Environmental News November 2008
October started well, but went steadily downhill weather wise. A few insects and butterflies lingered. Our last speckled wood was on the 24th.
As far as nature still on the move, the series of Autumn Watch programs on TV give you a good idea of what to look for. Red squirrels are particularly visible at this season, as with all their popular food items down on the ground, they come down for easy pickings and are easy to spot. Our local deer in Broadstone have their rutting season in the Summer, so do not expect to see any action now. The females are able to retain their fertilised eggs for a while, so that the fawns arrive in the Spring. Clever!
Really though, it is bird time. The Winter visitors seem to be coming later this year, but their are several bird trips round the harbour to come. Wrap up warm. There are guided walks scattered across Dorset, and often there is a lunch or soup to follow – but you need to book for these. Dorset Bird Club visit Brownsea on 8th November. (01202 849089) Otherwise there is lots of conservation work needed, and most organisations run volunteer work parties. Phone numbers below give plenty of choice.
In a recent survey, one of the fastest disappearing breeding birds in Britain, is the Swift. It is very difficult to locate their breeding colonies visibly, but apparently they fly round the centre of the site emitting loud screaming calls. If anyone knows of such centres, either recently or in the past, could they e-mail geoff.beale@bigfoot.com please.
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 |
| Poole Countryside | 01202 265265 |
| Moors Valley | 01425 470721 |
| NT (Studland) | 01929 450259 |
| Natural England | 01929 557450 |
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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