Some warmer weather, but not really hot as yet. It has however been quite dry, and several of the local ponds are drying up. Not good news for the small creatures that were living there. It does mean however that heath fires are still very likely, so last month's warning still applies. The bracken on Upton Heath has grown up to cover the scar of the last fire, but does not provide any sort of habitat for most creatures.

The summer butterflies have at last put in an appearance. Meadow browns and gatekeepers are around at normal levels, and there were a good number of skippers on the woodland edges. The Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve, had a walk round the reserve and found eleven species of butterfly, plus three or four species of dragonfly.

Nightjars are still around, but will be leaving for their winter homes by the end of the month.

Not much local activity this month. A guided walk on Canford Heath - Francis Ave., Sunday 6th, 2.00 PM - and a session attacking Rhododendron in Delph Woods 0n Sunday 20th, starting 10.00 AM from the central car park.

Otherwise there are several summer holiday activities for kids:-

The latest Poole Plan states that there will be no development on Green Belt land, despite the apparent need for more houses, so we will continue to have all our lovely countryside for the foreseeable future. Enjoy it!

Dudley Hull

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

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