Nature Notes November

Another predominately wet month, with rain, wind and the occasional dry sunny day.   Temperatures remained fairly mild throughout, until the last week, when heavy frosts occurred and cold winds were experienced.  Changes on the Reserve were very evident with foliage changing from Autumn colours to bare branches.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:  Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Grey Heron, Tawny Owl, Sparrowhawks, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Wrens, Goldcrest,  Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrushes, Dunnocks,, Stonechats, Redwings, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Blackcap, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Butterflies:   Red Admiral, Large White.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters.
Insects:   Midges, Bees.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Fox.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse, Holly Berries, Blackberry fruits, Rowan Tree berries, Tree acorns, Ivy plant seed heads.
Fungi:   Many-zoned Polypore, Silver leaf bracket.
A Blackcap was seen along the Hazelwood boundary, not having migrated to warmer climes for the winter. A flock of Redwings were resident on site from the last week in the month, driven southwards from Scandinavia. They were feeding on Holly berries.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The cattle have now been removed from the site.
The monthly work party cut back  Holly within the woodland in the south west corner  of the Reserve to encourage a more varied ground flora and allow some of the saplings of other species to gain a foothold.  The date of the next work party is yet to be decided.  Details will be posted on this blog page.

Nature Fact

Redwings are the smallest of the true Thrushes. They suffer severely in cold winters and any prolonged snowfall results in large numbers of underweight birds struggling to find enough food to keep warm and stay alive. This encourages them to move south, where they live a nomadic life, searching for food.  The  ‘seep’ sound is the most common flight call and if you see the birds in flight, a glimpse of the Redwing’s rich russet-red underwing and  bold eyestripe, which is white or yellowish-white, makes its identity clear.

Work Party Tuesday 28th November

Meet at 10am at Redwood Drive entrance. We will be thinning out some of the holly within the woodland to allow more light to the ground. This will encourage a more varied ground flora and allow some of the saplings of other species to gain a foothold.

There is the chance of a bonfire although Holly is often reluctant to burn so we may stack it. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. Please wear old clothes. A chance to take some Holly home for Christmas decorations if you like but we will be leaving any that bear berries.

Please ring Will Holland on 07827 820465 if any queries.

Nature Notes October

October was predominately wet, with short spells of drier mild weather.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls,  Grey Herons, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawks, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Tree Creepers, Nuthatches, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer.
Butterflies/Moths:   Species of day flying Moths, Large White, Speckled Woods, Peacock, Red Admiral.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Insects:   Midges, Raft Spiders.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Emperor.
Plants in flower:  Blackberry berries, Rowan Tree berries, Oak Tree acorns, Ivy plant seed heads.
Fungi:   Fly Agaric, The Blusher, Birch Polypore, Common Puff Balls, The Sickener.

Pipistrelle Bats were still being seen and recorded on dry mild evenings.
Robins and Blackbirds continued to establish their Winter feeding territories.
Long-tailed Tits seen in flocks of up to 15 in number.
Sparrowhawks were frequently active in hunting along the Hazel Drive boundary.

Nature Fact

The Raft or Fishing Spider is mainly observed on moss or a leaf at the waters edge, or actually on the water surface, hunting down prey.  When alarmed it will sometimes vanish by climbing down the stem of a water plant, where it can remain submerged for up to an hour.

Nature Notes September

The weather during September was dominated by heavy rainfall and wind, with a few dry sunny days. The first signs of Autumn were showing. 

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Commmon Gulls, Grey Heron, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps, Tree Creeper, Nuthatches, Wrens, Robins, Blackbird, Song Thrushes, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:  Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer.
Butterflies,/Moths:   Species of day flying Moths, Large White, Speckled Wood,. Peacock, Red Admiral, Comma.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Insects:   Species of Bees and Wasps, Common Grasshopper, Garden Spider, Wasp Spider, Midges, Craneflies.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Emperor, Small Red. Four Spot Chaser.
Reptiles:   Slow Worm, Adder.
Plants in flower:   Blackberry flowers and berries, Large White Water Lily, Rowan Tree Berries, Ivy seed heads, Ling Heather, Honeysuckle, Cranesbill, Tormentil.
Fungi:   Fly Agaric, The Blusher, Birch Polypore, Common Puff Balls.

A number of Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs observed feeding and should depart by the end of September.
Spagnum Moss is in healthy growth due to the rainfall  throughout the month.
Pipistrelle Bats have been recorded throughout the month on the dry evenings.
A good number of Fungi species formed throughout the month.
An Adder was spotted swimming across Kingfisher Creek.
The change to the bird song has been noted and sometimes aggressive behaviour, due to establishing individual Winter feeding territories.

Nature Fact

The Adder’s year has two stages and takes place in two habitats.  The timing of each stage is variable and depends on local weather conditions.  From about late September, Adders are inactive, living in underground retreats.   By the end of October or when temperatures fall below nine degrees centigrade, it is unusual to find an Adder above ground.  During the Winter, they make use, often communally, of existing burrows, cracks and crevices, particularly under or among tree roots.  There are two reasons, for sharing a Winter den.  Firstly, there is usually a scarcity of secure, safe sites which give protection from frost, but do not become too dry; secondly, many snakes coiled together help to keep each other warm.

Work Party Tuesday 26th September

There is a work party next Tuesday starting at 10am until 1pm.  Please meet at the Redwood Drive entrance.  We will be installing a bench as well as undertaking a few other odd jobs.

As always wear old clothes and dress for the weather. Tools and refreshments will be provided.

Telephone Will Holland on 07827 820465 with any queries.

Nature Notes August

The weather during August was dominated by heavy showers of rain with strong winds on occasions. Towards the end of the month, drier conditions and mild days were experienced.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds:  Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, Tree Creeper, Nuthatches, Goldcrest, Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Mistle Thrush, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Siskins, Kestrel. Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:  Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, Roe Deer.
Butterflies/Moths:   Species of day flying Moths, Large/Small/Green Veined White, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Silver-studded Blue, Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Common Blue.
Pond Life:  Pond Skaters, Back Swimmers, Whirlygig Beetles, Stickleback fish, Frog.
Insects:   Species of Bees and Wasps, Hoverflies, Common Green Grasshopper, Raft Spider, Sheet Web Spiders, Orb Spiders, Funnel Spiders.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:  Broad Bodied Chaser, Emperor, Small Red, Common Blue.
Reptiles:   Common Lizard, Female Grass Snake, Slow Worm, Female Adder.
Plants in flower:  Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Rowan Tree Berries, Holly Berries, Ivy seed heads, Large White Pond Lily, Blackberry fruits, Common Vetch, Cranesbill.

The Rowan berries are providing meals for a number of birds at present, particularly Blackbirds and Bullfinches.
Tawny Owls have continued to be very vocal along the Hazelwood fence line.
A number of Hedgehogs have been sighted in the late evening in gardens adjoining the Reserve.
Many migrant bird species are in the process of preparing to leave, building up their fat reserves for the long journey ahead of them. One of the first to leave is the Nightjar, who has not been heard calling during the past month.
With the wet and mild weather, Fungi is now forming.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The fenceline forming the southern perimeter of the enclosure was reinforced with barbed wire. The path along this fence is being widened to allow vehicular access from the Redwood Road entrance as far as the boardwalk. The next work party is scheduled for 5th September and another may be held on the 26th - see this blog page for details nearer the time.

Nature Fact

The Bullfinch forages in woodland, especially coniferous forests. It is a versatile bird both in choice of habitat and in the food it eats, rarely moving more than a few miles from home territory and is expert at seeking out the best food available in its local patch. Adult Bullfinches are vegetarians but they feed their nestlings on large quantities of predigested and regurgitated insects and spiders. Throughout Summer and Autumn they consume a huge variety of seeds, anything from minute grass seeds to the ash keys which hang in inviting bunches and are one of the Bullfinch’s favourite food.

Nature Notes July

The weather during July was very mixed, with extremely hot dry weather followed by   windy and wet conditions.  Quite quiet on the Reserve as the breeding season nears the end for most animals.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds :  Carrion Crows, Magpies, Jays, Jackdaws, Buzzards, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Tawny Owls, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Tree Creeper, Nuthatches, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Goldcrests, Wrens, Dunnocks, Stonechats, Nightjar, Siskins, Kestrel, Greenfinches, Bullfinches, Chaffinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Pipistrelle Bats.
Butterflies/Moths:   Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Large/Small White, Comma, Small Heath, Silver-studded Blue, Ringlet, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood. Species of day flying Moths.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Back Swimmers, Whirlygig Beetles.
Insects:   Species of Bees, Hoverflies, Wasps, Mining Bees, Velvet Ants, Common Green Grasshoppers, Raft Spider, Sheet Web Spiders, Orb Spiders, Funnel Spiders, Seven Spot Ladybird.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Southern Hawker, Broad Bodied Chaser, Four Spot Chaser, Emperor Dragonfly, Small Red, Common Blue, Damselfly, Beautiful Demoiselle.
Reptiles:   Common Lizard.
Plants in flower:   Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel, Rowan Tree Berries, Holly Berries, Large White Pond Lily, Blackberry Fruits, Cranesbill, Garlic Mustard, Common Vetch,

A Nightjar was last recorded on 7th July before the weather turned wet.
Young Owlets have been heard along Hazelwood.
A case of Avian Pox was sighted on a Dunnock along the southern fence line and reported to the appropriate authorities.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
Cattle returned to the Reserve in early July. There was no work party in July-the next two will be held on the 1st August and 5th September. Details will be posted on this blog page  nearer the time.

Nature Fact

AVIAN POXVIRUS ALERT  -  Avian pox is a viral skin infection that shows up as warty growths on the head (particularly next to the eyes and beak) legs, wings or other body parts of the infected bird.  The growths are usually grey, pinkish, red or yellow in colour and can reach a considerable size.  Affected birds feed and move around normally.  The birds most affected are Tits, Dunnocks and pigeons.  Avian poxvirus spreads between birds by biting insects, by direct bird-to-bird contact and by indirect contact via surfaces such as perches or bird feeders.  Good hygiene at feeding stations (regular disinfection required) will help to stop the spread to healthy birds.

Work Party

The next work party will be held on Tuesday 1st August from 10am-1pm. Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance.

Annual General Meeting

The Slop Bog Guardians AGM will be held on Thursday 10th August at Avon Heath Country Park commencing 7.30 pm. Visitors are welcome.

Nature Notes June

June was a month of extreme weather with heavy rain and strong winds in the first few weeks followed by sunny, dry days and soaring temperatures.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Siskins, Stonechats, Nightjar, Tawny Owls, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Wrens, Goldcrests, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Dunnocks, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Blackberries, Rowan, White Water Lily, Herb Robert, Cross-leaved Heath, Common Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel, Heath Bedstraw, Garlic Mustard, Hypericum.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Common Fox, Pipistrelle Bats, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, Mole activity.
Butterflies/Moths:   Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Holly Blue, Red Admiral, Peacock, Large White, Silver-studded Blue, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Ringlet, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Species of Bees, Hover Flies, Wasps, Midges, Ants.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Small Red, Common Blue, Broad Bodied, Four Spot Chaser.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters,  Whirlygig Beetles, Sticklebacks.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Grass Snake.
With the extreme conditions during June, the wildlife life struggled. Bird species parents were greatly tested in their ability to find food for their young during the wet period and then suffered with the extreme temperatures that followed.
A Nightjar was heard in the evening of the 1st June and every night after until the bad weather set in.
No Tree Pipits have to our knowledge been heard or seen this year.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
Repairs to the fencing were completed by replacing rotten posts along the western perimeter which will allow the cattle to return in early July. The date of the July work party is uncertain but details will be posted on this blog page when known.

Nature Fact

Nightjars are Summer migrants to Europe and occupy open heathland or lightly wooded areas.  They spend the day motionless and emerge at dusk to feed They are remarkably agile flyers having large wings and tails often cruising around bush tops and trees to catch moths. Their strange song helps to identify them. They may approach people at dusk as if curious about intruders in their territory.

Nature Notes May

It was dry, warm and sunny by day for the majority of May but turned wet and stormy toward the end of the month.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Buzzards, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Heron, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Pheasant, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Grey Wagtails, Goldcrests, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches.
Plants in flower:   Gorse, Flowering Currant, Primrose, Foxglove, Cut-leaved Geranium, Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel.
Fungi:   Mitula Paludosa (Bog Beacon).
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Roe Deer, Pipistrelle Bats.
Butterflies/Moths:   Holly Blue, Orange Tip. Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Large White, Red Admiral, Peacock, Species of day flying Moths.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Bumble Bees, Wasps, Midges, Flies, Hover Flies, Ants, Leaf Cutters, Miner Bees.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Common Newts, Whirlygig Beetles, Backswimmers.
Reptiles:   Common Lizards, Slow Worms.

Many young birds fledged during May, with Blue Tits, Great Tits  Long-tailed Tits, Blackbirds, Robins, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Treecreepers, Nuthatches, Bullfinches all being seen.  Monitoring of nests has shown that the breeding rate has been very low this year, with only one or two young being successfully raised.  Siskins have been the species noted for producing a good brood, having been seen in family groups.
Pipistrelle Bats were recorded on most warm dry evenings.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
New rails were fitted to the fence posts along the southern edge of the dry heathland which completes this project.  Work was carried out to improve the path surface bordering this area.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 27 June at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

It is easy to identify the sex of the Great Spotted Woodpecker.  The female has a black topped head whilst the adult male has a bright scarlet block of colour at the nape of his neck.  Young males can be identified by noting the scarlet colour, which begins on the very front of the head and works its way down to the nape over a period of time as they mature.  The female is larger than the male.

Work Party Tuesday 30th May 10am-1pm

Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance. There is post and rail fencing to finish and, subject to time and labour, we hope to make a start on improving the path along the fenceline where we carried out vegetation clearance last Winter.  Please telephone Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further information if required.

Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. 

Nature Notes April

Very dry weather for the majority of the month.  The milder weather encouraged foliage to appear, with insects and butterflies on the wing.  Several migrant birds were seen and heard on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Buzzards, Common/Black-headed Gulls, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Collared Doves, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, Willow Warbler, Swifts, Goldcrests, Nuthatches, Treecreepers, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Dunnocks, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches.
Plants in flower:   Gorse, Flowering Currant, Amelanchier, Hazel Catkins, Broom, Primrose.
Fungi:   Mitula Paludosa (Bog Beacon).
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Mole activity, Fox, Roe Deer.
Butterflies/Moths:   Holly Blue, Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Large White, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Species of flying Moths.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Bumble Bees, Wasps, Midges, Flies, Hover Flies, Ants.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.
Several Swifts were seen flying over the Reserve in the last week of the month.
Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps seen and heard at numerous locations.
Many Tit species have taken to nesting in bird boxes provided, some already feeding young.
Fledgling Robins, out of the nest by end of April, were seen being fed by parents.
Mitrula Paludose  has been prolific in the stream at Kingfisher Creek between the two bridges, this Spring.  This can easily be mistaken for a flowering water plant.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
New posts were installed and fencing replaced along the southern border of the dry heathland area. The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

Mitrula Paludosa is a ascomycetous matchstick-like fungus, known as the Bog Beacon in Britain and N Ireland while in the U.S.A. it is commonly referred to as the Swamp Beacon.  Either way, there are no prizes for guessing that this fungus occurs only in very wet places.  The role of these little club-like fungi in the natural world, is that of recycler; they feed off rotting leaves and stems, helping to break them down into simple compounds, that other plants can feed on.

Work Party Tuesday 25th April 10am-1pm

We are hoping to finish off the post and rail fencing so please meet at the Redwood Drive entrance or for those of you that were here last month – meet at the worksite.

Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Nature Fact

Plant growth is triggered and can be sustained whenever the mean temperature rises to six degrees centigrade, which, in the British Isles, is regularly reached in March.

Nature Notes March

The weather was mixed ranging from fine warm days to wet and windy. The warmer temperatures encouraged many species of wildlife to venture out into the early Spring.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jays, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Grey Heron, Stock Doves, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Treecreepers, Nuthatch, Siskins, Stonechats, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Firecrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaffs, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse, Flowering Currant, Primrose, Amelanchier, Hazel Catkins.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Mole activity, Foxes, Female Roe Deer.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, Wasps, Midges, Flies.
Butterflies:   Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Tortoiseshell.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.

The second week in the month brought a Blackcap along the Hazelwood boundary.
The first call and sighting of Chiffchaffs came at the end of the month.  The males are spaced evenly along the Hazelwood paths, fenceline and heathland, Kingfisher Creek and on the northern heathland wood boundary.
A Nuthatch was observed preparing a nest in a dead Pine tree trunk, alongside the heathland fenceline path. The downsizing of the entrance hole with mud is most important to deter any predators.
Many of the nest boxes are now occupied by potential pairs with much activity by the Tit species.
Common Gorse adds a vibrant yellow to the Reserve producing the scent of coconut on warmer days.
Hazel Catkins are on view from the boardwalk.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
Fencing was replaced along the southern border of the dry heathland area and new posts installed.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 25th April at 10am.  Details will be posted on www.slopbog.org  blog page nearer the time.

Nature Notes February

The majority of the month was wet and windy which kept most of the wildlife on the Reserve under shelter.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jays, Tawny Owls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Tree creeper, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Mole activity.
Insects:   Midges, Bumble Bees.

Both Blackbirds and Robins were observed collecting nesting materials.
The calls of Tawny Owls heard early in the month.
Re-installation of removed nesting boxes for repair was completed early in February.  A quantity of new boxes were installed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The clearing of invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek continued.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th March at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

Most Insects lie dormant in Winter, buried in whatever nook or cranny offers them the best protection from cold and predators.   Many Moths and Butterflies overwinter as pupae, though some adults, such as those of Brimstone and Tortoiseshell butterflies, also overwinter successfully.   The key to the survival of many so-called ‘cold hardy’ insects lies in the conversion of blood sugar to glycerol, which acts as a dilute anti-freeze, protecting vital tissues against prolonged sub-zero temperatures.

Work Party Tuesday 28th Feb 10am-1pm

We will be continuing scrub and ditch clearance along the drainage ditch and/or further along the fenceline. Meet at the West Moors end of the boardwalk. We are likely to be working on wet and fairly challenging terrain so the wearing of wellies is advised.

Tools and refreshments will be provided.  Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you have any queries.

Dorset Dogs Pit Stop at Slop Bog Wednesday 15th Feb 8am-11am

Representatives of Dorset Dogs will be available on site to give advice and discuss doggy issues visitors may have.

Dorset Dogs was set up by a group of land managers,who were also dog owners, and they champion positive management for people with dogs and promote responsible dog ownership. Details of their activities may be found on www.dorsetdogs.org.uk.

Nature Fact

Broadleaf trees lose leaves before Winter otherwise water would be lost through the leaves at times when the soil may be frozen and fresh water cannot be taken up by the roots.  Frost and rain help break down the leaf litter, returning nutrients such as nitrates to the soil.

Nature Notes January 2017

The weather conditions were continually changing throughout January.  From cold, frosty conditions, thick mist, to heavy rain or drizzle.   Not a very hospitable time for the wildlife.  A quiet month on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Tawny Owl, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Herons, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Stonechats, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed/Blue/Great Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole activity, Wood Mice.

Resident species of birds were seen in pairs and visiting nest boxes in readiness for the start of the breeding season.  Tawny Owls and Buzzards will nest in the coming month as raptors are among the first birds to breed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The cattle have now vacated the site and are expected to return in the Spring. The work party replaced a number of straining posts pending realignment of part of the enclosure fencing as well as clearing invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th February at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Work Party Tuesday 31st January 10am-1pm

Meet at the boardwalk, West Moors Road entrance end. Probable tasks include replacing fencing and clearing vegetation from the bank bordering Kingfisher Creek. Underfoot conditions may well be wet so the wearing of wellington boots is recommended. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further details if required.

Nature Notes December

Predominately mild  but hard night frosts at the end of the month.  A quiet month on the Reserve as expected for the time of year.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Herons, Carrion Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Magpies, Jays, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves. Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles.
Fungi:   Many-zoned Polypore.
Plants:   Holly Berries.

A sighting of a Firecrest was reported by a visitor.  Birds of the same species seen in pairs already.

Nature Fact

The Firecrest is only marginally larger than a Goldcrest but is more brightly coloured, with greener upperparts, whiter underparts and a strongly striped head, including a dark stripe through the eye and bordered black above. The male has a startling orange red and yellow patch on the crown. The female’s crown patch is more yellow.  Both sexes have a bronze patch on the side of the neck.