The directory of community and business organisations in Broadstone Dorset

Environmental News August 2006

July, being one of the hottest, and round here one of the driest, on record, provided all the insects and flowers to really blossom. Birds were generally happy, but needed to make full use of any bird-baths and watering bowls that were left out by kindly people. Butterflies were particularly happy, and most species appeared in large numbers. Probably because there were so many, some species have been pushed out of their normal habitat area, and certainly we have had silver washed fritillaries and a grayling in my garden, which is a fair distance –one mile - from any established woodland or heathland. On one particular day, we saw 12 species of butterfly in our garden, and this year we have got up to 18 species overall.

Alas, what is true for butterflies (and Moths) is also true for gnats and mosquitoes, and in the heat there is plenty of bare flesh to welcome them. So cover up if you are out in garden or country.

Plenty of birds around, as they have had good weather for breeding. About the only species I have doubts about so far is our Dartford Warblers on the golf course. People say they are there, but lots of looking has only produced one sighting for me. Sad to say there is one less little bird in my trees, as we were visited last week by a sparrowhawk, last seen flying off with a small shape clutched firmly in his talons. Again a rare visitor normally, but perhaps pushed into our area by a population burst. The visit to Corfe Hills to listen for nightjars, with Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve went extremely well, with several birds flying, and frequent sightings as close as 20 metres. Probably it means that in the calm warm evening, there were lots of moths flying, and this is also reflected in the apparent increase in the bat population. St John’s church is a good viewpoint.

Borough of Poole are in action this month, Canford Heath (6th Francis Avenue), Bourne Valley (17th 7.00 PM, St Brelades Avenue

Otherwise, Dorset Coast and Countryside lists over 40 activities for August, many suitable for children, including beaches, bats, butterflies, badgers, and birds.

If you need further information and cannot get it via the phone numbers below, try to contact me on 255076.

Useful Numbers of organisations running tasks or walks:-

Dorset Countryside	01305 225037
Durlston Country Park	01929 424443
Avon Country Park	01425 478470
Poole Countryside	01202 261339
Moors Valley	01425 470721
NT (Studland)	01929 450259
Dorset Conservation Volunteers	01202 573213

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

Environmental News August 2006

Prepared for Broadstone.net by dudley.hull

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley.hull