Category Archives: Flora & fauna

Coast, Flora & fauna

NORTH DEVON COAST AONB EXTREME BEACH CLEANS

Reaching the parts that are hard to reach, the North Devon Coast AONB team, Skern Lodge and local volunteers are planning several events to remove marine litter washed up on the more remote parts of our coast.

“We are delighted to have funding from Tesco Bags of Help to involve the local community in protecting our wildlife and beaches by removing litter washed in from the sea,” said AONB Education Officer Cat Oliver. “Reaching the more remote beaches presents a number of challenges so we hope that combining the offer of a bracing walk or a chance to scramble down a cliff will inspire more people to help us clean up the beaches.”

The first ‘walk and beach clean’ is on Saturday 3 December at Cockington Mouth from 10am to 3.30pm. This stretch of beach is a 45 minute walk south of Greencliff and north of Peppercombe, where the South West Coast Path dips down onto the beach (west of Abbotsham). Due to the remote location there is a phenomenal amount of marine litter stranded there that rarely gets taken away as there is no vehicle access. This is where Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre comes in to provide the staff and a boat to remove the litter by sea. The National Trust, Keep Britain Tidy and Surfers Against Sewage are also supporting this event.

“We’re delighted to be able to work with the AONB team to share our skills, knowledge and equipment in looking after our outstanding coastline,” said John Watson, Skern Lodge General Manager. “We rely on the exceptional quality of the coast to bring people to North Devon.”

Plans for next year include a general beach clean, plus rock scrambling with Skern Lodge staff, at Hartland Quay on Saturday 25 February 2017. Further information is on the AONB website calendar www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk or contact catherine.oliver@devon.gov.uk

PHOTO: Marine litter on Cockington Mouth beach.

Flora & fauna, General

HELP GIVE A DORMOUSE A HOME

Dormouse numbers on Exmoor and in many other parts of the country are in decline, so to help reverse this, CareMoor for Exmoor* is launching a Winter Appeal to raise funds for 150 dormouse boxes at three woodland sites in Exmoor National Park.

Philip Kiberd, CareMoor funding officer, says, “We already have some dormouse boxes on Exmoor and know that they are being used, but over the years they become damp and we need to replace them and put up many more.

“To supply, install and monitor a dormouse box costs more than £20 and every penny helps, but all donations over £20 will receive an attractive ‘thank you’ card which could be sent to someone else if you’d like to make it a gift.”

Dormice are one of the world’s most ancient mammals and although their numbers have halved in the UK over the past 100 years, they are still be found on Exmoor, a nationally important habitat for the species.

Maintaining good dormouse population is particularly important as they are an indicator of the health of the environment in which they live. They are omnivorous – eating insects, flowers, nectar, berries and nuts, but they need a good source of food from April to October. This means if they are doing well the woodland is in a good condition for many other creatures, but when numbers decrease it suggests a lack of food that will also affect other animals.

The boxes provide shelter and safe nest sites for summer breeding.  Most mice have regular broods, but dormice (not actually a mouse, despite the name) live much longer, around 5 years, have smaller broods and usually only one a year.  A pair of dormice will usually have a brood of 4 – 6 of which maybe only one or two will survive their first year to breed themselves, making the population very vulnerable.

Patrick Watts-Mabbott, volunteer and outreach officer at Exmoor National Park, says: “The boxes also make monitoring the health and population of the dormice much easier, so if you would like to help us please donate what you can and give a dormouse a home this winter.”

Donations will be welcome online via www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/CareMoor-for-Exmoor/dormouse-appeal  or by cheque to CareMoor for Exmoor, Exmoor National Park, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9HL or at any National Park Centre.

Birdlife, Charities, Conservation, Flora & fauna

KNIT FOR NATURE AND HELP PROTECT BARN OWLS ACROSS SOMERSET

Somerset Wildlife Trust is excited to announce the release of its  latest Knit for Nature™ pattern – Boris the Barn Owl –  as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the decline of much-loved Somerset species and get communities inspired to pick up their knitting needles to raise much needed funds for wildlife conservation in the county. Boris follows on from the success of Rustle and Bluebell Hedgehog patterns.

Somerset Wildlife Trust is dedicated to protecting vulnerable species such as hedgehogs and barn owls by creating richer and more sustainable habitats for them across their reserves – but they need the public’s help to ensure this important work continues. Action is needed now from people and communities where these wonderful animals choose to make their homes. So, whether you are a nifty knitter or knitting novice, there’s a simple way that YOU can support their work AND have fun at the same time!

You can get your hands on the wonderful new pattern and others from Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website and all proceeds will go directly to the work they do to safeguard vulnerable species in the county. To download the pattern go to: www.somersetwildlife.org/knit_for_nature

You can not only raise money by buying the pattern, but why not also raise funds through hosting a tea party or coffee morning to knit with friends and sell cakes or other crafts at the same time. Every penny raised makes a real difference.

Barn Owl numbers have declined by 70% in the UK since the 1930s due to the changes in land use and loss of available nest sites and reduction of the rough grassland areas that support their small mammal prey. We have also lost around 30% of our hedgehog population since 2002 due to the disappearance of our hedgerows and permanent pasture, increase in roads and traffic and the use of pesticides amongst other things.

Don’t forget to share photos of your creations on social media -­ maybe you knitted Boris in some crazy colours, or perhaps you took Bluebell with you to a wild or exotic location? Somerset Wildlife Trust want to know!

Share your photos and stories with them using #knitfornature on Twitter (@SomersetWT), Facebook (@somersetwildlifetrust) Pinterest or email them to wildlifenews@somersetwildlife.org and they will feature them on our website. Please also share them with Exmoor Magazine (@exmoormagazine) on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

If you’d like to send some barn owls or hedgehogs back to the Trust, the address is Somerset Wildlife Trust, 34 Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AW

‘Knit for Nature’ is a registered trademark of Somerset Wildlife Trust.

PHOTO: Rustle, Bluebell and Boris photographed by Paul Mitchell.

Coast, Flora & fauna

PORLOCK MARSH BIOBLITZ

This month marks the twentieth anniversary of the breach of the Porlock Shingle ridge following a mixture of high tides and stormy weather in 1996.

Twenty years is not considered long in terms of landscape and ecological changes, but the extent of the changes that have taken place in Porlock Bay and the surrounding area have been remarkable. Through the Porlock Marsh Vision Project, work continues to try to understand this fascinating area and to make the Marsh more accessible for people to enjoy.

Porlock Marsh BioBlitz
A great weekend of wildlife-hunting at Porlock Marsh in July resulted in over 400 different species being identified (with more records still to come). An amazing range of species were found, including birds, butterflies, moths, bats, plants, insects, mammals and lichens, demonstrating just how biodiverse the marsh and surrounding areas are.

The event was organised as part of the Porlock Marsh Vision project, in partnership with the National Trust and their tenant farmer who hosted the event at Bossington, Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Environmental Records Centre, Natural England and the Exmoor Natural History Society. Led by a fantastic range of experts, wildlife hunters were able to explore the wildlife of the marsh, streams, hedgerows and farmland, with a sea-watch crew looking out for marine species and sea birds. Some great spots included porpoises and grey seal off Hurlstone point, two peregrines chasing an oystercatcher, and close-up views of skylarks which are usually just heard singing above the fields.

There was something for everyone to get involved with, including stream dipping, bug hunting, searching for plants and insects, and watching experts catch and ring birds.

The bird ringers found lots of evidence of breeding with juveniles and brooding birds. A good range of birds were recorded over the 24 hours, including sea birds, farmland and woodland birds – Manx shearwater, gannets and guillemots, whitethroats, willow warblers, goldfinches, rock pipits, and linnets to name a few.  

Over 200 plant records were also collected, including common plants found in farmland and scrub as well as classic saltmarsh plants such as sea purslane, samphire, and sea beet, and a new record for Porlock Marsh of sea kale. 30 species of lichen were also found, on the trees surrounding the marsh and the pebble ridge. The stream dippers found lots of stoneflies and mayflies, cased and case-less caddis flies, as well as freshwater shrimps, bullhead and even eel. The warm weather brought out the butterflies, including silver washed fritillary, large white, red admiral, meadow brown and small skipper.

The BioBlitz continued late into the night with a chance to meet a barn owl and tawny owl at the Exmoor Hawk and Owl Centre, before setting out with bat detectors to find a number of different species. Moth traps were also set overnight, with 72 species found, including buff tipped, poplar hawk moth, swallowtail, and the elephant hawk moth.

Clare Reid, Porlock Marsh Vision project manager, said: “A huge thanks to all the organisations and people who helped to make the BioBlitz a great success, including the National Trust and Mike Dyer for hosting the event, all the walk leaders who helped to identify the great range of species, and Kitnors catering for feeding everyone so well!

“Hopefully this will be an event that will be repeated in future years to help build our knowledge and understanding of the wildlife of Porlock Marsh.”

The BioBlitz was organised as part of the Porlock Marsh Vision project, a partnership project promoting the conservation and enjoyment of Porlock Marsh. For further information about the project, go to www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/Whats-Special/porlock-marsh-vision

PHOTO: by John Kemp

Events, Flora & fauna, News from our advertisers

TIPS ON MUSHROOM HUNTING AT HESTERCOMBE

Autumn is a great time to discover the hidden secrets of the woodland. It’s a time when wild mushrooms and fungi are in abundance, varying in shape, size and colour.

Discovering wild mushrooms can lead you on quite an adventure, and nobody knows the history, the hiding places, or the habitats of fungi quite like mycologist and author of Mushroom Magic, Michael Jordan.

Hestercombe’s Fungal Foray on Sunday 9 October (2pm-4pm) with Michael Jordan will teach you about what’s safe to pick and where to look for wild mushrooms.

He will explain about all the different varieties by examining the different features of fungi, and where you might find mushrooms in the autumnal Hestercombe Gardens.

Here are Michael’s top tips for searching for mushrooms in the wild:

  • Autumn is the peak season for mushroom fruiting.
  • Warm, damp conditions are ideal for mushroom growth.
  • The greatest variety of species occur in mixed woodlands
  • Look up as well as looking down – they can grow on tree branches
  • Keep an open mind about what you are looking for – fungi have a wide range of appearances, not just a stalk with a cap on top.
  • Handling is safe, but wash your hands.

For more details on the Fungal Foray visit www.hestercombe.com

Arts and Culture, Flora & fauna, Heritage

DISCOVER THE BOTANICAL DIARY OF A COUNTRY LADY AT BARNSTAPLE MUSEUM

A new exhibition opens today, Saturday 1 October, showcasing a collection of previously unseen watercolours by Clara Peters of Arlington Court.

Clara (Chrissie) Peters joined Miss Rosalie Chichester of Arlington Court as a paid companion from 1912 to her death in 1939. Her botanical paintings are part of the North Devon Athenaeum collection on long-term loan to the museum and this could be the first time many of them have been on public display.

Executive Member responsible for leisure and culture, Councillor Brian Moores, said: “Clara Peters’ delicate watercolours feature some of the plants and flowers in bloom at Arlington Court and around the local area in the early part of the last century. There are over 166 watercolours in the North Devon Athanaeum, with a selection of the best chosen for display in this latest exhibition at the museum – a treat for both art and nature lovers.”

The musuem is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, admission is free. The exhibition runs from 1 October to 5 November. Keep up to date with news and events at the museum on Facebook or Twitter.

Pictured: Field poppy, Clara Peters (1914) and Tree mallow, Clara Peters (1915).

Flora & fauna, Quantocks, Walking

BAT WALK ON THE QUANTOCKS

Saturday 17 September marks the beginning of ‘Outstanding Week’, a national week celebrating our 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) across Britain, with a week of Outstanding events being run by AONBs nationwide.

To celebrate the AONB Family has worked together to organise a programme of events covering one week (and a bit) to help people enjoy and be inspired by Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The events can be found on www.landscapesforlifeevents.org.uk

The Quantock Hills AONB is celebrating with a Bat Walk on Friday 23 September, at 7pm from Ramscombe, Great Wood. To book on to this event go to www.quantockhills.com/events/view

There is also a Quantock Jurassic Coast walk as part of the Outstanding week, but this event is already sold out so it is a good idea to keep an eye on the Quantocks events page if you are interested in taking part in walks, etc.

Quantock Hills AONB Manager Chris Edwards says: “It can sometimes be underestimated how important getting out and experiencing natural beauty is to our personal sense of wellbeing. I would say that having the ability to immerse yourself in a landscape that is cared for because of its rich wildlife, its rare and important habitats and its fascinating geology is one of the greatest pleasures in life. We are celebrating our natural landscapes across the country this week because these landscapes are crucial for biodiversity and for ecological health but also because they are crucial for our human happiness. So come and celebrate with us in the outstanding Quantock Hills during this special week.”

Twitter @quantockhills @naaonb & @aonbfamily #outstandingweek for new events to enjoy each day.

PHOTO: by Rich Hill.

Flora & fauna, Gardens, News from our advertisers

HESTERCOMBE WINS EUROPEAN GARDEN AWARD

Hestercombe, near Taunton, is delighted to have been named as a winner in the European Garden Award.

Under the category Best Development of a Historic Park or Garden, Hestercombe won the title, beating the other finalists Schlosspark Ludwiglust (Germany) and the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

Last year’s winner was the Herrenhäuser Gärten in Hannover, Germany.

Collecting the award in Germany, Oliver White of Hestercombe, said: “It’s such an honour to be accepting this award on behalf of everyone who works so hard to keep the house, gardens and gallery at Hestercombe thriving and growing year after year. We celebrate 25 since Hestercombe was rediscovered next month, so it’s timely to be winning this accolade now, and we are humbled to have been picked over such strong competition.”

The aim of the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN) is to support the preservation, enhancement and creation of high quality parks and gardens in Europe, their wider use and sustainability in the context of policies to foster urban, regional, cultural and landscape development.

Christian Gruesson, who managed the awards, said: “The increase of public awareness for the cultural, economic, environmental and social values and resources of parks and gardens is also a key objective of the European Garden Award. We hope that the award combined with a further gain of publicity and image will support the finalists and winners in the future development of their concepts.”

Flora & fauna, For children & families, News from our advertisers

DISCOVER BATS AT WIMBLEBALL

Visit Wimbleball Lake on 27 August (8-10pm) for an exciting evening walk spotting bats.  Hear Exmoor’s bats with BAT detectors and see them in flight.

Why not make a night of it and camp on site – available when booked in advance.  For enquiries please contact Alex Forster on 01398 371116 or email aforster@swlakestrust.org.uk.

Participants are asked to meet at the Duck Café, TA22 9NU.  Please bring a torch, warm clothing and stout footwear.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. F ood, drinks, toilets and parking are available on site (normal car parking charges apply).

This event is brought to you by Exmoor National Park Authority and booking is essential.  There is no charge for this event but donations to CareMoor are welcomed.  To book please call 01398 371116.

For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/get-involved/events-and-training.

PHOTO: Daubenton’s bats.

Flora & fauna

GO BATTY AT FREMINGTON LOCAL NATURE RESERVE NEXT THURSDAY

Join wildlife experts in an evening walk to discover the bats and moths inhabiting Fremington’s nature reserve.

The ‘Night Flight’ event takes place at Fremington Local Nature Reserve on Thursday 18 August from 8.30pm.  During the evening you will track down bats using a bat detector and discover what’s been attracted by the moth trap.

Organised by North Devon Council, Fremington Parish Council and North Devon Biosphere, this free event is suitable for adults and children over eight years old.  Participants should park at Beechfield Road car park and meet at the entrance to Griggs Field at 8.30pm.  It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear and bring a torch.

Executive Member responsible for parks and leisure, Councillor Dick Jones, said: “This should be a really exciting and informative evening for anyone with an interest in wildlife.  The local nature reserve in Fremington is a peaceful haven for a wide variety of animals and insects and this will be a unique opportunity to discover some of the more elusive creatures that take to the skies at night.”

Tom Hynes, from North Devon Biosphere, said: “We are hoping to see a good selection of bat and moth species. Some will be easy to identify and some will need help from various experts who will be on hand to assist.”

Local ward member, Councillor Frank Biederman, said: “This is a lovely opportunity for families to explore the wildlife of Fremington and enjoy the excellent nature reserve.”

PHOTO: Long-eared bats courtesy ENPA.