Dothill Walk

Thanks again to Keith for this short but excellent report:-

Tuesday, 29th September 2009
Around two dozen gathered outside Dothill School for a walk, led by Pete, around the Dothill area. Peter briefed us about the threats from development hanging over the area and that it was a desire to protect the area as a green space and wildlife area. Councillor Brittain was with the group: she informed us about the plans for the Dothill Flats (colonised by noctule bats) and about the possibility of organising a Friends group.

We walked around Dothill Pool, stopping at various points as Peter explained the local wildlife issues. He was so interesting that a cygnet listened in for a while.

At one stage Peter was asked to stop to discuss the “mugger”. Several of us were bemused when the talk was not of providing protection for the folk of Dothill from the aforementioned miscreant but about a sports area and where it should be placed. Slowly the mists cleared and we realised that the topic under discussion was a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). As with all such facilities, wherever the planners want to site it, someone will object and this one is no exception.

The walk continued and we had lively discussions about the waste water entering one of the other pools at Dothill, then we moved on to the “great crested newt” pool. Peter explained how the balance between wild edges to the pool and its need for light needed to be balanced. In addition there is a need for a 500 metre zone of rough vegetation around the pool for the newts to enjoy life.

Those friends of Flanders and Swann amongst us will be heartened to know that the “Bedstead Men” that they immortalised in song had struck and deposited a shopping trolley in the pool.

We meandered on, reaching the scene of the great frog massacre. This is an area of meadow next to Tee Lake managed for the benefit of wildflowers. Unfortunately the optimum time for cutting coincided with the migration of frogs and toads from the neighbouring pool. The frogs and toads lost. An example of the difficult balancing act we have to perform whist giving nature a helping hand! As if on cue a small toad hopped into view – so there were some survivors - phew.

The walk continued around Tee Lake then back to the starting point passing a rather splendid apple tree full of red ripe apples that provided a snack for many of the walkers.

Keith Fowler