Nature Watch

The past month has delivered several weeks of warmer weather albeit with frosty nights. As a consequence wildlife has been more noticeable.

SIGHTINGS/OBSERVATIONS

Chiffchaffs have returned from their winter habitat and have been seen and heard at Wet Wood, Old Peat Cuts, Wild Wood and Dragonfly Drop areas. Bramblings have also frequented Dragonfly Drop.

Several Crossbills were spotted in the north west of the site feeding on pine seeds.

Green Woodpeckers, Dartford Warblers and Stonechats have been seen and/or heard on the open heathland.

Great Spotted Woodpeckers seen and heard drumming throughout the Reserve thereby pronouncing their presence and claiming their territories.

The large flock of Siskin have returned to their breeding grounds in the north. A few remain and are still to be seen feeding in gardens in Hazel Drive.

Herons and Buzzards are regularly in flight over the Reserve.

Tit species are visiting bird boxes on site.

The Blue Tit observation has continued. The bird returns each night and roosts until first light but there is no sign of nest building.

The first bat activity reading was recorded on 15th March and nightly since.

Comma, Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies seen along the Hazelwood/Hazel Drive fringe.

Bog Myrtle in flower, also Catkins showing, viewed from the boardwalk. Primroses in flower in Wet Wood as is Gorse on the heath.

Again, no recordings of frogs, toads or their spawn this year.

Nature Fact

Frogs lay their spawn in shallow, still water forming large clumps of eggs which rapidly swell as they absorb water. Toads tend to spawn in deeper water, forming ropes of eggs which wind round plant stems.

Site Management

The felling of selected trees last Autumn created new clearings within the enclosure. Ground debris is now being cleared from these areas to enable the heather to recover and promote growth.