Nature Fact

Moles store 100's of worms in underground larders so they have a ready supply of food. They locate food by utilising their excellent sense of smell and hearing

Site Management

A small number of Birch trees felled and cleared. Selected trees on the dry heath identified prior to submission of a felling licence. Due to the inclement weather, the clearing out and maintenance of bird boxes has been rescheduled for January.

Nature Watch

On warmer days, Painted Lady Butterflies have been seen on the fringes of the reserve.

Resident birds observed in this period have been groups of Jays, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers, Tit Species, Goldcrests, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpeckers, Magpies, Sparrowhawks and Nuthatch. Small numbers of Redwing passed through. A Heron in flight was spotted which was being attacked by several Crows. Reports of most species of garden birds returning to feed at bird tables bordering the reserve now that natural food is becoming scarce.

Area of Heather, which had been cut down earlier in the Summer to promote new growth, have recovered well and showing fresh foliage.

An Adder was seen by the members of the party working on the bank

Events

The Fungi Observer Walk with George Dunkling, took place on the damp morning of Sunday 28th October with a group of 9 attending. 55 species were found, identified and recorded

Nature Fact

Many species of birds set off on migration at night. These nocturnal flyers include wildfowl, waders and songbirds. They are night flyers for several reasons. First, the air is cooler at night which is especially important as the bird arrives in the warmer southern areas. Cool air allows a bird to fly faster with less dehydration and loss of energy. Secondly, there are fewer predators as these are usually daytime migrants. By choosing to migrate at night, the bird can stop to feed and rest during daylight hours