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Wildlife Reports
email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
1st December 2005 About mid September 2005 I received a call from our local Suffolk Wildlife Trust (S.W.T) secretary with information of a G.C.N (Great Crested Newt) sighting at Thorpe Morieux, I was given a name and telephone number. On hearing the name, Julia Dalley, I remembered our first conversation during which Julia, with great enthusiasm, told me of her pond project, this was sometime during the winter of 2003. A
telephone conversation resulted in a site meeting with Julia who was anxious to
show me an example of this highly protected species but Murphy’s Law
prevailed, no G.C.N on this occasion. Julia had created a small habitat pile
with a few branches etc, but decided it was below the winter waterline so it was
moved to higher ground. While helping with this task I noticed a few much larger
logs and was told we could use them, with some effort I picked up the first log
and placed it in position, turned to collect a second to see Julia cheerfully
carrying an even larger specimen! I
have attended meetings where habitat construction has been agreed but volunteers
who will physically do the work in the field are a precious small minority
indeed. For this reason the confirmation of G.C.N would be a great reward for
the efforts of Julia and her small band of volunteers. It
was about five years ago Julia first expressed her interest in the pond, at this
time the pond contained among other household debris, a fridge and fridge
freezer, in fact the whole site bad been used for fly tipping. Two or three
years later Julia’s friend Jasmin, obviously aware of Julia’s continued
enthusiasm and interest suggested they act on the idea and helped with letters
and grant applications for the restoration of the pond and the improvement of
the small slice of adjacent land. Strutt and Parker kindly volunteered help and
equipment for the initial clearance of the site, this enabled Julia and her team
to start on the more delicate task of pond restoration. During
2003 a meeting was arranged with villagers, parish councilors and Peter Berry,
representing the environmental interests of Babergh District Council, a grant
was available from Babergh but to qualify Julia was required to accept the
responsibility of Tree Warden for the parish and has accepted similar
responsibility for ponds and badgers. Martin Douglas, our local group S.W.T
secretary, provided initial management advice. This enabled clearance and
restoration work to begin in November 2003. The
recent discovery of G.C.N is a tremendous reward for the efforts made, of course
they haven’t just flown in, they were always there, but in recent years in
diminishing numbers. It seems likely the restoration work was carried out just
in time to save this local population form extinction, and it is hoped 2006 will
prove to be a successful breeding year. Julia
explained her desire for this conservation area to be used as an amenity by
local people and by local schools for education purposes. With correct
management of the G.C.N, population will undoubtedly increase, and visitors in
subsequent years will have better luck than I (five visits were required to
finally record this elusive animal) in seeing this declining “Biodiversity
Action Plan” (B.A.P) species. Our
wildlife generally is in pretty bad shape, largely due to habitat loss and
intensive farming methods during the second half of 21”~ century. It is
therefore hoped the efforts made by Julia and her team will be inspirational to
others. George
Millins Suffolk
Wildlife Trust Amphibianist
1st June 2004 Now is a good time for a wander through the wood to see the variety of
flora which can be found in many areas of the rides (footpaths). The oxlips have
been out early this year, but some can still be seen in places, the Early Purple
Orchid is in full bloom, giving a really good show this year, and there is still
Wood Sorrel, Herb Paris, and the wonderful scent and flowers of wild garlic. A
clump of wild bluebells was found in the wood, the first, as there have never
been any there before. The walkways are dry enough to walk on without sinking up
to your ankles, and Neil the hurdler may still be seen or heard in the wood,
working on his hurdles or making charcoal. If you are interested in his hurdles
or charcoal, stop and have a word. Coppicing has stopped for now until October,
when we will begin again. If you fancy coming for a morning work out, contact
the Wardens (see below). An appeal to all: Please appreciate that Bulls Wood is a nature reserve
and the property of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The gates at the Thorpe Morieux
end and the Palmers Farm end are there to STOP unauthorized vehicles. Horse
riding and cycles are not allowed in the wood. Please leave cycles outside the
gates, thank you. We leave it to parents to explain to their children why they
cannot take their bikes into the wood. Also please keep your dog on a leash at
all times whilst walking in and around the wood, as wandering dogs upset the
wildlife. This is made clear on signs throughout the wood. Please have an enjoyable and peaceful walk. Thank you for your
cooperation. Wardens: Mike and Julia
1st August 2003 As everyone has expected the ponds have been really active, mine especially. The newts have been out and about, the fish have had babies which have been removed so that they don't get eaten by the bigger fish or the dragonfly larva. The dragonfly larva had me quite amused as I studied this dragonfly emerge from its casing and kept check onit during the day while it dried out. It eventually flew off at 7.30pm in the evening. So far I have seen two emergences. The frogs in our pond seem happy there too, but on June 29th there was worry amongst the frogs and disturbance in the fish. Something was troubling them. It was then a voice shouted (Not the fish or frogs) "Emergency Mum, a frog is being eaten by a snake". We saw it was a grass snake, not a very big one at that but big enough to eat a frog. It got off this time as the children frightened the snake, which slithered off into the creeping jenny beside the pond, and it has not been seen since. Enjoy your pond now and sit and watch. It's amazing what can be seen if you look. Badger update: 3 road casualties. Keep the reports coming in please. Julia PS Don't forget the Pond Dip on August 1st and September 1st at Manor farm 2pm - see you there.
1st June 2003 After going up to Bulls Wood and looking at how the orchids are growing and the oxlips are doing, we decided to watch a family of four spotted woodpeckers. You can tell a spotted woodpecker by its frenzied activity even before you come close enough to recognise its brilliant colouring. It lives in both deciduous and coniferous woodlands. It nests in old trees and is commonly seen in old gardens with big trees that meet with surrounding countryside. With its pied plumage and scarlet patches, the spotted woodpecker is a conspicuous bird. Its flight is characteristic, consisting of a few flaps followed by a deep swooping glide before the next flaps help it regain height. Woodpeckers perch, or cling to the sides of tree trunks or branches and seem quite acrobatic. The nest is made at least ten feet above the ground and is a horizontal tunnel leading to a pear shaped nest shaft. Each clutch is generally six or less white eggs, which are incubated for sixteen or seventeen days and the chicks usually fledge in about three weeks depending on the weather. There is normally one brood each summer. So watching these birds made our day. I will be having a walk to Bulls Wood in May to see if I can hear the nightingale, it was heard last year and sounded lovely. It was the first time that year that I heard the cuckoo too. Latest: The orchids and oxlips are now in flower at Bulls Wood. If you or a group wish for a guided tour of the wood, please contact me or Mike. If you see or encounter any Badgers, dead or alive, please let me know. All information greatly appreciated. Julia
GETTING IT OUT EARLY Pond dip for the summer holidays, so get your nets ready and come fishing for tiddlers, dragonfly larvae and anything else you can catch. Dates: August 1st and September 1st Russell
1st April 2003 Pond Frogging Now is the time to keep check on your ponds as it's the time of year the frogs and toads and newts get back to the water to do that thing again, spawn. Hopefully, we'll get a better spawn than last year when the frost killed many off. If you see a frog or toad crossing the road, pick it up but be careful, leave plants alone now but keep watch, there may be a couple of eyes watching you, top up your pond regularly throughout the year with small amounts of tap water. Even though we've had some pretty good weather we've still got more frosts to come, so avoid banging holes in the ice as this sends shock waves through a pond that may kill wildlife and you may even split the liner. Leave a ball in the pond over winter too as you can remove this to allow toxic respiratory gases to leave the pond and the oxygen in the air to enter. Without this the pond will become anoxic ( low in oxygen ). In very cold weather it may be necessary to make several holes with boiling water from a kettle, but do not pour it near the liner. Enjoy your frog watch. Julia
1st February 2003 Tick bites, Lyme Disease and Thorpe Morieux A recent case of Lyme disease in the village has prompted me to find out more. The following is a summary of information kindly supplied by the Environmental Health Department of Forest Heath District Council. I have a copy of their full document if anyone would like to borrow it. Lyme Disease and Ticks. Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria which live in the guts of some ticks. These bacteria can be passed to humans if an infected tick bites them. Ticks are tiny insect-like creatures often found in grassy or wooded areas. They attach themselves to passing animals and people and feed by biting through the skin and sucking blood. When they have gorged themselves on blood for up to 4 or 5 days they drop off again. It is not known how many ticks carry the disease. To be safe you should assume that all ticks are affected. Lyme disease was first diagnosed in Britain in 1985 in the New Forest area of Hampshire. Its spread has been attributed to deer but any warm-blooded animal can transport the ticks. Dogs and Cats, which roam in long grass, are vulnerable and although not affected by the disease they may transport the ticks to the garden or house. The forest areas north of Bury St. Edmunds are a particular disease hotspot at the moment with most forestry workers having contracted the disease in recent years. Signs and Symptoms The disease is more common in summer when ticks and people are more active. Symptoms normally start between a week and a month after being bitten ( you may not know that you have been bitten). The first sign is often a red blotch around the site of the bite. This rash can spread to form a large circle up to 50 Cm across. Flu-like symptoms may occur either before the skin rash or about the same time. Headache and chills, tiredness and joint aches may last several weeks without treatment. Fever is more common in children. More serious complications sometimes develop weeks or months after the bite. The most common long-term problems can include tingling in the hands and feet and Bell's Palsy. Treatment Early treatment with antibiotics is effective against short-term symptoms and may prevent or lessen the seriousness of any long-term complications. If you are bitten Don't panic but remove the tick as soon as possible. Don't rush, if you pull the ticks body you may crush it and leave the mouth parts embedded in the skin. A drop of methylated spirit, alcohol, TCP or nail polish may encourage the tick to release its grip. Avoid squeezing or bursting the tick. Clean the wound with antiseptic. Check for redness around the site of the bite for the next month. If any of the symptoms develop in the days or weeks following the bite, see your Doctor straight away. Prevention When is grassy or woodland areas keep your skin covered. Check yourself for ticks when returning- they often do not attach to the skin immediately. Check dogs and cats regularly- tick collars are now available for persistent tick collectors. John Squirrell
1st February 2003
Well, as the winds have subsided, you can see what damage has been done. The large trees that once stood now leave empty spaces. Two wonderful trees I got to investigate held some amazing secrets. They were completely rotten and had come down with a mighty crash. The first one had gone right at the bottom but the secrets it held were at the top end of the branches, the most amazing green woodpecker holes, three in all. One of the branches had snapped so this gave me a chance to have a good look inside. I could have put one half of my arm into it, the hole was at least two inches thick and three inches round at a guess, but they were big! The other tree, which had happily housed a family of kestrels last summer came to an end also this way. This had snapped about halfway and had also come down with a crash. This tree was hollow inside and showed a bee's nest. Looking at the trunk of this tree there was traces of old stag beetle larva, which had obviously died. The most upsetting part about this tree was when I saw the kestrels return. I suppose to see if their nesting place was still standing for the future fledglings, but sadly no more. You see it is surprising what secrets trees hold and , if left to rot, they will hide plenty more later on. By all means tidy up but stack them and leave to mother nature. Just because a tree has come to its end it's a meaning of life to others. A woollen scarf was found at the edge of Bulls Wood. It is navy blue and made from pure wool with flecks of colour within it and tassels on the edges. If you have lost a scarf matching the description please contact me. Julia email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
Bulls Wood Nature Reserve Walk and Work Morning on March 16th 10am 'til 12.30am Contact the Wardens for details and bookings Julia or Mike email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
1st December 2002 Here is something which will make you go urgh!!!!!!, it's already made me go cold just to think of them. Earwigs can be easily recognised by their pincer-like forceps at the end of their body. They belong to a group of insects whose members have an incomplete life-cycle; they go through three stages only - egg, nymph or larva and adult. The male and female live together as a pair in a small cavity in loose earth or leaf debris, or during winter behind old bark or nooks and crannies in your home, urgh! Pairing is said to take place before and during hibernation, the male is said to leave the nest early in the year about February when the female is due to lay her eggs, these normally number about three dozen but can be a lot more. The clutch of small oval yellowish eggs are carefully looked after by the female, if they get scattered she will gather them up again. This maternal care is unusual among insects; the newly hatched earwig is quite white except for the darker jaws and eyes. There are no wings and the forceps are straight but otherwise it has a resemblance to the adult. Some females may rear a second batch in the spring. Earwigs are probably vegetarian but are quite prepared to accept any kind of food and in this respect can be called true omnivores. Earwigs like petals, particularly of dahlias, and they also damage the flowers of garden nasturtiums as well as apples both on and off the tree. They will also take advantage of spaces between cabbage and brussel sprout leaves. If earwigs are kept in large numbers they may start to eat themselves. Wildlife Local Update Just an update on local wild life. A stoat was seen chasing some moorhen, in September I saw another Badger, yes two in one year, and there seem to be a few swallows about at this late time in the year but fingers crossed they will make it back home. A lot of dead squirrels and a lot of live squirrels have been seen in September. The signs of otter are still appearing so good news there. Just a few days ago the children pointed out a bird and insisted that it was a kestrel but after getting out the old binoculars we found it to be a sparrow hawk. Went to the badger meeting on the 12th October and this year's casualties to date are 98. On the roads there have been three bat deaths, two pipistrelles and a long-eared. A lovely big wasp's nest was found. Just before I go, please when you think of burning your pampas grass think of the wildlife that's within it. When I did mine this year ( not burn it ) I cut it back and split it up and found some interesting things, a harvest mouse nest, a wren's nest and an ordinary mouse nest. Julia email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
Bulls Wood Coppicing Dates: Meet at Brightwell Barn, Thorpe Green at 8.30am. If you wish to come for a morning out and fancy doing something different then follow these dates_ Sunday Nov. 10th and 24th and many more dates if you are interested. Bring a packed lunch and flask. We will provide the rest. Call the Wardens. email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
1st May 2002 BIRDS
SEEN AND HEARD Well
it has not been so bad. I don’t think there has been as much rain this year as
last, so it means that extra walking has been done and the fine weather has been
thoroughly enjoyed and used. Apart from losing the frog spawn this year due to
the frosts and cold weather, the wildlife seems to be thriving pretty well,
despite all the mixed up weather. Well its true that the sky larks seem to be
thriving, as wherever I walk there is a plentiful sound of them which I do like
to hear. The dunnock has a wonderful tune also, I had to get the binoculars out
to see this fellow singing and identify him. The other little chap is the
chaffinch which can also give quite a song; the male reminds me of a robber with
a black band across his eyes. In the garden, there was a goldfinch singing his
heart out, they seem to be doing well this year too. The thrush and his joyful
tune has been heard a few times and seen. We cannot forget the songful black
bird and his cheerful tune, being woken about five in the morning by this cheery
chap -wonderful. Long tailed tits with their little tune and colourful feathers
are petite but very cheerful little birds. The blue tit
is another bird with a happy song - I love to watch them build their nests
and they’ll even have a go at the cats if they go near them. Seeing the
kestrel in the full sun showing his colour is quite stunning. While
in the back garden the other day I could hear a shrieking and ran indoors to
find my binoculars to see if I could find where this was coming from. Although I
could not see the bird I could tell that it was a barn owl in the back field.
The best little bird that I have seen this year, and thought I never would, is
the chiffchaff and he is a little clink too, it is great to hear his merry tune.
When you have the time, sit outside and listen and see how many you can identify
and enjoy. Julia email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
1st March 2002 WILDLIFE
2002 Wishing
you all a happy new year, well I have been out on a few walks since
the
end of December and the furthest walk that has been done this year is seven
miles in two and a quarter hours not bad. Well I thought I would let you know
what wildlife I have seen and not seen but have clues that they have been out
and about, ive actually been able to get to areas that I have not seen for a
while so getting out there was quite a pleasure and seeing that all was airight.
Firstly we start on December the 9th when
we were on our usual coppicing morning I noticed a mink casually walking through
the coppiced area but soon disappeared
when we got closer, on the 30th December on our way to Bury a roe deer had been
hit and killed, on 2nd January
on our way to Felsham
two roe deer jumped out in front of our car, 4th Jan out for a walk we came
across a wonderful find a whole lot of otter footprints amazing as I had been
informed last year that an otter had been hit near where the prints this year
have been found and honestly I did not expect to find any more evidence I
thought that it may have been the end of my otter surveying but not now “YES”
so good news there also got a couple of print castings done too, also a dead
mink was also seen so this was my chance to have a good look and see what they
really look like in the fur. January 8th Walking home from the bus we saw five
roe deer quite clearly that evening as there was no fog around as there was the
night before we only saw one stag and he watched us till we disappeared out of
sight, apart from that we have smelt plenty of signs
of foxes to pretty potent I say.
Well I hope this is going to be a good year for more surveying for plenty more
Wildlife. Keep
feeding the birds and please let me know of any Badger sightings live or dead.
All greatly needed to up date my register book, but no road casualties is good
news. If you have any sightings call Me or Louise Thank you. email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
01/11/01 NATURE
NOTES *BATS* Well I thought I would do a little piece on bats, as I
am on my last bit of bat surveying around our local church and am now collecting
specimens of bat poo, so hopefully by
next year we shall find out for certain what kind of bats we have in our church.
Pipistrelles, together with Whiskered and Brandts bats have narrow,
general-purpose wings, which are used to dart about, hunting small flies that
swarm near or over hedgerows and bushes. There are fifteen species of bat in
Britain. And while they are fairly easy to see, they are not easy to identify,
in flight or at rest. Pollarded willows often make good bat roosts, and they
have the advantage of being near water, which in turn provides insects for their
diet. Pipistrelle bats for instance are said to take over 3,500 in a night. The
prey is taken in flight or picked off the ground, water or foliage. Bats typically operate at dusk and through the night. As you know, they hunt not by sight but by sound. Like insectivorous birds, bats face the problem of winter food shortage. They increase their body weight by one third in the autumn, laying down a store of fat to see them through the winter. As bats find it more and more difficult to find suitable roost places, it would be a kind gesture to provide sites for them, if you have a suitable roof or loft space, make sure there is an entrance hole. Or you might try fixing a piece of boarding to one of your wails by way of 20mm battens, thus offering the sort of secret space bats might adopt. If the wood is warping so much the better. Remember the seasonal requirements, summer warmth for nurseries, winter stability for hibernation, in choosing the sight make sure there is some sun but not too much. Also bat boxes make a change from tit boxes. Julia email: wildlife@thorpe-morieux.org.uk
Stop Press Badger Road Report Casualties to date 13th October - 105
Adders There are lots of Adders about this year, so care should
be taken when out and about walking. If you do come across a snake do not go
near it, study it at a distance. Adders are naturally timid so may slither away
before being noticed. Don’t mistake them for Grass snakes, which are pretty
harmless. Adders mate in the spring. The young ones are born from eggs inside
the female’s body from August to September. An Adder’s bite can be dangerous
to young children but not usually fatal to healthy adults. Look for the Zig-Zag
along its back and a V or X mark behind its head. DO NOT APPROACH IT CLOSELY. Please remember that sightings of badgers are always wanted dead or alive.
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