Tuesday 13 April 2021

Old Railway Cutting walk

11th April 2021.  For the first time in a while, Andy M took a walk along the Old Railway Cutting at the weekend, and captured a few things that peaked his interest.

Muntjac - apparently oblivious of my presence
Muntjac - even when it saw me, it seemed uncertain what to do!
Muntjac
A larger herd of Fallow Deer in the distance
The vibrant brilliance of Blackthorn in the sun
Blackthorn
Blackthorn flower clusters close-up
Tree 'catkins'
The last of the bright yellow Sallow catkins
The lovely finely-divided foliage of Hemlock - still quite low to the ground... for now
An early Cowslip, with many smaller plants and buds following on behind
An unexpectedly late clump of Snowdrop flowers
Ground Ivy
White Dead-nettle
White-tailed Bumblebee
Female Common Redstart 
- perching along edge of the hedgerow, ready to drop onto insects in the grass below
Female Common Redstart - note the rufous red rump and tail ...
... giving that characteristic 'redstart' flash of colour in flight!

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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)