Site Management

Cutting down Rhododendron and Laurel. Clearance of growth along the Wet Wood stream bank. Installation of Tree Creeper nesting box

Nature Watch

Ongoing poor weather conditions during the past month has contributed to the lack of wildlife sightings. The very recent rainfall has waterlogged a number of paths and filled the peat ponds to overflowing. Most of the inhabitants of Slop Bog are presently in hibernation or sheltering from the elements.

The following have been recorded on monitoring visits:-

Birds- Magpies, Jays, Seagulls, Nuthatch, Great Tits, Blue tits, Coal Tits, Long Tailed Tits, Blackbirds, Robins, Wrens, Song Thrush and Snipe.

Fungi- Common Puffball and Polypore

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Photographs courtesy of Christine Wilcox

Nature Fact

There are more than 450 families of fungi worldwide containing 6000 genera and an estimated 1,600,000 species. All habitats support fungi of various types eg woodland, dunes, heathland, meadows, grassland, parks, gardens, marshes, bog, burnt ground and even the dung of herbivores.

Site Management

A gathering of Slop Bog Guardian volunteers attended a work party on 27th December. The brush from recently felled trees was collected and burnt.

The 33 bird nesting boxes were cleared of last years nesting material by the monitors. The survey showed that 25 of the boxes had been occupied for breeding.

2007 Review

Weather was erratic throughout the year. Early hot spell in Spring followed by periods of cold, wet and windy weather.

Heathland Birds: Resident all through the year. Stonechats and Dartford Warblers were successful in breeding. Summer visitors included Nightjars and Tree Pipits.

Butterflies, Dragonflies and Amphibians: Smaller numbers and fewer sightings recorded.

Encouragingly, Smooth Snakes and Doormice confirmed on site.

Events
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15 June Nature of the Night:- A most enjoyable evening using bat detectors and moth traps. Identified sound of Nightjar on the heath.

24 June Open Day:- Well attended despite poor weather on the day

29 July Nature Walk:- A bright sunny morning. Identified 13 bird species, 7 Butterflies, 8 Insects, 2 Reptiles and 35 Wild Flowers.

22 August:- A warm pleasant evening for an enjoyable hour of story telling for both young and old.

28 October Fungi Walk:- Well attended on a damp morning. 55 species identified and recorded.

Award
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In the Spring, a Community Award was presented to George Dunkling in recognition of of his life long contribution to environmental and conservation work. George contributes greatly to Slop Bog Guardians by sharing his comprehensive knowledge, identifying flora and fauna as well as leading nature walks.

Site Management
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Notice Boards erected at all entrances. Interpretation Boards installed. Nature Trail posts positioned awaiting fixing of information plaques. Sponsorship obtained for 3 new Bat boxes and a new Treecreeper nesting box.

Thanks go to all volunteers who helped to monitor and record wild life and assisted in the work parties during the year.

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

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

Site Management

The October work party assisted the D.D.C. Conservation Rangers with the clearance of small trees and shrubs from a raised bank on the heathland. This clearance is necessary to provide open, dry, exposed areas, a requirement for reptiles, insects and heathland birds to find food in these locations.

Forthcoming Event

Fungi Observation Walk with George Dunkling on Sunday 28th October at 10am. Meet at the Redwood Drive entrance