Jan 13th, 2015 by Ray Hodges
Note: We do not accept comments on this site. Also, if local people wish to contribute please contact either Steve Wright or Phil Parr. To view information about pictures, please hover over the slide.
Jun 5th, 2018 by Ray Hodges
Our efforts over the last few weeks have involved controlling of invasive plant species. We have dug out whole hawthorn bushes in some of the prime grasslands so that the grass and wild flowers can continue to flourish. This is very beneficial to the invertebrate life. Don’t worry, the hawthorn is still very strongly represented throughout the reserve! We have also been been keeping bramble in check, for the same reason
There is much to be seen in the reserve right now. You have to keep your eyes peeled for small movements low down. There are a significant number of day flying moths around right now and some examples are in the slideshow. Dragonflies and Damsel flies are also becoming prominent. There is substantial and very visible butterfly activity when the sun and breeze conditions are right. The species visible will change as the season progresses.
We are now seeing the benefits from the buckthorn that we planted a couple of months ago. They were almost immediately used by Brimstone butterflies for egg laying. There is a series of pictures in the slide show that show the progression from egg to full sized larva.
Apr 22nd, 2018 by Ray Hodges
On Saturday 21st April, the last of the brash from the hedge laying was cleared by burning. Now you can see the entire line of the hedge in an uninterrupted view. The opportunity was also taken to put in some more primrose plants, so hopefully we will seem them in bloom in the spring of 2019.
The pictures were taken a few days prior to our work session. The view now is already very different as the buds swell and open on the hedge. It has already become a favoured line of exploration for butterflies.
Apr 21st, 2018 by Ray Hodges
The warmer weather is making our wildlife more visible, The slideshow has pictures of the Orange Tip butterfly and newts in the path-side pools
Brimstone butterflies are also very visible. The male of the species has upper wings that are all yellow and therefore very recognisable. There is a picture in the slideshow showing a deposit of Brimstone eggs, so successful pairings are happening!
Mar 26th, 2018 by Ray Hodges
On 24th March, another full length of hedge was completed. This has required extensive effort from many volunteers. The original tree line was typically too high and tangled, but the volunteers made a valiant effort to thin it out and bring it down to workable size.
The pictures show the pleaching of the last standing hawthorns by Martin and Peter.
The view will improve in the coming weeks when all the surplus material has been removed and new growth in the hedge emerges.
Feb 22nd, 2018 by Ray Hodges
There is an organised litter pick of the Great Central Walk between Clifton and Pytchley bridges on Sat 3rd.March. This is the annual one organised by local councillors from Eastlands ward and obviously welcomes all hands!
Dec 28th, 2017 by Jan
Dec 28th, 2017 by Jan
It certainly was a good work party, the path was impassable South of Ashlawn and difficult to the North. Good that so many walkers could see us in action. There are still partial obstructions but at least the GCWalk is passable through the reserve and all is safe. And all in glorious sunshine.
Here’s our Christmas present to the Owls, 2 potential new nesting boxes.
Nov 12th, 2017 by Jan
It was a lovely day today (Sunday 12th Nov). Fresh but sunny and not too much in the way of noisy brushcutters. A very good turnout with lots to do, a very enjoyable morning.
Report from Margaret
Oct 27th, 2017 by Jan
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