Latest NewsSummer Program 2024May 11th - Pooley Fields Country ParkLeader: Shelia tatum
The site of what was Pooley Hall Coal Mine which opened in 1846 (it was later The North Warwickshire Pit) has in part been designated a site of special scientific interest and become a nature reserve with several walking and biking trails. It can be noisy as it is placed between a motorway and a railway line but relatively peaceful on this Saturday afternoon and we could hear Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Dunnock, Wren, Robin and Goldfinch. We saw Coots and Greylag geese on the pools.
Sheila tatum.April 28th - Wappenbury WoodLeader: Steve Stroud
After a morning of heavy rain, the sun actually managed to break through the clouds, giving 10 Society members a dry afternoons ramble. Where the main paths were gravel, the going was easy and dry but once these ran out, it was heavy going in quite deep mud.
Steve Stroud.April 13th - Ladywalk Nature ReserveLeader: Steve Stroud
Today’s ramble was at Ladywalk Nature Reserve currently leased from E-on by West Midland Bird Club ( originally formed in 1929 ). This 50-hectare site was created by the flooding of old gravel extraction workings, and has the River Tame flowing around three sides. The large reedbed is an important feature of this large wetland site, attracting the Eurasian Bittern in the winter, with over 215 bird species being recorded.
Steve Stroud.Winter Program 2023/24March 15th - "The Life & Work of Pioneering Naturalist & Photographer - J J Ward"
Steve Stroud.December 9th - Coombe Abbey Country ParkLeader: Sheila Tatum
Autumn seems to have lasted a long time this year with the leaves staying on the trees until the first frosts in last weekend. We had the hide almost to ourselves but with the low sun in the sky it was difficult to see the birds on the water. But it was rather atmospheric. Our walk took us around the duck decoy by the small pond. A duck decoy is for hunting and catching wild ducks without using a shot gun. Some of them are several hundred years old though this one was built in 1845 by George Skelton.
Sheila Tatum.November 11th - Wyken Croft Natures ParkLeader: Sheila Tatum
Our first winter walk this year was to Wyken Croft Nature Park. Apparently, this is designated an ecological park and is Coventrys first. I am not sure when it was designated an Eco perk but it was once a waste tip and it has been landscaped. It is part of the Sowe Valley and has areas of woodland, scrub and meadow.
Sheila Tatum.October 13th - Member's Exhibition
Sheila Tatum.September 9th - Memorial Park & Stivichall CommonLeader: Sheila Tatum
The idea of this visit was to study some of the more unusual trees in the Memorial Park but it was decided, because of the heat of the day, that we would explore an area of Stivichall Common. Stivichall Common is the areas of woodland that run alongside part of the Kenilworth Road; it can be entered from the park. Given the weather it was a cool and pleasant walk and surprisingly quiet as there were few people about and very little traffic on the Kenilworth Road. We could hear Long Tailed Tits and Robins.
Sheila Tatum.August 12th - Daventry Country ParkLeader: Helen Blissett
The Group had a pleasant afternoon ramble around Daventry Country Park, a 66 hectare (160 acre) Local Nature Reserve owned and managed by West Northamptonshire County Council. The Reserve encompasses Daventry Reservoir which feeds the nearby Grand Union Canal and there is also a Crack Willow Woodland.
Helen Blissett.June 10th - Bishops HillLeader: Jose Tancock
This was a very hot afternoon! Surprisingly 11 people braved the temperature to attend.
Sheila Tatum.June 10th - Bishops HillLeader: Jose Tancock
This was a very hot afternoon! Surprisingly 11 people braved the temperature to attend.
Sheila Tatum.Winter Program 2022-23March 17th - Warwickshire Wildlife Trust ReservesNick Martin
Nick has spoken to the Society a number of times over the years as he is an excellent wildlife photographer. He used to work mostly at RSPB wetland reserves, including Middleton Lakes which the Society has visited in the past. Nick was working on wetland reserves for WWT and last year was offered the position of Nature Reserves manager. He is now trying to visit all 65 reserves!
Steve Stroud.January 20th - Pioneering Women of the British Astronomical Association .Mike Frost
First of all a confession I didn't make notes during Mike's talk. There were many references to named women and what in particular they contributed to various aspects of astronomy. I will, instead, try to put their work in the context of the time in which they lived.
Jose Tancock.January 14th - Brandon MarshLeader: Sheila Tatum
Our trip to Brandon Marsh was wet. It had rained and the marsh had flooded in places though we were assured it had been worse. We did have to wade through some flooding to get to a couple of the hides but then the path became impassable.
Shelia Tatum.Summer Program 2022September 10th - Grendon HeathLeader: Jan Clemons
Grendon Common is situated in the top north of Warwickshire near to the village of Baddesley Ensor. WART (Warwickshire Amphibian and Reptile Team) started visiting the site over 25 years ago as it was the largest area of heathland in the county and supported populations of Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and grass snakes (Natrix Helvetica).
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Shelia Tatum.August 27th - Stockton CuttingLeader: Sheila Tatum
Stockton Cutting and Tasker s Meadow are an SSSI. We would usually visit in June to see the wildflower meadow and the orchids that grow there. There should have been a few wildflowers still in flower but it seemed that most were in seed; a result of the drought we have been having. The meadow had already been mown. Noticeable were the ripening fruit particularly the sloes which were a vivid purple.
Shelia Tatum.July 9th - Lake View ParkLeader: Alex Jones
Following the guided walk along the River Sherbourne at Charterhouse last year Alex Jones guided us around Lake View Park to further explain The Sherbourne Valley Project and changes to be made there.
Shelia Tatum.June 26th - Calke AbbeyLeader: Shelia Tatum
The visit to Calke Abbey would have been the annual coach trip but it was decided to travel in cars as some people are still wary of close proximity which is understandable as covid is still around.
Shelia Tatum.May 14th - Brandon ReachLeader: Shelia Tatum
The area known as Brandon Reach has been accessible to the public for a number of years but has become part of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust in 2019. It is opposite Brandon Marsh and its bordered with Brandon Wood and Piles Coppice making large area of protected land. It is quite a varied habitat and has grown up considerably over the years but still has some grassland that supports a range of butterflies. Quite a few were seen on the day including a Small Heath, spotted by several members. The Small Heath is a buff to brown butterfly that can be seen between May and October and may have up to three broods (Tom Tolman, Butterflies of Britain and Europe. Oxford Press2001).
Shelia Tatum.Winter Program 2021/22March 18th - "DNA and Family History".Gillian Forsythe
During the evening of March 18th 2022 the Society was treated to a talk about family history and DNA by Gillian Forsythe, Chairman of the Stretton on Dunsmore History Society. Gillian started with a photograph of the engagement of her grandparents, with her great grandparents also in the photo; unusually the occasion had been recorded on the back of the photo by her great grandfather and the names recorded as well by her Father. It was explained how people s names changed exponentially over the decades and how Gillian s own family names changed, revealed by research into the censuses with a different Fathers name, after remarriage, Fathers die and mothers remarry and vice versa, but the children s names did not alter although there may be more children in the family.
January 21st - "Against the Odds - a Patagonian Eclipse".Mike Frost
We expect an interesting talk from Mike and were not disappointed interesting commentary and superb pictures!
January 8th - Coombe Abbey Country ParkLeader: Sheila Tatum .
Having a winter walks programme means you have to keep a constant eye on the weather forecast. For days it promised torrential rain and we thought about cancelling but then on the day the rain was nowhere near as bad as predicted and the forecast changed to a dry afternoon. So, we risked it. Seven of us met and walked beside the lake to thehide then completed the circular walk passing the old but impressive Sweet Chestnut tree. On the lake there was a family of swans with several cygnets which were turning from their grey/brown feathers to white. Their beaks were still a dusky pink not the orangey colour of the adult. It will not be long before they are chased off by the parent birds.
Sheila TatumDecember 11th - Draycote WaterLeader: Sheila Tatum .
As our winter programme of talks has been reduced by the pandemic restrictions, we have arranged some winter walks. The first of these was at Draycote Water and the weather was atrocious so only three members and a guest braved the elements. As it turned out the rain stopped as we started to walk and didn t start again till we were headed back to car park.
Sheila TatumNovember 19th - ButterfliesDavid Porter.
A very big thank you to David for stepping in and showing his slides of butterflies. He did this at short notice as because of current circumstances we were unable to prepare a proper winter programme.
Summer Program 2021
Helen Blissett.September 11th - Hay Wood - WrohallLeader: Shelia Tatum
Hay Wood is an area of ancient woodland very close to Baddesley Clinton. Although it has been recorded since Medieval times it has been planted with many conifers though some deciduous trees still remain. We were hoping to find fungi but as we stuck to the main ride for this ramble, we saw very few. There was some interesting flora alongside the ride and there were some ponds with plenty of pond life to observe.
Shelia Tatum.August 21st - Hampton WoodLeader: David Porter
Although the Warwickshire Wildlife website reports twenty-eight species of butterfly live in Hampton Wood, we only saw two. It seems this has not been a particularly good year for butterfly sightings. It was a very wet day therefore the chances of seeing butterflies as reduced.
Shelia Tatum.August 8th - Stoney Road AllotmentsLeader: Jan Clemons
Stoney Road Allotments were laid out in the late 18th and early 19th Century and were for the use of workers living in Coventry. These pleasure gardens were a feature of many towns and cities. The land on which they stand in Coventry has a long history going back to the 12th century that can be read on the following site :-
STONEY ROAD ALLOTMENTS, Non Civil Parish - 1001494 | Histroric England
Shelia Tatum.July 24th - Brandon MarshLeader: Shelia Tatum
A pleasant afternoon was spent at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve from 2.30pm to approximately 5.15pm. Although the weather was cloudy and fresher than the last few hot and humid days, it was warm enough for an encouraging number of butterflies to be seen, which have so far been disappointing in numbers so far this Summer. In fact it was quite surprising at the overall list of sightings that were made. A bit of everything seemed to be on offer from plants, wildfowl, insects and butterflies.
Shelia Tatum.June 12th - Whitarce HeathLeader: David Porter
Our trip to Whitacre Heath was our first official meeting since 2019 as lockdown in 2020 started before our summer programme last year. It was a relief to be out and about again for those of us able to get there and those of the society still not able to get out and about were missed.
Shelia Tatum.Summer Program 2020June 6th - Sheila's Lock Down log
I found this lesser stag beetle in the covered passage way at the side of my house. I thought it was dead but on inspection realised it was so covered in fluff it couldn't move its pincers. It required a magnifying glass and very fine wire to remove the fluff and I was able to release it back into the garden.
Another early insect I am always glad see each year is the Mint Moth ( Pyrausta aurata ). This colourful little moth will quickly colonise your garden once you start growing a few herbs in it. An early yearly job for me, is to give the pond ( small and pear-shaped, only about 6x8 ft ) a bit of a tidy by cutting back the usually, very over grown vegetation. While pulling out the excess herbage, I noticed some large dragonfly nymphs attached, which I of course saved and photographed, just for the record. After sending the photos to Peter Reeve ( Warwickshire VC38 dragonfly recorder ), he confirmed they are Broad-bodied Chaser ( Libellula depressa ) nymphs, which is exciting as I have never seen the adult in the garden and a bit of a surprise! I will look forward to seeing these emerge. In past years I have had Large Red and Azure Damselflies emerge from the pond. The only dragonfly has been the Common Darter. This year I have already seen three Red Damselflies make an appearance. I wonder what else is lurking in there, apart from the many Smooth Newts I always get.
Other insects found so far this year an Early Thorn moth ( Selenia dentaria ), Hawthorn Shield bugs ( Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale ), Green Tortoise beetle ( Cassida viridis ) and 22-spot Ladybirds ( Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata ) paired.
What have you seen in your garden during the corona lock down. Send your records or log ( and pictures please! ) to put on the website, to:- webmaster@cdnhss.org.uk Steve Stroud.Winter Program 2019 / 20March 6th - A Sideways Look Through Bird's Eyes.Graham Martin.
The title of the talk was quirky and the talk itself was full of interest and surprises. Professor Martin worked for years on how birds see and there was a montage of all the birds that he had studied.
February 21st - The Cheapside Hoard .Brian Pollard.
Brian Pollard visited the Society on the 21st February to tell us about the Cheapside Hoard which was discovered in 1910 by labourers who were demolishing some buildings which belonged to the goldsmiths. The buildings had been built after the original s had been destroyed in the Great Fire. In the cellars of the buildings a wooden chest was discovered and it contained thousands of pieces of jewellery some of them Tudor in origin.
February 7th - UK Bats and their Conservation .Tricia Scott.
In her talk Trish addressed some myths about bats; they are not blind, they can see the landscape, they do not live in belfries as it is too loud, they are not mice with wings they are more nearly related to cats and dogs and they do not nest.
November 15th - Hedgehog Friendly Town .The Hedgehog Girls.
Kyra and Sophie who have been rescuing hedgehogs and rehabilitating them and releasing them for four years came to the society to tell us of their work.
October 4th - Member's Natural History (and other) Exhibits.Member's exibition.Turn out for this event was quite small but those not attending missed an interesting variety of exhibits.
 Jane Sell's exhibit with Helen, Rachel and Sheila.  Jane Arnold's bread,fruits and fungi exhibit. 
 Ken Thompson's old Kodak Hawkeye Ace Camera.  Peter Cooke's brother's carpenty exhibit.  Steve Stroud's photo and caterpillar exbihit.  Helen Blissett's hedge-laying exbihit. Report compiled by: Jos Tancock and Jane ArnoldSummer Program 2019October 12th - Brandon Marsh .Leader: Shelia Tatum
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The 12th Century Norman church and churchyard are a haven for wildlife. A speciality of the site, are Hawfinches that often turn up in the winter, to feed on the berries of the many Yew trees that are found growing in and around the churchyard.
Alas there were no berries on the Yew trees and hence we saw no Hawfinches. A woodpecker could be heard "drilling" near by and a gang of Long-tailed Tits was observed moving through the trees. Also noted were Snowdrops and Primroses in flower in the churchyard.
Our walk took us through the churchyard, along a boardwalk to cross the field towards Berkswell Hall lake. A Buzzard was seen being mobbed by a crow. Following the path skirting the lake, a number of water fowl were seen.
More information can be found here - Great English Churches/Berkswell The Berkswell Society
Bird Sightings:
Long-tailed Tits, Buzzard (being mobbed by crow), Heron, Little Egret, Cormorant, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Grey Lag Geese, Jackdaw, Crow.
Hartshill Hayes is described as an area of ancient woodland and it is located near Nuneaton in North Warwickshire. It is also on quite high ground so on a clear day (which it was) one gets a wonderful view over the valley of the river Anker towards Leicestershire.
This was one of our fungus forays and Jane did take home quite a few fungi to identify though one might have expected more to be found as the weather had been quite wet.
What we did see were several Red Admiral Butterflies sunning themselves at the top of a small tree; quite an unusual sight in October. Also, there were a number of flowers out that would more usually only be seen in the summer but as it seems that autumn weather is getting warmer the growing/flowering season will extend. Flowers seen were some White Dead Nettle, Cut Leaved Geranium, Red Campion and some Hawkweeds (I’m afraid I can’t indentify these). The leaves on the trees were only just showing signs of changing colour perhaps another sign of changing seasons.
Sightings:
Plants:
White Dead Nettle, Cut Leaved Geranium, Red Campion and some Hawkweeds
Animals and Birds:
Blue Tit, Robin, Buzzard.
insects:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Common Darter.
insects:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Common Darter.
Quarrying stopped in Newbold Quarry a hundred years ago and natural springs fille the area with water. The lake is said to be home to water birds but in fact there were few to be seen, some mallards, a pair of swans and coots.
There were insects in the water, mostly pond skaters and around the water were Common Blue Damselflies.
There is an area of meadow land on the limestone sides of the quarry which would have been impressive a few weeks prior to the visit though plenty of seed heads were visible. Some old fruit trees were alongside the paths with one or two Warwickshire Drooper Plem tree. Not really ripe for the picking yet though.
Sightings:
Plants:
Trefoil, Quaking Grass, Purple Loosestrife, Bistort (Polygonum amphibum), Yellow flag Iris seed heads, Dogwood, Yellow Vetchling, Reed Mace, Blackberry, Rose Hip, Mellilot, Wild Carrot, Horse Tails, Great Hairy Willowherb, Herb, Bennett, Herb Robert, Nipplewort, Snow Berry, Warwickshire Drooper Plums, Water Mint, Cut Leaved Geranium
Animals and Birds:
Mallard, Swans, Long Tailed Tit, Robin.
insects:
Pond Skaters, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Speckled Wood Butterfly .
insects:
Pond Skaters, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Speckled Wood Butterfly .
Birds:
Canada goose, White Goose, Grey Heron, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Mallard, Cormorant, Black headed Gull, Great Crested Grebe.
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White, Large White.
Dragonflies:
Southern Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly.
Other Insects:
Soldier beetle, Roesel's Bush-cricket.
Batsford Arboretum is a 56 acre area of land which was owned by the Mitford Family. One of them, Lord Redesdale worked for the Foreign Office and therefore travelled in the far east amongst other places. In this way he discovered an interest in plants. He also because of other government jobs had links with Kew Gardens directors and benefited from their advice in setting up the arboretum. The website below gives details. Lord Redesdale was influenced by the gardens of Japan and you can see this influence to day in the statuary around the gardens.
These days the arboretum is run as the Batsford Trust.
In recent years an area has been set aside as a wildflower meadow. This was a really good time to see this as most of the flowers were out and were supporting butterflies, bees and many other insects.
More information can be found on their website - History at Batsford Arboretum (batsarb.co.uk
Next to the arboretum is a bird of prey centre. Although we did not visit this we did see some birds of prey notably Red Kites. We could also hear young birds in the trees though they were not visible but one identified by sound was a Gold Crest.
Dragonflies:
Emperor Dragonfly, Southern Hawker, Azure Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Others:
Scarlet Tiger moth
We spent an interesting afternoon with Kristie as she explained that ARC (the organisation responsible for acquiring and managing Foundry Wood) negotiated with the owners of the land behind the Ford Foundry in Leamington Spa to lease the area to develop a community woodland.
Having acquired the land, it has been important to engage with the community to ensure use of the area is utilized in accordance with the community s wishes. Whilst it is not designated a nature reserve promotion of wildlife is important as is education. There is onsite, an outdoor class room. Volunteers have cleared the site and planted trees to increase diversity. They also have three elm trees that are part of a trial regarding Dutch Elm Disease.
Community groups have activities on site one of those being promoting wellbeing and Choirs used it as practice area when they could not practice indoors because of Covid.
The area used to be railway sidings and it is possible to see that the soil is poor but there is a good variety of plant life there. There are information boards with information about the industrial life of the area..
More information can be found on their website - https://Foundry Wood an Urban Community Woodland
Sightings:
Plants:
Woodruff, Wood Anemonie, Wild Cherry, Cowslips, Herb Robert, Red Campion, Wild Strawbwerry.
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Comma.
Birds:
Magpie, Blackbird, Robin, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff.
The Royal Astronomical Society was formed in 1820 but women were not allowed to become members. As a concession they were permitted to attend lectures as visitors. They were not allowed to be members until many years later.
Although the talk Steven gave was primarily about a tree s importance for supporting life, especially the lives of insects he started his talk by briefly talking about some of the important trees of Warwickshire. Steven explained that it is important to have trees at all stages of their life cycle in order that the insects Like hoverflies can survive. These insects are then important as pollinators. He stressed the importance of ancient trees and their ecosystem that should pass down to veteran trees as they reach an ancient status but fears we are losing or have lost too many ancient trees and are therefore in danger of losing the wildlife that depends on them. Some of these insects are very rare; only occurring in one or two sites in the country. More information can be found about his work at the two links below.
Steven FALK/ Owner / Entomology /Research profile (researchgate.net ).
Steven Falk / Collections / Insects / Diptera (flies).
Sheila Tatum.
February 11th - Stoke Flood Green
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The weather for this walk proved to be better than expected, warmer than late and bright, the sun not quite breaking through. This enticed eight Society members and one quest out for the afternoon.
This WWT Reserve with its large pool can t be seen from any main road and is quite well hidden, many people probably unaware of its existence. The large pool has good stands of Willow around the edges and a good size reed bed at its northern end. Up to 90 bird species have been recorded at this site according to the notice board and WWT s website.
The good numbers of Mallard and Shoveler Duck were observed displaying and carrying out pairing activities, such as head bobbing, submerging their bills in the water as they twisted and turned in the water together.
Another sign of spring was seen, as members watched Rose-ringed Parakeets taking nesting material into their nest hole, in one of four large Ash trees next to the public footpath
More information can be found on their website - https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/StokeFloods
Sightings:
Birds:
Mute Swan, Little Egret, Coot, Moorhen, Great-crested Grebe, Mallard, Shoveler Duck, Blacked-headed Gull, Magpie, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Great-spotted Woodpecker.
The area is part of the Dunsmore Living Landscapes Project and more information can be found on their website - Dunsmore Living Landscape/Explore/Sites/Bubbenhall Wood and Meadow
Sightings:
Birds:
Stonechat, Goldfinch, Jay, Magpie, Sparrowhawk, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Raven
But it is more than that we are very lucky to have such an area so close to the city. According to the National Trust we have lost 97% of our meadows since the 1930s and re-establishing such areas is flowers grasses and insects vitally important for the environment. These in turn support mammals and birds and are vital for our food supply as they pollinate plants. We were lucy enough to see a Hummingbird Hawkmoth Caterpillar on Lady s Bedstraw which it feeds on.
Sightings:
Flowers:
Greater Knapweed, Musk Mallow, Field Scabious, Lady s Bedstraw, Yellow Rattle (in seed), Horse Chestnut in fruit).
Birds:
House Martins, Swallows, Green Woodpecker, Long Tailed Tit.
Insects:
Meadow Brown Butterfly, Hummingbird Hawkmoth Caterpillar
Butterflies:
Small skipper, Large Skipper, Large White, Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet, Meadow Brown.
insects:
Brimstone, Hummingbird Hawk moth, Ringlet, Meadow Brown.
insects:
Small Heath Butterfly, Peacock Butterfly, Orange Tip Butterfly, Pyrola purpuralis, Cinnabar Moth, Common Carder Bee, Bronze Ground Beetle, Bee Fly, Comma Butterfly.
The water in the main lakes was considerably low which gave an indication of how dry the last couple of months have been. The still conditions meant that the reflections in the water were very good and Steve managed to get some very impressive shots of a Great White Egret.
Sightings:
Plants:
Scabious, Viper s Bugloss, Yarrow, Oxeye Daisy, Greater Knapweed
Birds:
Nuthatch, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Cett s Warbler (heard), Hobby, Carrion Crows, Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard (Male and Female), Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mute Swan, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Great Crested Grebe , Cormorant, Common Tern.
Mammals:
Brown Rat ( a dozen or so, under the feeders ).
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral.
Dragonflies:
Common Darter, Southern Hawker.
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral.
Dragonflies:
Common Darter, Southern Hawker.
The Charterhouse is undergoing renovation and to be opened to the public as a heritage visitor centre. The plan is for opening in September. The Charterhouse is the only remaining Carthusian monastery building in England. The renovation is the work of Historic Coventry. Home | Historic Coventry Trust
Alex showed us what this area of the project has to offer. The river running through Charterhouse fields appears very clear and has Water Crowfoot growing which is an indicator of water health. What Alex explained he would like to see here is the introduction of some areas water meadows. He indicated that this may be possible in an area that is currently tarmac.
One of the problem areas he pointed out was a large stand of Japanese Knotweed which was apparently brought into the country as cattle feed and proved very invasive. It is a particular problem along the Sherbourne as roots break off and are carried along in the river to spread to other areas. Weed killer use could contaminate the river and this clump will need specialist management.
We walked to a point where the view of the grade 2 listed Sherbourne Viaduct is obscured by trees. It was built to carry the London to Birmingham Railway which opened in 1838. The engineer was Robert Stephenson. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to see as the trees have grown up. There is discussion about how to manage this situation so that the viaduct can be seen.
On our return trip away from the river we walked through an overgrown area that had mature trees and shrubs including a large Privet and Broom also a stand of conifers where it s not unusual to see Goldcrests.
The Sherbourne Valley Project | Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Sightings:
Plants:
Water Crowfoot, Himalayan Balsam, Hemlock Water Dropwort
Birds:
Heron, Little Egret, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Blackbird.
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet
Dragonflies
Banded demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) , Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo )
Other insects:
Hairy Sheildbug ( Dolycoris baccarum ), Rhombic Leatherbug ( Syromastus rhombeus )
I have had a constant gathering of Gold Finches (at least six) on the sunflower seeds I have provided and then there are the comings and goings of Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Great Tits. The Long-Tailed Tits seem to have left to breed elsewhere. It seems that in the early mornings the bird song is louder but it s probably the absence of other city sounds make one more aware of it. One morning in mid-April I could hear a woodpecker tapping on a tree at the bottom of the garden and I frequently hear a Green Woodpecker s laughing call.
I have been trying to establish a small area of meadow in my garden and have sown Yellow Rattle to help weaken the grass in that area so wild flowers can grow. I noticed the Rattle was flowering on the 11th May.
We have had some very fine weather over the weeks of lockdown. This has meant that the garden is growing rapidly but we have also had some frosty nights so for now the covers remain on the tender plants
Shelia Tatum.
May 12th - Steve's Lock Down log
Every year I look forward to seeing the first garden butterfly of the year, wondering what species it will be. This year it was a Comma. Watching butterflies and wildlife in the garden this year became more relevant due to the covid-19 lock down.
This encouraged me to keep a record of the number of different species of butterfly that come into the gardens this year. With the extra warm spring there seems to be plenty about, so far I have reached nine.
How many have you had in your garden?
One surprise was a very early Holly Blue ( Celastrina argiolus ) , 9th April, freshly emerged , other records from around the country indicated this was a national trend with some reported as early as late March, one even on 8th January!
On the water the usual flocks of lapwing and gulls and someone spotted a Kingfisher.
We were fortunate enough to see the visiting Black Necked Grebe. This was in its winter plumage and did not have its yellow ear tufts. Its is a protected bird in Britain. Unfortunately, not close enough for a photograph.
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/bolbitius-titubans.php
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/helvella-crispa.php
https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-explorer/birds/grebes-and-divers/black-necked-grebe
Our last fungus foray took place after a particularly dry spell. We were hopeful for this event as there had been a few days of rain prior to the outing. The rain held off for our walk.
This was the Society's first visit to this private wood with two historic paths "one o'clock ride" and "twelve o'clock ride", through to Coombe Abbey.
Hoof Fungus ( Fomes fomentarius ) was found in New Close Wood in May 2012 and this became the first recording of it in Warwickshire. Hoof fungus is a bracket fungus which is parasitic and grows on deciduous trees. This rots the trees. The fungus itself becomes very hard and does indeed, look like a horse s hoof.
We also found Beef Steak fungus (Fistulina hepatica) which is an orangey brown bracket fungus. It looks a bit like a liver. Apparently, the oak wood affected by this fungus is important in the furniture business. The reason for this is that the wood becomes stained and is a much darker colour than unaffected oak.
One toadstoolfound was Cinnamon Fungus (Cortinarius cinnamomeobadius) It is cinnamon coloured and apparently smells like radish.
In the past broadleaved helleborines have been found alongside the main ride. These have horses to be accommodated on the track. Happily, we discovered two specimens growing in One O clock Ride
Phillips Roger Mushrooms of Great Britain and Europe Macmillan
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/index2com.php
Sightings:
Plants:
Broad-leaved Helleborine ( 3 in fruit ), Leafy Hawkweed ( in seed ) and Angelica ( seeded ).
Fungi:
False Deathcap ( Amanita citrina var. alba ), Russet Toughshank ( Gymnopus dryophilus ) , Cinnamon Fungus ( Cortinarius cinnamomeobadius ) , Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) , Weeping Widow (Lacrymaria lacrymabunda ), Burgundy Bonnet ( Mycena haematopus ), Clustered Bonnet ( Mycena inclinata ), Smoky Bracket ( Bjerkandera adusta ), Ochre Brittlegill ( Russula ochroleuca ), Beef steak ( Fistulina hepatica ), Hoof Fungus ( Fomes fomentarius )The first county record of this once mainly Scottish species was found in this wood in 2012. It is now common in most Warwickshire woodlands, Cinnamon Bracket ( Hapalopilus nidulans ) a scarce species, Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus ), Hairy Curtain Crust ( Stereum hirsutum ), Turkey Tail ( Trametes versicolor ), Common Stinkhorn ( Phallus impudicus ) and Scaly Earthball ( Scleroderma verrucosum ), now very common.
Butterflies:
Comma.
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit ( foraging flock).
Comma.
Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) .
Burgundy Bonnet ( Mycena haematopus ).
Mould covered fungi - unidentified.
Beef Steak ( Fistulina hepatica ).
Hoof Fungus ( Fomes fomentarius ).
Turkey Tail ( Trametes versicolor ).
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa ).
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
September 14th - Bubbenhall Wood .
Leader: John Sells
Our first Fungus Foray this year was to Bubbenhall Wood. Bubbenhall wood is an area of ancient woodland and there is evidence of coppicing there. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust report the presence of twenty-seven species of fungus.
Unfortunately, because it s been a dry year there were not many specimens of fungus found. A list of sightings has been provided. I believe sulphur tufts and stinkhorns were amongst the fungus found. In its early stages a stinkhorn looks like an egg half submerged in the ground. This egg is quite gelatinous when broken. When it breaks a stalk emerges with a darker membranous head. As the name suggests it stinks and attracts flies. Apparently, this is because the flies disperse the spores of the fugus.
It is also reported by the trust that there are nineteen species of butterflies in the wood on the day we saw Red Admiral and Speckled Wood.
Some members also witnessed a raven chasing two buzzards.
Sightings:
Plants:
Smooth Hawksbeard, Heath Ragwort, Bull-rush, Wood Sage, Rose Hips (lots), False Wood Brome, Remote Sedge and Self Heal
Fungi:
Coprinellus micaceus, Russet Toughshank (Gymnopus dryophilus), Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare), Pale Brittlestem (Psathyrella candolleana), Weeping Widow (Lacrymaria lacrymabunda), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Blushing Bracket (Daedaleopsis confragosa), Common Stinkhorn (Phallus impudicus) and Scaly Earthball (Scleroderma verrucosum).
Butterflies:
Small White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral and Comma.
Dragonflies:
Common Darter (lots) and Migrant Hawker.
Birds:
Nuthatch, Crow, Raven and Buzzard ( mobbed by Ravens).
Scaly Earthball (Scleroderma verrucosum)
Common Darter - male.
Speckled Wood
Comma - underside.
Comma.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
August 24th - The National Herb Centre .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The National Herb Centre is situated on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border near Warmington. Although it is a plant nursery offering herbs for sale it also has display gardens and walks through these and herb lined hedgerows and is an ideal for butterflies on a sunny day. It was sunny the day we visited.
Common Blue, Brown Argus and Painted Lady were amongst those butterflies observed. Some of us managed to visit the ponds in the area where we did also observe dragonflies. Unfortunately, it was also extremely hot and the area is a sun trap and it was abit of a struggle back up the hill. The centre does have a caf at the top so we were able to reward ourselves for the effort. Many thanks to the Herb Centre for allowing us to use their facilities for this outing.
http://herbcentre.co.uk
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Common Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone and Painted Lady.
Brimstone
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
July 27th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Ken Thompson
The rain that had been falling persistently eased for our walk but prospects for insects and birds were slim. Nine of us made our way down the path to the meadow where the circular path had been improved.
Sightings:
Plants:
Hemlock, Upright Hedge Parsley, Enchanters Nightshade, Common Figwort, Hedge Woundwort, Cowslip Leaves, Welted Thistle, Meadow Crane s-bill, YellowWaterLily, Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort, Water Chickweed and Greater Burdock.
Fungi:
Pale Brittlestem (Psathyrella candolleana)
Butterflies:
Small White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow and Brown, Gatekeeper.
Insects:
Cinnabar Moth, Scarlet Tiger Moth, Banded Demoiselle and Brown Hawker dragonfly.
Fungi:
Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Common Buzzard and Woodpigeon - No Hobbies this time!
Report compiled by: John & Jane Sells
June 30th - Slimbridge Wetlands Centre .
Society Annual Coach Trip
This year s day trip was to the original Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. This was set up by Sir Peter Scott in the 1946. According to Wikipedia it has the world s largest collection of captive fowl. These include some of the world s rarest water birds. We just missed out as a couple of days before our arrival a Little Bustard was seen at the reserve (apparently the first sighting in Gloucestershire since 1946).
Although one might expect the best time to visit would be during the winter to see the migrant birds, we were rewarded by the sighting of many breeding birds and their chicks. Out on one of the lakes was a flock of Avocets. These black and white waders are the emblem of the RSPB. At present there are said to be only 1,500 breeding pairs in the country .
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/avocet/
For a closer experience there were also some at the enclosed wader shore where there was also a Ruff and some Black Winged Stilts and Red Shanks.
One of the hides gave a view of the Kingfishers burrow but it was still difficult to see the birds themselves with only a glimpse as they flew away from the site.
A visit to Slimbridge offers the chance to learn more about some of the birds as lectures are offered throughout the day. One of these is about the Otters and another about the Cranes that are resident. The Great Crane Project reintroduced 93 cranes to the Somerset levels and 75 of these are still alive with some living at Slimbridge. The lecture described how birds bred in captivity have to go to Crane School to learn how to survive in the wild.
http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/category/tags/wwt-slimbridge
The observatory tower is also well worth a visit for the great views of the Severn Estuary and beyond.
Sightings:
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard,
Avocet ( 20+ with young ), Oystercatcher ( 10 with young ), Black-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Common Crane,
Carrion Crow, Rook,and Jackdaw.
Ruff
Common Crane
Avocet
Avocet in flight
Avocet being 'mobbed' by Black-headed Gull
Avocet chick
Oystercatcher and chick
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
June 22nd - Bishop's Hill .
Leader: Jos Tancock
It was never easy to find this reserve but road closures and many recent housing developments caused most drivers to go astray but eventually fifteen of us found it. The weather was warm and sunny which made our stroll through the clay waste a pleasant one
Sightings:
Plants:
Common Spotted Orchid, Bee Orchid, Twayblade, Yellow-wort, Bladder Campion, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Dog Rose, Field Rose, Lady s Bedstraw, Common Ragwort, Perennial St John s- wort, Field Forget-me-not, Agrimony, Self Heal, Hogweed, Common Restharrow, Common Centaury, Mouse-eared Hawkbit, Dwarf Mallow, Scarlet Pimpernel, Tree Cotoneaster, Wall Cotoneaster, Fairy Flax, Quaking Grass, Kidney Vetch, Ribbed Melilot, Hop Trefoil, Black Medick and Meadow Vetchling.
Fungi:
Agrocybe praecox
Butterflies:
Large Skipper, Common Blue, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Brimstone ( male & female ), Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Insects:
Beauiful Demoiselle ( male & female ), Green Tiger Beetle.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Swifts, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow and Buzzards (5).
Bee Orchid
Marbled White
Small Blue
Some of the members on the walk.
Report compiled by: John & Jane Sells
June 8th - Tasker's Meadow .
Leader: Steve Stroud
This meadow is adjacent to Stockton Cutting and is named in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, former Chief Executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who had 30 years service with the Trust.
Although it had been raining that morning, luckily it had stopped in the afternoon for our walk. The weather continued to improve, the sun even broke through the clouds at times. This urged a Common Blue butterfly to break cover and start displaying with wings open, the only butterfly seen during the walk.
A number of small moths were also seen flying, including the Straw Dot ( Rivula sericealis ) and some micros. A Green Tiger beetle ( Cicindela campestris ) was found by Charlie Wale and photos were taken by a number of the Society members. Two Burnet caterpillars were found, along with one cocoon.
Greater Butterfly-orchids were showing well but only a few small Common Spotted-orchids observed.
https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/StocktonTaskers
Sightings:
Plants:
Greater Butterfly Orchid , Common Spotted Orchid, Yellow-wort, Stemless Thistle leaves, Yellow Rattle, Lady s Smock, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Sweet leaves, Meadow Buttercup, Hedge Garlic, Lords and Ladies leaves, Olds mans beard, Rough Chervil, Yellow Flag, Hedgerow Crane s-bill, Bittersweet, Creeping Cinquefoil, Smooth Tare, Common Milkwort, Twayblade, Fairy Flax, Hoary Plantain, Hop Trefoil (REC), Dog Rose and Red Clover
.
Insects:
Common Blue butterfly, Straw Dot moth, Burnet moth caterpillars and cocoon, Green Tiger Beetle.
Dog Rose
Common Spotted-orchid and Greater Butterfly-orchid
Burnet moth caterpillar
Green Tiger Beetle
Report compiled by: Steve Stroud
May 11th - Focus Optics Nature Reserve .
Leader: Shelia Tatum
We would like to thank Tim Fallowell of Focus Optics for allowing us to walk the nature reserve at Focus Optics and for welcoming us on the day. Tim gave a short introduction to the nature reserve which has been reclaimed from intensively farmed land. Focus Optics bought land from local farm. Native trees were used to plant a hedge and later a fouracre woodland area and small copse. An area of land was allowed to regenerate naturally and another was sown as a wild flower meadow. The area is quite high and offers some lovely views of north Warwickshire.
Of particular note, in the meadow, is the amount of yellow rattle; especially as some of it was already in flower in May. The usual time for flowering is from June. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is an important plant to have if one is trying to establish wild flower meadow. The reason for this is that tough grasses compete with the more delicate wild flowers and if there is too much nutrient in the soil the grasses easily swamp the flowers. Yellow rattle is a plant that is semi-parasitic in that it uses photosynthesis to make its own nutrients but also parasitizes grasses thus weakening them. It is an annual plant and thus needs seed to set every year. However, wildflower meadows should not be mown during the summer months or only after the seed has developed so the earliest mowing should be August. This should ensure that the rattle seeds are sown ready for the next year.
Tim has a sightings list of birds, moths and butterflies and it is an impressive list. It would have been better for our group to go alittle later in the year in order to see all the flowers but even so the site was well worth the visit and we are very grateful to Focus Optics for their hospitality.
https://www.focusopticsltd.co.uk/l
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2012/sep/27/yellow-rattle-meadow-grassland
Sightings:
Plants:
Thale Cress, Common Whitlow-grass, Wall Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Field Maple, Mouse-ear, Foxglove leaves, Cowslip, Bluebell, White Dead Nettle, Spindle Tree, Vernal Grass, Common Sorrel, Dandelion, Yellow Archangel, Small-leaved Lime, Meadow Buttercup, Hawthorn, Elderflower, Common Vetch, Lady's Smock, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Rattle, Lady's Bedstraw.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Swallow, Wren, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 27th - Earlswood Lakes .
Leader: David Porter
Earlswood Lakes are feeder lakes for the canal system. Information about them can be found on the Canal and River Trust website.
Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cow parsley, Bluebells, Marsh Marigold, May Blossom, Cellandine, Cardamine, Dandelion, Dogs Mercury, Ransomes, Goat Willow, Pendulous Sedge, Archangel, Horsetail, Lily of the Valley(Adjacent Wood), Apple Blossom, Wood Anemone, Arum Leaves, Wood Spurge, Bittercress, Greater Stitchwort, Hedge Garlic
Birds:
Swallow Moorhen, Coot, Jay, Wren, Mallard.
Butterflies:
Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Agaricus langei Scaly Wood Mushroom
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Chalciporus piperatus
Peppery Bolete
This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland
Clitocybe geotropa Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). Cortinarius sp. Webcap Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill Gymnopilus penetrans Common Rustgill Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank Laccaria laccata Deceiver Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim Psathyrella piluliformis Common Stump Brittlestem Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap (see picture below) Russula vesca The Flirt Clavulina cinerea Grey Coral Fomes fomentarius
Hoof Fungus
The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013.
Inonotus hispidus Shaggy Bracket Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Postia sp. Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball (see picture below) Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Trochila ilicina Holly Speckle
Clitopilus prunulus The Miller Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Amanita citrina False Deathcap Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata Deceiver Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap Rhodocollybia maculata Spotted Toughshank uncommon Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap uncommon Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Tephrocybe rancida Rancid Greyling uncommon Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Abortiporus biennis Blushing Rosette uncommon Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose,
Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Peter Cooke wasn't expected to be there, but as he was he brought along his folders of photographs of plant galls including new ones taken under the microscope.
Alan Wright lent an artistic touch with different ways of representing natural things - drawings, sculptures and paintings.
We also had a display of feathers and nests from Steve Stroud, and David Porter's collection of snail shells, some so small they were diffcult to see!
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
Ken Thompson brought along a large, heavy metal object for us to guess the use - and somebody did!
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.
Jos Tancock
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Unfortunately, because it s been a dry year there were not many specimens of fungus found. A list of sightings has been provided. I believe sulphur tufts and stinkhorns were amongst the fungus found. In its early stages a stinkhorn looks like an egg half submerged in the ground. This egg is quite gelatinous when broken. When it breaks a stalk emerges with a darker membranous head. As the name suggests it stinks and attracts flies. Apparently, this is because the flies disperse the spores of the fugus.
It is also reported by the trust that there are nineteen species of butterflies in the wood on the day we saw Red Admiral and Speckled Wood.
Some members also witnessed a raven chasing two buzzards.
The National Herb Centre is situated on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border near Warmington. Although it is a plant nursery offering herbs for sale it also has display gardens and walks through these and herb lined hedgerows and is an ideal for butterflies on a sunny day. It was sunny the day we visited.
Common Blue, Brown Argus and Painted Lady were amongst those butterflies observed. Some of us managed to visit the ponds in the area where we did also observe dragonflies. Unfortunately, it was also extremely hot and the area is a sun trap and it was abit of a struggle back up the hill. The centre does have a caf at the top so we were able to reward ourselves for the effort. Many thanks to the Herb Centre for allowing us to use their facilities for this outing.
http://herbcentre.co.uk
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Common Blue, Brown Argus, Brimstone and Painted Lady.
Brimstone
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
July 27th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Ken Thompson
The rain that had been falling persistently eased for our walk but prospects for insects and birds were slim. Nine of us made our way down the path to the meadow where the circular path had been improved.
Sightings:
Plants:
Hemlock, Upright Hedge Parsley, Enchanters Nightshade, Common Figwort, Hedge Woundwort, Cowslip Leaves, Welted Thistle, Meadow Crane s-bill, YellowWaterLily, Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort, Water Chickweed and Greater Burdock.
Fungi:
Pale Brittlestem (Psathyrella candolleana)
Butterflies:
Small White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Meadow and Brown, Gatekeeper.
Insects:
Cinnabar Moth, Scarlet Tiger Moth, Banded Demoiselle and Brown Hawker dragonfly.
Fungi:
Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Common Buzzard and Woodpigeon - No Hobbies this time!
Report compiled by: John & Jane Sells
June 30th - Slimbridge Wetlands Centre .
Society Annual Coach Trip
This year s day trip was to the original Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. This was set up by Sir Peter Scott in the 1946. According to Wikipedia it has the world s largest collection of captive fowl. These include some of the world s rarest water birds. We just missed out as a couple of days before our arrival a Little Bustard was seen at the reserve (apparently the first sighting in Gloucestershire since 1946).
Although one might expect the best time to visit would be during the winter to see the migrant birds, we were rewarded by the sighting of many breeding birds and their chicks. Out on one of the lakes was a flock of Avocets. These black and white waders are the emblem of the RSPB. At present there are said to be only 1,500 breeding pairs in the country .
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/avocet/
For a closer experience there were also some at the enclosed wader shore where there was also a Ruff and some Black Winged Stilts and Red Shanks.
One of the hides gave a view of the Kingfishers burrow but it was still difficult to see the birds themselves with only a glimpse as they flew away from the site.
A visit to Slimbridge offers the chance to learn more about some of the birds as lectures are offered throughout the day. One of these is about the Otters and another about the Cranes that are resident. The Great Crane Project reintroduced 93 cranes to the Somerset levels and 75 of these are still alive with some living at Slimbridge. The lecture described how birds bred in captivity have to go to Crane School to learn how to survive in the wild.
http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/category/tags/wwt-slimbridge
The observatory tower is also well worth a visit for the great views of the Severn Estuary and beyond.
Sightings:
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard,
Avocet ( 20+ with young ), Oystercatcher ( 10 with young ), Black-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Common Crane,
Carrion Crow, Rook,and Jackdaw.
Ruff
Common Crane
Avocet
Avocet in flight
Avocet being 'mobbed' by Black-headed Gull
Avocet chick
Oystercatcher and chick
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
June 22nd - Bishop's Hill .
Leader: Jos Tancock
It was never easy to find this reserve but road closures and many recent housing developments caused most drivers to go astray but eventually fifteen of us found it. The weather was warm and sunny which made our stroll through the clay waste a pleasant one
Sightings:
Plants:
Common Spotted Orchid, Bee Orchid, Twayblade, Yellow-wort, Bladder Campion, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Dog Rose, Field Rose, Lady s Bedstraw, Common Ragwort, Perennial St John s- wort, Field Forget-me-not, Agrimony, Self Heal, Hogweed, Common Restharrow, Common Centaury, Mouse-eared Hawkbit, Dwarf Mallow, Scarlet Pimpernel, Tree Cotoneaster, Wall Cotoneaster, Fairy Flax, Quaking Grass, Kidney Vetch, Ribbed Melilot, Hop Trefoil, Black Medick and Meadow Vetchling.
Fungi:
Agrocybe praecox
Butterflies:
Large Skipper, Common Blue, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Brimstone ( male & female ), Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Insects:
Beauiful Demoiselle ( male & female ), Green Tiger Beetle.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Swifts, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow and Buzzards (5).
Bee Orchid
Marbled White
Small Blue
Some of the members on the walk.
Report compiled by: John & Jane Sells
June 8th - Tasker's Meadow .
Leader: Steve Stroud
This meadow is adjacent to Stockton Cutting and is named in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, former Chief Executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who had 30 years service with the Trust.
Although it had been raining that morning, luckily it had stopped in the afternoon for our walk. The weather continued to improve, the sun even broke through the clouds at times. This urged a Common Blue butterfly to break cover and start displaying with wings open, the only butterfly seen during the walk.
A number of small moths were also seen flying, including the Straw Dot ( Rivula sericealis ) and some micros. A Green Tiger beetle ( Cicindela campestris ) was found by Charlie Wale and photos were taken by a number of the Society members. Two Burnet caterpillars were found, along with one cocoon.
Greater Butterfly-orchids were showing well but only a few small Common Spotted-orchids observed.
https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/StocktonTaskers
Sightings:
Plants:
Greater Butterfly Orchid , Common Spotted Orchid, Yellow-wort, Stemless Thistle leaves, Yellow Rattle, Lady s Smock, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Sweet leaves, Meadow Buttercup, Hedge Garlic, Lords and Ladies leaves, Olds mans beard, Rough Chervil, Yellow Flag, Hedgerow Crane s-bill, Bittersweet, Creeping Cinquefoil, Smooth Tare, Common Milkwort, Twayblade, Fairy Flax, Hoary Plantain, Hop Trefoil (REC), Dog Rose and Red Clover
.
Insects:
Common Blue butterfly, Straw Dot moth, Burnet moth caterpillars and cocoon, Green Tiger Beetle.
Dog Rose
Common Spotted-orchid and Greater Butterfly-orchid
Burnet moth caterpillar
Green Tiger Beetle
Report compiled by: Steve Stroud
May 11th - Focus Optics Nature Reserve .
Leader: Shelia Tatum
We would like to thank Tim Fallowell of Focus Optics for allowing us to walk the nature reserve at Focus Optics and for welcoming us on the day. Tim gave a short introduction to the nature reserve which has been reclaimed from intensively farmed land. Focus Optics bought land from local farm. Native trees were used to plant a hedge and later a fouracre woodland area and small copse. An area of land was allowed to regenerate naturally and another was sown as a wild flower meadow. The area is quite high and offers some lovely views of north Warwickshire.
Of particular note, in the meadow, is the amount of yellow rattle; especially as some of it was already in flower in May. The usual time for flowering is from June. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is an important plant to have if one is trying to establish wild flower meadow. The reason for this is that tough grasses compete with the more delicate wild flowers and if there is too much nutrient in the soil the grasses easily swamp the flowers. Yellow rattle is a plant that is semi-parasitic in that it uses photosynthesis to make its own nutrients but also parasitizes grasses thus weakening them. It is an annual plant and thus needs seed to set every year. However, wildflower meadows should not be mown during the summer months or only after the seed has developed so the earliest mowing should be August. This should ensure that the rattle seeds are sown ready for the next year.
Tim has a sightings list of birds, moths and butterflies and it is an impressive list. It would have been better for our group to go alittle later in the year in order to see all the flowers but even so the site was well worth the visit and we are very grateful to Focus Optics for their hospitality.
https://www.focusopticsltd.co.uk/l
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2012/sep/27/yellow-rattle-meadow-grassland
Sightings:
Plants:
Thale Cress, Common Whitlow-grass, Wall Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Field Maple, Mouse-ear, Foxglove leaves, Cowslip, Bluebell, White Dead Nettle, Spindle Tree, Vernal Grass, Common Sorrel, Dandelion, Yellow Archangel, Small-leaved Lime, Meadow Buttercup, Hawthorn, Elderflower, Common Vetch, Lady's Smock, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Rattle, Lady's Bedstraw.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Swallow, Wren, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 27th - Earlswood Lakes .
Leader: David Porter
Earlswood Lakes are feeder lakes for the canal system. Information about them can be found on the Canal and River Trust website.
Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cow parsley, Bluebells, Marsh Marigold, May Blossom, Cellandine, Cardamine, Dandelion, Dogs Mercury, Ransomes, Goat Willow, Pendulous Sedge, Archangel, Horsetail, Lily of the Valley(Adjacent Wood), Apple Blossom, Wood Anemone, Arum Leaves, Wood Spurge, Bittercress, Greater Stitchwort, Hedge Garlic
Birds:
Swallow Moorhen, Coot, Jay, Wren, Mallard.
Butterflies:
Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Agaricus langei Scaly Wood Mushroom
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Chalciporus piperatus
Peppery Bolete
This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland
Clitocybe geotropa Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). Cortinarius sp. Webcap Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill Gymnopilus penetrans Common Rustgill Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank Laccaria laccata Deceiver Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim Psathyrella piluliformis Common Stump Brittlestem Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap (see picture below) Russula vesca The Flirt Clavulina cinerea Grey Coral Fomes fomentarius
Hoof Fungus
The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013.
Inonotus hispidus Shaggy Bracket Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Postia sp. Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball (see picture below) Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Trochila ilicina Holly Speckle
Clitopilus prunulus The Miller Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Amanita citrina False Deathcap Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata Deceiver Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap Rhodocollybia maculata Spotted Toughshank uncommon Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap uncommon Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Tephrocybe rancida Rancid Greyling uncommon Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Abortiporus biennis Blushing Rosette uncommon Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose,
Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Peter Cooke wasn't expected to be there, but as he was he brought along his folders of photographs of plant galls including new ones taken under the microscope.
Alan Wright lent an artistic touch with different ways of representing natural things - drawings, sculptures and paintings.
We also had a display of feathers and nests from Steve Stroud, and David Porter's collection of snail shells, some so small they were diffcult to see!
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
Ken Thompson brought along a large, heavy metal object for us to guess the use - and somebody did!
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.
Jos Tancock
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This year s day trip was to the original Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. This was set up by Sir Peter Scott in the 1946. According to Wikipedia it has the world s largest collection of captive fowl. These include some of the world s rarest water birds. We just missed out as a couple of days before our arrival a Little Bustard was seen at the reserve (apparently the first sighting in Gloucestershire since 1946).
Although one might expect the best time to visit would be during the winter to see the migrant birds, we were rewarded by the sighting of many breeding birds and their chicks. Out on one of the lakes was a flock of Avocets. These black and white waders are the emblem of the RSPB. At present there are said to be only 1,500 breeding pairs in the country .
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/avocet/
For a closer experience there were also some at the enclosed wader shore where there was also a Ruff and some Black Winged Stilts and Red Shanks.
One of the hides gave a view of the Kingfishers burrow but it was still difficult to see the birds themselves with only a glimpse as they flew away from the site.
A visit to Slimbridge offers the chance to learn more about some of the birds as lectures are offered throughout the day. One of these is about the Otters and another about the Cranes that are resident. The Great Crane Project reintroduced 93 cranes to the Somerset levels and 75 of these are still alive with some living at Slimbridge. The lecture described how birds bred in captivity have to go to Crane School to learn how to survive in the wild.
http://www.thegreatcraneproject.org.uk/category/tags/wwt-slimbridge
The observatory tower is also well worth a visit for the great views of the Severn Estuary and beyond.
Sightings:
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Blackcap, Sedge Warbler, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard,
Avocet ( 20+ with young ), Oystercatcher ( 10 with young ), Black-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Common Crane,
Carrion Crow, Rook,and Jackdaw.
Ruff
Common Crane
Avocet
Avocet in flight
Avocet being 'mobbed' by Black-headed Gull
Avocet chick
Oystercatcher and chick
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
June 22nd - Bishop's Hill .
Leader: Jos Tancock
It was never easy to find this reserve but road closures and many recent housing developments caused most drivers to go astray but eventually fifteen of us found it. The weather was warm and sunny which made our stroll through the clay waste a pleasant one
Sightings:
Plants:
Common Spotted Orchid, Bee Orchid, Twayblade, Yellow-wort, Bladder Campion, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Dog Rose, Field Rose, Lady s Bedstraw, Common Ragwort, Perennial St John s- wort, Field Forget-me-not, Agrimony, Self Heal, Hogweed, Common Restharrow, Common Centaury, Mouse-eared Hawkbit, Dwarf Mallow, Scarlet Pimpernel, Tree Cotoneaster, Wall Cotoneaster, Fairy Flax, Quaking Grass, Kidney Vetch, Ribbed Melilot, Hop Trefoil, Black Medick and Meadow Vetchling.
Fungi:
Agrocybe praecox
Butterflies:
Large Skipper, Common Blue, Small Blue, Brown Argus, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Brimstone ( male & female ), Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Insects:
Beauiful Demoiselle ( male & female ), Green Tiger Beetle.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, House Sparrow, Swifts, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow and Buzzards (5).
Bee Orchid
Marbled White
Small Blue
Some of the members on the walk.
Report compiled by: John & Jane Sells
June 8th - Tasker's Meadow .
Leader: Steve Stroud
This meadow is adjacent to Stockton Cutting and is named in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, former Chief Executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who had 30 years service with the Trust.
Although it had been raining that morning, luckily it had stopped in the afternoon for our walk. The weather continued to improve, the sun even broke through the clouds at times. This urged a Common Blue butterfly to break cover and start displaying with wings open, the only butterfly seen during the walk.
A number of small moths were also seen flying, including the Straw Dot ( Rivula sericealis ) and some micros. A Green Tiger beetle ( Cicindela campestris ) was found by Charlie Wale and photos were taken by a number of the Society members. Two Burnet caterpillars were found, along with one cocoon.
Greater Butterfly-orchids were showing well but only a few small Common Spotted-orchids observed.
https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/StocktonTaskers
Sightings:
Plants:
Greater Butterfly Orchid , Common Spotted Orchid, Yellow-wort, Stemless Thistle leaves, Yellow Rattle, Lady s Smock, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Sweet leaves, Meadow Buttercup, Hedge Garlic, Lords and Ladies leaves, Olds mans beard, Rough Chervil, Yellow Flag, Hedgerow Crane s-bill, Bittersweet, Creeping Cinquefoil, Smooth Tare, Common Milkwort, Twayblade, Fairy Flax, Hoary Plantain, Hop Trefoil (REC), Dog Rose and Red Clover
.
Insects:
Common Blue butterfly, Straw Dot moth, Burnet moth caterpillars and cocoon, Green Tiger Beetle.
Dog Rose
Common Spotted-orchid and Greater Butterfly-orchid
Burnet moth caterpillar
Green Tiger Beetle
Report compiled by: Steve Stroud
May 11th - Focus Optics Nature Reserve .
Leader: Shelia Tatum
We would like to thank Tim Fallowell of Focus Optics for allowing us to walk the nature reserve at Focus Optics and for welcoming us on the day. Tim gave a short introduction to the nature reserve which has been reclaimed from intensively farmed land. Focus Optics bought land from local farm. Native trees were used to plant a hedge and later a fouracre woodland area and small copse. An area of land was allowed to regenerate naturally and another was sown as a wild flower meadow. The area is quite high and offers some lovely views of north Warwickshire.
Of particular note, in the meadow, is the amount of yellow rattle; especially as some of it was already in flower in May. The usual time for flowering is from June. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is an important plant to have if one is trying to establish wild flower meadow. The reason for this is that tough grasses compete with the more delicate wild flowers and if there is too much nutrient in the soil the grasses easily swamp the flowers. Yellow rattle is a plant that is semi-parasitic in that it uses photosynthesis to make its own nutrients but also parasitizes grasses thus weakening them. It is an annual plant and thus needs seed to set every year. However, wildflower meadows should not be mown during the summer months or only after the seed has developed so the earliest mowing should be August. This should ensure that the rattle seeds are sown ready for the next year.
Tim has a sightings list of birds, moths and butterflies and it is an impressive list. It would have been better for our group to go alittle later in the year in order to see all the flowers but even so the site was well worth the visit and we are very grateful to Focus Optics for their hospitality.
https://www.focusopticsltd.co.uk/l
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2012/sep/27/yellow-rattle-meadow-grassland
Sightings:
Plants:
Thale Cress, Common Whitlow-grass, Wall Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Field Maple, Mouse-ear, Foxglove leaves, Cowslip, Bluebell, White Dead Nettle, Spindle Tree, Vernal Grass, Common Sorrel, Dandelion, Yellow Archangel, Small-leaved Lime, Meadow Buttercup, Hawthorn, Elderflower, Common Vetch, Lady's Smock, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Rattle, Lady's Bedstraw.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Swallow, Wren, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 27th - Earlswood Lakes .
Leader: David Porter
Earlswood Lakes are feeder lakes for the canal system. Information about them can be found on the Canal and River Trust website.
Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cow parsley, Bluebells, Marsh Marigold, May Blossom, Cellandine, Cardamine, Dandelion, Dogs Mercury, Ransomes, Goat Willow, Pendulous Sedge, Archangel, Horsetail, Lily of the Valley(Adjacent Wood), Apple Blossom, Wood Anemone, Arum Leaves, Wood Spurge, Bittercress, Greater Stitchwort, Hedge Garlic
Birds:
Swallow Moorhen, Coot, Jay, Wren, Mallard.
Butterflies:
Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Agaricus langei Scaly Wood Mushroom
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Chalciporus piperatus
Peppery Bolete
This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland
Clitocybe geotropa Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). Cortinarius sp. Webcap Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill Gymnopilus penetrans Common Rustgill Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank Laccaria laccata Deceiver Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim Psathyrella piluliformis Common Stump Brittlestem Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap (see picture below) Russula vesca The Flirt Clavulina cinerea Grey Coral Fomes fomentarius
Hoof Fungus
The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013.
Inonotus hispidus Shaggy Bracket Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Postia sp. Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball (see picture below) Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Trochila ilicina Holly Speckle
Clitopilus prunulus The Miller Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Amanita citrina False Deathcap Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata Deceiver Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap Rhodocollybia maculata Spotted Toughshank uncommon Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap uncommon Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Tephrocybe rancida Rancid Greyling uncommon Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Abortiporus biennis Blushing Rosette uncommon Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose,
Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Peter Cooke wasn't expected to be there, but as he was he brought along his folders of photographs of plant galls including new ones taken under the microscope.
Alan Wright lent an artistic touch with different ways of representing natural things - drawings, sculptures and paintings.
We also had a display of feathers and nests from Steve Stroud, and David Porter's collection of snail shells, some so small they were diffcult to see!
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
Ken Thompson brought along a large, heavy metal object for us to guess the use - and somebody did!
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.
Jos Tancock
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This meadow is adjacent to Stockton Cutting and is named in honour of Dr Andy Tasker, former Chief Executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust who had 30 years service with the Trust.
Although it had been raining that morning, luckily it had stopped in the afternoon for our walk. The weather continued to improve, the sun even broke through the clouds at times. This urged a Common Blue butterfly to break cover and start displaying with wings open, the only butterfly seen during the walk.
A number of small moths were also seen flying, including the Straw Dot ( Rivula sericealis ) and some micros. A Green Tiger beetle ( Cicindela campestris ) was found by Charlie Wale and photos were taken by a number of the Society members. Two Burnet caterpillars were found, along with one cocoon.
Greater Butterfly-orchids were showing well but only a few small Common Spotted-orchids observed.
https://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/StocktonTaskers
Sightings:
Plants:
Greater Butterfly Orchid , Common Spotted Orchid, Yellow-wort, Stemless Thistle leaves, Yellow Rattle, Lady s Smock, Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Sweet leaves, Meadow Buttercup, Hedge Garlic, Lords and Ladies leaves, Olds mans beard, Rough Chervil, Yellow Flag, Hedgerow Crane s-bill, Bittersweet, Creeping Cinquefoil, Smooth Tare, Common Milkwort, Twayblade, Fairy Flax, Hoary Plantain, Hop Trefoil (REC), Dog Rose and Red Clover .
Insects:
Common Blue butterfly, Straw Dot moth, Burnet moth caterpillars and cocoon, Green Tiger Beetle.
Dog Rose
Common Spotted-orchid and Greater Butterfly-orchid
Burnet moth caterpillar
Green Tiger Beetle
Report compiled by: Steve Stroud
May 11th - Focus Optics Nature Reserve .
Leader: Shelia Tatum
We would like to thank Tim Fallowell of Focus Optics for allowing us to walk the nature reserve at Focus Optics and for welcoming us on the day. Tim gave a short introduction to the nature reserve which has been reclaimed from intensively farmed land. Focus Optics bought land from local farm. Native trees were used to plant a hedge and later a fouracre woodland area and small copse. An area of land was allowed to regenerate naturally and another was sown as a wild flower meadow. The area is quite high and offers some lovely views of north Warwickshire.
Of particular note, in the meadow, is the amount of yellow rattle; especially as some of it was already in flower in May. The usual time for flowering is from June. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is an important plant to have if one is trying to establish wild flower meadow. The reason for this is that tough grasses compete with the more delicate wild flowers and if there is too much nutrient in the soil the grasses easily swamp the flowers. Yellow rattle is a plant that is semi-parasitic in that it uses photosynthesis to make its own nutrients but also parasitizes grasses thus weakening them. It is an annual plant and thus needs seed to set every year. However, wildflower meadows should not be mown during the summer months or only after the seed has developed so the earliest mowing should be August. This should ensure that the rattle seeds are sown ready for the next year.
Tim has a sightings list of birds, moths and butterflies and it is an impressive list. It would have been better for our group to go alittle later in the year in order to see all the flowers but even so the site was well worth the visit and we are very grateful to Focus Optics for their hospitality.
https://www.focusopticsltd.co.uk/l
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gardening-blog/2012/sep/27/yellow-rattle-meadow-grassland
Sightings:
Plants:
Thale Cress, Common Whitlow-grass, Wall Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Field Maple, Mouse-ear, Foxglove leaves, Cowslip, Bluebell, White Dead Nettle, Spindle Tree, Vernal Grass, Common Sorrel, Dandelion, Yellow Archangel, Small-leaved Lime, Meadow Buttercup, Hawthorn, Elderflower, Common Vetch, Lady's Smock, Wood Forget-me-not, Yellow Rattle, Lady's Bedstraw.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Swallow, Wren, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Mallard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 27th - Earlswood Lakes .
Leader: David Porter
Earlswood Lakes are feeder lakes for the canal system. Information about them can be found on the Canal and River Trust website.
Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cow parsley, Bluebells, Marsh Marigold, May Blossom, Cellandine, Cardamine, Dandelion, Dogs Mercury, Ransomes, Goat Willow, Pendulous Sedge, Archangel, Horsetail, Lily of the Valley(Adjacent Wood), Apple Blossom, Wood Anemone, Arum Leaves, Wood Spurge, Bittercress, Greater Stitchwort, Hedge Garlic
Birds:
Swallow Moorhen, Coot, Jay, Wren, Mallard.
Butterflies:
Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Agaricus langei Scaly Wood Mushroom
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Chalciporus piperatus
Peppery Bolete
This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland
Clitocybe geotropa Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). Cortinarius sp. Webcap Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill Gymnopilus penetrans Common Rustgill Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank Laccaria laccata Deceiver Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim Psathyrella piluliformis Common Stump Brittlestem Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap (see picture below) Russula vesca The Flirt Clavulina cinerea Grey Coral Fomes fomentarius
Hoof Fungus
The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013.
Inonotus hispidus Shaggy Bracket Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Postia sp. Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball (see picture below) Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Trochila ilicina Holly Speckle
Clitopilus prunulus The Miller Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Amanita citrina False Deathcap Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata Deceiver Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap Rhodocollybia maculata Spotted Toughshank uncommon Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap uncommon Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Tephrocybe rancida Rancid Greyling uncommon Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Abortiporus biennis Blushing Rosette uncommon Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose,
Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Peter Cooke wasn't expected to be there, but as he was he brought along his folders of photographs of plant galls including new ones taken under the microscope.
Alan Wright lent an artistic touch with different ways of representing natural things - drawings, sculptures and paintings.
We also had a display of feathers and nests from Steve Stroud, and David Porter's collection of snail shells, some so small they were diffcult to see!
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
Ken Thompson brought along a large, heavy metal object for us to guess the use - and somebody did!
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.
Jos Tancock
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Of particular note, in the meadow, is the amount of yellow rattle; especially as some of it was already in flower in May. The usual time for flowering is from June. Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is an important plant to have if one is trying to establish wild flower meadow. The reason for this is that tough grasses compete with the more delicate wild flowers and if there is too much nutrient in the soil the grasses easily swamp the flowers. Yellow rattle is a plant that is semi-parasitic in that it uses photosynthesis to make its own nutrients but also parasitizes grasses thus weakening them. It is an annual plant and thus needs seed to set every year. However, wildflower meadows should not be mown during the summer months or only after the seed has developed so the earliest mowing should be August. This should ensure that the rattle seeds are sown ready for the next year.
Tim has a sightings list of birds, moths and butterflies and it is an impressive list. It would have been better for our group to go alittle later in the year in order to see all the flowers but even so the site was well worth the visit and we are very grateful to Focus Optics for their hospitality.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 27th - Earlswood Lakes .
Leader: David Porter
Earlswood Lakes are feeder lakes for the canal system. Information about them can be found on the Canal and River Trust website.
Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cow parsley, Bluebells, Marsh Marigold, May Blossom, Cellandine, Cardamine, Dandelion, Dogs Mercury, Ransomes, Goat Willow, Pendulous Sedge, Archangel, Horsetail, Lily of the Valley(Adjacent Wood), Apple Blossom, Wood Anemone, Arum Leaves, Wood Spurge, Bittercress, Greater Stitchwort, Hedge Garlic
Birds:
Swallow Moorhen, Coot, Jay, Wren, Mallard.
Butterflies:
Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Agaricus langei Scaly Wood Mushroom
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric Chalciporus piperatus
Peppery Bolete
This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland
Clitocybe geotropa Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. Clitocybe gibba Common Funnel Clitocybe nebularis Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). Cortinarius sp. Webcap Crepidotus variabilis Variable Oysterling Entoloma rhodopolium Wood Pinkgill Gymnopilus penetrans Common Rustgill Gymnopus dryophilus Russet Toughshank Laccaria laccata Deceiver Lactarius tabidus Birch Milkcap Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Mycena galericulata Common Bonnet Mycena pura Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) Mycena vitilis Snapping Bonnet Paxillus involutus Brown Rollrim Psathyrella piluliformis Common Stump Brittlestem Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap (see picture below) Russula vesca The Flirt Clavulina cinerea Grey Coral Fomes fomentarius
Hoof Fungus
The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013.
Inonotus hispidus Shaggy Bracket Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Postia sp. Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball (see picture below) Auricularia auricula-judae Jelly Ear
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Trochila ilicina Holly Speckle
Clitopilus prunulus The Miller Xylaria hypoxylon Candlesnuff Fungus Amanita citrina False Deathcap Hypholoma fasciculare Sulphur Tuft Laccaria amethystina Amethyst Deceiver Laccaria laccata Deceiver Mycena arcangeliana Angel s Bonnet Rhodocollybia butyracea Butter Cap Rhodocollybia maculata Spotted Toughshank uncommon Rickenella fibula Orange Mosscap uncommon Russula ochroleuca Ochre Brittlegill Tephrocybe rancida Rancid Greyling uncommon Daedaleopsis confragosa Blushing Bracket Abortiporus biennis Blushing Rosette uncommon Piptoporus betulinus Birch Polypore Stereum hirsutum Hairy Curtain Crust Trametes versicolor Turkeytail Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball Scleroderma citrinum Common Earthball Scleroderma verrucosum Scaly Earthball
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor)
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose,
Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Peter Cooke wasn't expected to be there, but as he was he brought along his folders of photographs of plant galls including new ones taken under the microscope.
Alan Wright lent an artistic touch with different ways of representing natural things - drawings, sculptures and paintings.
We also had a display of feathers and nests from Steve Stroud, and David Porter's collection of snail shells, some so small they were diffcult to see!
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
Ken Thompson brought along a large, heavy metal object for us to guess the use - and somebody did!
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.
Jos Tancock
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Our walk took place on what promised to be a rainy day but in fact the rain held off so we could enjoy a dry but coldish day. The paths around the lakes are good easy walking and are good for people with limited ability as well as more able-bodied people. We did though divert through Clowes Wood where the paths are a little wore rough but not too bad as underfoot was dry
Our walk started from the Malthouse Lane Carpark and took us around Terry s Pool. There were not many water birds visible though there were coots and moorhens a pair of mallards presumably the water birds were on nests. Although it doesn t seem like it at the moment the weather has been warmer than usual and there were plenty of wild flowers. Especially noticeable was the smell of garlic as there was a carpet of ransomes (wild garlic) in one area.
Towards the western end of the lake we past into Clowes Wood. The plant of particular interest and that was Lily of the Valley.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
April 13th - Berkswell Churchyard & Walk .
Leader: Charlie Wale
Our walk this week started in the village of Berkswell and took us through the churchyard of St John the Baptist Church, through the woodland belt into the field beyond where there is a lake used by fishermen. At the start of the walk we stopped prior to entering the churchyard to inspect the well. The date of the original well and its original use are debated but it is said to be named after the Saxon Landowner, Bercul . The well seems to have been the water source for the village and it may or may not have been used for baptisms.
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
https://greatenglishchurches.co.uk/html/berkswell.html
http://www.berkswellsociety.org.uk/berkswell-well.html
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Daisy, Comfrey, Dandelion, Arum, Celandine, Bluebell, Cardamine,Cow Parsley, white Dead Nettle, Silver weed (leaf), Meadow Sweet (leaf), Goose Grass.
Birds:
Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Oyster Catcher, Coot, Tufted Duck, Swalllows, House Martins, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Greylag, Great Crested Grebe, Pheasant, Great Tit, Heron.
Butterflies:
Green Viened White, Orange Tip.
Report compiled by: Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2018 / 19
January 18th - Secrets of a Wildlife garden.
Nick Martin.
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Charlie Wale
January 4th - Darwin, Arnhem Land and Saltwater Corcodiles.
Sheila Tatum.
Darwin and Arnhem Land are in the Northern Territories of Australia a state known as the real outback. The Climate is tropical withwet and dry seasons. It is slightly cooler and less humid in the dry season, but the wet season hasdramatic electrical storms and it rains mostly at night. It is possible to visit in both seasons.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
December 7th - The Past Beneath Our Feet.
Brian Pollard.
When most people think of metal detecting they think of gold but note the title, the Past beneath our feet not treasure beneath our feet. Brian s artefacts are mostly ordinary worthless domestic items that have become lost during use, but my goodness their voice is louder than gold when it comes to telling us about the history of their time.
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.
The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
November 16th - Birds at Three National Trust properties.
Graham Harrison.
Graham and his wife Janet began to monitor birds at National Trust properties some years ago as members of the West Midlands Bird Club, but now as N T volunteers. The properties they monitor are: Charlecote Park, Baddesley Clinton and Packwood which are different sizes and have different features. This means they have very much the same species but in different numbers.
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
November 2nd - The Village Pond .
Paul Wilkinson.
The title was a bit misleading. Paul gave us definitions of ditches, ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Ponds (which can be very large) sometimes have inflows and outflows by streams but all have a base of the underlying rock/soil. Garden ponds with liners do not count, valuable to wildlife as they are.
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
October 4th - Madagascar.
David Porter.
I showed slides of my visit to Madagascar as one of a small group led by Mike Williams of Butterfly Conservation We had our usual Hungarian butterfly expert Safi Szabolcs to help us with identification. My favourites were the Emperors or Charaxes of which we have one species in Europe, the Two Tailed Pasha.
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
October 6th - Coombe Abbey Country Park .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The final walk of 2018 was to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Happily, the weather remained dry for the duration of the outing though after one of the hottest summers and a drought the weather had been quite rainy over the past week, but the autumn has turned out to be very colourful. The walk commenced in the carpark and down the main path to the lake. On the way we noticed various fungi including a large clump of Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme). As on previous walks only a few fungi were seen probably due to the previous very dry weather.
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia.
(https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at
http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
Sightings:
Fungi:
Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffballs)
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Plants:
Special trees in park:
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Birds:
Wigeon
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
Stump Puffballs (Lycoperdon pyriforme).
September 22nd - Clowes Wood ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
In spite of the persistent light rain and prospects for fungi being low twelve people arrived to explore this usually productive wood. Of the nineteen species identified the interesting were:
The Porcelain Fungus still present on the beech trees which had been felled since our last visit and were no longer such an impressive sight.
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Daldinia concentrica (King Alfred s Cakes)
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Others:
Common Frog, Wood Mouse.
Small Staggshorn (Calocera cornea).
Bleeding Oak Crust (Stereum gausapatum).
Porcelain Fungus (Oudemansiella mucida).
September 8th - Kenilworth Common ( Fungus foray ) .
Leader: John Sells
Sixteen species were all we were expecting following the summer drought with most growing on wood. The Spring Cavalier is increasing in numbers and not confined to spring and the Beefsteak Fungus is always interesting
Sightings:
Fungi:
Erysiphe alphitoides (Oak Mildew)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Plants:
Rowan, Holly, Guelder Rose berries were by the stream
Buddleia was in flower
Elderberries mostly eaten by the birds
Leycesteria formosa Flowering Nutmeg (a garden escape) was growing among the brambles with flowers and berries
Birdsfoot leaves were among the grass in the flat area
Brittle Bladder Fern was growing well on the arch of the railway bridge
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded:
Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress,
White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries,
Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Insects:
Hornet
August 25th - Binswood Allotments with John and Monika Walton .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The weather favoured us this time, we enjoyed a dry and sunny afternoon after a short torrential downpour just before we met. The twelve of our members present were joined by three invited members of the Warwick Natural History Society who had missed their group visit here last year.
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it!
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
August 12th - Ryton Wood .
Leader: Steve Stroud
Although a 25% risk of rain had been forecast for the afternoon, the weather stayed dry and warm but overcast for the nine members that attended this walk.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Common Blue.
Dragonflies
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Blue Damselfly.
Insects:
Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus).
July 28th - Tile Hill Wood .
Leader: Chris Hodgson
The programme was to enjoy the trees in the Abbey Fields, Kenilworth, but this was not a sensible place to walk around in the heat. The temperature for Friday the 27th was predicted to be the highest for many years and the heatwave throughout the month had been so extreme that health warnings were issued.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
Sightings:
Common Frog
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot
Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry
Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard)
Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful)
Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
The church itself is Norman but replaces an earlier Saxon Church the foundations of which were said to have been found in the crypt. The church is built from pink sandstone.
The churchyard is like many, a haven for wildlife; it also has mature Yew trees. It is surrounded by mature woodland and it is quite a well-known bird watching place. It is reported that Hawfinches have been spotted there.
On the day we were lucky enough to see swallows and House martins flying across the field and lakes as they were just returning after the winter. At the lake was a lone oyster catcher and a pair of grebes.
Early in the year as it was, there were quite a few wildflowers in flower as indicated in the sightings list. These may have been in flower early as the weather has been warmer than usual although on the day there was a very cold wind.
Winter Program 2018 / 19
The talk entitled "Secrets of a wldlife garden", was both interesting and entertaining. The speaker, Nick Martin, combined some excellent photographs of various species found in his garden, including mammals such as badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and muntjac deer; birds like bullfinch, collared dove and redpoll.
He also had photos of Small Tortoishell butterflies, Painted Ladies alomg with Spotted Chaser dragonflies and various species of damselflies which had been attracted to the wildlife pond that he had created with the help from his daughters. His dialogue was informative and at times comedic.
All in all he is a speaker who we hope will return and talk to our society again in the future.
Darwin and surrounding area are home to about a third of Australia s 890 or so bird species and some of these can be observed in the parkland, bush and botanical gardens of the city. Birds sighted in the city include Straw Necked Ibis, Orange Footed Scrub Fowl and Grey Crowned Babblers. The river banks are also rich in birdlife with White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Night Herons.
Nearby Litchfield National Park is the only place in the world where Magnetic Termite mounds can be found.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
The geology has been shaped over billions of years of erosion and deposition of sedimentary rock that has been sculpted by the intrusion of seas. There are vast plains and remains of sea cliffs. On the rocks are many examples of rock art depicting wildlife, family life and aborigine legends.
The area is home to Saltwater Crocodiles the largest reptiles in the world with males reaching up to 6 metres in length. It has ben a protected species in Australia since the seventies and can be seen in the rivers up to 100km inland and 1000km off shore. One of the best places to see them is Cahill s Crossing, one of the most notorious river crossings in Australia the reason being it is tidal and at high tide the crocodiles line up to catch the fish brought in on the tide.
Sheila Tatum
First Brian explained about horse shoes, which were displayed neatly on a board, and why most horses were not shod. Horses were the tractors and cars of the day and when it came to showing off it was the harness fittings that took pride of place with bells jingling and the brasses polished and shining in the sun. The blacksmith, not the jeweller made all of the valuable everyday items to enable our ancestors to go about their work, he made pattens to keep your shoes out of the mud, cooking pots, keys, tools- hoe, spade, scythe and even children s toys the hoop, lead soldiers, animals and ball shot for guns.
My favourite piece was a 17th century toy bronze cannon, only a few inches long but it had a small hole in the top and was probably capable of being fired, no health and safety then! Clothing also provided metal finds . When the leather or fabric has decomposed all that remains are belt buckles, metal buttons and military badges.
There were many coins of a very wide range, the most interesting ones were displayed and dated from Edward 1st 1270-1307, George III half penny 1773 right up to the present including a Coventry token with embossed elephant 1797, Birmingham workhouse penny 1811, Birmingham workhouse shilling token and an Elizabeth I, 6d 1564. Just holding a coin can send your imagination back in time, who owned it? What did they look like? Did they live in the workhouse or the Manor house? Like the person who probably lost the gold watch key 1750-1800.
At the end of his talk Brian showed us some slides of the Staffordshire Hoard to quench our thirst for gold. Not just gold but garnets, gemstones and cloisonn work, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. The first objects from the hoard were discovered by Terry Herbert on 5th July 2009. It is most unusual not least because it largely comprises war-gear and there are no items of female adornment. There are many fittings from the hilts of swords, including 86 pommel caps from swords or seaxes (short single edged swords or knives). There are also fragments of at least one helmet. The only items that are clearly not war-gear are four or perhaps five Christian crosses. There were no coins found on the site which would have given us a date when someone buried these precious things (sometime between 650 700) but didn t come back to claim them. So unlike the earlier finds, where we could build a story around them using all of the clues, this gold hoard is very poor in its story and history value so far. Who knows what future excavations may tell us to solve the puzzle.
Brian gave an excellent talk, with humorous anecdotes and stories.
Jill Thompson
The grounds of each property were shown to indicate which have woodland, scrub, grassland and water ponds and/or rivers and streams as the differing habitats affect the species recorded.
The birds are recognised by song (or noises) and their territories are carefully recorded so that it is breeding-pairs that are counted. As this monitoring has been happening for nearly 20 years we were shown comparisons of populations of different birds from year to year at each site. It was noticeable that populations of all species dipped after harsh winters, e.g. 2010, but, as with most populations, bounced back in subsequent years. The effects of last winter's harsh weather has yet to be seen. Rooks were found to have disappeared from Charlecote Park not because of weather but probably because of the arrival of ravens.
The photographs taken by Graham and Janet were exceptional in their clarity and detail and a pleasure to see. It was interesting to hear about the valuable work being done to monitor our local birds.
Jos Tancock
Small ponds may be ephemeral, drying up in hot weather or eventually being choked by growth of vegetation. It is important that new ponds are created; building firms quite often have to make them to accommodate Great Crested Newts. Paul has found that a JCB is by far the best way to dig a pond!
Ponds are affected by weather and climate. Climate changes have seen the extinction of the Northern Clad Pool Frog; the agile Frog is now only found on Jersey and Guernsey.
The various types of pond vegetation were illustrated: algae, stoneworts, pondweeds etc.. These support the insects and other invertebrates in the pond. As do Crowfoot, Elodea species. 57%freshwater spp have declined because of high levels of Nitrates , road run-off, stream inflow and heavy tree shade. Pond-dipping for invertebrates is a useful way of indicating pollution. Mosquitoes like polluted water because of the consequent lack of predators.
There are now more species colonising from Europe: Alien Crayfish threaten the White Claw Crayfish. 40% of native fish are in decline and 60% of toads (roads, houses and drains could be to blame).
We had different newts illustrated. Great Crested are nocturnal and doing well as are Smooth newts, but introduced Alpine Newts could affect them. Red-eared terrapins predate tadpoles but the are unable to breed in the UK as it is too cold.
We saw a variety of other wildlife at ponds; herons and other birds, mammals such as shrews and otters, and bats which go to drink from ponds as long as there isn't too much duckweed growth to prevent them getting to the water.
As always Paul gave an interesting, informative and well-illustrated talk.
Jos Tancock
But butterflies were not the only group we were interested in and the lemurs in particular were fascinating and we saw many species including Brown lemurs of various species, Ruffed Lemur, Crowned Lemur, Sportive Lemurs, Wooly Lemur, Indri- the largest lemur, several species of Sifakas, and the nocturnal Aye-Aye.
Chamaeleons were with many different species ranging in size from the minute leaf chamaeleons to the impressive Panther Chamaeleon and Jewelled Chamaeleon. Madagascar is the headquarters of Chamaeleons with their prehensile sticky tongue used for catching insects. Geckos were also abundant and the Mossy Leaf Tailed Gecko was extremely well camouflaged on tree trunks.
Kakadu and Arnhem Land National Parks belong to aborigines who have inhabited the land for at least 60,000 years. It is necessary to have permits for travelling in Arnhem land a vast land where there are only about 17,000 people.
Birds seen included Giant Coua, Short-legged Ground Roller, Collared Nightjar, Magpie Robin, Amber Mountain Rock Thrush. Succulent plants were the reason for my first visit to Madagascar in 1997 and on this visit we saw Euphorbia ankarense, Pachypodium rutenbergianum and Didiera madagascarense among others.
There is also a species of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes or Monkey Pitcher on the island. This is odd because all the other species are found in the East Indies.
I hope you will want to visit Madagascar and hear the call of the Indri. If so I recommend Great Island Adventure Safaris.
David Porter
Ankarana Notice
Common Brown Lemur
Aye-aye
Summer Program 2018
We continued alongside the lake to the bird hide. We were able to see some Herons in what is said to be the largest heronry in Warwickshire. However, this is being taken over by Cormorants that have in recent years moved inland to colonise inland lakes and waterways. There were not many different species of bird on view but in the middle of the lake there was a group of Wigeon. These are identifiable by the chestnut colour of the male s head and neck. Although Wigeon breed in Scotland and Northern England numbers increase overwinter as birds migrate from Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia. (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/wigeon/)
Coombe Abbey Country Park is the creation of Lancelot (Capability) Brown a landscape gardener from the 18th century who was known for his naturalistic landscapes. He is famous for creating many landscapes for big country houses such as Chatsworth. He not only planted the woods but also diverted streams to create the lake.More information about him can be found at http://www.capabilitybrown.org/garden/coombe
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica)
Peeling Oysterling (Crepidotus mollis) on fallen trunk
Sticky Scalycap (Pholiota gummosa)
White Knight (Tricholoma album) in broad-leaved woodland
Rooting Shank (Xerula radicata) in broad-leaved woodland
Blackfoot Polypore (Polyporus leptocephalus)
Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum)
Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
Willow Bracket (Phellinus igniarius) on large felled Crack Willow
Coast Redwood
Dawn Redwood
Giant Sequoia
Late flowering plants seen were:
Hogweed
Hemlock
Himalayan Balsam
Hedge Bindweed
The Rowan was full of red berries.
Tufted Duck
Mallard
Canada Goose
Mute Swan
Coot
Moorhen
Black-headed Gull
Feral Pigeon
Great-crested Grebe
The less common form of Witch s Butter was growing on the same trees.
Xylaria hypoxylon (Candlesnuff)
Amanita excelsa var. spissa (Grey-spotted Amanita)
Coprinellus disseminatus (Fairy Inkcap)
Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulphur Tuft)
Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed Woodtuft)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula vesca (The Flirt)
Ganoderma applanatum (Artist s Bracket)
Hymenochaete rubiginosa (Oak Curtain Crust)
Stereum gausapatum (Bleeding Oak Crust)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Trametes gibbosa (Lumpy Bracket)
Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Lycoperdon perlatum Common Puffball)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Calocera cornea (Small Stagshorn)
Exidia plana (Witch s Butter)
Erysiphe hyperici (St John s-wort Mildew)
Amanita rubescens (The Blusher)
Coprinellus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap)
Melanoleuca cognata (Spring Cavalier)
Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim)
Psathyrella candolleana (Pale Brittlestem)
Russula ochroleuca (Ochre Brittlegill)
Russula parazurea (Powdery Brittlegill)
Xerocomus cisalpinus (Red-cracking Bolete)
Daedaleopsis confragosa (Blushing Bracket)
Fistulina hepatica (Beefsteak Fungus)
Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore)
Phallus impudicus (Stinkhorn)
Stereum gausapatum (Small Stagshorn)
Scleroderma verrucosum (Scaly Earthball)
Oudemansiella mucida (Porcelain Fungus)
Along the footpath out of the Common we recorded: Spotted Medick, Lesser Swinecress, seeds of Pennycress, White Bryony in flower and Black Bryony with its red berries, Hairy St John s-wort and Devil s-bit Scabious
Inside the Windermere Drive entrance, we were welcomed by a member of the Binswood Allotment Society. He explained that this independently owned site has more than 125 members tending 165 plots. Its gardens are as popular today as the ones that were first established for returning WW1 troops to use, nearly a century ago.
We were standing on what had been a problem area. Unsuitable for use as an allotment plot for various reasons and overgrown by nettles and brambles, it defied all attempts to tidy it. Inspiration led to this wildlife conservation area being developed. It includes a small pond with interesting plants. Appropriate shrubs etc were planted in raised beds with the remaining area sown as a wild flower meadow using a mixture of grasses, annual and perennial species.The splendid butterfly information panel was admired but only the large whites were seen flying about.
In reply to the question Then how do you decide which flowers to include when carrying out a botanical survey? John explained that you had to make a judgement and decide if the position of the plant was the deliberate result of human intervention. Hence you wouldn t include this area, just admire it! The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge. The majority of plots are well tended with sheds and seating areas, neatly partitioned very productive beds and often flowers. Some have mature fruit trees, asparagus beds, live willow fencing and dark pebble-free soil testifying to long care. A few are work in progress with new owners using recycled windows etc. One or two are becoming neglected. These and the pathways are the habitat of many weeds . Previous surveys here have listed up to two hundred species without even covering the whole site. The drastic regimes on farmers fields means that for some species allotment areas might be their last refuge.
We speculated how some sorts of pond weed got into water birds or human addition? One species Potamogeton crispus with its wavy leaves occupied one tank. No frogs with it but they couldn t jump that high.
One deserted plot was smothered in Large Bindweed (Callystegia silvatica). Monika demonstrated how the inflated bracts completely enfolded its sepals whereas in the Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium) the sepals are only half covered. Both differ from the prostrate pink and white Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) seen. It had tiny bracts on the stalk below.
Monika and John were kept busy as we tried to distinguish the two Goosefoots (Chenopodium) we found (annual Fat Hen and perennial Good King Henry) from an Orache (Atriplex). With a lens we could see a difference in the fruit bracts. Also the leaves were key indicators, remembering to look down the stem for shape variation and inclusions. And at least I know the correct pronunciation Orache now -it should sound like oar rack.
The spurges were equally interesting when magnified. We found two species Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscorpia) and Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua).
Refreshments at half past three were very kindly provided by Bonnie and Julie at the Community Hut. We sat in the sun by a splendid False Acacia tree that had taken root from just a stick put in the ground. As we were offered a longer stay we enjoyed more plants along another route.
Many thanks to John and Monika for coming to share their expertise and to the Binswood Allotment Society for their hospitality.
While waiting to set off on the walk, a female Southern Hawker ( Aeshna cyanea ) flew slowly around the members and their cars. It appeared at times to be trying to lay eggs on the car tyres. Two Brown Hawker ( Aeshna grandis ) dragonflies were also seen flying around the car park area.
Walking down the main ride several Speckled Woods butterflies were observed. Further down some members stopped to admire and photograph a male Common Blue. One very fresh female Meadow Brown was found settled on some brambles. On the marsh thistles growing along the ride some Firebugs (Pyrrhocoris Apterus) were seen feeding on the flower heads.
We decided that the shade of Tile Hill Wood was a good alternative with easy parking. It would be interesting to see how the ponds and the bog areas were looking and if the drought was affecting the trees. When Sheila and I visited the wood in April 2018 to write the annual report, it had been after some extremely cold weather with heavy snowfalls. This had caused large areas to become waterlogged and impassible.
In part of a Radio 4 programme on urban wastelands, broadcast earlier in the year, Peter and Rachel Cooke talked about their involvement with the wood over many years and its long history. So we hoped to hear more from their hour-long interview than the few minutes heard on air, but they were unable to come.
The ramble started on a very warm, humid and windy day with a dark sky. The wood itself was very dry.
Pond levels very low as expected due to the heat wave we have been having, although one was not as low as the others. This pond had good growth of aquatic plants and pond weed that may have stopped some of the evaporation.
A Common Frog was seen on the path by Jane and Jack but other than that very little if wildlife was seen.
Half way around the wood the heavens opened up and everyone made a hasty retreat back to the their cars and called it a day. We ll hope to return in full strength another time.
July 14th - Bradnocks Marsh .
Leader: David Porter
A group of about 10 members assembled at the car park in Marsh Lane. Some members went to the wrong lane but finally arrived after receiving directions. The black and yellow caterpillars of the Cinnabar moth were seen on Ragwort in the carpark.
The walk finally started in Marsh Lane Hampton in Arden near the packhorse bridge. It took us towards the new lake near Windmill Farm. On the OS map (OS Explorer 221) the lake does not appear to have a name. A path branched off to beside the River Bythe. This rises at Earlswood and flows generally north to enter the River Tame just before the Ladywalk Reservoir. It travels through several Nature reseves including the Cuttle Pool that we visited last year.
On the small pool we saw Brown Hawker( Aeshna grandis ), Southern Hawker( Aeshna cyanea )and Reed Warbler was heard. The weather on the day was excellent for spotting dragonflies and damselflies. These insects belong to the order Odanata which is a Greek word meaning tooth jawed. Besides generally being smaller the difference is in the wings. The suborder of dragonflies is called Anisoptera (dissimilar wings) which they hold open at rest and damselflies are in the suborder Zygoptera (similar wings) which generally hold their wings shut. There are other differences and The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain by Steve Brooks is a useful source of information.
Dragonflies and damselflies are mostly found by fresh water with reeds and other water plants which they need for egg laying and for the larvae which can live in water for up to five years depending on species. Apparently the female beautiful demoiselle often submerges when laying eggs.
Moving on to the path around the fishing lake David identified Common Blue Damselfly ( Enallagma cyathigerum ) and Black tailed Skimmer ( Orethetrum cancellatum ) which held territory by repeatedly settling on concrete flagstones used to mark the fishing pitches. Settling on horizontal surfaces is characteristic of this species.
The Wildlife Trust website says that this can be seen in southern and central England between May and August and provides information on how to identify it.
Both species of Demoiselle were seen, the Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) which can be found throughout England and Wales and the Beautiful Demoiselle ( Calopteryx virgo ) which is found south of a line from the Mersey to Kent. The Beautiful Demoiselle was seen in places where the flow was more rapid and produced riffles or tiny rapids. The Beautiful Demoiselle is always found in such places and never in slow moving water. The river Blythe is a stronghold for the species in Warwickshire. The male banded demoiselle is territorial and we observed this behaviour in their display flight and their attempts to dislodge other damselflies from where they had settled.
The walk beside the lake was interesting because weather conditions were such that it was bringing the fish to the surface. Fisherman confirmed that these were mirror carp. One fisherman had caught one. This was a really fine Mirror Carp. The carp are always returned to the lake.
Notable flowers were Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Bibliography
ZahradnikJ and Chvala M Insects A Comprehensive illustrated Guide to insects of Britain and Europe Hamlyn 1989
Steve Brooks The Natural History Museum Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great Britain
Sightings:
Plants:
Marsh Cudweed, Broad-leaved Bellflower and Meadow Rue.
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Skipper,
Common Blue and Holly Blue.
Dragonflies:
Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker, Black-tailed Skimmer, Beautiful Demoiselle, Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly.
Birds:
Great Crested Grebe with young, Mallard and several Herons.
Banded Demoiselles (Calopteryx splendens)in 'mating wheel'.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo).
Black Tailed Skimmer dragonfly (Orethetrum cancellatum).
July 1st - Whisby Nature Park ( Lincs) - CDNHSS Annual Coach Trip
Our annual coach trip this year was to Whisby Nature Park near Lincoln; a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve. It has developed from old quarry pits that have filled to form several lakes that are ideal for birdlife. Since it was opened nearly forty years ago there are wooded areas that offer shade; essential on the day we visited as it was extremely hot.
The Park has several miles of easy to walk paths and it is in fact wheelchair friendly.
Whisby boasts a population of Nightingales. Unfortunately, I don t think anyone observed any but it has a lot else to offer.
Because of the heat some members sat in the shade watching the numerous dragonflies, damselflies and other insects skimming the surface of the lakes. It was quite a spectacle when several fish (some of them Mirror Carp) at once jumped to catch flies or were they doing it to acquire more oxygen? An internet search for the answer to why fish jump came up with quite a few other reasons. Whilst sitting there three members of the society had a sight of a Kingfisher flashing by.
Despite the heat we had a pleasant day at Whisby where on our arrival volunteers were available to give information about the area. The visit was most enjoyable.
Sightings:
Butterflies & Moths:
.
Dragonflies
Insects:
Birds:
Kingfisher
June 23rd - Sowe Valley Footpath .
Leader: Sheila Tatum
The Sowe Valley Footpath runs along an eight mile stretch of the Sowe Valley and we walked part of section 4 on the City Council Map (available on The Coventry City Council website). This runs from Cremblet Wood towards Ansty Road Near the Hospital (UHCW). This section is called Dorchester Brookstray. We are indebted to Tesco for allowing us to use their car park.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust used to maintain the site but have in recent years lost the contract for this and the upkeep is down to a group of volunteers (The Sowe Valley Volunteers) as such it is more grown up than it used to be but is none the less an interesting path to walk and an important amenity for the city.
The information regarding Sowe Valley indicates that otters can be seen there. As a one-time regular walker of the path I have seen kingfishers and the Sowe Valley Volunteers have reported Egrets. Unfortunately, one needs to be about when there are fewer people around to see these but there were points of interest. There are fish to be seen in the river and some of these are quite large. The guide says that these are Sticklebacks, minnows, chub and roach. A fisherman on the day said there were also dace and perch. With very little rain over the last weeks the river was low and the water very clear.
Sightings:
Plants:
Meadowsweet, Great Burnet, Red Campion, Great and Hoary Willowherb, Hemlock, Hogweed, Hedge Bindweed, Reed Canary-grass, Italian Black Poplar, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, Rough Chervil lots of in seed, White Bryony.
Butterflies:
Small White, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma.
Other insects:
Common Blue Damselfly, Banded Demoiselle.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker (Helen Blissett), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren, Robin, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull.
325 year old Oak Tree, to be seen along Dorchester Brookstray.
May 12th - Brandon Wood .
Leader: Andrew Ireland
There was much better weather than for the previous walk in our summer programme this year and we had the benefit of a guide in Andrew Ireland who is prominent member of the Friends of Brandon Wood and is the responsible for woodland management. The management plan follows guidance from the Forestry Commission and involve thinning of trees to allow the understorey to grow and native trees to flourish. More recently an area has been cleared for wild flowers and to encourage the proliferation of butterflies especially the Dingy Skipper.
For an interesting history of Brandon Wood and one can visit The Friends of Brandon Wood website. More recently the wood became England s first community woodland and was eventually bought by the Friends after raising sufficient funds in 2000. Sponsorship comes from local people and businesses.
Prior to that the land belonged to the forestry commission and they had proposed selling it and plans were put forward for either housing or sand and gravel extraction.
Andrew did say that one of the problems was the fact that areas where extraction had taken place were infilled with rubble and the top soil was only a thin layer.
Also discussed was the problem of Spanish Bluebells. We only saw English Bluebells which were out in profusion but apparently there are a lot of the Spanish ones in one area of the wood. Native bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland and Brandon Wood is recorded in Doomsday, it has been established for at least 1600 years and is designated planted ancient woodland. Spanish Bluebells were introduced as a garden plant in the 17th century and have become a garden escape. They are more vigorous than native bluebells and hybridise with them. The Woodland Trust website has more information on this and the possible effects of climate change on native bluebells.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Red Campion, Herb Robert, Bluebell, Greater Stitchwort, Colt s-foot Common Vetch, Mouse ear, Three-veined Sandwort, Barren Strawberry Dandelion, Daisy, Tormentil, Thyme-leaved Speedwell Jack-by-the-hedge (Garlic Mustard) Hawthorn, Whitebeam, Horse Chestnut (blossom beautiful) Hairy Woodrush, Clustered Woodrush
Fungi:
King Alfred s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Wren.
April 28th - Crackley woods.
Leader: Jane Arnold
On a very damp and dull day, an amazing 10 members and Jack turned up for the second ramble of the year. The weather forecast proved right and the rain stopped just at the start of the walk.
Some Long-tailed Tits were observed at the entrance to the wood. David Porter and Steve Stroud watched a couple of Nuthatches deep in the wood from the path.
Back near the entrance Jack found a Geo Box . Jane and Jack left a message and returned it to its hiding place. In the field opposite the wood a Buzzard and some Swallows were seen.
The wood was not very productive species wise and little was seen, hence the walked ended sooner rather than later.
Sightings:
Birds:
Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Swallow, Buzzard.
April 14th - Warwick Museum with Chris Hodgson and Brian Ellis.
Leader: Chris Hodgson
Our first Summer Meeting has a geological theme and the re-opened Warwick Museum promised us an interesting afternoon.
We met in Warwick s Market Hall and Chris gave us a short talk about its history and development. Built in 1670 using the same pale-coloured sandstone that is the bedrock of the town (and is still clearly visible in the base of Eastgate and Westgate) it replaced the medieval Market Cross. For two hundred years or so the ground floor was an open space for market stalls, framed by stone arches. Now it is still a rather noisy place with its popular cafe, and having noted the bag of Rugby cement and other locally manufactured materials suspended above our heads we moved upstairs.
Rooms on the first floor originally included the town s small prison, some were used for town business and others were let for meetings, including those of the very popular Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeology Society. One of its primary aims was the foundation of a museum and by 1836 this took up the whole floor. Reverend Peter Brodie built up the geology collection which has been augmented with the many quarry finds so well displayed. His bust is displayed in the first museum area showcasing various Victorian exhibits. In 1879 the ground floor arches were filled in and part glazed, giving the Society the whole building. Surviving a few rocky patches the museum has remained a treasured part of the community and now a Heritage Lottery grant has made a major refurbishment possible.
The museum has fine displays because of the many quarries and coal mines worked in the county and the keen interest of local collectors up to the present day. Chris had made handouts for us with world plate movements, the geology of the county and Warwickshire s evolutionary history including details of some of its important fossils. With the museum information, the geological exhibits can be fitted into context, both in time and globally.
We started with signs of the earliest simple life, around 590 million years ago, some Cambrian sandstone from near Nuneaton shows worm burrows in an ancient sea floor. Then the explosion of new life is not seen in this county until the finding of armoured and jawless fish in the Devonian Old Red Sandstone some 250 million years later.
Found in the Coventry area were plant remains from deltaic mudflats of the Carboniferous 300 million years ago including fossil wood. Next the change in climate to desert-like in the Permian saw the emergence of Warwickshire s unique amphibian Dasyceps bucklandii.
Below one of the windows which overlook the Market Square there is a video showing what the view could have been in the following Triassic period with plant eating reptiles moving across a sandy plain. By the other window are two painting, one of these of animals approximately 245 million years ago and the second, looking in the same direction, of a Neolithic scene of some 6000 years ago maybe of our ancestors? We later handled a replica of the handaxe found in Waverley Wood; they could have used a similar tool.
Brian Ellis from the Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group kindly came to guide us round the geology and explained that the Holloway bequest had paid for art work including the atmospheric painting of the dinosaur Cruxicheiros. It looked like a smaller T-rex in shape, partly covered in short bristly feathers. It may have been drowned in the approaching storm shown in the picture, whilst scavenging on the beach (around 170 million years ago). The few identifiable bones, found in a quarry in the south of the county, have been mounted with an outline backdrop silhouette of a dinosaur s hind leg and hip to give a good idea of this amazing animal.
Turning to the other Jurassic exhibits, Brian told us how they showed the conditions of the time warm seas which fostered the valuable limestone deposits. Later quarried, such important fossils as the complete Wilmcote Plesiosaur and the dolphin-like ichthyosaurs were discovered and are in the museum. These were the top of the food chain feeding on fish and ammonites. The case included a collection of finds with belemnites and bivalves such as the Devil s Toenail plus gutters of ammonites.
We enjoyed the rest of the museum particularly as the room containing the restored Sheldon Tapestry had Past-times costumes to try on. Time flew and the cafe closed before we could have tea! We particularly thanked Brian for his information and giving up his Saturday afternoon.
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Gertrude (Sue) Scott. 1922 to 2017
Sue Scott was a long-time member of Coventry and District Natural History Society possibly joining as early as 1948. She served on the committee at various times and was President from 1985 to 1987. She was able to continue attending some meetings until January 2017. Committee members said she was a gracious hostess when meetings were held at her home.
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
February 16th - Butterflies as Indicators.
Mike Slater .
Mike chairs Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire, a voluntary organisation with over 200 affiliated members that manages the butterfly reserve at Ryton Wood Meadows and other butterfly sites in the region. Regular monitorings with in depth surveys on specific areas are undertaken. These are done annually over a five year timespan, to allow for weather variations, and then repeated at ten year intervals. Five species including Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Gatekeeper are included. The findings highlight the plight of our butterflies in changing environments and influence the practical conservation programme. Thousands of hours of work are carried out every year. Individual sightings and recordings county wide are made easy using online forms accessible to all.
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
February 2nd - Wildfowl and Waders. The Netherlands in Winter.
Liz Taylor .
Liz Taylor has visited The Netherlands in winter several times since the mid-nineties. It is special because many birds migratory routes converge there. Birds fly there for the winter from Siberia, the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland. Birds can be en route as far south as South Africa. There are also occasional visitors from America for example the Buffle Head Duck.
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
January 19th - Warwickshire's Trees.
Steven Falk .
Steve used to work for the Herbert Museum in Coventry and then at Warwick Museum and he set out to involve people more in the countryside through looking at trees.
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
January 5th - Great American Eclipse.
Mike Frost.
We welcomed Mike s return to speak about his 11th eclipse, promised to us if he did manage to add it to his score! He certainly needed his passion for the 2017 USA Total Solar Eclipse as the research and travel were not simple. It was going to be a major event visible to a varying extent throughout the whole country but with totality only on a band (around 70 miles wide) stretching from Oregon to South Carolina
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches).
Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
December 1st - Darwin and the Galapagos.
Dr Peter Coxhead.
Dr Peter Coxhead is Secretary of the Sutton Coldfield Natural History Society.
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
November 17th - Warwickshire's Vanishing Vipers and Reptiles.
Jan Clemons.
Jan Clemons is an expert on Amphibians and Reptiles and has spoken about amphibians before.
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
November 3rd - Badgers.
Densie Taylor.
Dr Denise Taylor is the Chairman of the Warwickshire Badger Group and is an expert on Bears and Wolves. She was accompanied to the meeting by two long-standing members of the Badger Group who augmented her PowerPoint presentation with knowledgeable information.
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB.
They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
October 20th - Mosses and Liverworts .
Steve Woodward.
Steve Woodward is an amateur naturalist from Leicestershire who is also the editor of the wildlife journal Leics and Rutland Recorder .
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
October 6th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's Exhibition.
There were fewer exhibitors than usual (people on holiday or working) but we still had an interesting variety of exhibits.
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name.
They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems.
Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for.
They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
October 1st - Old Nun & Wappenbury Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Fortunately the forecast gales and rain did not arrive and six stalwarts found more fungi than the previous foray but still far less than erstwhile.
Sightings:
Fungi:
Bust of Reverend Peter Brodie
Sue was brought up in the Kent countryside where her father was head gardener on a large country estate (Bayham Abbey). Her love of the outdoors started there as did her knowledge of plants and gardening. Her garden in Coventry became a haven for wildlife.
It was in Kent that Sue met Cyril. They moved to Coventry in 1948 when Cyril became Curator at the Herbert Museum where Sue, for some time, contributed to the botany exhibits. In December 2016 she visited the museum to pick out an exhibit for the forthcoming Coventry and District Natural History and Scientific Society exhibition.
Sue regretted her lack of formal education but made up for this by studying botany at night school. She followed this up with a course in public speaking and became a contributor to the winter programme of lectures and member s talks. Members have mentioned how they found her ready to share her knowledge of botany during the summer walks. She took part in many local and national botanical surveys. Apparently, it s a job you can do when you are pushing a pushchair thus instilling a love of nature in her children. She contributed to several publications including the national Flora 2000 survey which involved finding and identifying all the wild plants in her allocated portion of countryside.
Sue became a botanical recorder for Warwickshire and contributed to publications in this way. The last book she contributed to was Warwickshire s Wildflowers by Steven Falk
Sue made at least ten contributions to the proceedings of the Natural History Society, the last being in 2016 about the ability to continue her favourite hobby from a wheelchair.
Sue has three children and four grandchildren who she encouraged to explore the natural world. She also has two great grandchildren.
Sheila Tatum
Winter Program 2017 - 18
The Wall Brown is now extinct in Southern England. They have three broods a year but the last one is generally lost to disease in our warmer winters, hence causing an eventual decline. Once regularly seen in our gardens it has now moved north, Mike suggests it s the first butterfly affected by global warming!
Of interest the Small Heath has seen a fifty per cent decline in numbers since 2000 whereas in the last five years the Essex Skipper is now more prevalent here than the Small Skipper.
As the Coventry Conservation Officer, Mike aims to sustain and increase species diversity and population numbers by habitat maintenance and reversing the habitat loss which has become such a real concern in Warwickshire as elsewhere. This work is made possible thanks to co-operation with land owners and major funding from a variety of organisations, charities and individuals.
In 1999 just a few Silver-washed Fritillary were left in Ryton Woods and possibly none elsewhere. A tailored programme of work now sees colonies in half the county s woods. A notable success was at Ragley Hall, whose owners were happy to engage. Small Blue numbers had declined 87% in Warwickshire and were embarrassingly absent on the Stockton SSSI. From 2008 happily helped with a grant of 130,000 from the Aggregate Levy this site and others were gradually restored. There are now 23 colonies maintained by volunteers with the aim of reaching 25 by 2015.
Preferred butterfly species habitats are specific. They require varying sward heights, different vegetation, favourable aspect and the absence of excessive scrub and succession by trees. The latter event calls for drastic action. Chainsaw clearance is followed by clearing weeds using a glyphosate herbicide that allows reseeding almost immediately on clean land. For site management grazing is best. Dexter cattle are popular, old-fashioned sheep graze on young trees and Indian water buffalo puddle the ground to leave good mud habitats. Mechanically petrol driven metal flails, brush cutters and scythes may be necessary. Regularly turf height is measured plus plant species noted on a regular basis so corrections can be made before butterfly numbers indicate the habitat is degrading.
We saw good examples where clearance and replanting have achieved great results. Long Itchington Cutting was first cleared of trees and planted with blackthorn for the Brown Hairstreak. The Fenny Compton site has pale coloured concrete waste which heats in the sun. Leaves of Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) growing above it of the correct size are then chosen by the Grizzled Skipper to lay its eggs on the underside. Conservation enhancement can include planting wild strawberry plants on anthills, grass followed by yellow rattle on bare ground and elm or oak saplings for White-letter Hairstreak. At Ryton,the mass planting of Buckthorn (in thousands) at the Millennium led to a 40% increase in Brimstone numbers by 2017. Farmers with volunteers will devise work plans to include eight species hedges and agree to plant kidney vetch if subsidised.
We enjoyed a really comprehensive and well illustrated talk and hope that funding will be available to enable this important work to continue.
Christine Hodgson
The main areas visited by Liz were Flevoland and Friesland provinces. Flevoland is particularly marshy and visited by many different species of goose. There is also the freshwater Ijsselmeer
There are at least 12 species of goose to be found in these areas. These include Bean Goose, Tundra Goose, Greenland to name just a few. Flocks can be many thousand strong and can be mixed. What looks like a flock of Canada goose for instance, can have rarer species within.
The Netherlands are also good for wading birds and one of Liz s photographs was an amazing picture of a Bittern; a bird usually well hidden in reeds. Also, of interest were the pictures of various owls that roost in towns and cities as this is safer than the countryside where there are Goshawks and Merlin.
Liz talked of how in the Netherlands there is great interest in birds from all generations. She said that people are helpful even to the point where soldiers were apologetic for disturbing their birding when the group she was with was at a military site.
It is not possible to list all the birds that Liz has seen on her trips to The Netherlands but she left no doubt that The Netherlands in Winter is a great place to go to see Wildfowl and Waders.
Sheila Tatum
In Warwickshire (including also Coventry and Solihull) there are about 600 species of trees, 25 of them native ones. In the 1970s the hunt was on for rare species such as Black Poplars. Non-native species are found from all over the world, and some are living fossils such as the Gingko.
12,000 years ago Warwickshire was largely tundra (it was south of the ice sheet during the Ice Age) and there were Birches, Aspen and Scots Pine. Oaks, Wych elms and Hazels then followed and this became the Wild Wood. Small-leaf lime became dominant and Sessile oak, then Neolithic Man started to clear woodland to use the wood and free up space. In Mediaeval times coppicing became common to provide wood for building, burning and making charcoal. This sustained the woodland for future use.
Deer parks became a feature and there were many throughout Warwickshire, Stoneleigh and Packington have veteran oaks. Steve showed a drawing of the Bull Oak in Wedgnock Park and was able to find an old photograph of the same tree taken about 100 years ago.
In the C18 formal parklands emerged and with them many non-native species were planted. Lancelot Capability Brown was involved with 7 in Warwickshire, Compton Verney being one.
The Victorians imported even more species of non-native trees for Public parks such as Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa. Northumberland Road in Leamington has 3 species of Horsechestnut.
Pictures were shown of people measuring the girth of trees to estimate the age of the trees. The GBH (Girth at Breast Height) is only a rough estimates of a tree's age, you can only tell accurately if it is chopped down and can count the annual rings!
Steve brought to our attention the publication Trees of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull .
These can be viewed at : www.stevenfalk.co.uk/publications
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
Felix Dennis (a publisher) set up the Heart of England Forest Limited charity and native broad-leaved trees have been planted on over 1874 acres mostly in the south of Warwickshire.
It is important for all of us to conserve special trees, create new woods, and collections of particular tree species.
Jos Tancock
Mike enjoys the chance to go to different places, which is some small consolation if weather mars the event. There is morning fog on the West Coast, and cloud on the eastern states, so the plains were a good bet inland Oregon.
His journey nearly failed at Heathrow, as an ESTA requirement for Canada had been introduced since he booked. Driving from Vancouver, Mike showed us Mt Ranier which overlooks Seattle and poses a volcanic risk. Over this wet and deeply forested area the first flying saucers were reported in 1947. His plan to drive via St Helens was thwarted by raging forest fires.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
On across Oregon to Pendleton, preserved as an example of a Gold Rush town - complete with a system of underground tunnels for safer transport and trading (avoiding shoot-outs), opium dens and the Cozy Room brothel - which had a chapel for the girls (who were made unwelcome at the local churches). Now marketed as the Cowboy Town with every sort of YeeHa tourist attractions, it also sells cannabis legally!
Then on to Mike s chosen observation site, by the confluence of the Snake and Burnt River confluence near Ontario (Oregon), where serious watchers and crowds had already gathered. The eclipse began shortly after nine, totality lasted for two minutes around twenty past ten, and full sunlight returned by twenty to twelve.
In the fine weather with clear views all round, coming up to totality everyone saw the fluttering shadow bands on the ground. Mike showed us his splendid videos and special photos. We were especially impressed by the corona with its red ring and then the look of a diamond ring as the sunlight came through a lunar valley.
The Eclipse commemorative stamps made for a First Day Cover were heat sensitive and changed colour when they were pressed!
Return journey included Farewell Bend, the last camp for those on the Plains trek, leaving fresh water and easy travel before the alkali water, harsh terrain and weather. The biggest book shop in the USA was a stop in Portland. Then Mike drove northwards, visiting the Olympic National Park and Port Townsend before his flight home.
We thank Mike for sharing his interesting experiences with us.
For further information including videos see NASA sites including
Eclipse 2017 ( opens in new window / tab! )
Christine Hodgson
Everyone knows that Darwin s contribution to science was the theory of evolution This is wrong.
Darwin did not invent the theory of evolution. Many scientists from different countries had been talking about evolution since about 1750. One of those who was interested in this concept was Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin s Grandfather. The scientists who believed in the concept of evolution did not have evidence of this (except fossils) nor did they know the mechanism by which it could occur.
Evolution means that all species did not evolve spontaneously and independently.
Evolution in biology means that we can draw trees of life which connect species. We can show how species are related to other species in the past. This does not mean there is a single first ancestor although there is possibly of this. The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
The belief that when an Island appears that the fauna and flora suitable to that island spontaneously appear is wrong and this is what Darwin was able to show.
Darwin was not the official naturalist during the voyage of the Beagle which began in 1831. In fact, he was not employed by the Admiralty and was sponsored by his father. The voyage gave Charles Darwin the opportunity to observe similar landscapes (he had an interest in geology) and the differences in animals and plants that inhabited different places. Amongst other places visited during the five-year voyage of the Beagle was the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa just north of the equator and the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Equador and on the equator. Darwin spent one month on the Galapagos Islands. Both sets of Islands are volcanic and Dr Coxhead explained how groups of islands are formed through weaknesses in the earth s crust and slowly drift on the tectonic plates. This drift closes off the weakness in the crust that has allowed a volcano to form thus rendering a volcano dormant then extinct. However other weakness will develop to find an opening to allow lava through the crust elsewhere. In the Galapagos the drift of the tectonic plates is west to east therefore to the west of the islands are new islands forming under the sea and to the east extinct volcanic islands under the sea. Visible Islands are in different stages of colonisation.
Darwin did not immediately notice the relevance of the difference between some of the species on different islands. In fact, he mixed up some of the specimens. He did notice that the flora and fauna on the Cape Verde Islands was related to the flora and fauna in Africa and that of the Galapagos related to that of South America.
Darwin developed the theory of Evolution by Natural Selection in the years after the Beagle voyage through study of the evidence found on the voyage. He also needed to show the mechanisation of colonisation of the islands. It is easy to see that birds could fly to the islands and could carry the smaller seeds. But how did iguanas, tortoises and larger seeds arrive at the Galapagos? Darwin corresponded with people, travellers such as sea captains to ask if such things as rafts of vegetation were seen floating towards the islands. The answer to this was yes, people had seen this and iguanas on the vegetation rafts. Darwin carried out experiments to prove that larger seeds could survive after being immersed in sea water for long periods of time and even performed experiments to prove that tortoises could swim and survive in the sea.
Thus, the significance of Darwin s work was that of providing the evidence and the mechanism by which he could produce the Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection.
Sheila Tatum and Sarah Dewey
Reptiles are ectotherms they need to bask to raise their body temperature in order to move, find food, and reproduce. They do not like temperatures too hot so are best found in the morning and late afternoon.
The most common reptiles in Warwickshire are Common Lizard, Slow worm and Grass snake. The Slow worm is a lizard as it has eyelids and does not have a forked tongue. The Grass snake has a round pupil, not a slit.
The Common lizard eats invertebrates, snakes will eat other vertebrates and the Grass snake will eat amphibians and fish. The grass snake lays eggs; lizards, Slow worm and the Adder are live-bearers.
The best time to survey for reptiles is early in the morning in the Summer. It can be done by visual inspection, particularly at fringes of shrubs where basking animals can easily make for cover. Refugias are also used. These are sheets of metal, corrugated roofing material, slates, roofing felt etc. under which reptiles will hide. Wood piles are also good places to see reptiles.
Adders are thought to have disappeared from Warwickshire in the late 1990s. Last thought to have been seen at Sutton Park in 1998, MOD Kineton 1996, Grendon Common 1990. It is probably because of loss of habitat and also it is thought that there has been misidentification by scientists and naturalists. There is an Adder skin in Warwick Museum 1964.
The Reptile Group are now concentrating on the finding the Common lizard and Slow worm.
Possible sightings (with photos if possible) are needed by recordswart@gmail.com
Jos Tancock
Badgers belong to the Mustelidae, along with stoats, weasels, polecats, otters etc.. It is Meles meles. They are a nocturnal protected species and there are thought to be around 300,000 in the UK. They are found all over the UK except for the north of Scotland but are most abundant in the South west. There are approximately 3,000 setts in Warwickshire.
The sett is usually a series of underground chambers with a number of entry holes. Badgers sleep under ground during the day and come out at dusk to feed. They are omnivorous but earthworms form a large part of their diet. They will dig up urban lawns to reach them!
The boar and sow can mate at any time of the year but delayed implantation takes place in December and the cubs are born between January and March.
Much of the presentation was concerned with badgers and whether they are to blame for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB), In recent culls no postmortems have been carried out to assess the extent of TB infection in the culled animals. In Randomised Badger Culling Trials in 2007 less than 2% of the 11,000 culled were affected.
The Warwickshire Badger Group are able to vaccinate badgers and Warwickshire is a buffer zone. They believe that spreading slurry is more likely to pass on bTB. They also fear there is an increase in illegal badger-baiting and also poisoning by farmers. In order to reach food sources badgers are forced to cross busy roads and many are killed, as we are all aware.
Two stuffed badgers were brought along, one being covered up until the end of the talk. It was a different-coloured badger instead of black fur it was a sort of pale marmalade colour. This is caused by a double-recessive gene and is unusual.
Jos Tancock
Bryophytes are a group of plants which includes Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. They appeared 150 million years before Flowering plants. They are generally very small (although Dawsonia is a large moss at 1m tall) and grow close to the ground. They have no roots and water is absorbed through their simple leaves from the surroundings. Mosses have simple leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem, but liverworts can have 2 or 3 ranks of leaves along the stem and the leaves may be lobed.
Mosses and liverworts reproduce by means of spores. The capsules containing the spores are on stalks rising from the leaves. The spores can be spread by animals such as insects and snails and mosses and liverworts form an ideal habitat for them.
In very dry conditions some mosses can completely dry out for long periods, then when hydrated come back to life as before.
Steve was able to show us many excellent slides of mosses and liverworts to illustrate his talk.
Jos Tancock
Jos Tancock brought along cross-stitch butterfly pictures, made by her mother-in-law, and asked if any represented real butterflies.
George Illsley brought a wood wasp nest.
Jane Arnold and Gill Thompson had been collecting fungi and had an impressive array, many of which they were able to name. They also had some plant galls, mostly on oak leaves and stems. Also some birds' nests.
Ken Thompson showed 6 small glass objects which we were invited to find a use for. They were, in fact, penny licks - the containers from late 19th Century and early 20th Century into which ice cream was put to be eaten. One was for use at dining table but the others were used and re-used by ice cream sellers until more hygienic containers were introduced in the 1920s.
Peter Cooke had his display of the bones etc. found in the pellets of owls and other birds.
Also his display of Garden archaeology , those things he had dug up in his garden over the years coins, clay pipes, five-stones, pottery and much more.
A series of slides on the laptop kept people intrigued during refreshment time trying to recognise people, places and living things.
Jos Tancock
Summer Program 2017
| Agaricus langei | Scaly Wood Mushroom | |
| Amanita muscaria | Fly Agaric | |
| Chalciporus piperatus | Peppery Bolete This Bolete associates with the Amanita above in Birch woodland | |
| Clitocybe geotropa | Trooping Funnel large fruitbodies lived up to name. | |
| Clitocybe gibba | Common Funnel | |
| Clitocybe nebularis | Clouded Funnel many in partial ring (see picture below). | |
| Cortinarius sp. | Webcap | |
| Crepidotus variabilis | Variable Oysterling | |
| Entoloma rhodopolium | Wood Pinkgill | |
| Gymnopilus penetrans | Common Rustgill | |
| Gymnopus dryophilus | Russet Toughshank | |
| Laccaria laccata | Deceiver | |
| Lactarius tabidus | Birch Milkcap | |
| Mycena arcangeliana | Angel s Bonnet | |
| Mycena galericulata | Common Bonnet | |
| Mycena pura | Lilac Bonnet (see picture below) | |
| Mycena vitilis | Snapping Bonnet | |
| Paxillus involutus | Brown Rollrim | |
| Psathyrella piluliformis | Common Stump Brittlestem | |
| Rhodocollybia butyracea | Butter Cap (see picture below) | |
| Russula vesca | The Flirt | |
| Clavulina cinerea | Grey Coral | |
| Fomes fomentarius | Hoof Fungus The first county record of this northern species was in 2012(New Close Wood) followed by this wood in 2013. | |
| Inonotus hispidus | Shaggy Bracket | |
| Piptoporus betulinus | Birch Polypore | |
| Postia sp. | ||
| Stereum hirsutum | Hairy Curtain Crust | |
| Trametes versicolor | Turkeytail | |
| Lycoperdon perlatum | Common Puffball (see picture below) | |
| Auricularia auricula-judae | Jelly Ear |
Plants:
Black Bryony Tamus communis with its red berries was growing in the hedge.
Birds:
A Common Buzzard was heard calling.
Common puffball ( Lycoperdon perlatum )
Lilac Bonnet ( Mycena pura )
Butter Cap ( Rhodocollybia butyracea )
Clouded Funnel ( Clitocybe nebularis ) in partial ring.
September 16th - Tile Hill Wood.
Leader: John Sells
Ten members and Jack attended this walk. Luckily the weather had changed from morning and although windy, the sun was out.
Despite the recent rain the wood was still quite dry under the tree canopy ( another poor season for fungi ). Where there were gaps in the canopy and the ground was wet, seemed to be the best areas for fungi to be found.
There was a lot of Water Horsetail ( Equisetum fluviatile ) in the pond near the road. The Hard Fern ( Blechnum spicant ) was found in two of the woodland ditches. A young Sparrowhawk was heard begging to be fed.
No butterflies were seen and only one dragonfly, a Southern Hawker patrolling the pond on the east side of the wood.
Sightings:
Fungi:
| Trochila ilicina | Holly Speckle | ||
| Clitopilus prunulus | The Miller | ||
| Xylaria hypoxylon | Candlesnuff Fungus | ||
| Amanita citrina | False Deathcap | ||
| Hypholoma fasciculare | Sulphur Tuft | ||
| Laccaria amethystina | Amethyst Deceiver | ||
| Laccaria laccata | Deceiver | ||
| Mycena arcangeliana | Angel s Bonnet | ||
| Rhodocollybia butyracea | Butter Cap | ||
| Rhodocollybia maculata | Spotted Toughshank | uncommon | |
| Rickenella fibula | Orange Mosscap | uncommon | |
| Russula ochroleuca | Ochre Brittlegill | ||
| Tephrocybe rancida | Rancid Greyling | uncommon | |
| Daedaleopsis confragosa | Blushing Bracket | ||
| Abortiporus biennis | Blushing Rosette | uncommon | |
| Piptoporus betulinus | Birch Polypore | ||
| Stereum hirsutum | Hairy Curtain Crust | ||
| Trametes versicolor | Turkeytail | ||
| Lycoperdon perlatum | Common Puffball | ||
| Scleroderma citrinum | Common Earthball | ||
| Scleroderma verrucosum | Scaly Earthball |
Plants:
Hard Fern Blechnum spicant
Water Horsetail Equisetum fluviatile
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker Aeshna cyanea
Birds:
Sparrowhawk (heard)
Common Earthball ( Scleroderma citrinum )
Birch Polypore ( Piptoporus betulinus )
Blushing Bracket ( Daedaleopsis confragosa )
September 2nd - Grove Hill Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
On a clear sunny, balmy afternoon six society members were met at the start of the walk by the reserve owners, Gillian Nussey and her husband.
Gillian told us that they had acquired the land back in 1990. The reserve lies along a north-west facing semi-natural limestone escarpment with panoramic views of Oversley Woods and the surrounding countryside. It is presently managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Just a little distance from the entrance gate there is a lined pond, one of two that were excavated in 1996, the other being at the north end of the reserve. A male Southern Hawker was observed patrolling and hunting the length of the water.
On reaching the top of the limestone escarpment, some members sat on a wooden bench to enjoy the views to the north west of Oversley Wood.
Several Autumn Gentian plants were found, two just starting to flower ( see photo below ).
Half way back down the escarpment, two Large Elephant Hawk moth caterpillars were found feeding on Great Rosebay Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum ).
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Comma & Red Admiral.
Dragonfliesflies:
Southern Hawker & Brown Hawker.
Other Insects:
Meadow Grasshoppers ( Chorthippus parallelus ), Roesel s Bush-cricket (Metriotera roeselii) Large Elephant Hawk moth (caterpillar) & Lesser Treble-bar moth (Aplocera efformata ) see photos below.
Birds:
Green Woodpecker was heard.
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|
|
| Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella) |
Large Elephant Hawk Moth (Deilephila elpenor) |
Lesser Treble-bar Moth. ( Aplocera plagiata )
Roesel s bush-cricket.( Metrioptera roeselii )
Meadow Grasshopper - Adult. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
Meadow Grasshopper - Nymph, pink form. ( Chorthippus parallelus )
August 27th - Ufton Fields Nature Reserve.
Leaders: Jerry Clough & Peter Cooke
This was a gall society meeting and was attended by an expert, Jerry Clough, who discovered many more galls than I had when I visited a few days earlier for a recce.
On oak was Rams Horn Gall, Andricus aries, a recent colonist of the UK, Marble Gall and Spangle Gall. On alder was patches on the leaves caused by the mite Eriophyes brevitarsus. On dog rose we found the Robins Pin Cushion and on the leaves Pea Galls and Spiked Peas Galls. On willow leaves were bean galls and rows of spherical swellings along the midribs caused by the midge Iteomyia caprae . On Creeping Thistle were large swellings in the stem containing the larvae of the gall fly Urophora cardui. On blackthorn were the pustules on the leaf margins caused by the mite Eriophyes similis. On Germander Speedwell we found the hairy terminal pouches containing the larva of the midge Jaapiella veronicae. It was as always very useful to be in the field with an expert.
Sightings:
Plants:
Butterflies:
Other Insects:
Birds:
August 12th - Ashby Canal.
Leader: David Porter
We started this ramble at the Bosworth battlefield visitor centre and walked down to the canal.
Butterflies seen were a nice Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites.
Along the canal Banded Demoiselle fluttered. Coots, Mallard and Moorhen swam on the canal The only notable plant was Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperu), which I initially was Pendulous Sedge, ( Carex pendula ), because of the pendulous spikes.
Sightings:
Plants:
Cyperus Sedge ( Carex pseudocyperus )
Butterflies:
Brown Argus, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Meadow Brown and Large and Green-veined Whites
Other Insects:
Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Coots, Mallard and Moorhen
Brown Argus. ( Aricia agestis )
July 29th - River Arrow Nature Reserve.
Leader: David Porter
This Local Nature reserve consists of various habitats including grassland, the small river, bank, and scrubby woodland along the mill race
which formerly fed Ragley Watermill. It was extended in 2002 to include an area of grassland under which are the ruins of a demolished Benedictine abbey.
Fish, probably chub, were seen in the river and the dragonflies Southern Hawker and Common Darter and Damselfly Banded Demoiselle were present. Butterflies seen included Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green- veined White and Large White. A Green Woodpecker was seen and heard and its feeding on the anthills of the Yellow Meadow Ant was evident.
On lifting three corrugated iron sheets we saw a small Grass Snake and two Slow Worms, one quite large, much to the delight of a local of woman passing by who had never seen the species before. The notable plant of the reserve, Small Teasel, was eventually found in flower growing along the old mill race which is now rather shaded by trees which have grown up since I first visited the reserve in the 1990s.
Sightings:
Plants:
Small teasel
Butterflies:
Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Comma, Small Skipper, Green-viened White & Large White
Other Insects:
Southren Hawker, Common Darter and Banded Demoiselle
Birds:
Green Woodpecker
July 16th - National Memorial Arboretum ( Society's annual Coach Trip ) .
Leader: Ken Thompson
We left the War Memorial Park at approximately 9.30am and arrived at the National Arboretum a out an hour or so later.
Several members took advantage of the mobility scooters which were available for hire.
The actual site itself was spectacular with some amazing statues and of course memorials representing all of the armed forces.
There were many poignant moments as we read the stories behind some of the monuments, not least of which was the memorial who were 'Shot at dawn'. Many of those who were shot at dawn for supposed cowardice, were represented by a wooden stake. Attached to each stake was a notice stating the name, if known, of the victim, along with his rank and age. We found the youngest to be only 17. Very sad.
The river Trent runs alongside the site and was found to be very interesting from a natural history point of view. A replica of a WW2 German pillbox was entered and inside a Dark Arches moth, Apamea monoglypha was found to be taking shelter.
Several common species of butterfly were noted including Gatekeeper, Pyronia tithonus, Comma, Polygonia.c-album, Meadow Brown, Maniola jurtina, Speckled Wood, Pararge aegeria, Large White, Pieris brassicae, Small White, Artogeia rapae, Green-veined White, Artogeia napi, and Red Admiral, Vanessa atalanta.
Several species of Odonata were seen by the riverside but only two species were identified, these were the Banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, and the Southern aeshna, Aeshna cyanea.
There were many water birds in and around the river but the most notable was the Little Egret, Egretta garzetta.
Everyone enjoyed the day, and the rain that had threatened earlier, disappeared, and the afternoon was particularly sunny and warm.
Sightings:
Plants:
Himalayan Balsam, one clump of Common Meadow-rue, lots of Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Woundwort and Broad-leaved Dock on the bank of the river Tame.
Common Poppies were scattered over the site. Some Common Club-rush and a great deal of Unbranched Bur-reed in the river.
Flowering Rush in one of the ponds near the railway.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral 15+ and Comma 10+ were on an area of creeping thistle and brambles next to the railway.
Other Insects:
Southern Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly, many Banded Demoiselles along River Tame
Birds:
Pied Wagtail 1 pair feeding young, Common Tern 2, 1 carrying food, Mute Swan, Cormorant flying near confluence, Canada Goose, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe on nest in River Tame, Coot, Goldfinch singing on post next to railway
July 1st - Harbury Spoilbank.
Leader: Jos Tancock
We visited Harbury Spoil Bank instead of the programmed venue (Bishop s Hill) because it was discovered, a few days earlier, that our meeting would clash with the Bishops Itchington Carnival which, with road closures and additional traffic, would probably have caused difficulties in access and parking for Bishop s Hill.
The choice of this alternative venue was good as, like Bishop s Hill, it supports an assem-blage of plants associated with calcarious soil conditions. This was evident when we made our way into the reserve and were greeted by a wonderful display of assorted wild flowers - some were already past their best and others, such as the various thistles, were only just beginning to open. Rachel Cooke listed forty species including: Carline, Dwarf, Creeping and Woolly Thistles, Hoary Plantain, Rest Harrow, Yellow Wort, Spotted Orchid, Twayblade, Salad Burnet, Melilot, and the semi-parasitic species Red Bartsia, Eye Bright and Yellow Rattle. Quaking Grass, Briza sp. was also noted.
Records of plant galls were disappointing with no more than 10 different ones found. Five of these were noted on the boundary hedge by the car lay-by and were: abundant tiny pimples caused by the gall mite Aceria campestricola on the leaves of Elm, Common Spangle and Silk Button Spangle galls on leaves of Pedunculate Oak, a single Ramshorn gall on Pedunculate Oak and developing button-top galls of the midge Dasineura crataegi on hawthorn. Other galls noted inside the reserve were: leaf-edge rolls of the gall mite Phyllocoptes goniothorax on hawthorn (these were very scarce), galls on leaves of Common Ash were those of the Psyllid Psyllopsis fraxini and of the two gall midges Dasineura fraxini and D. fraxinea. Another midge gall, that of D. plicatrix, was found on bramble but was very scarce. The only galls found on wild rose (Rosa canina agg.) were two Robin s Pin-cushions caused by the wasp Diplolepis rosae, one of which (see photo) had developed at ground level on a minuscule bush.
Insects, in general,were not much in evidence although quite a few bumble bees were to be seen foraging for nectar/pollen on the many wild flowers, A bumble bee s nest was found that had been partly dug out, possibly by a badger, but the occasional bee was seen emerg-ing - they appeared to be Bombus terrestris (identified from a fuzzy photograph). A good va-riety of butterflies was recorded and although numbers were low it is always a pleasure to watch the Marbled Whites. One other insect noted was an Oak Bush Cricket, Meconema thalassinum on a scrubby oak bush in the boundary hedge.
The twelve members who attended this meeting enjoyed the hot sunny afternoon and seeing the species rich grassland flowers and the butterflies, and, if for nothing else, the visit was worthwhile just to see the wonderful range of flowering plants.
Sightings:
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Marbled white, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Large White, Common Blue, Large Skipper & Small Skipper.
Moths:
Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Buff-tailed Bubblebee, Oak Bush Cricket, Brown Hawker & Picture Wing Fly ( see photo! ).
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Kestrel, Skylark heard!
Robin's Pin-cushion Gall.
Marbled Whites paired up. ( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled Whites - male & female during courting dance.( Melanargia galathea )
Marbled White - female. ( Melanargia galathea )
Picture Wing Fly ( Oxyna parietina )
June 17th - Snitterfield Bushes.
Leader: Sheila Tatum
Snitterfield Bushes is a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Stratford. In Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places (L Barnett and Craig Emms) Snitterfield Bushes is described as arguably one of the best woodland nature reserves in the county . We visited on a warm sunny day in June and it did not disappoint even though we did not find all the plants that are supposed to grow there.
The site is 50 hectares of broad leaved woodland and was for centuries part of a much bigger wooded area that stretched to Brearly. The tree growth is relatively young as the trees were felled during the Second World War to build an airfield. The woodland has been allowed to re-establish and in winter it is possible to see features of the old RAF storage areas and the concrete paths. However, in June the undergrowth was high and these features were well hidden. The concrete paths do make it fairly easy to walk through. The previous use of the woodland does not seem to detract from the diversity of the area.
I have, in previous years found Bird s Nest Orchids (Neottia nidus-avis) on the site and it is reported that Greater Butterfly Orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) grow there. Unfortunately, we failed to find these. Bird s Nest Orchids have no chlorophyll and therefore do not photosynthesise. They are a brownish colour with yellow brown flowers and are, consequently, quite hard to see amongst the leaf litter. Bird s Nest Orchids are saphrophytic and feed on mycorrhizal fungus in the soil. The fungus is dependent on the trees around it. The First-Nature website says Since all parties involved in this relationship survive it is clearly of mutual benefit . (http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php) The fact that no Bird s Nest Orchids were found does not necessarily mean they have died out though this is obviously a concern. M Foley and S Clarke in their book Orchids of the British Isles say that some individual plants produce spikes for several consecutive years before dying and that seeds take up to ten years to germinate. They also say that although the plants can be cross pollinated they are able to self-pollinate and sometimes this happens whilst the spikes are still underground. Bird s Nest Orchids may also propagate from the roots and therefore may possibly be seen a little way from the original sighting. Evidently it is worth checking to see if there are Bird s Nest Orchids in future years.
We did see Herb Paris which by contrast has a green flower. According to the Wildlife Trust website it was used by medieval herbalists to guard against witches. http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris
Herb Paris( Paris quadrifolia )
A highlight of the walk was seeing the Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphiaI), a large orange butterfly named as it has silver streaks on the underside of its wings.
Sightings:
Plants:
Yellow Wort, Hairy St John s Wort, Stone Crop (pink flowered), Bugle, Yellow Rattle, Marsh Thistle, Privet, Red Clover, White Clover, Valerian, Herb Paris, Enchanter s Nightshade, Common Spotted Orchid, Great Forget Me Not, Wound wort, Epilobium, Figwort, Yellow Pimpernel, Remote Sedge, Ragged Robin, Creeping Buttercup, Great Forget-me-Not, Elder Flower, Scented Agrimony, Willow Herb, Meadow sweet, Eye Bright, Meadow Vetchling, Hairy St John s Wort, Wood Sage, Marsh thistle, Wild Privet, Aspen, Silver Birch, Crested Dog s Tail, Nipple Wort, False Fox Sedge, Traveller Joy, Woodruff, Dog Wood, Dog Rose, Silver Birch, Aspen, Elder.
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Green-veined White, Orange-tip (female), Large Skipper.
Moths:
Brimstone Moth, Burnet Companion, Six-spot Burnet & Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet.
Insects:
Hornet.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Long-tailed Tits (fledglings), Marsh Tits (fledglings), Great Tits (fledglings), Bullfinch, Wren, Pheasant, Greater Spotted Woodpecker & Green Woodpecker!
Amphibian:
Common Frog
Bibliography
Barnett L and Emms C 1998 Exploring Warwickshire s Wild Places S.B. Publications Sussex
Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Orchids of the British Isles Griffin Press Publishing Ltd Cheltenham
http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/snitterfield-bushes
http://www.first-nature.com/flowers/neottia-nidus-avis.php
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/herb-paris"
June 23rd - Cuttle Quarry ( Temple Balsall ).
Leader: Scott Hackett
Coventry Natural History Society members were invited, by Scott Hackett, to a guided walk at the Cuttle Pool Quarry in Temple Balsall. On June the 3rd we met up with Scott and Adrian Smith who are volunteers on the reserve.
The Reserve is the site of an old quarry that has been used as a dump for rubble and furnace dross. There are also old rusting oil drums on the site. Water is known to be toxic. Waste has come from other areas of the country and this is probably why the site supports the only colony of Dune Helleborine Epipactis Dunensis Orchids in Warwickshire. The nearest colony being in Wales. Originally it was recorded as E viridiflora or E. leptochila (Foley M and Clarke S 2005 Griffin Press) and though not confined to sand dunes it does, according to the New Atlas of British Flora (2002) grow on stony or sandy soils often polluted with lead or zinc . Unfortunately, it was not in flower.
Despite the site being used as a dump there is a diverse flora which does support butterflies and moths. We did see speckled wood and common blue butterflies as well as cinnabar moths and buff ermine moths. There are however many micro moths that other society members are better placed to comment on. Weather on the day was not great for butterflies but grizzled skippers have been reported. Adrian managed to locate and show us a Common Blue butterfly's egg layed on Bird's-foot trefoil.
Grass snakes are seen on the reserve but again not on the day. Muntjac, badgers and foxes are also present.
Adrian and Scott are part of a team of volunteers who manage the site and are both very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora of the area. This made for a very interesting afternoon. They are keen for members to visit the site and would like to hear of any sightings made.
Sightings:
Plants:
Bugle, Creeping buttercup, Dog Rose, Red Campion, White Comfrey, Woundwort, Elderflower, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, White Clover, Marshmallow, Creeping Cinquefoil, Lady s Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Daisy, Dune Helleborine, St John s Wort, Black Medic, Cut-leaved Geranium, Ragged Robin, Centuary, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Butter Bur, Verbascum, White Dead Nettle, Foxglove, Arum
Butterflies:
Green-veined White, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral & Comma
Moths:
Viridella Moth, Cinnabar, Buff Ermine, Straw Dot & Yellow Shell
Insects:
Tree Bee
Birds:
Chiffchaff, House Martin, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swallow, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Green Woodpecker, Cuckoo heard!
Comma ( Polygonia C-album )
Speckled Wood ( Pararge aegeria )
Red Admiral ( Vanessa atalanta )
Common Blue - female ( Polyommatus icarus )
Common Blue - female, underside ( Polyommatus icarus )
May 20th - Hampton Wood.
Leader: Steve Stroud
Ten members and Jack arrived in good time, even though it had been raining quite heavily on the way to the reserve. At the start of the ramble the sun had broken through the clouds and the rain held off, save for one small shower.
During the slow anti-clockwise walk through the woods, we heard Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Wren. Along the paths, a total of four Drinker Moth ( Euthrix potatoria ) caterpillars were found. A Gold Swift Moth (Phymatopus hecta ) was found and photographed roosting under some Goose Grass. Butterflies seen, included Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange Tip. Among the many insects flying, the Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens ) was observed and photographed by Steve Stroud.
The ramble ended at the meadow by the River Avon, where we were thrilled at the display of two, possibly three Hobbies hunting along the river banks. A Buzzard was also seen at the same location high in the dark cloudy sky. The male and female Banded Demoiselle ( Calopteryx splendens ) were seen, along with a Cardinal Beetle. A Green Woodpecker was heard during the walk through the woods back to the car park.
A Gold Swift Moth ( Phymatopus hecta )
Pellucid Fly ( Volucella pellucens )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
Hobby ( Falco subbuteo )
May 6th - Brandon Marsh.
Leader: Ken Thompson
Twelve members met at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and on an overcast but dry day, walked slowly to the Baldwin Bird Hide and then to the Teal Pool Hide.
Rachel Cooke listed sixteen plants in flower including a good display of Marsh Marigolds by the pools. Peter Cooke searched for plant galls and we were all impressed by the numerous Oak Apples on the Oak trees. We spent a lot of time in the bird hides, Charlie Wale and Shelia Tatum took photographs.
We saw: Heron, Coot, Goosander, Lapwing, Common Tern, Greylag Goose, Gadwall and Redshank.
When walking to and from the hides we heard Cuckoo, Chiffchaff, Robin,Wren and we were delighted to see a pair of Tree Creepers.
Sightings:
Plants:
Primrose, Common Dog Violet, Bird Cherry, Wych Elm, Hop ( light green leaves, doing well ),
Alexanders ( vigorous growth, outside East Marsh Hide ), Marsh Marigold ( well out showing large patches of yellow ),
English Oak ( Next to Grebe Pool, had large green galls ).
Fungi:
Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Insects:
Mammals:
Muntjac deer - While Barry King and Jane Sells were studying the Bird Cherry and the Wych Elm on the path near the centre, they behind them to see a Muntjac running fast across the path to Goose Pool with its tail up showing lots of white.
Birds:
Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Robin, Wren, Tree Creeper
Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Stock Dove, Carrion crow,
Swallow, Sand Martin,
Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Canada Goose ( with Young ),
Greylag Goose ( 1 with young, another sitting on potential Osprey nest platform ), Coot,
Grey Heron, Coot, Cormorant, Mute swan, Grey Heron,
Goosander ( a male in full breeding plumage close to the Baldwin Hide, has been here for many weeks and may be unwell,
Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern ( 6 swooping noisily ),
Oystercatcher ( 2 pairs, one with 2+ young ), Redshank ( 2 ), Little Ringed Plover ( 2 ), Lapwing.
April 22nd - Bubbenhall Wood.
Leader: Faye Irvine
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust offered a guided walk around Bubbenhall Wood to members of the society as a thank you for the society s donation towards the purchase of Bubbenhall Wood and Meadows.
Faye Irvine the trust s engagement officer conducted the guided walk through the wood and meadow which were purchased from Smith s Concrete that owned the meadows for sand extraction and the wood for access. The trust Purchased the wood and meadow (which is 45 hectares) with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and donations from the public. Community involvement is an important factor for obtaining the grant and therefore there are a number of activities offered by the trust which are free. These include wilderness skills, bat walks, and dawn chorus walks. Details can be found through the WWT web site and do have to be booked. Part of Faye s job is to run an oral History Project and so she has been talking to people who lived near the wood on what was farm land. The wood is designated ancient woodland and was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. It is at least 1600 years old but has been managed and this means that it has been cut and replanted. There is evidence of coppicing but it is not thought there has been much management in the last fifty years.
Another project is the Princethorpe Wood Living Landscape project and the purchase of the wood and meadow and replanting of the meadow with seven thousand trees will link Princethorpe, Wappenbury and Ryton Woods. It is hoped through this to facilitate a reintroduction of the dormouse. Monitoring boxes can be seen in the wood.
It s also important that the wood is accessible and it is possible to get around in a wheelchair.
Faye was a very positive and enthusiastic guide and had the tour of the wood was very informative and enjoyable. So special thanks to her for spending her Saturday morning with us.
Sightings:
Plants:
Western Hemlock (a very tall specimen near entrance, Beech, Elder, Silver Birch, Goat Willow, Black Currant, Wild Cherry,
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Fungi:
Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus),Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).
Butterflies:
Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Green Veined White, Orange Tip.
Insects:
St Mark's Fly - lots everywhere.
Birds:
Cuckoo ( catching flying insects from fence post ), Great Tit, Chiffchaff ( singing incessantly ), Willow Warbler, Blackcap,
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Primrose, Cowslip ( in the meadow ) Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Greater Stitchwort, Wood Anemone ( lots ), Wild Arum, Herb Robert,
Jack-by-the-hedge ( Garlic Mustard ), Yellow Archangel, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Red Campion, Stitchwort, Barren Strawberry,
Thyme-leaved Speedwell ( lots in the meadow ), Pendulous Sedge.
Lesser Whitethroat ( 1 heard - main simple song and more melodious sub-song ), Green Woodpecker ( 1 heard in the distance ),
Common Buzzard ( 3 soaring on thermals ), Raven ( 1 heard in the distance ), Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Mute swan ( pair at nest ),
Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted ducks, Canada Goose, Grey Heron.
Cuckoo
Orange Tip
Winter Program 2016-17
March 17th - "Harvest Mice".
Presenter Debbie Wright
Debbie (of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust), with a group of trained volunteers, undertook a 6 month project last autumn/winter to find out the population and distribution of the Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus) in Warwickshire.
The Harvest mouse is a very small rodent with a short life span (usually about 6 months) but it is a prolific breeder with between 3 and 7 litters per year between May and October with an average of 5 in the litter. Harvest mice do not hibernate. They are usually russet-coloured with a lighter underneath and a long prehensile tail to aid movement among grasses etc. above the ground. They eat a wide range of foods: grains, seed, fruit, berries, eggs. They are found in crops, rushes and brambles.
Harvest Mouse
The pregnant female builds a breeding nest 30cm or so above the ground about 10 days before giving birth. The nest is typically the size of a cricket ball with a small hole but constructed in such a way as to be able to expand with the growth of the litter. We were shown a video of the nest being built. The young are born naked and blind, but by 14-16 days are ready to leave the nest. They are mature enough to breed at 1.5 months old.
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Mortality is high because of a number of factors: cold weather, rain and flooding, day and night predators such as toads, birds, weasels, foxes, domestic cats owls etc..
Farming also causes threats; combine harvesters, pesticides and loss of suitable habitats. These threats can be reduced by avoiding cutting in Summer and Autumn, introducing wide field margins, and with hedgerows.
Debbie's project investigated 16 sites (rural and urban) in Warwickshire. It was done methodically in grids or transects to find nests.; Longworth traps used to catch the mice; analysis of owl pellets (fiddly because of the very small bones); and the evidence of droppings. (A Northamptonshire dog has been trained to identify different rodent droppings by smell!). The Longworth traps also caught shrews, bank voles, wood mice and rats.
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Before the start of the project there were 12 records for the Harvest mouse over 10 years in Warwickshire. Debbie and the volunteers had 180 records in 6 months! From this it is possible to conclude that Harvest mice are probably under recorded because it is not easy to spot their nests. They are probably able to adapt to climate change.
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
We were able to look at a collection of breeding nests to see the intricate structure.
Debbie spoke with enthusiasm and showed interesting photographs during the presentation.
Harvest Mouse
Singles nest
Breeding nest showing entrance hole
Wood Mouse caught in one of the traps
Debbie examining a Longworth trap
Searching for nests
Volunteer emtpying a Longworth trap
Jos Tancock
March 3rd - "British Deer".
Presenter Paul Leadbeater
Paul spoke to the Society in 2015 about his involvement in the Stour Valley Barn Owl Project. This time we had a Powerpoint presentation about the six types of deer found in Great Britain: Red, Fallow, Sika, Roe Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
He compared the six species in various ways; Red are the largest, Muntjac and Chinese water deer the smallest. Adult males, females and young of the various species have different names. For instance the Red has stag/hind/calf whereas the Fallow deer is buck/doe/fawn. The other species have a different mixtures of these names!
He compared the antlers of those males that have them which vary in size and in shape and explained the shedding of antlers and the growth of new ones before the rutting season (autumn, except for Muntjac who breed all year round). The munjac buck has primitive antlers and the Chinese water deer buck has none but does have vicious tusks.
The young of all the species are born well-developed and are spotted so as to be camouflaged in the undergrowth from predators.
For each species we also had the sounds produced by the deer, some very spooky sounds!
Distribution maps showed the Red to be predominately in Scotland, Fallow, Mutjac and Roe quite evenly distributed in England and Wales.
Deer can cause problems. They carry Keds (biting flies) and ticks all of which can affect humans and pets. Ticks can be the carriers of Lyme Disease which can have lasting effects. Many gardeners will be familiar with deer eating garden plants; foresters have to protect trees from having the bark scraped and/or eaten; deer also can cause damage in crops. Road accidents kill many thousands each year and damage vehicles involved and kill or injure passengers.
Because there are few natural predators deer numbers can rise rapidly and in certain areas need to be culled. The approved way of doing is this is by shooting, and this is a recognised sport in Scotland especially.
Jos Tancock
February 17th - "Coastal Wildlife of South West Scotland".
Presenter Kay Reeve
The Dumfries and Galloway area of Scotland is sparsely inhabited and more often crossed en route than visited as a holiday destination. However the low population pressure is a bonus for wildlife which includes red squirrels and numerous hedgehogs. Our speaker is to donate her fee to a WWT project aiming to reverse the dwindling hedgehog numbers in Warwickshire.
Kay s talk revolved round her slides which were of exceptional quality and she was happy to share her photographic techniques. Taken with a film camera, she achieves a more authentic colour reproduction than using digital. Her journey went east to far west across the two counties.
Firstly we were shown typical salt marsh stretching along the indented coastline between the five rivers that flow into the Solway Firth. Tidal areas provide miles of rich habitat on the shallow mud flats to support large and diverse communities of birds. Wigtown Bay seen with its reinforced banks is the breeding ground for the Greylag Goose. Two extensive nature reserves protect birds in transit (overwintering or breeding) and native species. Mersehead: RSPB is special for the Oystercatcher. Caerlaverock: Wildflower and Wetland Trust is additionally renowned as a dragonfly hotspot with 10 species (see again on their website and dgerc.org.uk) many illustrated by Kay.
The placing of stake nets for salmon has long been allowed in some river mouths here but possible denuding of fish stocks may end this. A fine picture showed a catch of whelk eggs and a jellyfish, easily a foot across. Otters live on this coast amongst the many seaweeds species seen, including kelps and wracks.
Inland is the homeland of the Black Galloway and Belted Galloway cattle on the nutritious grassland. The area is green in more ways than one - the Galloway Hydro-electric power scheme one of the earliest built, in the 1930 s, is still used in peak times.
The impressive remains of two Neolithic chambered cairns, some 5000years old, face south towards the Isle of Man.
The tidal area around Kirkcudbright supports a large number of salt tolerant plants shown were Hemlock Water Dropwort, Sea Kale, Sea Radish and also Sea Bindweed which has spread over the UK since winter road saltings.
The SW facing areas are often shrouded in fog, blown in on the salt winds from the sea. Slides showed the ground cover of 30cm high moss mounds and Cladonia lichen just 3cm tall with its bright red fruiting bodies. Conifers were almost completely draped with grey-green lichen, growing abundantly in the clean air. Stonecrop and Sea Plantain grew amongst lichen covered rocks and a Maidenhair Fern flourished in a crack in a church wall.
Wet conditions here seem to suit dragonflies and damselflies, lava cases proving a breeding area even where adults had not been spotted. Excellent photos from the silted up lakes were shown.
The Azure Hawker is special to Dumfries and Galloway and the Common Hawker seen here is not known in Warwickshire. The Emperor dragonfly has moved north, as has the Elephant Hawkmoth, perhaps as climate is changing.
Butterflies abound, we saw Ringlet, Green Hairstreak feeding on Gorse and Broom, Green-veined White in sheltered valleys, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary on shore and lake and the migrating Red Admiral.
On her journey westward, Kay photographed swathes of Wild Garlic and woods of Bluebell and Wood Sorrel. Pine forests supported a wide range of fungi shown were Brittle Cap, False Truffle and Chanterelle. Kay told us that the Poached Egg fungus (Porcelain) on rotting Beech branches fell like rain as the wind blew! In the past the managed woodlands provided useful timber and charcoal.
Luce Bay is shallow and treacherous whereas the sea to the west of the Mull of Galloway peninsula is deep. Puffins are sometimes seen on the cliffs with colonies of Fulmer who fiercely defend their territory, spraying intruders with excreta. In Portpatrick there are gaps in the harbour walls. Feral Pigeon who try to appropriate these are dragged out, and held underwater until drowned, by the Black Guillemot who assert that they are the rightful inhabitants!
Portpatrick was in the news in 1953. Sadly it was by here that one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries, from Stranraer to Larne, sank during a storm with the loss of 133 lives. Now it is notable as the start of the Southern Upland Way, a trail going 212 miles to the North Sea Coast. This crosses the roads and so drivers can park and walk to wild places.
With such enticing descriptions of the area, many members hope to visit Dumfries and Galloway and enjoy the wonderful variety of wildlife in the area.
Christine Hodgson
A Liaison Between The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
and
Coventry & District Natural History & Scientific Society
Intergrated Pest Management Report Dec 2016
Alan Wright Feb 2017
Introduction
For 3 months in 2016 the Natural History and Scientific Society collaborated with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to complete their annual IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Survey and Report with particular emphasis on their remarkable Lepidoptera and Insect Collections. These are held within air conditioned storage in their basement, arranged in 973 glass topped boxes and in collections relating to the Specialist Collectors who assembled them.
Within the seven collectors represented the most notable are probably Daltry and Greenwood.
Harold Daltry 1881-1962 was originally a locomotive designer who settled in Rugby. His collection of insects and Lepidoptera of British micro and microlepidoptera amount to 15,219 specimens all with data and accompanied by detail notebooks.
Dr Greenwood donated 5,000 British micro and 10,000 exotic butterflies mainly from South and Central America countries.
His notebooks and detailed daily diary of moth trapping was bequeathed to the museum in 1990. He lived at Pailton in Warwickshire.
The Daunting Task
Each of the 973 boxes, some holding several hundred specimens were inspected, gradually building up a picture of their faults and complications. In fact so many possible problems became apparent that it was necessary to assign them categories and short-hand codes to be able to succinctly record their location, prevalence and severity.
Generating a Methodology
A checklist of 20 possible imperfections was developed against which to justify remedial actions or monitoring. They ranged from faults, flaws, deformity, discolouration, disfigurement, blemishes, stains and other signs of deterioration. These could be found not only within the specimens, the way they were mounted, the methods and materials used and also within their display cases.
A small selection of the shorthand legend is as follows;
LSW.
= Lost scales to wings.
DG.
= Dirty glass.
FL.
= Faded label.
RW.
= Ragged and frayed wings.
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top,
b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
It also has 10 location instructions like c = column, t = top, b = bottom etc and with Verdigris severity marked in six stages.
Serious Considerations
The most outstanding problem encountered was deterioration in the nature of the supporting pins which locate the specimens to the cork backing. Here the presence of copper in the brass/bronze pins has engendered the occurrence of eruptive Verdigris (Copper Sulphate CuS04 and Carbonate CuCo3) whose remarkable growths in crystal structures extend in strands eventually destroying the specimen. Several examples have reached the explosion stage. Rust consisting of hydrated Iron Oxide Fe02 is also to be found on more modern steel pins. Both water and oxygen must be present for the rust to form querying the part played by the air conditioning regime within the store.
These phenomena are generic and faced by all notable collections such as the one at The Victoria and Albert Museum and both the Natural History and British Museums. The severity is measured in 6 states from slight to disintegration and includes pins not supporting specimens but holding information cards. Although there are many theories as to the causes there is, as yet, no known treatment which keeps the integrity of the specimen.
Peripheral Problems
Peripheral problems like soiled cover glass obscuring inspection and distorted and binding case lids and drawers can be symptomatic of more serious concerns suggesting beetle attack or other Museum pests acting as biological agents.
For example one infestation by beetle was observed within a mahogany box, its cork and paper lining. It was recorded and marked for monitoring and further investigation of adjacent boxes. We cannot yet tell whether this is active or an isolated occurrence.
Several of the boxes retain broken glass covers which have been temporarily sealed using tape pending permanent replacement; one of the priorities.
Conclusions
Working at such close quarters for so long with these specimens engenders not only metaphysical thoughts ranging between notions of Creation as opposed to Evolution but also the attribution of human characteristics to each of the species.
For instance the Morpho Butterfly and Praying Mantis receive special attention.
The name Morpho is an epithet (nickname) for the Greek Goddess Aphrodite , also Roman Goddess Venus .
The Praying Mantis belongs to the family Mantidea is a voracious hunter and is often seen in a praying posture.
The over arching conclusion is that the whole collection is exemplary and that every effort must be made to mitigate further deterioration, saving the collection for future generations in as pristine condition as is practicable.
Following the Societys work with Ali Wells at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, the following text were received from her :
Winter Program 2016-17
February 3rd - "Twycross Zoo".
Presenter Nicky Judd
In October 1971 the Society enjoyed a talk entitled The difficulties of starting a zoo . That zoo was Twycross, and remembering that meeting were some members of the audience! So we were very pleased to welcome such an enthusiastic member of the Twycross Education Team to bring us up to date some forty-five years later.
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed.
In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy.
The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013.
With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish.
New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry.
The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
Christine Hodgson
January 21st - "Wildlife Crime".
Presenter Craig Fellows
Craig Fellows is a retired police officer with over 32 years experience in dealing with wildlife crime. He now trains the police and other groups about wildlife crime. A lot of this time has been used investigating badger related wildlife crime. Craig works with many different wildlife agencies including RSPCA, RSPB, Natural England, BAWC-Badgers Against Wildlife Crime, Bat Conservation Trust and many more.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
Steve Stroud
January 6th - "2015 Eclipse and the Northern Lights".
Presenter Mike Frost
We welcomed Mike again; he had previously talked about eclipses, viewing them being a passion of his.
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Jos Tancock
December 16th - "Members Slide Evening".
Tony Harris started us off with slides from a number of locations including Iceland, Munich, Dublin and Liverpool. Ken and Gill s pictures of a Female Sparrowhawk with a pigeon, seemed slightly gruesome after being told the pigeon was still alive as the Sparrowhawk proceeded to pluck it. Their other pictures of Canley Ford showed various maintenance tasks being undertaken and a visit by Cannon Park Primary School.
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars.
Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
Steve Stroud
December 2nd - "The History and Management of Harbury Railway Cutting .
Presenter Luke Swain
Our speaker was directly involved in the intensive work to reopen the railway line between Banbury and Birmingham and ensure its future safety. On January 31st 2016 there was a 350,000 tonne landslip extending along more than 150 metres of the embankment by Harbury Tunnel, falling almost onto the track, but with the fear of more falls. Constant monitoring of this area gave warnings so all further traffic on the line was immediately halted. Remedial work was already under way following a small shallow landslip in summer 2014, but it had been delayed by SSSI considerations including the Great Crested Newt!
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Christine Hodgson
November 18th - "Scintillating Sicily".
Presenter John Roberts
John started with an introduction to the geography and history of Sicily and delighted us with a wonderful collection of photographs & recollections.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
Christine Hodgson
November 4th - "A Bee Book for the 21st Century".
Presenter Steve Falk.
This was publicity for the Field Guide to the Bees of Great Britain and Ireland which Steve played a large part in producing. He brought along copies, some of which were purchased. It was started in 2012 and published in 2015.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
Jos Tancock
October 21st - "Barber-surgeons".
Presenter Paul Thompson.
It is not every talk where the speaker, in this case Paul Thompson, arrives dressed as the subject!
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!).
Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood.
For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later.
Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Jos Tancock
October 7th - Natural History (and other) Exhibits.
Member's exibits.
The Great Exhibition
Winter Program 2016-17
In the 1940 s Nathalie Evans and Molly Badham both owned pet shops in Sutton Coldfield. Molly bought a monkey she saw in her rival s shop window and found out that Natalie also had a great affection for primates. Soon they were sharing a flat with two chimps that they had trained and thought to be thoroughly domesticated, even using the lavatory and remembering to pull the chain. However, one day left alone, they started to throw belongings out of a window, including pink silk underwear which caught on a telegraph wire, much to the amusement of a gathering crowd on the pavement.
So a move was essential and they found a property with a large garden which rapidly became home for their increasing menagerie. As so many people asked to see the animals they decided to open up as Hints Zoological Gardens in 1952. The numbers of abandoned and rescued wild animals they took in became a financial burden and charging allowed them to continue.
It became clear, as the tally of species neared 150 and the continued interest Mollie and Nathalie had in providing special accommodation for primates, that much larger premises were needed. In May 1963 Twycross Zoo opened with vast traffic jams and chimps handing out tickets to those lucky enough to get in. In the 1960 s and 70 s Twycross was famous as the home of the PG Tips stars in the Chimpanzees Tea Party and other advertisements. At a time when there was much less respect for our nearest relatives, the idea of dressing up and training chimpanzees proved a very profitable marketing ploy starting with London Zoo. It provided a useful fund for Twycross to improve the buildings and maintain their successful breeding programmes.
When chimps mature their unpredictability and strength means that they cannot be kept as pets. They miss the quasi home life they had enjoyed and most unfortunately this early upbringing has robbed them of the ability to integrate with each other in their normal way, as we were told. Choppers, a 46 year female, was originally an orphan from Sierra Leone whose family had been killed by poachers when she was just a few weeks old. Wearing a wig and women s clothes she was seen giving a cup of tea to Louie who, wearing a bowler hat, had just shifted a piano. Subsequently they had a daughter Holly and lived separately as a family. It was not until Louie had been dead for several years that Chopper integrated with other chimps. She is the last surviving television star. Chimps sold today are also orphans, the adult members of the troupe will have been killed as they try to protect their young. Illegal export and fake documentation gives these poor animals a few years as a fashion accessory before being dumped.
An introduction to our talk was this quotation, In the end we will conserve what we love, we will only love what we understand and we only understand what we are taught , and the objectives of the zoo, which became a charitable institution in 1973 are Conservation, Education, Research and Recreation.
Twycross has an outstanding record as the only zoo in the UK with all four great apes. Last August saw another baby gorilla (and at the other primate extreme more pigmy marmots were born) and the orangutans are flourishing. Not only does the unique colony of bonobos have a successful breeding programme here but the Twycross Conservation Welfare Fund supports the rescue and rehabilitation of bonobos in the Congo. Also work in Vietnam helps preserve habitat for the Cao vit gibbons, efficient cooking stoves are supplied to villagers so less wood needs to be used. Worldwide the destruction of forest to cash crop palm oil threatens wildlife. We are urged to use the App for sustainable palm oil, and to check which products we buy. The zoo is engaged in an European breeding programme of 62 species of animals. It supports the conservation of Amur leopards in Russia and successfully reared two cubs here in 2013. With an expanding range of species, butterflies and moths have a breeding tent and tortoises flourish. New arrival giraffes have proved a wow factor for visitors, old and young as does the baby elephant.
Work with Birmingham University and other scientific bodies will continue behavioural research to promote the animal welfare.
Elephants research has shown that they communicate both by infrasonic sound transmitted through the air and through ground vibration hence the proposed proximity of HS2 is a real worry. The design of the chimps area was reorganised when it was seen that not enough time was spent climbing compared to the behaviour of those in the wild. Moving their beds and feeding stations to a higher level solved this.
Along with school visits, Half term Zoo Club and Saturday Conservation Club for 12-18 s Twycross tries to explain its mission. To those who dislike animals kept in captivity, it explains that threatened extinctions are delayed by breeding programmes. Only happy animals breed and certainly the alpacas here bear this out! Mentioned is the sale of medicines such as rhino horn with the alarming fact that one species has only four members left in the wild. Ivory trade has ceased following public outcry. Demand for exotic meat needs to drop. We can reduce habitat destruction by some mines if we recycle mobiles and metals.
On its own doorstep Twycross has a free to enter nature reserve with nineteen ponds and reed beds, used as a filter systems to recycle the large volume of water required now and when the 55m plan to expand in the next 20 years has matured.
We greatly enjoyed the talk with its many illustrations. It has inspired us to put Twycross on the list for a Society visit.
There is no legal definition of Wildlife Crime which does not include domesticated animals but does include plants as well as animals.
Some of the examples of wildlife crime include :
Hare coursing, an old problem still being practiced today.
Poaching, including deer, rabbits, fish and game birds often as a food source.
Egg theft and collecting.
Badger baiting.
Fox hunting.
Disturbance and damage of Bats and their roosts.
Disturbance of Great Created Newts and their habitats.
Uprooting of any wild plants but not the picking of flowers unless they are protected as some orchids are.
Craig explained how egg collectors tended to be city or urban based and that Coventry has a high number of them. The egg collectors go to great lengths to hide their collections, one collection is believed to be hidden in an old war bunker. A photograph we were shown of a seized collection contained up to 16,000 eggs.
TV programs often encourage people to take animals from the wild as unsuitable pets, such as Owls in Harry Potter. Some trapping of animals, such as Magpies and other bird species are allowed under general licence.
We were told even the humble Snowdrop can be targeted by major crime groups. A van that was stopped for a broken tail light was found to contain 25,000 Snowdrop blubs, which were to be sold for 0.05p each.
It is also illegal to damage SSSIs by burning or with motor vehicles.
Although police forces always give human crime priority, they still consider wildlife crime serious. If you see anything suspicious, 999 is the right number to ring.
More information see Craig s website by clicking on the link below.
(Note: The website opens in a New Window or Tab).
http://www.wildlifetraining.co.uk/
The March 2015 Solar Eclipse occurred at the Equinox and the total eclipse was visible from the Faroe Islands and Svalbard. Mike chose, with a group of fellow enthusiasts, to travel to Svalbard, about which he gave us an interesting history. He was based at the town of Longyearbyen to see the eclipse. Longyearbyen has instruments too which monitor the Northern Lights. It also has an international seed-bank. We saw some of the local reindeer, and also around were polar bears and Arctic foxes. The bears occasionally go into the town and there are notices in the area forbidding people from going beyond the notices without an armed local.
We were treated to some beautiful pictures of various stages of the total eclipse mostly by Mike's fellow enthusiasts. Some photos were taken with a filter and some without. He recorded on his tablet. Just before and after the eclipse the sun seems to twinkle and we saw shadow bands of these moving across the ground.
Mike and the group then flew to mainland Norway, to Tromso, to observe the Northern Lights. It was cold, but not as cold as Svalbard!
The magnetic field of Earth attracts charged particles from the Sun which, when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, knock atoms out of oxygen molecules to give a green light, and out of nitrogen molecules to give a purple colour. There were many beautiful photographs and also a time-lapse video of the Aurora Borealis.
We hope he is able to talk to us in future about the total eclipse expected across parts of North America this summer.
Click on the links below to see the videos shown during the talk.
(Note: The YouTube website opens in a New Window or Tab).
Total Solar Eclipse
Northern Lights
Peter Cooke gave us pictures of a Wasps nest Badgers had dug up to eat in his garden, as well pictures from this summer s outings. Sue Scott delighted us with flowers and scenes from Teesdale, the highlight being a picture of the beautiful but very rare Spring Gentian. Sheila Tatum s pictures had a marine theme with a Dolphin, Seals and excellent close ups of a Female Goosander, Puffin, Razorbill, Guillemot and Gannet.
Some of Jos Tancock s pictures were from a holiday in S Agaro Spain including a Common Wall Lizard with and without tail, an Agave flower spike and Megacrystals in rock with an explanation in Catalan and Castilian Spanish. More pictures were from Ryton Pools ramble and Deppers Bridge, ending with Stinky the master rodent killer.
Charlie Wale s odds and ends , certainly were, his pictures ranged from Robins and flowers in his garden to summer rambles and the Society s day trip to Wollaton Hall with pictures of Jack & Kate in period custom. Ginny King s set of pictures were from her allotment showing various pests she encounters, including slugs and Mullein Moth caterpillars. Jane Arnold s pictures from Wales opened with a stunning sunset taken off the Welsh coast. Steve Stroud showed us some of the butterflies and beetles he found during a visit to Hungary. Dave Porter s Death s Head Hawkmoths reared from pupae, rare butterflies from his travels in Europe and a picture of the rare Spotted Crake seen at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, ended a very full evening.
The geology and topography of the area presents problems. Brunel s Oxford to Birmingham railway plan proposed a long tunnel under Harbury Hill which would give the track a suitable gradient. However collapses during construction meant that only a shorter tunnel to carry the road out of the village was built and a deep long cutting was needed. Completed in 1852, this was a very significant engineering feat- the largest man-made cutting in the world, 35m deep and 2.5km long. It was dug out entirely by hand through the Blue Lias clay that was taken to form embankments on other stretches of the line.
In contrast, 30 to 40 machines worked around the clock to clear and stabilise the site, removing over 500 tonnes of material. This spoil was stockpiled as Murphy s Mount, on rented land alongside, with planned gradual disposal to the disused Offchurch quarry. A good working environment, including canteens with hot food, was provided to allow 24 hour working. Completion took only six weeks instead of the nine weeks expected. And unlike the original work on the cutting there were no accidents.
The geological mapping of the area showed that there was completely or partially-weathered Blue Lias clay, embedded with mudstone, resting on a near horizontal limestone band which was jointed to form blocks of various sizes and allowed water seepage after rainfall. However, unbeknown to the engineers dealing with earlier slips, a vertical fault line of limestone backed by mudstone ran along the cutting parallel to, and located about 35m away from, the railway tracks. This was clearly explained to us with site photos and good diagrams.The rainfall in this area during 2013/14 was very heavy, hence a considerable head of water built up behind this impermeable faultline leading to the major landslip.
The talk gave us more to look out for when travelling the Chiltern Line. We were reassured, not only that the whole area is now safe and monitored, but that Network Rail plan to restore natural habitats.
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, (170 miles wide) and has been inhabited for over ten thousand years. Over time all the forests have been cut down leaving herbs to flourish. Separated from the toe of Italy by only a few miles much flora and fauna is akin to the mainland although we were to enjoy seeing some endemic species. The language however is not shared the Sicilian hybrid dialect is almost unintelligible to Italians.
This may be useful in Castellamare, on the north coast, which was a Mafia stronghold. John stayed here and found out that 80% of the men in the town had been in prison for Mafia offences and of these 30% were for murder!
A wonderful coastal path had been left as the legacy of an unbuilt dual carriageway. Here the flat limestone country was ablaze with colour with familiar flowers such as Antirhinum growing wild. We saw the Sicilian Scabious with attractive seed heads, Mediterranean Heather and a Tree Germander growing up to eight foot tall with many one inch flowers. Painted Ladies seen on the yellow Crown Daisy may have been en route to the UK but the Orange Tips are born on the island and do not migrate. An Aresema, related to our Lords and Ladies was shown with two green wall lizards. The Sicilian species has a brown tail, with this one maimed by a predator.
Travelling inland to the mountains the flora changed with beautiful Convulvulus tricolor, the tiny purple Fedia and on stony ground the yellow Asphodel. In the partial shade of some young trees were deep pink Peonies. A Downy Oak with noticably hairy leaves shaded more Arum species. Nearby, a wonderful array of Ophrys orchids: Sawfly, Bumblebee, Bertolini and Longhorned plus the stately Ophrys gigantica specific to this area grew amongst Pale Bugloss and Poppy blooms. Meadows were full of Cyclamen, Pencilled Cranesbill, Sanfoin and Golden Drops again with many orchids and butterflies. Seen here the Sicilian Speckled Wood butterfly is paler than in the UK. A green lizard, eighteen inches long with a blue head, was enjoying the sunshine.
Next area visited was the Etna National Park which rises to 11,000 feet and has the iconic backdrop of the active volcano. John heard Golden Oriole and Nightingale, and at night the Screech Owl. The particular rich soil derived from weathered lava and volcanic ash supports about twenty-five endemic species including the Etna Birch, Violet and Mustard and various orchids, many of which were shown to us.
Furthest port of call in John s holiday was an ancient site at Taormina. This theatre is so well preserved that it is still used for operatic and theatrical performances. The Roman rebuild on a Greek ruin gives amazing accoustics but cold uncomfortable seats! Acanthus (known as Bear s Breeches) whose leaves are often carved on pillars was growing well. With pink Valerian, Stonecrops and more orchids there were blue butterflies.
In fallow fields around a natural stone necropolis flowers abounded. Two species of Star of Bethlehem were shown, with one having a black centre - the Arabian. More splendid orchids and a Swallowtail butterfly were shown.
Finding the way into a ruined temple on the way back to the airport, Italian sparrows were not the only other life there - a young couple had chosen this romantic spot for their wedding photographs, the bride with her bouquet. So appropriately the talk ended with a picture of the flower Love-in-a-Mist.
He travelled over many parts of the British Isles looking for bees and he was able to show examples of the 257 British species, and say whether or not they are flourishing or in decline, which some are. He did emphasise that wild bees are as important as honey-bees as pollinators in the wild and in our gardens.
DNA can be used to decide if bees are new species or sub-species of a known bee.
He also pointed out that wasps are a genus of bees. He showed pictures of all 29 genera of bees and some of their parasites (also bees!).
Bees can be classified in different ways :
- solitary, social (with queens and workers) or cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees on other bees)
- forging habits, some on many plants (polylectic), some on a narrow range of plants (oligolectic) and others one plant only (monolectic).
- when they hatch and fly (spring, summer or autumn).
It was a wide ranging, informative and interesting survey of the bee world.
What follows is my snapshot of the very many interesting facts about Mediaeval practices we heard about. If you were one of the audience then you might remember other things.
Mediaeval times were from 1300-1500 AD. Barbers cut hair and carried out minor surgical procedures; surgeons carried out major surgical procedures and will probably have been apprenticed for six years and had have a degree from abroad. Barber-surgeons rather cheekily added surgeon to themselves without having the qualifications. If you were ill you could also go to the dentist, physician, quack or village wise-woman.
At the time it was generally believed that all illnesses and conditions were caused by the imbalance of the four humours : choleric (bile), sanguine (blood), phlegmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile).
Paul had an impressive array of replica barber's and surgeon's tools, some based on finds on Henry VIII's ship the Mary Rose (though this was slightly later than Mediaeval). Also a beautifully illustrated flip chart to illustrate the humours and how they were related to the signs of the Zodiac, where injuries in battle were to be found on the body, and a colour chart to diagnose illness by looking at he colour of urine. A volunteer was pulled from the audience to provide a sample and this was used in diagnosis: smell, colour, presence of solid matter, and taste(!). Bleeding was used to treat various conditions either by using leeches or a cupping vessel. These were made of glass (expensive) or brass which was heated and applied over the wound and the vacuum caused during cooling drew out blood. For migraines a trephine was used to remove a disc of bone from the skull. Paul show us this intricately made instrument. After surgery metal scalpels were heated to reduce infections of the wound many years before the causes of infection were discovered.
In 1403 a surgeon, John Bradmore, invented an instrument to remove arrow-heads received in battle. He used it on the future Henry V. The wounds were packed with sheep's wool and stitched with horsehair which dissolved later. Rather terrifying to look at (and think about) was a syringe for injecting mercury as a cure for the Pox.
If all else failed a pheniac of molasses could be given, at great cost, a very expensive placebo.
A fascinating and educational evening and no pictures
Well, perhaps not "great" but certainly more exhibits than the Committee anticipated (knowing that the fungi and botanical experts - the Sells - would not be present).
Jane Arnold found fungi to bring along and named most of them, and John Arnold his "steam" engines, made to work with compressed air.
There were a couple of eclectic collections: Kate Maddison's of animal-related objects from around the world, and John Lennox's collections of chinese culture, fossils and a terracota vase covered with marine tube-worm casts.
Made easier to see were Chris Hodgson's slides under the petrological microscope of minerals using polarised light.
And then there was food. Jane Arnold produced her usual interesting and delicious home-made fare, and there were savoury itme too.