Nature Watch

With heavy rain, strong winds and freezing night temperatures followed by morning frost, wildlife sightings have proved difficult. However, on the occasional brighter days during the past month the following bird sightings have been recorded:- Mallard Ducks, Herons, Wrens, Goldcrests, Long Tailed Tits, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Blackbirds, Robins, Sparrowhawk, Jays, Magpies, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers, Snipe, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Green Wood peckers. Many of these species visit the feeding station in the Wet Wood which provides a life line when stocked with suitable Winter food. Robins are choosing mates for next year, chasing each other in flight and showing fierce behaviour in defending their Winter feeding territories.

There is evidence of the resident foxes digging out and enlarging their earths in preparation of producing cubs in the early part of the new year. An old disused earth has been excavated, probably by this years cubs displaced from their parents territory.

Moles have been active in the moist soil of West Wood as many mole hills are evident.

The Highways Agency have conducted a survey on the perimeter drains at Slop Bog as a consequence of which it is exciting to report both Dormice and Smooth Snakes have been confirmed in the area.

Nature Fact

Moles store 100's of worms in underground larders so they have a ready supply of food. They locate food by utilising their excellent sense of smell and hearing

Site Management

A small number of Birch trees felled and cleared. Selected trees on the dry heath identified prior to submission of a felling licence. Due to the inclement weather, the clearing out and maintenance of bird boxes has been rescheduled for January.

Nature Watch

On warmer days, Painted Lady Butterflies have been seen on the fringes of the reserve.

Resident birds observed in this period have been groups of Jays, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers, Tit Species, Goldcrests, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpeckers, Magpies, Sparrowhawks and Nuthatch. Small numbers of Redwing passed through. A Heron in flight was spotted which was being attacked by several Crows. Reports of most species of garden birds returning to feed at bird tables bordering the reserve now that natural food is becoming scarce.

Area of Heather, which had been cut down earlier in the Summer to promote new growth, have recovered well and showing fresh foliage.

An Adder was seen by the members of the party working on the bank

Events

The Fungi Observer Walk with George Dunkling, took place on the damp morning of Sunday 28th October with a group of 9 attending. 55 species were found, identified and recorded

Nature Fact

Many species of birds set off on migration at night. These nocturnal flyers include wildfowl, waders and songbirds. They are night flyers for several reasons. First, the air is cooler at night which is especially important as the bird arrives in the warmer southern areas. Cool air allows a bird to fly faster with less dehydration and loss of energy. Secondly, there are fewer predators as these are usually daytime migrants. By choosing to migrate at night, the bird can stop to feed and rest during daylight hours

Site Management

The October work party assisted the D.D.C. Conservation Rangers with the clearance of small trees and shrubs from a raised bank on the heathland. This clearance is necessary to provide open, dry, exposed areas, a requirement for reptiles, insects and heathland birds to find food in these locations.

Forthcoming Event

Fungi Observation Walk with George Dunkling on Sunday 28th October at 10am. Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance

Nature Watch

Resident birds continue to seek out high fat food to provide them with body heat and energy for the colder days and nights ahead. Groups of Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs have been observed moving through the reserve at the start of their migration. Dartford Warblers and Stonechats have been seen on the heath on most monitoring visits. A Tawny Owl has been heard in Hazelwood on several evenings. There have been very few Bat recordings, the last being late September.

New plants found include Canadian Flebane, Hawkweed(Fox and Cubs), Davil's-bit Scabious and 12 Marsh Gentian.

A number of Grass Snakes and a few Slow Worms have been spotted as have up to 15 Common Lizards on the boardwalk.

There have been quite a number of large Hover Flies found mainly on the Heather, with Bush and Wasp Spiders, plus a Wasp Spider egg case. A few Common Darter Dragonfly plus a small number of Speckled Wood and Small Skipper Butterflies have been observed whilst 4 Fox Moth caterpillars were seen on the heath.

Both buck and doe Roe Deer have been sighted grazing on the open heathland in the early morning.

In spite of the dry weather over the past weeks, a good number of fungi have been found during the past month which include Plated Inkcap, Collared Earth Star, Many-zoned Polypore or Turketail, Spotted Toughshank, Sulphur Tuft, Primrose Brittlegill, Peppery Bolette, Birch Polypore and the Deceiver.

On several mornings recently, the heath and bog have been shrouded in heavy mist which enhances the multitude of various Spiders webs with moisture, making them more apparent adorning the trees, heather and fences on the reserve. Quite a magical scene for the observer

Nature Fact

Birds have the impulse to migrate when they sense the shortening of daylight hours as well as changes in the weather. With the lack of food source as Autumn passes into Winter, birds migrate to warmer places to seek insects which will sustain them

Site Management

The monthly Work Party cleared vegetation growth which was overhanging the path on West Moors Road

Events

An enjoyable hour of story telling "The Sting in the Tale" took place on Slop Bog on the warm pleasant evening of 22nd August, This event was well attended by both children and adults

Nature Watch

Yet another quiet period of observation.

There were sightings on the open heathland of Dartford Warblers, Stonechats, Buzzards, Magpies, Jays, Green Woodpeckers and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. In the woodland corridor of Hazelwood, Nuthatch have been much in evidence being very vocal. Robin song was a feature as they declare their Winter territories.

The low growing Dwarf Gorse is giving a pleasding end of Summer display. Bees have been busy visiting this Gorse and the Heather on the heath. A number of Marsh Gentian have been recorded during the past month.

On warmer days, Common Lizards continue to bask in the sunshine on the boardwalk whilst female Roe Deer were spotted on the bog to the North.

The birds continue to strip the trees and bushes of Autumn berries, with the Tit species visiting the Pine Trees for seeds and insects. Autumn is truly with us on Slop Bog as leaves are turning colour, Pine Needles are falling and several cool misty mornings have been experienced.

Nature Fact

Bees communicate with each other in lots of different ways including "dancing". Honey Bees returning to the hive use a dance to tell other Bees where to find nectar. They may visit up to 1,000 flowers in one day

Events

On 29th July, George Dunkling led a Nature Walk in bright and sunny weather which 8 people attended. The following specie were observed:- 13 Birds, 2 Amphibians, 8 Butterfly, 6 Insects, 1 each of Dragonfly and Damselfly, with 35 observed and identified wild flowers

Nature Watch

A quiet month with fewer sightings of wildlife.

A very small number of Silver Studded Blue Butterflies were recorded, also a low number of Dragonfly and Damselfly, for the period. However, a good number of Grasshoppers and Crickets were seen in all locations on site. Only one Marsh Gentian plant has been found to date and two Common Helleborine (Orchid). Due to the wet weather there has been a sharp decrease in recording of the Common Lizard which are normally very evident this time of year.

The earlier search for Autumn food by the birds has been noted, taking Blackberries, Rowan and Holly berries, all of which have developed ahead of time.

Rainfall for the period approx 65 millimetres

Nature Fact

In the Summer months, a Jay may be observed seated amidst an ant's nest to encourage ants onto the feathers. This is called 'anting' which is believed to help remove unwanted parasites from their feathers. Jays feed on acorns and bury up to 3,000 a month to supply food for the following Winter. They sometimes forget about them, so the acorns grow into trees

Nature Watch

The weather during the past month has again hindered the recording of wildlife on the Reserve with many of the inhabitants remaining in sheltered places. The following sightings have been made:-

Birds.. Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit, Chiff Chaff, Swallows, Jays, Buzzards, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Wrens, Blue/Coal/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Nightjar. The Nightjar was recorded on the night following the Organised Walk, heard and seen in flight while feeding.

Butterflies.. Ringlet, Marbled White, Silver Studded Blue, Large Skipper, Large White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large Fritillary, Green-Veined White.

Moths.. Six Spot Burnet, Small Heath, Pine Hawk.

Dragonfly.. Four Spot Chaser.

Damselfly.. Azure, Large Red, Small Red, Beautiful Damoiselle

Reptiles.. Common Lizard, Grass Snake, Adder and a positive recording of a Sand Lizard

Insects.. Jumping Spider, Winged Male Velvet Ant.

Mammals.. Pipistrelle and Nocture Bats, Roe Deer.

Plants.. Groundsel, White Stonecrop, Prickly Lettuce, Heath Groundsel, Tufted Vetch, Cinquefoil, Cotton Grass and a large colony of Bog Asphodel( over 200 plants in the East of the bog)

Rainfall for the period approx 55 millimetres

Nature Fact

Hedgehogs not only dine on earthworms, beetles and caterpillars but also consume the eggs of ground nesting birds if they get the chance. They are also known to eat fruits and even mushrooms

Site Management

The DCC Rangers completed the installation of the two interpretation boards. The central kissing gate has been enlarged allowing more space for people with pushchairs to access the central enclosure. A number of areas of heather have been cut back to encourage new growth. Nature Trail posts installed in preparation for information plaques. Two Schwegler Bat Boxes and a Treecreeper Nest Box have been purchased, sponsored by five Guardian members. These will be sited as soon as can be arranged with the Rangers. Further sponsorship is invited-contact the Chairman for details.

Events

The Night Observation Walk held on the 15th June by DCC Conservation Ranger Paul Jones was well attended. The weather held out for the event enabling visitors to enjoy the evening of observation and discovery. Moth traps were set rendering a good catch for identification, including the Pine Hawk Moth. Pipstrelle Bats were feeding in several locations and a positive identification of a Noctule Bat was made. The call of the Nightjar was heard although no sighting.

The Slop Bog Open Day on the 24th June went ahead despite a rather wet and breezy afternoon. Interesting exhibits included the DCC Rangers presentation outlining the proposed Nature Trail; photographic display " Living on the Edge of Slop Bog"; Natural History photos of Slop Bog Nature Reserve: information on the planned Listening Post with demonstration; Besom making demonstration and a display of the entries submitted for the Photographic and Childrens Picture Competitions. There was also a Fun Dog Show, Tombola, Book Stall and refreshment tent. All in all a very enjoyable afternoon with a good number of members and visitors turning out for this annual event.

Nature Watch

The latter days of May had wet and unsettled weather which again made observation and recording very difficult. The scheduled Nature Walk on 27th May was cancelled due to wet weather, Early in May a female Crossbill was seen. Crossbills produce young in January through to March and two young were sighted in the canopy of the Pine trees in the west of Slop Bog dry heath. These may possibly have come from the nearby Uddens Plantation which provides the habitat of dense Pines for them to feed on. The pair of Stonechats have only managed to produce one young this season. The Tree Pipit young fledged successfully in the first week of June. A pair of Kestrels reappeared in the northern areas of Slop Bog. Birds using the nest boxes have now finished rearing young. Great Tits usually only rear one brood but Blue Tits often have a second.

On Sunday 10th June a Butterfly survey on Slop Bog was undertaken by volunteer recorders. An estimated 100 male Silver Studded Blue were seen in flight, with only a few female on the wing. Male usually outnumber the females as many females gather in deep foliage out of sight. A number of Painted Lady Butterflies were also recorded.

In the Wet Wood, Yellow Iris and Royal Ferns have been observed.

Large Red, Small Red and Azure Blue Dragonflies have been spotted as have Large Hawker, Four Spotted Chaser, Keeled Skimmer and Broad Bodied Dragonflies.

A small amount of Cotton Grass with the fluffy white heads are visible in one pond and scattered over the wet heathland. A recent pond dipping showed the occupancy of Water Spiders, Stickleback fish (on which the Kingfisher feeds) and Saucer Beetles (beware, these beetles administer a rather nasty bite). On the boardwalk many Common Lizards are now being spotted on warmer days.

Recorded rainfall for the period approx 55 millimetres

Nature Fact

The Newt is one of the few creatures to be able to regrow a limb should they lose one. If these little animals can avoid being preyed on, they may live up to 20 years.

Site Management

The Guardian work party installed a larger kissing gate improving access to the dry heathland area for parents with pushchairs and the disabled in mobility chairs. An extra work party in early June assisted the D.C.C. Ranger with the placement of an Interpretation Board

Nature Watch

April began and continued throughout with splendid warm and bright sunny weather. The bog pool water levels dropped considerably during this period. The weather conditions were ideal in encouraging flying insects for the feeding of early broods of birds. Fledging as early as the first week of April was noted for Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrush and Tit species. The call of a Cuckoo was heard on the 1st May at the Wet Wood. Adult foxes were very evident on site, playing and digging for worms during daytime. A Willow Warbler and a Wheatear were seen on the fringes of Slop Bog in a garden in Hazel Drive. New sightings of birds in this period in addition to last month are Tree Pipit, Jackdaw, Starling, Mistle Thrush, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Stock Dove and a female Crossbill. Crossbills were recorded on Slop Bog several years ago but no further sightings have been recorded until this month. With the onset of a cooler wet period, food has been provided for the birds at the feeding stations. This is a crucial time for birds when feeding themselves and their young and providing food is a back up if live food is not in abundance.

New recordings of insects in this period in addition to last month are Comma, Orange Tip, Small White, Large White and Holly Blue Butterflies; Large Red Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser and Four Spotted Chaser Dragonfly; Cuckoo Bee, Common Wasp, St. Marks Fly, Crane, Green Bottle, Blue Bottle and Grey-flesh Flies; Green Tiger and Ground Beetles; Raft and Garden Spiders.

As for Reptiles and Amphibians, the warm weather has brought out Grass Snakes, Adders and Slow Worms so watch out for them on the paths and banks.

Recorded rainfall for the period was approx 30 millimetres

Nature Fact

Green Woodpeckers have an amazingly long tongue that can turn corners inside a beetle's burrow enabling them to lick out their food.

Site Management

At the end of April, the Slop Bog Guardians work party assisted the D.C.C. Conservation Rangers with the construction of a footstep platform to ease access onto the boardwalk at the gate sited at the point adjoining the enclosure fence. Also, a further gate was installed into the fencing of the boardwalk to give safer access into the bog enclosure to the north for nature recorders and monitors.

Photographic Competition

Photographs to be taken at Slop Bog Nature Reserve any subject
Prints no larger than A4 - up to 3 prints per entrant
Two sections - Adults and Juniors under 16
Please put name, address and telephone number on reverse plus age if a Junior
Closing date 17th June 2007
All entries will be displayed at the Slop Bog Open Day Sunday 24th June 2007
Winners will be announced at the Open Day at 3pm and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes awarded
Post entries to Mr G Dunkling 123 Pinehurst Park West Moors BH22 0BS
All enquiries to G Dunkling tel: 01202 897293

Drawing and Picture Competition

Subject - Life on Slop Bog eg creatures, plants, views
Upper age limit 16
Please put name, address, age and telephone number on the reverse
Closing date 17th June 2007
All entries will be displayed at the Slop Bog Open Day Sunday 24th June 2007
Winners to be announced at the Open Day at 3pm
Entries to :- Mrs C Wilcox 19 Hazel Drive Ferndown BH22 9SP

Nature Watch

March ended in cold windy weather but early April saw clearer, brighter, warm days. The following sightings were recorded on the Nature Reserve within the past month

Birds :- Wood Pidgeon, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goldcrest, Jay, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Reed Bunting, Heron, Mallard Duck, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiff Chaff

Plants in flower :- Hazel, Gorse, Primrose, Lesser Celandine, Sallow, Willow, Bog Myrtle, Ivy-leaved Speedwell, Spring Snowflake

Insects :- Buff tailed bumble, Drone Fly, Pond Skater, Crab Spider, Wolf Spider, Hunting Spider, Brimstone Butterfly, Speckled Wood Butterfly

Fungi :- Many Zoned Polypore, Candle Snuff Fungus, Witches Butter

Animals :- Grey Squirrel, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole, Common Frog, Pipistrelle Bat

It has been noted that little frog spawn has been recorded this Spring and although monitors sighted frogs in February, no more sights have been made. Many of the bird boxes are now occupied. The first recording of Bat movement after winter hibernation was on Good Friday.
Sound recordings are now on file. Items of interest found include the skeleton of a Hedgehog, Roe Deer antler, Long Tailed Tit nest

Nature Fact

A Long Tailed Tit nest appears very small when first constructed. However, as more space is required for a growing family, the nest nest is built in a way that enables it to expand

Site Management

The clearance of tree branches and brush by burning continued on the Guardian work party morning in late March. Out on the central heathland the commencement of heather cutting has begun, part of a programme of work to encourage new growth, which will support the habitat of Silver Studded Blue butterflies. The heather seeds collected were then scattered on the newly formed clearings.

A visit by Jan Freeborn of the Dorset Bat Group took place on Saturday 31st March. This was a base line visit to confirm occupancy of the existing boxes and to offer recommendations for the future support of the Bats, which are known to feed on Slop Bog. Due to the late installation of the newest boxes and the lack of dry roosting material, no roosting Bats were found on site. It was suggested that sponsorship for the purchase of Schwegler boxes be obtained which are more robust, weather proof and have a life span of about 25 years. Two Guardians attending the Annual General Meeting offered sponsorship for two of these Bat boxes and further sponsorship is invited from interested persons wishing to support the wildlife at Slop Bog

Community Award

One of our member Guardians, wildlife photographer/recorder George Dunkling recently attended the Dorset CC Community Awards. We are delighted that he was awarded a Merit Certificate in the environmental and conservation category in well deserved acknowledgement for his life long contribution to local recording of wildlife and presenting his findings to the public. George is a major influence on all those involved with Slop Bog and his extensive knowledge and wonderful photographs have been invaluable in recording and understanding the site's habitat.

Nature Watch

The wet and windy weather experienced during February into March made it difficult to locate wild life on Slop Bog. On the occasional dry monitoring day the following species were recorded:-

On the heathland - A Heron in flight, Buzzards, Green Woodpeckers, a pair of Dartford Warblers and flocks of Meadow Pipits, Redwings and Fieldfares passing through, A pair of Stonechats have reappeared after an absence last summer. A male Tree Pipit has returned from his winter quarters and observed at the top a of a pine tree declaring his territory and advertising for a mate. A female Roe Deer grazing near the cover of the north boundary woodland.

In the woodland - Wrens, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Nuthatch, Tree Creepers, Robins, Blackbirds a Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. A Kingfisher in flight over the stream in the south east corner of Slop Bog nb Kingfishers have been recorded on previous occasions probably visiting from Uddens Water north of the Ferndown by-pass. The last of the winter forming fungi are now beginning to deteriorate, such as the Yellow Brain, although many Bracket fungi remain on numerous tree trunks.

From the boardwalk - a pair of Mallard ducks, Brimstone butterflies, Newts, Water Skaters, Frogs and Frog Spawn.

Nature Fact

Foxes feed on a variety of prey. Should you find a pile of bird feathers eg crow, pigeon or duck the way to tell if a fox is the culprit (rather than a bird of prey) is to look for the chewed ends of the feather shafts. If a Sparrowhawk was responsible a ring of feathers would be seen with no damage to the shafts

Site Management

On the last Thursday in February members of Slop Bog Guardians turned out in heavy rain for the monthly work party assisting the DCC Rangers with removal and burning of brush from previously felled Silver Birch trees. Log piles were constructed from the trunks thus creating habitat for insects and small mammals. Maintenance of the bird nesting boxes has been completed where required.
The Dorset Bat Group visited Slop Bog on a preliminary visit but due to adverse weather conditions were unable to carry out any inspection of the boxes on site. A date has been arranged for the end of March when a base line assessment will be carried out.

Notification signs for dog walkers have been placed at the entrances to the heathland enclosure. With the return of grazing cattle and ground nesting birds in March it is important for all visitors to keep to the main paths and for dogs to be kept under close control in this area of Slop Bog. This responsible behaviour will minimise disturbance to livestock and wildlife.

Heavy rain over the past month has resulted in much of the site becoming waterlogged but the recent warm sunny weather has greatly improved the path conditions outside the enclosure

Nature Watch

The latter half of January was a quiet time on the heathland,bog and wooded areas. Evidence of Sparrowhawk strikes were discovered at various locations within the woodland. The 1st February erupted in bird song throughout the woodland with male songbirds in fine voice, declaring their territories and advertising for mates. Many species of the Tit family are visiting the nest boxes on site, either seeking out potential homes in readiness for the breeding season or as overnight roosts during the colder nights. The three bird feeding tables have frequent visitors where a selection of suitable winter food is provided at regular intervals. The discovery of hair and evidence of grubbing for food at the base of a gorse bush has indicated the possible visiting of Badgers to Slop Bog.

The following bird sitings have been recorded:- a Snipe, Wrens, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Tree Creepers, Great Tit, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Robins, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Magpies, Jays, a female Reed Bunting, a pair of Dartford Warblers, a flock of Redwing passing through, a buck and a doe Roe Deer. Territory and mate calling by the Tawny Owl has been heard at night as has the barking of foxes. Frogs have emerged from hibernation so look out for spawn in the pools bordering the boardwalk in the coming weeks. The Gorse bushes are bursting their buds providing a cheerful glow of yellow on the darker winter days

Nature Fact

The amount of time that birds spend looking for food is scarcely believable. The Great tit spends 75% of its waking hours on this task, the Blue Tit 85% and the Coal Tit 90%. The smallest of our birds, the Goldcrest, spends literally all day feeding. Help birds visiting your garden by providing food. A fat crumble is easy to make by rubbing 4oz/115g of cooking margarine or lard into 8oz/225g of plain flour-unlike us, birds can consume large quantities of fat without any adverse effects.

Site Management

Slop Bog Guardian volunteers have continued to assist the D.C.C. Countryside Rangers in the clearing and burning of brush wood from the winter felling of trees. A second donated owl nesting box has been sited in the woodland area at the rear of Hazel Drive. A further two chimney style boxes have been constructed by the volunteers, to be installed within the woodland corridor, where the Tawny Owls are known to have their territory. This , we hope, will provide them with more choice of location and style of box to reside for nesting.

Notice boards have been positioned at the four entrances to Slop Bog Nature Reserve.