Some sunny weather at last, and nature is busy catching up.

However hot dry weather does have its downside, particularly with heathland. By far the most significant environmental event locally, was the recent large fire on Upton Heath, which destroyed many acres of prime heathland. Several Dartford Warbler sites were destroyed, but birds are able to fly away, whereas the reptiles get caught up in the fire and die. It will take 20 years to restore the habitat, so please be watchful for large plumes of smoke, and report the fire.

Its now the nightjar season. Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve, visited the Corfe Hills reserve last Friday, and were able to see and hear several birds at fairly close range. There are two more local nightjar walks in the near future - on July 4th on Canford Heath (tel 261339 for details) and on July 7th on Upton Heath (tel 07970 552679).

Butterflies have been very scarce so far this year, but the sunshine has brought out a good number of meadow browns, but the earlier butterflies seem to have been washed away - even cabbage whites are scarce. Dragonflies do not seem to be so badly affected by poor weather. The Friends of BNR will be taking a look round their Reserve on July 16th, to see what is flying, 10.00 AM Fontmell Road.

Anyone with more energy, can go along to Bourne Bottom on 8th/9th to help with pond digging for the resident dragonflies. Again 261339 for details.

As holiday time approaches there are lots of activities for children. Good places to check are West Moors Country Park(01425 470721), Upton House (Borough of Poole 261339), and Dorset Wildlife Trust(01305 264620). .

Dudley Hull

See the Broadstone Environment main page for information on this organisation.

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"