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.

Nature Watch

The latter days of May had wet and unsettled weather which again made observation and recording very difficult. The scheduled Nature Walk on 27th May was cancelled due to wet weather, Early in May a female Crossbill was seen. Crossbills produce young in January through to March and two young were sighted in the canopy of the Pine trees in the west of Slop Bog dry heath. These may possibly have come from the nearby Uddens Plantation which provides the habitat of dense Pines for them to feed on. The pair of Stonechats have only managed to produce one young this season. The Tree Pipit young fledged successfully in the first week of June. A pair of Kestrels reappeared in the northern areas of Slop Bog. Birds using the nest boxes have now finished rearing young. Great Tits usually only rear one brood but Blue Tits often have a second.

On Sunday 10th June a Butterfly survey on Slop Bog was undertaken by volunteer recorders. An estimated 100 male Silver Studded Blue were seen in flight, with only a few female on the wing. Male usually outnumber the females as many females gather in deep foliage out of sight. A number of Painted Lady Butterflies were also recorded.

In the Wet Wood, Yellow Iris and Royal Ferns have been observed.

Large Red, Small Red and Azure Blue Dragonflies have been spotted as have Large Hawker, Four Spotted Chaser, Keeled Skimmer and Broad Bodied Dragonflies.

A small amount of Cotton Grass with the fluffy white heads are visible in one pond and scattered over the wet heathland. A recent pond dipping showed the occupancy of Water Spiders, Stickleback fish (on which the Kingfisher feeds) and Saucer Beetles (beware, these beetles administer a rather nasty bite). On the boardwalk many Common Lizards are now being spotted on warmer days.

Recorded rainfall for the period approx 55 millimetres