Making hay while the sun shines, or stakeout on Area G

 Visitors to the Common might be intrigued by the emergence of stakes and canes on the central area, known to the poetically inclined as Area G. See the explanation for them in Team Leader Margaret’s message of thanks further down.

No less poetically named, Area B on the Warren Road side of Fox’s Beck was the scene of the first working party of the new cutting season. To my great dismay your usual correspondent was unable to attend, as was also the case for a number of the other usual suspects. Nothing daunted, 12 volunteers did take part, ably led by Margaret. Grillo operators John, Kevin and Ewan had gamely braved the heat to perform a pre-cut a few days earlier: on my walk across there after that event the area looked like this:

We’re grateful to Team Leader Margaret for her insights into how the session unfolded:

“As I set out to the container this morning my brain was a tad rusty as to what would be needed. As fellow team leaders Julie, Kevin and Michelle had all sent their apologies it was up to me to get it right! Fortunately, Sue was able to help me load the trolley and wheelbarrows and with John's help we got them on site. 

At 08.55 there was me, John and Andrew B! I thought we will do our best ... Then out of the morning haze the cavalry arrived and took our number to 12. I have never been so pleased to see them all! Fortunately, the cut material was beautifully light and smelt wonderfully of newly mown hay and mint. The ground was firm, no ploughing through clinging mud.  For the first time ever I didn't wear wellies. It all made for excellent working conditions, apart from the heat.

This is where the other team leaders were sorely missed as Noel asked forlornly where are the straps for attaching the winch to the tree? Andrew M asked, “and where are the rakes?”

After that everything worked like clockwork as if we had never been away. I did discover Noel's motivation for coming; as the sheet is pulled towards the winch Noel lets out a wonderful cry of Woah! which he assures me is what he's always wanted to do.

Andrew B received expert tuition on using the winch whilst Dave was sitting down on the job.”

The half-time refreshment break would have come as a relief.

Pitchforkers in action:

Here also is Margaret’s message of thanks:

Hello all.

Thank you. We got off to a grand start this morning. With so many team leaders absent it was great to have 11 other volunteers turn up. Despite the usual first cut of the season teething trouble, like me forgetting the straps for the winch, we all worked well in the increasingly warm morning. So glad we braved the earlier start. It was lovely to see you all and the chat as always was the best bit.

Several people have asked what the bamboo canes with the blues tips on area G are for. We have permission to conduct a scientific experiment using Lousewort as a means of controlling reed and sedge growth. The Lousewort (the red plant that you can see plenty of in the middle) parasitises on the roots of the reed and sedge weakening the plants.

Janet, Bob and Sue have been surveying two plots within the marked areas. Then next week we will cut the larger plots and remove the vegetation. We will then collect Lousewort seeds from the plants on the common and spread these on the prepared sites. These will then be cut in the usual rotation. We will probably leave the taller Bamboo canes in place. The survey plots are all marked with thick wooden stakes.  Janet, Bob and Sue will survey the plots every year to see if it has any effect on the vegetation. We aim to cut the plots next Friday so if you are interested and want to help please give me a shout.

Thanks again.

Margaret for all the team leaders.

 

This being a quiet time of year for birds (they’re all mostly moping and moulting), one’s attention inevitably turns to invertebrates, and this summer seems to have been especially good for them, compared at least to recent years. Butterflies are gratifyingly numerous, although I wonder if their diversity is down, with to my eyes anyway several expected species missing. Nonetheless, Painted Ladies and Gatekeepers are particularly numerous. As explained on the Radio 4 Today programme a couple of weeks ago by Springwatch’s Lucy Lapwing, Painted Ladies are one of those migratory species, some of which travel all the way from Africa to this country and back in a series of generational hops, and every so often we get an “eruption” of them. In contrast, I have hardly seen any Tortoiseshells and very few Peacocks, but my favourite Red Admirals have been fairly common. Best of all, Hummingbird Hawk Moths are cropping up frequently too; at least three in my garden alone. One got trapped in our conservatory and took some catching in order for it to be released. Also there, barging about like a rogue AI-piloted drone was this fabulous Hornet-mimic hoverfly. 

Wandering across the floor of my greenhouse was this cracking Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar, which I guess was looking for somewhere safe to pupate. Hopefully, I pointed it in the right direction.

I had a very pleasant walk at NWT Cley Marshes a couple of days ago. Rather than going on the main reserve I took the David Attenborough walk from the East Bank (where I parked my car). Apart from some publicity-shy butterflies the only notable sighting was a Marsh harrier dropping down onto what I speculated might have been its nest – and a fenced-off herd of black cows industriously munching the grass. Despite the lack of ticks on my list, it was a glorious place to be. Turning back towards the sea at the path called the Iron Road I was puzzled by the persistent calling of a couple of birds, one of which helpfully sat at the top of a bush. Unable to bear the thought of lugging my telescope around I had instead taken my camera, and thus was able to get this shot of what I think is a Stonechat in moult (possibly a youngster?) 

A recent posting mentioned our visits to and from the Felbeck Trust, and now they have returned the favour in their own excellent blog, at https://www.felbecktrust.org.uk/single-post/southrepps-common-visit - well worth a look, and do explore the rest of their website while you’re there.

Beyond the Bird Table

The BTO has announced the launch of its new podcast, Beyond the Bird Table. “The pilot episode is now live and is titled 'A is for Auk'. Join us as we delve deep into the world of seabirds with ornithologist, writer and broadcaster, Professor Tim Birkhead, and Senior Research Ecologist with BTO Scotland, Dr Nina O’Hanlon. From the grim story of the Great Auk’s demise to the condition of the UK's current seabird colonies, we discuss the many challenges these amazing birds face in our changing world.”

It’s great, so do give it a listen, on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.