Sorry for the late arrival, but I have been away on holiday in the Scilly Isles.

I have never been before, and found it an unusual group of islands rich in birds and flowers but sparse in butterflies and too cold to enjoy much in the way of water sports, except island hopping on the small launches.

Probably the strangest aspect, is the almost complete absence of mammals, with just one species of native shrew and a number of introduced rabbits. Very few cats, no magpies or jays, and as a result large numbers of all small birds from collared dove downwards. So many house sparrows that they nest in the hedgerows - but alas very few tree sparrows.

Locally, migrant birds are coming through. Swallows, Martins, Chiff-chaffs and assorted warblers have all been seen, and a cuckoo heard but not seen. I am always surprised at how quickly they spread through the country, and they reach well into Scotland in less than a week.

Plentiful flowers, but the recent colder winds have driven all the butterflies into hiding.

Still no developments in Leisure Services about how, and by whom, the management of nature reserves and open spaces will be done. Very frustrating for those involved, and difficult for those Groups who work with wardens to improve sites.

Future events include a walk on Corfe Hills (Opp. Widworthy Drive 11th May, 10.30 AM 01202 581973), and Upton Heath (16th May, DWT. Birdwatches seem to have evolved to early morning jaunts, ref. Dorset on Your Doorstep. Not my favourite!

DCV are still active in Ferndown (9th), Worth Matravers (15/16th) and Chickerell (22/23rd) Poole RSPB have their AGM at Upton Community Centre on 13th May 2004.

Another useful Programme recently issued, comes from DWT and covers all their activities across the County up till the end of August. Currently available in the Library.

Useful numbers:

Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

http://www.greenlink.co.uk/
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset
http://www.dorsetbutterflies.com

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dudley.hull

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