Sightings and news for the Naturewatch group of Great and Little Abington in Cambridgeshire, UK. See below for more details and information on how to join.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Autumnal notes
For the first time for a number of years the Bourn Bridge Road and Linton Road arable fields have been ploughed early. The big field just beyond the railway to the east of Chalky Road was in stubble until recently, but owing to the drought there was only one of our 'target' stubble plants above the ground, nothing to justify an expedition. I had hopes that the recent rain might have had some good results, only to find that the plough has now arrived there too.
Another good year for fruits and berries is some consolation. The Spindle Tree near the river at the border between the cricket and fooball fields is looking better than ever. Derek Turnidge provided these photos.
Next month's village News will have details of our autumn Members Meeting which will be on the morning of Saturday 14th November. Prominent points will be deciding on one or two winter bird outings, and collecting ideas for our Naturewatch Evening early in the New Year.
Pat Daunt
Naturewatch coordinator
Sunday, 4 October 2009
The Aims of Abington Naturewatch
At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:
- To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
- To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
- To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
- To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.
The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.
Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.
A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>
For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.
Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)