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