Aristocrats, a Blue and Poison?

My first Blue, at Crickley hill

Comma, not a typing error

Peacock, they have finally appeared

All this good weather has been great for butterflies and apart from Fritillaries I have seen many, consisting  of several species! So throughout my regular haunts, covering Crickley Hill, Leckhampton Hill and Sherborne estate, my finds include: Skippers {large &small}, Red admiral, Tortoiseshell, Painted lady, Peacock {late arrival}, Marble White, Gate Keeper, Meadow Brown, Whites {large and small}, Brimstone, Ringlets, Chalkhill Blue and managed to photograph all of them! Not so good over this warm spell has been the re-appearance of Ragwort  , liked by insects, but poisonous to animals.  I have to wonder whether people have forgotten about the nature of this plant especially where livestock/horses have access to it since I don't see much effort [any] to remove it and before it 'seeds'. See this NT Press item for good butterfly locations.

Interesting today at Sherborne, with the temperature at a lowly 21 degrees and  some 'wet' stuff not seen for a while.  The morning was spent at Lodge Park 'forking' up hay previously cut down by Mike with one of my favourite tools. This was interrupted late morning by a call regarding delivery of large pipes and 'accessories' to be used in a large Water Management project on the Sherborne water courses. Our help was needed in unloading the large lorry at the Northfields Barns, ready for use by contractors next Monday. Some heavy work here requiring Mike's tractor and during the heaviest rain shower of the day! All in a good cause since  the river Windrush in the water meadows will have new gravel added to its water beds {good for fish} and new water cachment for livestock created, all good for the water environments and wildlife in general.

The afternoon was again spent up at Lodge Park completing the hay clearance before embarking on Ragwort removal. This work moved in to the actual Parkland which was occupied by a large herd of cattle. Not usually an exciting task but made, in this instance, a lot more interesting by the great variety of butterflies and insects we came across as we first pulled the Ragwort out by its roots before depositing in plastic bags for careful disposal. A worthwhile day out again and sets me up for what I hope is the decisive Ashes test match tomorrow at Old Trafford.

Into the lion's Den: Little and Large!

Dan's Den, compact and bijou

Difficult to believe that a year has passed since the inaugural  Den building event took place in Clarks Close.  Today was to be the second Den building event and Clarks Close was again chosen to be this year's venue, a good choice too. Mike had already 'swiped' some trails through Clarks Close but more preparation was needed before 'the visitors' arrived for the afternoons den building session. So the first task in the morning was to survey the area where the event would take place for safety reasons, ensure that material would be available for the dens and last years dens, which were still standing, were to be dismantled. The plan then was to continue with tree guard building. As it turned out the Den preparations took up all the morning since there were some loose hanging branches to be removed, a new path needed to be strimmed for safe access to one of the den building areas and more material for the Dens needed to be cut than planned.

Peregrine Symonds Yat, didn't have my telephoto for Sherborne!

I spent my lunch by Sherborne brook and was treated to lots of bird sightings. A low flying Red kite, 2 herons enjoying the plentiful trout, a large buzzard perched on a fence post, a green woodpecker in one of the large Oaks. In addition were half a  dozen Canada geese under pressure from the resident male swan protecting his 9 cygnets all in fine condition with their mother. My luck with bird sightings recently at Symonds Yat  with the juvenile Peregines was clearly holding. Also on show were lots of butterflies with many different varieties including whites, painted ladies, ringlets, meadow browns, small tortoiseshell and more yet to be id'd.

Sky Den, side entrance, room inside for many adults and children !

All too soon the afternoon was upon us so off to Northfield barn car park to meet the children and their guardians with, on my part, a little trepidation. Good news was all attendees were on time with a mixture of 10 adults {grandparents, mums & dads, nannies} and 20 children of a slightly younger age than last year. As before Mike led them off on the 10-15 minute walk to Clarks Close where he then gave an introductory talk on the afternoons activities and off they scattered to begin the work. I followed on in the 4x4 with drinks, tools, forms etc.  The Den building took place in 2 main areas and similar to last year everyone bar the very young {1-3 years} enthusiastically began construction of 6 dens, all very different in size and form. We had a teepee, small lean to, medium sized samples in the main area where most of the younger children were. In the 'new' area was a huge den built by a large team of children with grandparents and mums and  a heavily engineered lean to den with 'seats' built by dad with his 2 sons. It was a tired but happy group of den builders which slowly made their way back to the car park with some happy memories & photos to remind them of a good day out.

Bits and bobs

Not the 'black sheep' causing problems at Clarks Close

Mike's on holiday next week {as am I} so lots of urgent stuff around Sherborne to do before he takes a well earned break. The morning was spent ensuring Sherborne would be left 'looking good' as mowing and strimming dominated another hot day. Interesting bit of news from Mike on the walkers gate, where those young adventurous sheep were clearly unhappy to be thwarted by Mike's changes, so they seem to have broken one of the wooden support posts to assist their continued escape {another job to add to the list}. Highlight of the morning was experienced at Northfields barn where a red kite carried out a low flying manoeuvre almost within touching distance of us as we were sitting in the 4x4. During the lunch break I carried out my normal stroll down by Sherborne brook. The usual suspects were all their and the swan family still at full complement.

4 BBC's flying around Lodge Park pond

The original plan for the afternoon was to carry on with tree guard construction with the new 5" nails, however a priority call came in for essential work at Lodge Park. So off we went, accompanied by Maddie, strimmers, mowers and assorted tools. As we hadn't been to the Lodge for a while we paused by the Lodge pond where we were treated to a flying display by Broad bodied Chasers and also pleased to see some Newts swimming around in the ponds murky depths. Whilst Mike did some extensive strimming I was given the job of taking down half of the stock fencing at the North end of Lodge Park to allow for extra parking in the adjacent farmers field  for upcoming summer Events {the fence would be re-erected at the end of season} . More mowing followed then a survey of the 'meadow' area which fronts the Lodge Grandstand. Over 200 pyramid orchids were found , lots of 5 spot Burnets, meadow browns and ringlets. Happily only a handful of Ragwort were found and duly removed for later burning. The day was unfortunately extended a little as Maddie went AWOL so a search ensued where she was finally discovered 'stuck' in one of the Gate House gardens. A good spot by Mike on the way back to Sherborne as we witnessed a stoat casually strolling through an opening in a nearby hedgerow. A busy day and I was glad to get back home up until I learnt about our woeful batting display in the first Ashes Test match at Trent Bridge in my home town.

All 'brassed off', not at Brassey!

Windrush on the right, waterbeds on left

On the face of it  today with the Wildlife Trust, at the Brassey reserve and nearby Windrush watercress beds, removing Monkey Flower wasn't the most exciting of prospects on yet another scorching day.  Its clearly important to deal with invasive plants so no problem with motivation and given the picturesque waterside environment, we were to work in, a pleasure. As usual the 7 of us volunteers were ably led by Will and John.  Although removing the Monkey Flower was the day's priority the journey down to and along both banks of the Windrush, followed by a walk round the Brassey reserve was a real bonus & full of surprises, especially for me as a first timer in this lovely valley.

5 Spot Burnet moth, 'Brassey' meadow

Southern Marsh orchid, Brassey/Windrush

We started by walking down a steep meadow with plenty of butterflies {ringlets, meadow browns, marble whites}/ moths {day flying 5 Spot Burnet}and flora {especially a good showing of pyramid and common orchids}. We reached the bottom of the valley by a cattle watering hole and disturbed another colourful day flying moth the Cinnabar {a very fetching & noticeable bright 'pink'?}. It was apparent we needed to cross the river Windrush but it was a a little too deep to wade across in wellingtons so we followed the river downstream for a drier crossing place. After the usual climb over a barbed wire fence , then an exciting traverse across a fallen tree and a 'get me out of here' scramble through marshy, thick woodland we arrived at the previously cleared 'waterbed' area where the offending Monkey Flower lay in wait.  Most of us in 'wellies' paddled up and down the shallow water whilst those with waders were able to walk along the adjacent but deeper river Windrush. Just the job on such a hot day and we soon vanquished the invasive plant life. The next task was to move upstream to the Brassey 'mire' reserve to complete the days task.  More interesting flora { Southern Marsh Orchid, Flag iris} and fauna ;a Heron, a frog and yet another moth { Scarlet Tiger}, plus marshy woodland trail were 'enjoyed'. Not a day to be missed and there can't be too many better habitats to help  'fly the flag' of Conservation in.

On a less positive note, the State of Nature report summed up by Mark Avery, provides more depressing Conservation  progress, although not unexpected, especially considering the state of the CAP 'greening' position.  I too like the fact a lot of NGOs {sadly not the NT ?} contributed to it although I agree that habitat isn't stressed enough.

Start of Monkey Flower removal 

Nearly cleared

Downstream from cleared area

Downstream Windrush side

Sheep escapades

Walkers gate, sheep escape route

Today at Sherborne was a resumption of 'Elm defence' with the completion of tree guards in the sheep pasture below Crookmoor Ash. Before we reached the pasture we came across some escapee young sheep by Sandy Hill Copse which Mike rounded up using the 4x4 Ranger. They had squeezed through a 'walkers' gate {by Clarks Close} between chains which were designed to prevent this but clearly not well enough for these youngsters. So yet again the sheep were surprising us, noting their attack on unguarded Elms a few weeks ago. We continued on to the first of the newly planted elms where the hard work of constructing the tree guards began. 1 tree guard [the 4 posts already in place] comprising of 2 sections of heavy duty wire fencing,  8 horse chestnut rails requiring 24 large staples for fencing and 32 -5" nails for rails meant a lot of heavy hammering. Mike lead on the drilling, tensioning and extra grunt when I failed to penetrate the occasional knot in the wood which was too often for my comfort. I was pretty pleased when lunch intervened and I could rest my aching forearm.

All present and correct

Over lunch spent time down by Sherborne Brook where I was pleased to see that the swan family were all in tact and enjoying a leisurely paddle down the brook with mum & dad as escorts. Also good to see the tufted duck family, 2 herons, swallows and grey wagtails. It was soon time to resume work on the tree guards and on route along from Northfields barn car park we spotted gold finches, yellow hammer and chaffinches in the hedgerows. Yet again sheep needed rounding up by Clarks Close where Mike set about closing off their escape route by reducing the space in the Walkers gate with 2 strands of wire. We were soon back to the hard work of building the next tree guard where unfortunately we ran out of 5" nails and had to use 6" ones. 1" difference doesn't sound much but I can assure you it increases the effort considerably. However we completed the second guard and got half way through the next. Bad news on the journey back as we saw 3 sheep had forced their way through the Walkers gate, obviously a little more work on Mike's design was needed. I was relieved , though satisfied to see the end of days work, only 6 more tree guards to go, hopefully with a new supply of 5" nails!

Latest on archeological dig was a surprise indicating the probability that the construction was that of a Roman corn drier linked to a Roman farm.

Late update on CAP from RSPB and its impact on wildlife

Seek and destroy: Invasive plant species

Sherborne brook, yellow monkey flower on south bank

Working with the Sherborne volunteer 'team' this week, some of whom also appear in the Wildlife Trust team. Our task today was to survey the Sherborne Brook from the village all the way down to the Water Meadows and including both channels of the Brook as it divides before eventually joining up at the river Windrush. The main task was to search for and if possible remove invasive plant species but it also offered an opportunity for spotting interesting plants and wildlife. The weather was pretty good and the terrain interesting. The stretch of the Brook adjacent to the village provided much interest. We divided into 2 teams and on our North side of the Brook no invasive plants but some Marsh, Common, Pyramid orchids plus long tailed tits. On the other bank, above the weir, however the Monkey flower had taken hold in patches which was keeping team 2 busy. We crossed over to help before heading back downstream towards the boat house, see picture above. More Monkey flower discovered again on the south bank plus a viewing of our heron, the swan family {9 cygnets}, 2 red kites, reed bunting and some large trout. The terrain changed dramatically past the boat house and lower weir into more of a 'jungle'. Here we hit Japanese Knot weed {although much reduced after last years work} and Butterbur. Since we were in the vicinity we popped into look at progress of the archeological dig. Unfortunately the findings   were not confirming the presence of a medieval church and at this time was proving to be a 'medieval mystery'.  The afternoon survey revealed little evidence of invasive plants apart from a small section of Butterbur which was duly noted on our map for later treatment. No Himalayan Balsam was seen in this survey but we hadn't time to cover the river Windrush which has this invader upstream, certainly in the Bourton area. An interesting walk though, by the clear swift flowing Brooks, again with plenty of trout on show. It was also good to see the 3 man made otter holts but no evidence as yet of resident otters.

Damselfly, Banded variety

Today was spent with the Wildlife Trust team on a section of the river Churn in Cirencester, again on tackling invasive plants, the Himalayan Balsam dominating proceedings.  The terrain was challenging with thick plant growth along the river and it also provided me with my first experience in 'waders'. On the plus side it was certainly cooler wading down the river on the trickier stretches of bank but they do make you overheat quickly in the warm June air. The first part of the session required more 'seeking' as we covered an area which had been covered earlier in the week. As we progressed down river  the amount of Balsam mounted dramatically along with the physical effort of removing so many plants and so by close of play it was clear another session would be required to remove the remaining plants. Not quite as pleasant an environment as Sherborne but it did provide a good showing of Damselflies : an impressive Broad bodied Chaser {as seen at Lodgepark} plus Banded , Emerald, Beautiful Demoiselles.

Back in the saddle

Two for one at Greystones

Fit-ish again so attended a Wildlife Trust session at Birdland Bourton removing Balsam, an aggressive annual which has a sizeable impact on more beneficial existing plant life. Good to be doing conservation stuff again with the enthusiastic volunteer team led by Will & Richard. It was a short task {primarily because of the good work done last year} and the work completed not long after midday. As  Greystones nature reserve was not far away I decided to pop in and see if I could spot a water vole or two on the river Eye. I enjoyed a relaxing walk through the meadows where the plant growth was impressive since my last visit. The only wildlife I spotted consisted of three springer spaniels enjoying a dip into the river Eye to retrieve the balls their owner had thrown there. I followed the path by the river Eye back to Greystones but no sign of water voles although I did spot some impressive looking blue dragonflies though, the demoiselles . Quite close to the reserve boundary and the Mink platform, just before I was about to turn away from the river,  I was served up with an even better treat. Sitting on a dead branch which jutted out over the river was not one but two Kingfishers. They allowed me to observe them with my binos but drew the line at the point I tried to reach for my telephoto. No complaints from me and a great way to end the day.

7 of 9 not Star Trek Voyager, but Sherborne style!

Lots to catch up with today at Sherborne after my enforced break. It was to prove a very hot day starting in the morning with gardening duties at 61 and then Northfields car park. Was treated to an interesting break when Mike took me over to the recently started Archaeological dig at the East end of the village. Work had progressed well on revealing the foundations of what looks like the Saxon church {1300s} which marked the initial beginnings of medieval Sherborne! Look forward to seeing the output from this work due to complete 30 June. Bumped into Richard and John from the Wildlife Trust where Mike exchanged more current news with them before they left to continue their good work in the water meadows. Lunchtime proved to be another bonus down by the Sherborne brook. While I had been away the swans had been busy with 9 cygnets an impressive outcome. They were naturally wary of my presence but allowed me to take a few pics. Not to be outdone one of the Tufted duck pairs were showing off their 7 chocolate brown chicks. Further upstream a heron was busy fishing and as I looked into the clear water up by the weir there were some large trout all good news if you like fish. On the way back from lunch a red kite provided a low fly by over the field by the brook, not a bad lunch break for wildlife.

Guilty of malicious damage!

Tree guards for the new elms

Following lunch, after some good local engagement consultancy with one of the villagers, we were to carry on the work Mike had begun on building tree guards for the Elms we planted before my injury. Amazingly local sheep had taken a fancy to some of the 'unguarded' Elms , eaten through the tree protectors and then the Elm saplings. Not what was expected from sheep so priority on getting the tree guards in place had risen to the top of the list. The hot weather , an unhelpful Maddie and biting insects all helped to increase the challenge in this work so still plenty left to do. Ended the day back at the Sherborne offices where I took in the newly completed restoration of the dry stone wall, scaffolding still to be removed.