Nature Watch

Resident birds continue to seek out high fat food to provide them with body heat and energy for the colder days and nights ahead. Groups of Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs have been observed moving through the reserve at the start of their migration. Dartford Warblers and Stonechats have been seen on the heath on most monitoring visits. A Tawny Owl has been heard in Hazelwood on several evenings. There have been very few Bat recordings, the last being late September.

New plants found include Canadian Flebane, Hawkweed(Fox and Cubs), Davil's-bit Scabious and 12 Marsh Gentian.

A number of Grass Snakes and a few Slow Worms have been spotted as have up to 15 Common Lizards on the boardwalk.

There have been quite a number of large Hover Flies found mainly on the Heather, with Bush and Wasp Spiders, plus a Wasp Spider egg case. A few Common Darter Dragonfly plus a small number of Speckled Wood and Small Skipper Butterflies have been observed whilst 4 Fox Moth caterpillars were seen on the heath.

Both buck and doe Roe Deer have been sighted grazing on the open heathland in the early morning.

In spite of the dry weather over the past weeks, a good number of fungi have been found during the past month which include Plated Inkcap, Collared Earth Star, Many-zoned Polypore or Turketail, Spotted Toughshank, Sulphur Tuft, Primrose Brittlegill, Peppery Bolette, Birch Polypore and the Deceiver.

On several mornings recently, the heath and bog have been shrouded in heavy mist which enhances the multitude of various Spiders webs with moisture, making them more apparent adorning the trees, heather and fences on the reserve. Quite a magical scene for the observer

Nature Fact

Birds have the impulse to migrate when they sense the shortening of daylight hours as well as changes in the weather. With the lack of food source as Autumn passes into Winter, birds migrate to warmer places to seek insects which will sustain them

Site Management

The monthly Work Party cleared vegetation growth which was overhanging the path on West Moors Road

Events

An enjoyable hour of story telling "The Sting in the Tale" took place on Slop Bog on the warm pleasant evening of 22nd August, This event was well attended by both children and adults

Nature Watch

Yet another quiet period of observation.

There were sightings on the open heathland of Dartford Warblers, Stonechats, Buzzards, Magpies, Jays, Green Woodpeckers and Great Spotted Woodpeckers. In the woodland corridor of Hazelwood, Nuthatch have been much in evidence being very vocal. Robin song was a feature as they declare their Winter territories.

The low growing Dwarf Gorse is giving a pleasding end of Summer display. Bees have been busy visiting this Gorse and the Heather on the heath. A number of Marsh Gentian have been recorded during the past month.

On warmer days, Common Lizards continue to bask in the sunshine on the boardwalk whilst female Roe Deer were spotted on the bog to the North.

The birds continue to strip the trees and bushes of Autumn berries, with the Tit species visiting the Pine Trees for seeds and insects. Autumn is truly with us on Slop Bog as leaves are turning colour, Pine Needles are falling and several cool misty mornings have been experienced.

Nature Fact

Bees communicate with each other in lots of different ways including "dancing". Honey Bees returning to the hive use a dance to tell other Bees where to find nectar. They may visit up to 1,000 flowers in one day

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

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.