Nature Fact

Winter, life in the cold season  -  Most insects lie dormant, buried in whatever nook or cranny offers them the best protection from cold and predators.   Many moths and butterflies overwinter as pupae although some adults, such as those of the Brimstone and Tortoiseshell butterflies, also overwinter successfully. The key to the survival of many so-called ‘cold hardy’ insects lies in the conversion of blood sugar to glycerol which acts as a diluted anti-freeze thereby protecting vital tissues against prolonged sub-zero temperatures.

Work Party Tuesday 13th January 10am - 1pm

We will be working along the back path burning the brash that we created last month; continuing any path clearance/Holly thinning in the same area;  clearing scrub around the drain outlet (where it passes beneath the flyover) to prevent blockage/scrub growth into the ditch. 

Meet along the back path at the West Moors Road end - phone Will Holland ,Ranger, on 07827820465 if directions are required.  Refreshments will be provided.

Work Parties

The work party dates for early 2015 are:-
January 13th
February 10th
March 10th

Further details will be posted nearer the date.

Nature Notes December

The year ended with mild weather on the whole, only turning to heavy overnight frosts  in the last week.  Another quiet month with little of consequence on view.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Buzzards, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Black-headed Gulls, Pied Wagtails, Coal/Blue/Great Tits, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Nuthatches, Wrens, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Goldfinches, Greenfinches.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Butterflies:   Red Admiral.
Insects:   Bees.
Fungi:   A small number of Fungi.

Nature Fact

The Wren  is a delightful plump little bird with a short, jaunty, upright tail,  that feels at home in most places.  The hedgerow is no exception for it delights in examining every crack and crevice, fallen leaf, twig or stone in its ceaseless search for a succulent insect or spider - which, apart from the occasional seed, form its main diet.  The familiar call of ‘tic-tic-tic’ in a deafening loud voice is out of proportion to its diminutive size.  Another astonishing feat performed by this little bird is its ability to reach up to peck above its head by simply stretching its neck in a quite un-wren-like manner.