BRANCH NEWSCamel - Kerrier - Restormel - Penwith - Launceston - Tamar CAMEL
It is also worth noting that almost all these pairs were nesting in nest boxes in barns or other old buildings, and we are currently preparing some more boxes for use. Old tea chests are commonly used, and with a little modification they work extremely well. In fact, when work began on a barn overlooking Walmsley Sanctuary on the Amble Marshes, the owners put a box in an adjacent tree and the owls took it over within days of its erection. Many members have queried the work that is being undertaken in the Amble Valley and at the Trewornan Dam by the Environment Agency. The dam structure was in need of a major refurbishment and this was started in September (later than planned). As part of the Environment Agency's remit to enhance the conservation value of the area it was agreed to take much of the infill material from Walmsley Sanctuary, thus creating some new lakes and scrapes and extending the existing wet areas. This work will further enhance the reserve and also improve viewing from the new raised hide, which is due to be built in the latter half of November if weather permits. Any members who wish to help out at Walmsley are welcome to contact me, as there will undoubtedly be a lot to do in the coming months while we continue to try to make it the premier site not only for waders and wildfowl but for its interesting flora and its high numbers of dragonfly species, which now include a strong breeding colony of migrant hawkers. KERRIERAfter sorting the Kerrier Branch newsletters and magazines into their respective delivery areas we realised that the membership in our area had greatly increased. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new members to the Trust. As a branch committee we organise events in our area, from bat watches to fungus forays to beach cleaning and work parties on our reserves. But we can only do so much. A committee can become despondent if it does not get support from its local members. So if you would like to help make the branch a success, come along to one of our field days - see dates in the magazine. We are a friendly bunch with the same interests as yourselves. Maybe you could help in other ways. We are always looking for members who are willing to deliver the magazines. At the moment we urgently need help with deliveries in the Redruth, Praze/Crowan and Gweek/Mawgan areas. If you can help, please contact Lorna Crewes on (01326) 250307. Our AGM is looming. Remember you are all welcome to come along, have a cup of tea and a chat. Maybe … even join us on the committee. We need your help. Linda Perry LAUNCESTON
The Truscott Pond extension was completed successfully in August and was judged a great success from all points of view. For once the weather was kind. The clay was puddled into the ten-metre by ten-metre pond, to a thickness of one foot. For details contact the branch. The water is holding its level and we look forward to following the natural colonisation. Our first detailed analysis is to be in May. Boyton Primary School won the prize for the best three-dimensional model of a pond with a very impressive display. Thanks to all who helped or sponsored the event. A visit to the Screech Owl Sanctuary in September was enjoyed so much that a return visit is to be made in May. Nearly £400 of stock was sold on behalf of the Trust at the South-West Bird Fair at Roadford in October. Several complications were experienced with the first two winter talks, and reserve speakers and venues had to be found rather late in the day. However, a talk on returning injured animals to the wild by Pauline Kidner and a six-year study of bird populations on a moorland farm by Bob Stockhausen were very well received. Two storytelling events in November will round off a very eventful year for the branch. Early in 1999, we look forward to hearing about our local bat population, followed by two talks on the effects of changing habitat on the natural history of two local valleys - the Carey and the Wolf. All details in the diary. Brian Stringer PENWITHOver the last few months we have had some well-attended events, including our annual fungus foray at Pendarves Wood reserve near Camborne and a very interesting talk given by David Chaffe on his experience of otters. It is nice to see that our membership is growing, as is our number of nature reserves. We now have six reserves in Penwith. Kemyel Crease is situated on the coast path between Mousehole and Lamorna and was originally terraced bulb fields, sheltered by pine trees for protection from the prevailing wind. Eventually the pine trees and scrub took over the bulb fields. Nine years ago most of the pine trees were blown down by the gales. This gave us the opportunity to plant Kemyel as deciduous woodland. Bosvenning Common, near Newbridge, is a fine example of western heath, as is Chūn Downs, which is situated just down the road from Bosvenning towards Pendeen. Caer Brān, near Sancreed, is partly agricultural land that will be restored to heathland. Loggan's Moor at Hayle is a species-rich meadow with areas of reedbed, and St Erth Pits at St Erth is a geological site but is heavily wooded and is a good site for birds. All these reserves are open to the public but please keep dogs on a lead. We have several events planned over the next few months and members new and old are most welcome. Alistair Beasley RESTORMELNo doubt everyone will be talking about the weather or lack of it this past summer, so I won't say another word about it. Our evening moth watch at the Trust's new reserve, Prideaux Wood, was well attended; many thanks to John Gregory for bringing his moth lamp and to Rowena Varley for her help with finding the greater horseshoe bats. Forthcoming event
Dave Thomas TAMAROur winter programme started with "holiday reports" and slides from Tim Dingle and the Hansen family. In October, someone from the Barn Owl Trust came to tell us about the decline of this bird, due to the destruction of its natural habitat through modern farming methods; motorways also have a lot to answer for! It was a story that made many of us feel quite depressed. However, all was not doom and gloom, as many successful efforts are being made by the Trust to get farmers to adapt buildings and put up owl boxes, while owners of converted farm buildings are also being approached; proud owners of a modern garage had their box inhabited within three days and were able to watch a brood being raised from the comfort of their conservatory! We also saw some wonderful slides of these beautiful birds. At Maer Lake money has been spent on opening up an access lane and the reserve looks superb, with wintering birds arriving. Pintails were seen in mid-October. More work has been done at Bude Marshes: pools have been opened up and water rail, snipe and a kingfisher have been seen there. Six young dormice were found in one nest box at Armstrong Wood. Children from Morwenstow School have been cleaning up Duckpool Beach; they filled 22 bags with rubbish and will clear the beach again in the spring. Some of the more picturesque items found on the beach have been used as frames for mirrors. I wish I had gone to school at Morwenstow! Gill Ruddock |
