Sunday, 8 March 2020

Along the Old Railway Cutting

Early Saturday morning, Andy M took a walk along the Old Railway Cutting.  Above the field a Buzzard was flying low in search of food, and a female Bullfinch was feasting on tree buds. Nearby a pair of Reed Bunting could be seen moving along the hedge, maybe seeking somewhere to nest.  Small clumps of Sweet Violet were in flower across the open rough ground, and Blackthorn flower buds were on the verge of bursting, with just one or two of the earliest flowers showing.

 Buzzard
 Buzzard

 Female Reed Bunting

  Female Reed Bunting

Female Bullfinch feeding on tree buds
 Female Bullfinch feeding on tree buds
  
Female Bullfinch

Clump of mauve Sweet Violets ...

 .. with one or two white form flowers nearby

Flower buds of Blackthorn poised to burst

 Blackthorn flower buds ...

 ... with just one or two early flowers out


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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)