Abington Naturewatch

Monday, 20 April 2026

Young Moorhen along the river

18th April 2026 - walking alongside the river Granta by the cricket field, Andy M spotted a Moorhen sitting on some reeds on the opposite bank. The bird almost immediately got up and hid in the adjacent undergrowth, followed by 3 or 4 newly-hatched chicks - of which he managed to get a quick photo.

Unusual garden visitor

19th April 2026 - David F was a little surprised to see a pair of Mallard visiting their garden pond, staying for an hour or so!

Green Alkanet

19th April 2026 - the Green Alkanet was noted to be in flower in Sluice Wood - David F.

Unusual nest site!

16th April 2026 - this unusual nesting site was found in Suzan S's paddock on North Road - someone tending their horse there heard cheeping when walking through the gate!!

To watch video, press the central arrow icon twice

Early Mining Bee colony

15th April 2026 - a busy colony of Early Mining Bees was spotted in Len M's garden.

To watch video, click on central arrow icon twice.

Flowers out in Sluice Wood

12th April 2026 - David F noted both Garlic Mustard and Ground Ivy in flower in Sluice Wood.

Ground Ivy

Garlic Mustard - much loved by Orange-tip butterflies

Orange-tip butterfly

10th April 2026 - Derek T spotted this Orange-tip butterfly in his garden - one of the first reported this year. A little later, on 16th April, John T also saw one along the Old Railway Cutting

[photo Derek T]

[photo John T]

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)