fund. The EBBRAG committee appreciates all of this, more than words can say. We are also moved by the messages of thanks now coming in – EBBRAG supporters, you are the best!

Here’s just three of the messages we have received via email and Facebook:

Please pass on my thanks to all EBBRAG committee members for doing all this amazing research, canvassing, surveys and technical report writing on our behalf. I only hope it is successful. – J.S.

Huge thanks to you all for working so hard for our community, you have done an amazing job, let’s hope that it is all listened to. – C.S.

Thank you all for all your hard work so far. I for one very much appreciate it. – F.G.

info@ebragg.com

www.ebbrag.com

error: Content is protected !!