Nature Fact

Not all spiders catch their prey by using webs. An example is the Wolf Spider which is strong and has long legs which enable it to chase and catch small prey such as beetles, caterpillars and slugs

Site Management

Clearance of the new permissive footpath through the woodland at the west end of Hazelwood is nearing completion in preparation for hard surfacing. A small number of large trees and limbs of trees identified as unstable will be removed in forthcoming weeks.

Nature Watch

August proved to be a very poor month for wildlife sightings with with few butterflies and dragonflies. This has been the case on many other nature reserves.

RECORDINGS

Kestrel, Buzzard, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Willow Warble, Blackcap, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long Tailed Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Magpies, Jays, Nuthatch, Large White Butterflies, Common Darter Dragonflies, Bog Cricket Velvet Ant, Bees, Smooth Snake, Common Lizards, 30-40 species of Spider.

George Dunkling together with son Mark have undertaken an ongoing survey of spiders resident on the Reserve. Investigations were made at different locations ie on Heather, Gorse, Purple Moor Grass, brambles, rough ground and the boardwalk. Two thirds of the spiders found have been identified. Over coming months, photographs taken by George will be shown on this web site.

George, our site photographer, wildlife monitor and life long naturalist has recently been requested by the R.S.P.B to lead a fungi walk at their Sedgemoor reserve in Somerset. George led a very well attended and successful fungi walk for the R.S.P.B at Arne last Autumn as well as many nature walks on Slop Bog.