Ashlawn Update

Note & Pictures by Phil Parr.

First frogs have arrived and set some spawn in the path flood pools near the Ashlawn Road and Pytchley Bridges.

A Kingfisher was seen at reservoir pond.

 

The years first butterflies

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The rains had eased and on a sunny morning our group of volunteers were tidying up south of Ashlawn Bridge.

Someone was heard to shout of Brimstone, we all looked up and above us a yellow-green butterfly was flying on the grassy west bank.  Those working nearer the bridge were looking the other way and pointing. They had spotted a second one. Both of these were the brighter yellow male, but later in the morning a paler female came and settled in the grass nearby. It was shivering to try to warm up its flight muscles.

A Honey Bee was seen shortly afterwards, and a Buzzard flew low overhead giving us good views of the white patches on the underside of the wings, and a flock of Redwing flew by.

A dog walker reported that earlier in the morning they had seen a pair of Kingfisher in the small wet area by the path.

by Phil Parr

The Big tidy

Clean up was the order of the day at the bonfire site south of Ashlawn Bridge.  Once again the sun shone and we disturbed some Brimstone butterflies. The birds were flying really high on the thermals, a buzzard in particular.

Station/Path Pools

Station Pools

Over the last few years the pools have become choked by Reedmace, so it was time to do something about it so Moorhens have room to swim and Kingfisher room to dive.

We are most grateful that RBC Open Spaces Department was able to help in a big way by providing machine and operator to do the digging out.

This just leaves us volunteers the task of tidying up around the pools and clearing up removed Willow branches now lying on the platform over the next few weeks.

If you would like to help please make contact via Amanda Evans at WWT  Phone 02476 302 912  Amanda.Evans@wkwt.org.uk

or chat to us when you see us working. Dates on the website.

Grasslands on the old platform which has some interesting wild flowers will soon recover as the season warms up.

Path Pool

The opportunity was taken to scrape out Path Pool just to the south of the platform, which was also choked with Reedmace. This was a favourite frog spawning pool until recent years as the water warms up quicker than other areas where the water has a flow.

We may have to wait until next year to see if they return here as the work is very fresh and plants need time to recolonize

by Phil Parr

More of Phil’s shots

A few views of Ashlawn from Phil

Hedge laying

At Cock Robin wood – the Monday volunteer team have completed up to the kissing gate.

 

 

 

Another S.S.

Yes, the volunteers were out again in force and the sun was shining – Sunny Sunday.

Continuing the clearing on both sides of the track in an area between Pytchley & Ashlawn Bridges.  This is to provide a feeding station for butterflies, moths and insects when they travel between the expanse of  meadows in either direction.  There is rather too much bramble which we are trying to reduce, thereby giving other species a chance to thrive.

Birdsong everywhere.  Nuthatch heard and seen where we were working.