Nature Notes February

The majority of the month was wet and windy which kept most of the wildlife on the Reserve under shelter.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jays, Tawny Owls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Tree creeper, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Fox, Mole activity.
Insects:   Midges, Bumble Bees.

Both Blackbirds and Robins were observed collecting nesting materials.
The calls of Tawny Owls heard early in the month.
Re-installation of removed nesting boxes for repair was completed early in February.  A quantity of new boxes were installed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The clearing of invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek continued.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th March at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

Most Insects lie dormant in Winter, buried in whatever nook or cranny offers them the best protection from cold and predators.   Many Moths and Butterflies overwinter as pupae, though some adults, such as those of 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 dilute anti-freeze, protecting vital tissues against prolonged sub-zero temperatures.

Work Party Tuesday 28th Feb 10am-1pm

We will be continuing scrub and ditch clearance along the drainage ditch and/or further along the fenceline. Meet at the West Moors end of the boardwalk. We are likely to be working on wet and fairly challenging terrain so the wearing of wellies is advised.

Tools and refreshments will be provided.  Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you have any queries.

Dorset Dogs Pit Stop at Slop Bog Wednesday 15th Feb 8am-11am

Representatives of Dorset Dogs will be available on site to give advice and discuss doggy issues visitors may have.

Dorset Dogs was set up by a group of land managers,who were also dog owners, and they champion positive management for people with dogs and promote responsible dog ownership. Details of their activities may be found on www.dorsetdogs.org.uk.

Nature Fact

Broadleaf trees lose leaves before Winter otherwise water would be lost through the leaves at times when the soil may be frozen and fresh water cannot be taken up by the roots.  Frost and rain help break down the leaf litter, returning nutrients such as nitrates to the soil.

Nature Notes January 2017

The weather conditions were continually changing throughout January.  From cold, frosty conditions, thick mist, to heavy rain or drizzle.   Not a very hospitable time for the wildlife.  A quiet month on the Reserve.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Jays, Tawny Owl, Buzzards, Wood Pigeons, Herons, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Stonechats, Siskins, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed/Blue/Great Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse.
Fungi:   Birch Polypore.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Roe Deer, Fox, Mole activity, Wood Mice.

Resident species of birds were seen in pairs and visiting nest boxes in readiness for the start of the breeding season.  Tawny Owls and Buzzards will nest in the coming month as raptors are among the first birds to breed.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
The cattle have now vacated the site and are expected to return in the Spring. The work party replaced a number of straining posts pending realignment of part of the enclosure fencing as well as clearing invasive vegetation along Kingfisher Creek.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 28th February at 10am.  Details will be posted on this blog page nearer the time.

Work Party Tuesday 31st January 10am-1pm

Meet at the boardwalk, West Moors Road entrance end. Probable tasks include replacing fencing and clearing vegetation from the bank bordering Kingfisher Creek. Underfoot conditions may well be wet so the wearing of wellington boots is recommended. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further details if required.