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.

Nature Notes December

Predominately mild  but hard night frosts at the end of the month.  A quiet month on the Reserve as expected for the time of year.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Herons, Carrion Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Magpies, Jays, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves. Collared Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Robins, Wrens, Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrest, Firecrest, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles.
Fungi:   Many-zoned Polypore.
Plants:   Holly Berries.

A sighting of a Firecrest was reported by a visitor.  Birds of the same species seen in pairs already.

Nature Fact

The Firecrest is only marginally larger than a Goldcrest but is more brightly coloured, with greener upperparts, whiter underparts and a strongly striped head, including a dark stripe through the eye and bordered black above. The male has a startling orange red and yellow patch on the crown. The female’s crown patch is more yellow.  Both sexes have a bronze patch on the side of the neck.

Work Party Tuesday 3rd January

The plan is to fell a few of the larger willows close to the path/fenceline that we have previously worked on this winter. They are within the grazing unit and are causing significant shading on the open heath.  We will be tidying the area, having a bonfire and undertaking other chores should time permit.

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance. Contact Will Holland on 07827 820465 for further information if required. Tools, gloves and refreshment will be provided.

Nature Notes November

A month of fluctuating temperatures and conditions with strong winds, heavy rain and days of sunshine. There was a cold snap in the last week with night temperatures falling to -6 degrees.

SIGHTINGS 
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Tawny Owls, Heron, Jays, Magpies, Common Gulls, Black-headed Gulls, Wood Pigeons, Stock Doves, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Treecreeper, Siskins, Stonechat, Jack Snipe, Mistle Thrush, Blackbirds, Robins, Song Thrushes, Pied Wagtails, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Goldcrests, Wrens, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Roe Deer, Fox, Grey Squirrels, Wood Mice, evidence of Mole activity.
Pond Life:   Pond Skaters, Whirlygig Beetles.
Butterflies/Moths:   Brimstone, Large White.
Insects:   Sheet Web Spiders, Funnel Spiders, Garden Spiders.
Plants:   Holly Berries, Ivy Seed heads, Rowan Berries.

The annual survey of nest boxes on site was undertaking which revealed 23 were used, 9 not used, 2 were missing and 1 abandoned.  Now that inclement weather has arrived the boxes are now all ready for Winter night roosting, giving vital shelter to smaller birds.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party removed gorse and scrub  to allow a stretch of the southern fence line to be straightened. The cut vegetation was burnt. Details of the next work party will be posted on www.slopbog.org blog page toward the end of December.

Nature Fact

When excavating its burrow, Moles may move more that 6kg (13lbs) of soil in 20 minutes. Comparing the weight of a Mole, 100g (3 ½ oz.) and that of the average human male, 70kg (154lbs), this is the equivalent to a man moving more that 4 tonnes of earth!

Work Party Tuesday 29th November

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance.  We will be continuing with scrub clearance but will also be repairing or removing a short section of fenceline on the dry heath area.

Tools and gloves, drinks and biscuits provided.

Please call Will Holland on 07827 820465 if you need further details.

Nature Notes October

October was a dry month, with only a few spells of dampness, giving heavy mist on several mornings.  The transition between Summer and Autumn began, giving a mellow feeling on site.

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpies, Jays, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzards, Tawny Owls, Wood Pigeons, Green/Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Stonechats, Siskins, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers,  Pied Wagtails, Starlings, Jack Snipe, Herons, Blackbirds, Robins, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush, Wrens, Nuthatches, Tree Creeper, Chaffinches, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Mammals:   Pipistrelle Bats, Foxes, Roe Deer, Grey Squirrels, Mole activity.
Plants in flower:   Water Lily, Low growing Gorse.
Fungi:   Fly agaric, The Blusher, The Deceiver, Bay Bolete, The Sickener, Wood Blewit, Honey Fungus:  Chanterelle, Bracket Fungi.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.
Butterflies/Moths:   Speckled Wood, Brimstone, species of day flying Moth.
Insects:   Midges, Sheet/Orb Spiders, Flies, Wasps, Hornets.
Reptiles:   Slow Worm.
Dragonfly/Damselfly:   Broad Bodied Chaser, Common Darter.

Migrating birds were still passing through the Reserve. Herons were seen more frequently, flying over or perched in Pine Trees.  Tit species were visiting nest boxes considering roosting rights.
Due to the dry mild conditions, species of Bats, Butterflies, Insects and Dragonflies were prolonging the Summer season and still active.
With the damp and misty conditions on site, trees and shrubs were adorned with the clear views of intricate webs of Spiders, giving a spectacular sight.

SITE  MAINTENANCE
The work party cleared scrub along the southern fence line and burnt the resulting vegetation. The next work party is scheduled for November 29th commencing 10am. Details will posted on our blog page nearer the time.

Nature Fact

What is a Fungus?   -   Animals and plants are ‘cellular’ in their structure, that is to say they are formed by cells, but fungi are composed of thin filaments.  These filaments, called hyphae, are tubular and microscopical generally about 3-10 thousands of one millimeter wide, with the walls made of chatin the same organic substance that forms the protective coverings of insects.

Work Party Tuesday 25th October

Meet at 10am at the Redwood Drive entrance. We will continue with some of the scrub clearance work for access and habitat management. Tools, gloves and refreshments provided. We will be on site until 1pm.

Please phone Will Holland on 07827 820465 if any queries.