Work Party 28th December

The Christmas work party will be held on Wednesday 28th December 10am - 3pm (or whenever you've had enough!)

We will be working along the drainage ditch that runs from the houses on Hazel Drive to the end of the boardwalk (Kingfisher Creek). If unsure where this is, from the West Moors Road entrance whichever path you take will take you near to where we are working. We will be having a bonfire to clear scrub already felled along the ditch.

A word of warning... those of you that have had dealings with this ditch in the past will already know that it is suprisingly deep, steep sided and somewhat smelly (although not polluted). Please make sure on the day that you are always working with someone nearby and if bringing along any children please keep a close eye on them. Wellies a good idea. Christmas leftovers an even better idea!

Nature Notes November

Another mild month with days of strong winds and rain.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Sparrowhawk, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Herring Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Song/Mistle Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Siskins, Pied Wagtails, Great/Blue/Coal/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Fungi: A large selection found during November.
Butterflies: Red Admiral.
Insects: Bees.
Mammals: Wood mice, Fox, Grey Squirrels.

The mild November weather produced many species of Fungi on site.

A Sparrowhawk has often been sighted hunting prey along the Hazelwood fenceline.

Pied Wagtails are becoming a common sight in the area.

A Tawny Owl has been heard from the Beaufoys Avenue area, calling to attract a mate.

Nature Fact

It has been recorded that Sparrowhawks can catch a Woodpecker and drag it to a pond or pool of water and drown their victim.

Work Party Sunday 27th November

We will be working again along the main east-west ditch as per last month.

For anyone who was not there last month, meet at the West Moors Road entrance at
10am. We have to climb down the highway embankment and over a fence before tackling some of the roughest and wettest terrain that the site has to offer. Please be prepared with wellies!

The task is once again clearance of scrub along the ditchline and possibly continuing along the highway fence to improve accessibility and make maintenance easier.

Nature Watch October

The weather during October was very mixed offering warm bright spells, several cooler weeks, one night of frost, followed by mild temperatures with strong winds and heavy rainfall. Not a month which presented us with many sightings.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Jackdaws, Jays, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeon, Sparrowhawk, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Dunnocks, Robins, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Siskins, Stonechats, Goldcrest.
Reptiles: Common Lizards.
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Comma, Large White.
Fungi: Common Puff Balls, Brown Birch Bolete, Amethyst Deceiver.
Mammals: Grey Squirrel, Moles showed signs of activity.
No further Bat detector activity shown beyond the beginning of the month.
A few Blackberry fruits remain at the end of the month, a source of food for birds, foxes and small mammals.
Holly bushes are laden with bright red berries at the close of the month, providing food for birds during colder weather to come.

Nature Facts

Grey Squirrels dispersed their young. Fox families broke up and spread out into new territories. Bats searched for suitable hibernation sites. Frogs began hibernation as the weather became cooler.

Nature Watch September

The majority of September was cool with heavy showers. The last week changed dramatically with the highest temperatures for that time of year ever recorded. Not much of significance has been reported on the Reserve during the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Grrenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Siskins, Swallows, House Martins, Swifts.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Common Lizards.
Butterflies: Large White, Comma, Peacock, Painted Lady, Red Admiral.
Plants in flower: Heather/Ling, Low growing Gorse, Cut-leaved Geranium.
Mammals: Wood Mouse, Moles active, Grey Squirrels, Fox, Pipistrelle Bats.

Migratory birds such as Swallows, House Martins, and Swifts were seen in flight over the site at various times during the month.

A significant lack of Dragonflies and Damselflies this year on site.

Birds are now visiting bird boxes on site, staking claim for night roosting during the Winter period.

Nature Facts

By September adult Foxes and cubs look similar. Bats began the mating season. Young Froglets ate greedily to gain body reserves for the winter period. Summer produced young Squirrel juveniles became independent

Work Party Sunday 25th September

10am - 3.30pm. Meet at Redwood Drive entrance.

We will be burning brush created from recent felling on the dry heath restoration area, loading/removing logs as well as possibly tackling some scrub elsewhere on
site. Please wear old clothes that will not burn. It will probably be advisable to bring a pair of wellies - if there are enough of us we may venture into some of the scrub near the boardwalk. If staying all day bring some lunch, but a drink and refreshments will be provided.

Nature Notes August

August brought heavy rainfall with winds and fluctuating temperatures. A few warmer bright days were experienced towards the end of the month. Another month not providing much to report, although a good selection of Fungi was brought forth by the warm damp conditions.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jackdaws, Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Magpies, Jays, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Sparrowhawk, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Willow Warblers, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Siskins, Dunnocks, Wrens, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Blackcap.
Reptiles: Adder, Common Lizard.
Butterflies: Large Whites, Grayling, Peacock.
Plants in flower: Common Helleborine, Cut-leaved Geranium, Heather/Ling, Low growing Gorse, perfume from Bog-Myrtle.
Mammals: Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels.
Fungi: Yellow Swamp Brittlegill Russula claroflava, Paxillus atrotomentosus, Paxillus involutus, Brown Birch Bolete, Leccinum scabrum, Willow Bracket, Phellinus orgniari, Lactarious quieticolor, Green Brittlegill, Russula aeruginea, Sickner, Russula emetic, Primrose Brittlegill, Russula saronia, Blucher, Amanita rubescens, White Knight, Tricholoma stiparophyllom, Yellow Staghorn, Calocera viscose, Collared Earthstar Geastrum, Cream Pinkgill, Eantoloma sericellum pos. Russet Toughshank, Collybia dryophila, Collared Parachute Marasmius rotula.

Nature Facts

During August young Fox cubs began to forage for themselves and slept apart from the adults. Adult Frogs lived in long grass. Young Bats started to catch insects with females leaving the nursery sites to find males. Many migrant birds were preparing for the long flight to warmer Winter climes during September. Most resident birds were completing their moult - several species were securing their Winter territories.

Work Party Thursday 25th August

Usual time 10am-1pm, meet at Redwood Drive entrance. We will be installing waymarker posts on the open heath to clarify where the permissive footpaths are. Please bring your own refreshments if required and be prepared for some digging work. Unless we have lots of rain between now and next Thursday, wellies shouldn't be needed.

This will be the last Thursday morning work party for the time being. Starting next month and through the winter we will be going back to the full day Sunday tasks (last Sunday of the month 10am-3.30pm). The first date will be Sunday 25th September.

All volunteers very welcome.

Nature Notes July

The weather during July was mixed, with days of heavy cloud providing heavy downpours of rain but with a good number of dry warm days, filled with sunshine. Monitors found the reserve very quiet, with nothing much on show.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Buzzards, Jackdaws, Black-headed Gulls, Magpies, Jays, Wood Pigeons, Carrion Crows, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers. Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Robins, Dunnocks, Wrens, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Siskins, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Willow Warblers, Swifts, Tree Pipit, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Common Lizard, Grass Snakes, Slow-worms.
Insects: Hover Flies.
Spiders: Raft, Heather Jumping, Heather Crab.
Butterflies: Silver-studded Blue, Marbled White, Large Skippers, Small Skippers, Large Whites, Gatekeeper, Meadow Browns, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood.
Dragonflies: Broad-bodied Chaser, Keeled Skimmers, Emperor.
Plants in flower: Common Helleborine, Cut-leaved Geranium, Heather/Ling – Cross-leaved, Bell, Low summer growing Gorse.
Mammals: Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Moles.

Moles became more active after heavy rain. Young Moles are at present forming a network of tunnels, which will become their territory for hunting worms.
A flock of Swifts were seen feeding over the site, building up food reserves for the long journey overseas during August.
No Marsh Gentians found yet.

Nature Facts

Main Summer litters born to Grey Squirrels, with dispersal of Spring young. Adults begin to grow new ear-tufts and tail hairs. Fox cubs lie up in a sheltered position above ground. The remaining Froglets leave the water. Bat young still suckling from
their mothers.

Nature Notes June

The month started off with unsettled weather producing a mixture of wet, windy, cooler with showers, but ended with warm sunnier days with the occasional downpour of heavy rain. Another quiet month for observations.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Feral/Wood Pigeons, Jays, Magpies, Carrion Crows, Black-headed/Herring Gulls, Buzzards, Blackbirds, Robins, Song/Mistle Thrushes, Dunnocks, Wrens, Coal/Long –tailed/Blue/Great Tits, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Siskins, Blackcaps, Nuthatch, Tree Pipit, Nightjar, Chiffchaff, Willow Warblers.
Plants in flower: Cut-leaved Geranium, Blackberries, Cotton Grass, Common Helleborine, Heather/Ling – Cross-leaved, Bell.
Fungi: Yellow Brain.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Common Lizards.
Insects: Pond Skaters.
Dragonfly: Broad Bodied.
Damselflies: Small Red, Common Blue, Banded Demoiselle.
Mammals: Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels.
Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Small White, Silver Studded Blue, Small Skipper. A number of different species of day flying Moths.

The sound of a Nightjar was heard from early June.
Robin young are now losing the speckled appearance, replaced by the rustic red breast.
Rowan Trees along Hazelwood path on the southern end of the site have berries colouring up.
Holly berries are now forming.
Very noticeable this year is the success in breeding by the Bullfinches, Blackcaps and Siskins.

Nature Facts

During June, Foxes abandoned the breeding earth. Young Bats were born. Young Frogs left the ponds. Light-weight summer Squirrel dreys of grass started to appear, often built by juveniles. Most fledglings became independent.

Nature Notes May

The weather during May was on the whole dry with strong winds. Less reported wildlife during this period compared with previous year.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Black-headed Gulls, Buzzard, Kestrel, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Song/Mistle Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Dunnocks, Siskins, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers, Tree Pipits, Cuckoo, Wood Pigeons, Long-tailed/Blue/ Coal/ Great Tits.
Plants in flower: Broom, Wild Geranium, Blackberries, Cotton Grass, Rhododendron.
Reptiles/Amphibians: Slow Worms, Common Lizards, Grass Snakes, Adder
Insects/Bugs/Spiders: Raft Spiders, Sawfly Caterpillars.
Dragonfly: Broad Bodied.
Damselfly: Small Red.
Mammals: Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels.
Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Small White.

A very quiet month with few noticeable insects, butterflies, dragonflies or damselflies.
The majority of birds have now produced young which have fledged, many seen flying and feeding together in family groups.
The Bog Myrtle bordering the boardwalk has produced a perfume from the leaves.
Sheets of webs covering bushes contain the Sawfly caterpillar, which is green with small yellow spots.
A Cuckoo was heard but not seen at the south east end of the boardwalk, within the woodland.

Nature Facts

During May, young Fox cubs started to learn through play and to eat solid foods. Female Bats looked for nursery sites, to produce young. Adult Frogs left the ponds. Early tadpoles began to metamorphose. The Spring litters of Grey Squirrels were weaned and left the litter drey to become independent. Female Roe Deer produce young during May/June.

Nature Notes April

Another warm dry month with days of prolonged sunshine. The airwaves were full of bird song and the warmth bought forth a multitude of wildlife.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jays, Hooded Crows, Magpies, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Heron, Sparrowhawk, Wood Pigeon, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Chiffchaffs, Pair of Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Robins, Wrens, Blackbirds, Blackcaps, Song Thrushes, Pair of Mistle Thrush, Goldcrests, Dunnocks, Siskins, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Coal/Blue/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Pair of Stonechats and Dartford Warblers, Tree Pipits, a Cuckoo heard calling from beyond the north of the Reserve.
Plants/Trees: Gorse, Violets, Primrose, Flowering Currant, Rowan all in flower.
Butterflies/Moths: Large/Small White, Orange Tip, Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Holly Blue, Heath Moth.
Dragonfly/Damselfly: Small Red Damselfly.
Beetles: Green Tiger Beetle, Ground Beetle, Gorse Weevil, 7 Spot Ladybird, 20 Spot Ladybird, Burying Beetle.
Bugs: Gorse Shield Bug, Pine Cone Bug, Common Flower Bug, Mirid Bug, Ground Hopper, Bristletail, Springtail.
Spiders: Clubiona corticalis, Zora spinimana, Crab Spider, Wolf Spider, Hunting Spider, Money Spider, Raft Spider, Pirate Spider.
Insects: Owl Midge, Black-banded Spider Wasp, Common Wasp, Nomad Bee, St. Mark’s Fly.
Reptiles: Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow Worms (legless Lizard) Common Lizards.
Mammals: Grey Squirrels, Moles, Roe Deer, Wood Mice, Pipistrelle Bats.

After returning from Africa, arriving in mid-April, three singing male Tree Pipits plus several females were heard and seen - the highest number since our monitors have been recording.

A marked increase in numbers of singing male Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps on the perimeter of the Reserve.
Pipistrelle Bats recorded flying at dusk from the second week in April.

Nature Facts

Fox cubs emerged from the Earth. Bats awoke and fed at night. Young Squirrels first emerged and adults began a Spring moult. Tadpoles continued to hatch and grow. Resident birds were actively pairing, mating and nesting. In some cases, early nesting Robins and Blackbirds had young fledging at the end of April.

Nature Notes March

A fine, dry and mild month, with plenty of warm sunny days. The clock adjustment has given us extra light in the evenings to enjoy the abundant bird song.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jays, Hooded Crows, Magpies, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeon, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mallard Ducks, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, Robins, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Siskins, Wrens, Goldcrest, Coal/Blue/Great Tits & Long Tailed Tits, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers.
Plants: Gorse and Broom in flower, Hazel catkins.
Butterflies: Brimstones, Peacock.
Insects: Buff-tailed Bumble Bees, Pond Skaters.
Reptiles: Adder, Grass Snake.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels.

Good news with the sightings of pairs of both Stonechats and Dartford Warblers after the harsh weather this past winter.
Four Mallard Ducks in flight over the site.
A pair of Bullfinch along the Hazelwood path west.
Both Adders and Grass Snakes have emerged from hibernation, finding warm banks and paths to bask in the sunshine.
A great deal of drumming from the Great Spotted Woodpecker, proclaiming rights to a territory, and laughter sound from the Green Woodpecker.

Many of the bird boxes now have Blue/Coal/Great Tits in residence.

The streams and pools are now showing life with Pond Skaters on the move.

Nature Facts

During March, Frog spawning took place with tadpoles beginning to hatch. Grey Squirrels gave birth to their main Spring litter. Bats were beginning to be active. The vixen Fox gave birth after a 53 day pregnancy.

Nature Notes

Leaving the cold spell of weather behind that January brought us, February enjoyed milder conditions with several sunny Spring like days. The light in the mornings and evenings are beginning to improve.
SIGHTINGS
Birds: Jays, Magpies, Hooded Crows, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeon, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mallard Ducks, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrest.
Plants: Gorse in flower, Hazel Catkins showing.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Moles, Grey Squirrel.
Butterflies: Brimstone.
Insects: Buff-tailed Bumble Bees.
A pair of Mallard Ducks were seen in flight over the Reserve. Definite signs of courtship by the birds, plus an increase in bird song. Birds showing an interest in the nest boxes on site during the day.
Brimstone Butterflies and Buff-tailed Bumble Bees were tempted into flight on warmer days.

Nature Facts

During February, Blackbirds and Song Thrush males begin singing to attract mates. Bats were still hibernating having a few fat reserves left. The vixen Fox ended the main travelling time and started to look for a breeding earth. Frogs started to move off to their breeding ponds. Grey Squirrel females refurbished or built new litter dreys. First litters may have been born in February.

Nature Notes January

Harsh weather conditions throughout the month. Cold days and nights at the beginning of the month, moving into a period of heavy rain and strong winds, closing with dry conditions with a strong north easterly wind. Another quiet month for observations on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS
Birds: Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Sparrowhawk, Black Headed Gulls, Buzzards, Heron, Jays, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinch, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Redwings, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Pied Wagtail, Wrens, Goldcrests, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Blackcap. A Snipe was seen on the north west of the site. A male Blackcap and a male Bullfinch were both seen along Hazelwood west path.
Plants: Gorse in flower. Hazels showing catkins.
Mammals: Fox, Wood Mice, Grey Squirrels.

No Frogs or Toads seen as yet.
Fresh mole hills are along the Hazelwood woodland, indicating that moles are fairly active in their movements during January.
The repaired and replaced nest boxes were re-installed on the reserve during January. Many boxes are providing safe protective winter roosting at night for the Tit species. Many birds are already presenting bird song to attract mates, with many species having been seen flying in pairs and visiting boxes during the day.

Nature Facts

Squirrels have been fully reproductively active. This has been the main time for mating chases. Frogs are still in hibernation, but awake for short spells if the temperature rises. Bats are still hibernating, using up fat reserves. Foxes start the mating season. Holly and Ivy berries became an important food source for Blackbird and Song Thrush.

Nature Watch December

The year ended with harsh wintry conditions namely heavy snow, frosts and hard icy ground. Wildlife in general has struggled against the elements with every daylight hour taken seeking out food. Many species have taken to feeding in gardens at the perimeter of the site. The feeding stations on site at Kingfisher Creek have been stocked with suitable food during this wintry weather,

SIGHTINGS
Plants: Gorse in flower.
Birds: Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Wren, Goldcrest, Coal/Blue/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Magpie, Crows, Wood Pigeons, Jays, Black-Headed Gulls, Heron, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Siskin, Reed Bunting. Redwing, Fieldfares.
Mammals: Wood Mice, Roe Deer.

No sightings of Stonechat or Dartford Warblers on the open heathland this month.
A pair of Heron have been seen flying along the tree canopy of Hazelwood at times, in addition to the single Heron.
A Reed Bunting has been heard, but not seen, at the end of the boardwalk, western end. This species has been seen in numbers at this location in the past.
Large flocks of both Redwing and Fieldfares, driven down from Scandinavia by the severe weather conditions, have been sighted along the Hazelwood tree line seeking fresh berries to eat.
Those nest boxes requiring maintenance following the survey were removed off site, repaired or replaced, and are awaiting relocation as soon as possible in January, weather permitting. Many Tit species are using the boxes at this time for sheltered overnight roosting.

Nature Facts

Foxes defend their territories as the mating season approaches. Young Grey Squirrels, near full size for those Spring born, may become reproductively active for next season. The Common Frog, although hibernating, would normally wake to feed for short periods during warm spells in December but the cold weather this year may well have stopped this happening.