The directory of community and business organisations in Broadstone Dorset

Environmental News October 2008

For once, it is possible to say something nice about the weather. A warm and often sunny September gave birds and insects a chance to catch up on all the activities they had missed in the earlier months. It also gave nature lovers like me, a chance to get out and see them. In particular it was very good for butterflies and dragon flies, who appeared as if by magic. They were also helped by migrant groups from across the channel, and in particular the small tortoiseshell was spotted in considerable numbers, which after the 2007 wipeout gives all some encouragement. The big hope, is that many will find a good spot to hibernate and emerge next Spring in fine breeding form.

Tried the moth trap again, and it surprises me how many moths are trapped. We rarely seem to see one around. More experienced this time when opening the trap. One beautiful emerald moth and lots of yellow underwings. You can separate species, but according to the book, one has to study their genitalia??

Other creatures were still on the move. On our travels my wife and I met a few lizards, one lovely fat adder, a muntjac deer and a lot of birds heading for the winter sun, mainly swallows.

Activities really winding down and as I have lost my Dorset Coast and Countryside magazine, I am struggling. Poole are taking a walk across Canford Heath (12th Oct, 2.00pm, Gravel Hill), and Poole RSPB have a field visit to Winspit (11th Oct, 9.30am, Worth Matravers). They also start the Bird Boat season on 1st of November DWT start conservation work parties on Upton Heath on Thursday 2nd.

Most of the areas run practical conservation groups, and details should be available at the numbers below, or for a wider picture ring 01305 224214 for a copy of Coast and Countryside, or try your local library.

Useful Numbers for tasks and events :-

Local Dorset Wildlife Trust	01202 420909
Durlston Country Park	01929 424443
Avon Country Park	01425 478470
Dorset Countryside	01305 224214
Poole Countryside	01202 265265
Moors Valley	01425 470721
NT (Studland)	01929 450259

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

Environmental News October 2008

Prepared for Broadstone.net by dudley hull

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley hull