Abington Naturewatch: June 2010

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Swallow-tailed Moth

Sally Turnidge spotted this Swallow-tailed Moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) on ivy on an apple tree in her garden.

Devil's Dyke 2 - 25th June

Highlights of the evening were the Pyramidal Orchids in quite good numbers and the Lizard Orchids, which were less than abundant and poor in growth.

Last and probably least in stature was Bastard Toadflax (Sandalwood Family), which was holding on well in short turf at the North-West end.

Our walk along the dyke was enlivened by the horse racing alongside.

It was a beautiful evening finished off with a spectacular sunset over the dyke.

Saturday, 19 June 2010

Hedgehog

Sally Turnidge took this photo on 17 June in the evening... the hedgehog appears to have a mark which looks like a cross on its back.

Spindle Ermine moth caterpillars

Jennifer Hirsh took this photo near the river bridge (opposite the ford) on Saturday 12 June. She now knows of 4 separate spindle trees in the village that are being affected by this moth.

Monday, 14 June 2010

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Susan Hodges has been enjoying visits from a juvenile Great Spotted woodpecker, tucking in to the seed & mealworm bird block just outside her window.

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Third River Sampling 2010 - 8th June

The river level was quite low, making access easy in several places. We sampled at the Millennium Bridge and at the ford - and one site in between by the Recreation Ground. Nothing spectacular - the usual leeches, tubifex, shrimp and insect larvae, again in relatively low numbers.

Highlight of the evening was Derek's discovery of two adult mayflies (Ephemera danica) at the edge of the river near the road bridge.

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.

Pat Daunt, Founder

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)