After my comments on a possible urban deer in the Broadstone Nature Reserve, I was listening to a radio programme today about urban deer in major cities, like Sheffield. There are now an estimated one and a half million deer (growing rapidly) in the UK, and pressure is forcing them to seek new homes.

So current planning ideas on more public open space and woodland, linked by green corridors, is just right for deer to reach new territory - especially when there are gardens full of succulent shrubs and flowers within easy reach.

Nice for nature lovers, but not for gardeners nor for motorists. Ultimately there will come a time when deer numbers will have to be reduced.

Not much in the way of Borough of Poole events, though the friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve are working on 7th Jan (10 a m Fontmell Rd entrance), and again on 4th Feb. They are also having an annual meeting on the evening of 17th Jan. Details 255076. Also of course if anyone still wishes to comment on the Management Plan for the Ashington Cutting.

RSPB conservation work at Arne is on the first weekend in the month 6th/7th Jan, 3rd/4th Feb. Details 385324. They have a boat trip to see what's in the harbour on 7th at 11.00am (Tel 01929 462383)

DWT have a wide range of tasks including days ( 14th and 28th - Tel 578812) on Brownsea, and midweek tasks on Upton Heath. (Thurs 11th, and Sunday 28th, Tel 777862). There is also an illustrated talk ' The Great Dorset Heaths' at St. John's Church Hall on Saturday, 13th Jan at 2.30 PM

Useful Numbers

Wishing you all a very happy New Year.

Dudley Hull
For Broadstone.net

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