Bats 2016

Sweet Chestnut Avenue, Dovers Hill

Ancient Oaks by Sherborne Broadwater

Willows in the water meadows 

First Bat count of 2016 at Sherborne today, a bit of a soggy start but weather improved for the count, led as usual by Mike and Maurice. The mild winter weather was still holding with temperature outside the bat cave an almost sultry 12 degrees and inside a balmy 11 degrees. The total number of lesser horseshoes were 143 in the bat cave, 7 in the kennels, 16 in the bothy and 12 in the cellar amounting to a healthy grand total of 178. This compares well with last years January total of 157 and last months 146. Once more we had a good exchange on possible improvements to the Sherborne bat roosts plus the potential to reveal more bats hidden in some of these roosts with the aid of a ladder. Maurice enthusiastic and as ever not short on news of bat activities around the North Cotswolds. He must get round to recording his almost infinite knowledge on experiences and habitats in the Cotswolds.

To add to the enjoyable afternoon on the Sherborne estate,  was observing the springlike displays of snowdrops, aconites, primroses and crocuses plus a brief play session with Pepper!

Thought I might start the year with a thumbs up for an NT web release on one of my favourite subjects {and Ollies} our Trees.