Nature Fact

Plant growth is triggered and can be sustained whenever the mean temperature rises to six degrees centigrade, which, in the British Isles, is regularly reached in March.

Nature Notes March

The weather was mixed ranging from fine warm days to wet and windy. The warmer temperatures encouraged many species of wildlife to venture out into the early Spring.  

SIGHTINGS
Birds:   Magpies, Carrion Crows, Jays, Buzzards, Jackdaws, Black-headed Gulls, Common Gulls, Tawny Owls, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted/Green Woodpeckers, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves, Grey Heron, Stock Doves, Song Thrushes, Robins, Blackbirds, Treecreepers, Nuthatch, Siskins, Stonechats, Bullfinches, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Wrens, Goldcrests, Firecrest, Blackcap, Chiffchaffs, Coal/Blue/Great/Long-tailed Tits.
Plants in flower:   Common Gorse, Flowering Currant, Primrose, Amelanchier, Hazel Catkins.
Mammals:   Grey Squirrels, Mole activity, Foxes, Female Roe Deer.
Insects:   Buff-tailed Bees, Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, Wasps, Midges, Flies.
Butterflies:   Brimstone, Red Admiral, Peacock, Comma, Tortoiseshell.
Pond Life:   Whirlygig Beetles, Pond Skaters.

The second week in the month brought a Blackcap along the Hazelwood boundary.
The first call and sighting of Chiffchaffs came at the end of the month.  The males are spaced evenly along the Hazelwood paths, fenceline and heathland, Kingfisher Creek and on the northern heathland wood boundary.
A Nuthatch was observed preparing a nest in a dead Pine tree trunk, alongside the heathland fenceline path. The downsizing of the entrance hole with mud is most important to deter any predators.
Many of the nest boxes are now occupied by potential pairs with much activity by the Tit species.
Common Gorse adds a vibrant yellow to the Reserve producing the scent of coconut on warmer days.
Hazel Catkins are on view from the boardwalk.

SITE  MANAGEMENT
Fencing was replaced along the southern border of the dry heathland area and new posts installed.  The next work party is scheduled for Tuesday 25th April at 10am.  Details will be posted on www.slopbog.org  blog page nearer the time.

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.