Events

On 29th July, George Dunkling led a Nature Walk in bright and sunny weather which 8 people attended. The following specie were observed:- 13 Birds, 2 Amphibians, 8 Butterfly, 6 Insects, 1 each of Dragonfly and Damselfly, with 35 observed and identified wild flowers

Nature Watch

A quiet month with fewer sightings of wildlife.

A very small number of Silver Studded Blue Butterflies were recorded, also a low number of Dragonfly and Damselfly, for the period. However, a good number of Grasshoppers and Crickets were seen in all locations on site. Only one Marsh Gentian plant has been found to date and two Common Helleborine (Orchid). Due to the wet weather there has been a sharp decrease in recording of the Common Lizard which are normally very evident this time of year.

The earlier search for Autumn food by the birds has been noted, taking Blackberries, Rowan and Holly berries, all of which have developed ahead of time.

Rainfall for the period approx 65 millimetres

Nature Fact

In the Summer months, a Jay may be observed seated amidst an ant's nest to encourage ants onto the feathers. This is called 'anting' which is believed to help remove unwanted parasites from their feathers. Jays feed on acorns and bury up to 3,000 a month to supply food for the following Winter. They sometimes forget about them, so the acorns grow into trees

Nature Watch

The weather during the past month has again hindered the recording of wildlife on the Reserve with many of the inhabitants remaining in sheltered places. The following sightings have been made:-

Birds.. Stonechat, Dartford Warbler, Tree Pipit, Chiff Chaff, Swallows, Jays, Buzzards, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Wrens, Blue/Coal/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Nightjar. The Nightjar was recorded on the night following the Organised Walk, heard and seen in flight while feeding.

Butterflies.. Ringlet, Marbled White, Silver Studded Blue, Large Skipper, Large White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Large Fritillary, Green-Veined White.

Moths.. Six Spot Burnet, Small Heath, Pine Hawk.

Dragonfly.. Four Spot Chaser.

Damselfly.. Azure, Large Red, Small Red, Beautiful Damoiselle

Reptiles.. Common Lizard, Grass Snake, Adder and a positive recording of a Sand Lizard

Insects.. Jumping Spider, Winged Male Velvet Ant.

Mammals.. Pipistrelle and Nocture Bats, Roe Deer.

Plants.. Groundsel, White Stonecrop, Prickly Lettuce, Heath Groundsel, Tufted Vetch, Cinquefoil, Cotton Grass and a large colony of Bog Asphodel( over 200 plants in the East of the bog)

Rainfall for the period approx 55 millimetres

Nature Fact

Hedgehogs not only dine on earthworms, beetles and caterpillars but also consume the eggs of ground nesting birds if they get the chance. They are also known to eat fruits and even mushrooms