As I unfortunately missed the last 2 WuFuV days Keith has kindly stepped in to do a blog post - thanks Keith - much appreciated. If anyone at any time would like to do the same just send me a file with pics - MS Word is fine, and I'll edit, format and upload to the blog.
Before I hand you over to Keith, I had an interesting moth-trap day last Friday with 2 Scalloped Hazels, Common Swift, Brimstone moth and a Spectacle - quite a dull looking moth but viewing it head-on it looks for all the world as if it's wearing a pair of glasses - hence the name Spectacle.
A fabulous Cockchafer also popped into the trap to say hello
Should see you all next Friday - getting withdrawal symptoms!And so over to Keith for this weeks post...
Madeley Court Pit Mounds
Another Friday, another pit mound. A grey, damp and unpromising day saw the volunteers visit the nature area that surrounds Madeley Court Hotel. This consisted of a pit mound, woodland and a couple of pools.
In the morning with Pete’s dire warnings about the weather getting seriously wet in the afternoon we split into two groups: the first went off to the pit mound; the second to the woods; meeting back at the van for lunch. Risk assessment for the mound was to be aware of the possibility of shafts opening up spontaneously under one’s feet. That brave group pressed onwards and upwards. I was with the other group meandered off into the woods.
Apart from quite a number of outbreaks of Japenese Knotweed (some of which had been treated) and some questionable felling of trees hear the boundary with the Tweedale Industrial estate we were impressed by the diversity of the area. Its abuse was limited even though the well used Silkin Way ran through the middle of it. As we passed the pool behind the hotel to return to the van a Canada Goose brought its four goslings to see us.
After lunch we set off as a single group to explore the ponds and surrounding woodland. We were greeted by a reed bunting and the plantists dived into the pool edges to see what they could find. Despite Pete’s earlier dire warnings the sun came out and it became very warm. This brought out some insects including a large red damsel fly and a grey wagtail put in an appearance.
Another Friday, another gem of a site.
Central Hall
Named after a Methodist Chapel that used to stand in this area, Central Hall is woodland with a couple of pools and small section of disused canal. And what a surprising area it turned out to be, another oasis in the urban sprawl of Telford.
After an impromptu talk given by one of the local residents who happened to be passing we again split into two groups to find what we could find.
There was plenty of birdsong, but could you see the little (and not so little) blighters? No, well not many, apart from robins, which love to pose. The plantists had a great time. The advancing season has brought out new flowers and grasses (or sedges?) Brian, Linda and Penny were in their element. There are now a few plants that I can identify (impresses my wife), but I am totally inadequate in their company!
Lunch was taken by the pool and after lunch and the site of Penny and Liz negotiating the edge of the pool to look at some orchids, one group went pond dipping and the rest carried on the exploration.
One area of the site was covered by raspberries. These in turn were covered in bees of many sorts, hardly any of which looked remotely like the pictures on the card I was using to identify them.
Another Friday, another gem of a site, especially for the birds and bees.
Muxton revisited
I took advantage of the fine weather on Sunday to visit Muxton Marsh. How it has changed. The grass is green, there is a glow of yellow from buttercups. A Jay was flitting about. (The bat boxes are still in place).Amongst the flowers I found one which I could not find in my book. What is it?
Keith Fowler
Suggestions in Comments below please.
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