Langdyke volunteer Jackie Robinson’s monthly observations on what’s happening out and about in nature
The weather’s changed a bit but it is still mostly mild considering it is late November already!
It has affected some of the workparties though and I haven’t been visiting other Langdyke reserves much, there has however been plenty of fungi to spot on other local reserves both within the John Clare Countryside area and a bit further afield.
Sarah Lambert spotted some Earth-tongues and spindles (Clavaria sp) at Swaddywell near the Man Orchid area, but I failed miserably to find them on the day I was there. I might have found a Snowy waxcap though (Cuphophyllus virgineus)
The good news at Swaddywell is that we have water! The bottom pond is definitely a pond again, not full but definitely a pond. The horseshoe pond and little pond (I will have to ask the name of that one again!) near it are definitely looking like ponds and even the transient pond that I call ‘Spring Head’ has a good amount of water, but no bubbling of the natural spring yet …
And the Cabin Pond … has water in it; not much but we have a little pond and a bigger pond in the hollow. Also, the ground is quite wet in other places and even the top field has a couple of little ponds dotted about. Good news for wildlife needing a drink or somewhere to bathe. It is so nice to see ‘Swaddy’ wet again.
There are flowers that you would not expect to see at this time of year flowering again, albeit in miniature form! Tiny Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliate) plants are popping up everywhere, according to the Wildlife Trust website you should only see them from July toOctober.
There are plenty of Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer) both in flower and in seedhead form in the pit and top field. The seedheads are so perfectly formed and fluffy, they really are one of my favourite plants. The autumn colours are still looking marvellous at Swaddywell too and I noticed Bee Orchid rosettes in quite a few places looking very healthy. Stay away slugs and rabbits, please.
There were a couple of flies down by the Boardwalk sunning on the rocks, but not much else from the insect world was showing. On the way back to the car, I accidently disturbed a flock of Fieldfare that were feeding on the hawthorn berries (main picture, above) that are prolific this year; I just stood dumbly and watched as they all flew away one by one! (Guess what, I forgot the binoculars again! I never forget the camera but sometimes I do forget to lift it up to my eye!!
A couple of weeks ago, at the Thursday workparty, Ian Wilson and I heard Water rail (Rallus aquaticus) splashing about in the reed bed, there were at least two. We couldn’t see the birds but the water movement and the ‘piglet squealing’ left us in no doubt. They were close but well hidden.
Two of the rams in the Etton Reserves have been misbehaving again and ‘broke out’ of their pen. They were located, safely collected and returned to a very secure area, no worse for their adventure, the one they left behind was pleased to see them back. Thank you everyone involved in their safe return.
Closer to home -well ,at home, really – I have had regular visits from a Moorhen and a juvenile Grey Heron. I did have three goldfish in the pond, although I rarely see them (two being black and well camouflaged in the dark water) but as I’ve been away, I have no idea if they are still there. I know there was also a frog hanging around, the Heron must have seen some movement in the pond as it has been back three times in the last week and stares intently into the water. I walked right up to it this morning, it moved away a bit and then went back as I moved away.
The starlings are beginning to visit the garden, making a mess with the bird seed. I saw a wonderful murmuration at RSPB Minsmere last week. We’ll have to keep an eye open at the Etton-Maxey Reserve as they sometimes perform there. So far this year the visits there have been few.
Congratulations to Sarah Lambert and Kathryn Parsons, the two Artists in Residence, for their excellent artwork exhibition at Torpel Cabin over two days. It takes a lot of preparation and organisation to put these exhibitions together, well done both of you. Look on the Facebook page for photos..
As usual, we are always happy to welcome new or returning volunteers on any of the reserves to enable us to maintain the sites for nature. Each reserve is different and has a variety of flora and fauna, choose one or choose them all.
For more information you can contact us by email at volunteer@langdyke.org.uk, alternatively, you can ask anyone you know at Langdyke or message through the Facebook page (or just turn up). It is amazing how being outdoors, even in the winter months can make you feel more alive (there should also be less raking in the winter)
Stay warm.