Environmental News November 2006
First, a bit of governmental manipulation. English Nature, the Environment Agency and any associated sectors of countryside government, have now been amalgamated into a new organisation, NATURAL ENGLAND. So don’t be put off by the new name, the old functions are still currently there.
October was a warm and damp month, and it certainly persuaded plants and insects to hang on, and gave all the fruits and berries a chance to swell. Looks like a good winter for birds and squirrels.
I have been away in North Somerset for much of the month, and come back with impressions of gardens full of flowers, and woods full of fungii. I should also have seen herds of red deer, but despite walking a lot, not one did I see. I had to come back to the golf course to see a couple of our friendly Roe. Quite a few late butterflies, with clouded yellows and red admirals most plentiful.
Plentiful flowers and fungii round Broadstone too. I managed to get some tasty mushrooms, but if you are unsure about what species to eat, the rule is ‘Don’t’, as most will give you a bad stomach or worse.
Went round the local reserves on Sunday, but despite the warmth and sunshine, very little was even stirring. The swans on Hatchpond called by in the hope of a free snack, as did a flotilla of mallard. Did notice that the crested grebes were absent. Also heard what I think was a late willow warbler, but no sighting.
Journeyed on through the recreation ground, where the most active inhabitants were 66 young footballers. Then up to Delph Woods (a nuthatch was seen) and back home via the trailway. Saw just 4 butterflies on my travels, one definite was a red admiral, and one much smaller, probably a small copper. Couple of dragonflies as well.
This month Borough of Poole are not very active. Ham Common (4th) looks to be all. Bird walks at RSBP Radipole (5th), Durlston (19th) RSPB Lodmoor (22nd) and RSPB Arne (25th). Also on 25th, Dorset Bird Club have their day out on Brownsea. Other activities include hedge laying, flint knapping, fungi spotting and conservation, all to be found in Coast and Countryside.
Friends of Broadstone heath are doing a bit of tidying at Moor Road this Sunday. Lots of Hazel to coppice.
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 |
Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:
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dudley.hull
See the Broadstone Environment main page for information on this organisation.
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