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.