Nature Fact

Birds keep warm in cold weather by fluffing out their feathers. This traps an insulating layer of warm air. Some species huddle together forming roosts thereby creating a collective body temperature. During severe cold spells constant access to food is essential as an underweight bird is more likely to perish than a well fed one.

Site Management

Dorset Countryside staff and volunteers have been controlling scrub on the bog. Scrub in itself a valuable habitat for invertebrates and birds but left unchecked it spread rapidly and shades out light demanding species at ground level. An extra weekend work party in January went a long way in helping with 9 volunteers clearing willow and bramble scrub. Another part of wet heath in the Eastern enclosure has had birch growth reduced. This is an area Marsh Gentians flower in late Summer.

Events Sunday 24th January

"Conservation at work" 10am - 1pm
Help Dorset Countryside staff with practical conservation. No experience needed. Tools and gloves provided. We will be having a bonfire whilst clearing branches left from recent tree felling. Wear strong shoes and old clothes that embers from the fire won't spoil. Toasted tea cakes likely! Follow signs from West Moors Road and Redwood drive entrances.

"Winter trees and working woods" 2pm - 3pm. No need to book.
Adults £2.50 Children £1.50 (free for those "Conservation at work" helpers).
Spend an hour looking at some of our trees and shrubs in more detail. Learn to recognise some of our common species and find out how these trees have been used throughout history in construction, medicine, crafts and even the kitchen! Explore the folklore and mythology behind the "Lady of the Woods", the "Poisonberry" and the "Witches Aspirin". Meet at West Moors entrance.

Nature Watch

The weather for the past month saw heavy rain in the first two weeks deteriorating thereafter to a cold period with sleet and snow fall. Icy conditions remain on the Reserve with the dug out peat channels frozen.

Sightings/Observations

Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Jays, Crows, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Long/Blue/Great/Coal Tits, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrush, Wrens, Goldcrests, Siskins, Redwings, Fieldfares, Stonechats, Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and a Heron in flight over the Reserve. Food is being provided for the birds on the feeding tables at Wet Wood to support them through this very difficult period of severe weather conditions.
Flocks of Redwing and Fieldfares are again frequenting the Hazelwood area into Wet Wood and have been sighted in the gardens of Hazel Drive.
Many tracks of Roe Deer and Foxes have been found in the snow with strong scent markings by foxes.
Blue Tits continue to night roost in two separate camera boxes on the Hazelwood/Hazel Drive fringe.

Nature Fact

Both Redwings and Fieldfares move to the South of England, usually from Scandinavia. Winter flocks roam widely with migrants wintering in different areas in different years. It has been found that the oldest ringed bird of both species have lived for over 18 years.