Environmental News October 2006
September gave us another warm and fairly sunny month, but also RAIN.
As a keen golfer, it was nice to see fairways turning green again, and the rain came just in time to stop all the trees shedding their leaves – which when in large numbers on the ground have a great technique for hiding golf balls.
As expected, things started winding down for the winter, with far fewer butterflies, and the first migrating swallows passing south ready for their great adventure. Saw a number of deer around, including several youngsters with their mothers. They must grow quite quickly so they can travel and forage over a wide area for winter.
Most species of birds and butterflies had a pretty good summer, but for the small tortoiseshell butterfly it seems to have been a disaster year. I have only seen 4 or 5, and other friends I have asked reckon 5 is a good number. Lets hope it can make a come back next year. Not seen many Dartford Warblers around either, but they are well counted and come 2007 we will know if their success story continues.
A bird that is now both impressive and widespread is the buzzard, and several people have remarked to me about seeing one fairly close up.
Borough of Poole are busy. Canford Heath Walk (22nd Gravel Hill, 2.00PM) and tasks at Creekmoor Ponds (7th) Ham Common (8th) and Canford heath (21st).
The new issue of Coast and Countryside has just been issued, with events through the winter until March 2007
Lots of variety this month, with birds making a strong comeback amidst fossils, fungi and many more. There should be a copy in the Library
I am at last escaping from Broadstone for a spell so I am anonymous for a spell. Might have some highlights from Somerset next month.
Useful Numbers of organisations running tasks or walks:-
| Dorset Countryside | 01305 225037 |
| Durlston Country Park | 01929 424443 |
| Avon Country Park | 01425 478470 |
| Poole Countryside | 01202 261339 |
| Moors Valley | 01425 470721 |
| NT (Studland) | 01929 450259 |
Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:
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dudley.hull
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