This week we escaped from the now constant damp weather for a quick break to an even wetter ( if that’s possible ) Munich for a few days R & R with the co-owner of the meadow and fellow wildlife photographer Graham and our wife’s . It’s always great to get away and relax with friends , but it wasn’t all play, it’s time to plan…….
Because we were celebrating , we have just signed a renewal for another five years at the meadow. Time for another round of investment with possible a new larger pond on the cards and more replanting the native hedgerow. We have been negotiating the new lease for the meadow for some time so to finally sign on the dotted line seems a validation of our management of this small special place.
Closer to home we have a new resident at the Fox Hotel , and this one is actually Fox. He has now spent a couple of days holed up in the cosy little room , presumable escaping from the non-stop rain !
Making the news ……….
A Kent nature reserve is marking its 20th anniversary by holding events and activities and appealing for local people to get involved with the site.
Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve near Strood has become known for its rare plants and habitats since wildlife charity Plantlife began its administration in 2006. The site covers 622 acres of arable, grass and woodland offering wide-ranging views of the Medway valley and Kent Downs.
Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, home to the world’s largest colony of northern gannets, has been bought by the conservation charity RSPB Scotland.
The island, three miles off the coast of North Berwick, has been owned by the Hamilton-Dalrymple family for 320 years. A grant of £586,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund has helped pay for transfer of the rock’s ownership along with neighbouring Craigleith Island, which is home to about 10,000 puffins.
The population of a rare butterfly species has increased by more than 90 times.
There were fewer than 50 Duke of Burgundy butterflies in 2005, but this rose to nearly 600 last year, Butterfly Conservation said. Dr Dan Hoare, director of nature recovery at Butterfly Conservation, said this rise is a positive sign for the local environment. “They’re an indicator species,” he explained. “Butterflies act as a flagship for smaller insects. When [a population] recovers, it tells you you’re getting something right.”
A family of peregrine falcons have returned to Worcester Cathedral after the birds seemingly rejected the site earlier in the year to nest on.
The mating pair – named Peter and Peggy – have been nesting at the cathedral since 2024..The team continued to closely monitor the nest and, last week, Peter, Peggy and three healthy chicks were seen using the cathedral as their base for flying and hunting lessons.
The interim chief operating officer at the cathedral, Lynsey Breeze, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome our peregrine family back to the cathedral.
“We really look forward to watching them thrive over the coming weeks. This homecoming gives us hope that they may nest here again next season.”
The Visitor Book
Kicking off this week’s list we have the Grey Squirrel gang , all looking a little soggy. Then we have the ever increasing Rat Pack , the Rabbits and finally for the mammals a very brief view of a male Reeves Muntjac Deer
Next up the smaller woodland birds , we have the tit families , Blue tits , Long-tailed tits and Great tits. The ever present European Robins and chaffinchs . Moving on we have the Wren , Goldfinch , Dunnock , Bullfinch and Chiffchaff.
Last but not least , the larger birds including the Blackbird , Jay , Greater Spotted Woodpecker and Pheasant. And last on the list this week we have the Red kite , circling above the meadow.
The Name check
As you may know this blog started nine years ago and I’m still amazed by the wonderful support and encouragement i continue to receive so here is a quick shout our to some of the towns and cities that have read the blog this week. As ever thank you so much for your support !
New York , USA – Antwepen , Belgium – Auckland , New Zealand – Eagan , USA – Nantes , France – Bardo , Poland. Thank you
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