Nature Watch

With heavy rain, strong winds and freezing night temperatures followed by morning frost, wildlife sightings have proved difficult. However, on the occasional brighter days during the past month the following bird sightings have been recorded:- Mallard Ducks, Herons, Wrens, Goldcrests, Long Tailed Tits, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Coal Tits, Song Thrush, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Blackbirds, Robins, Sparrowhawk, Jays, Magpies, Stonechats, Dartford Warblers, Snipe, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Green Wood peckers. Many of these species visit the feeding station in the Wet Wood which provides a life line when stocked with suitable Winter food. Robins are choosing mates for next year, chasing each other in flight and showing fierce behaviour in defending their Winter feeding territories.

There is evidence of the resident foxes digging out and enlarging their earths in preparation of producing cubs in the early part of the new year. An old disused earth has been excavated, probably by this years cubs displaced from their parents territory.

Moles have been active in the moist soil of West Wood as many mole hills are evident.

The Highways Agency have conducted a survey on the perimeter drains at Slop Bog as a consequence of which it is exciting to report both Dormice and Smooth Snakes have been confirmed in the area.

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