Category Archives: Fauna

Ash to ashes [update]

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Chalara fraxinea around the South Downs
This soft-focus map shows Chalara fraxinea outbreaks in our region as of April this year. It does not look too alarming. But the disease is spreading rapidly and DEFRA now expects that 50% of ash trees in West Sussex will be infected by 2018. If you own ash trees you will probably want to take a look at the report [PDF] they issued on 30th April. Conveniently, it also covers the Oak Processionary Moth. In addition, they have issued a synopsis of the relevant research [PDF].

The Forestry Commission has released an app for Apple and Android devices that will assist you in recognizing and reporting tree diseases:

Tree alert app

Assistant Reserves Officer

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Assistant Reserves Officer Sussex Wildlife Trust Woods Mill
Sussex Wildlife Trust is currently seeking an experienced individual to undertake practical land management activities on their nature reserves and to support the management of livestock. Prerequisites include:

  • Tractor driving and using a range of tractor mounted equipment
  • Operating chainsaws and brushcutters
  • Practical land management, including the application of pesticides

More information here.

Songs of the Dawn

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Edward Lear enthusing about the song of the Yellowhammer

Edward Lear enthusing about the song of the Yellowhammer

Join Andrew Armitage and experience the awakening countryside between 7:00–9:00am on Wednesday 28th May or Saturday 31st May. Listen for the Nightingale, the rattle of the Whitethroat and the nasal song of the Yellowhammer. Watch out for deer and other early morning wildlife, followed by a cooked al fresco breakfast. Two miles, wear stout footwear. No dogs. Meet up at the grass bank by Mouse Cottage, just off Mouse Lane in Steyning [Map Ref: TQ173,114].
Must book: The Steyning Bookshop, tel: 01903 812062, cost: £7.50.

Finding, Identify & Surveying Invertebrates

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Finding, Identify & Surveying Invertebrates
Two day course to be taught by Graeme Lyons at Woods Mill on 29th & 30th May. Attendees will learn different ways to survey invertebrates from field craft such as beating, sweep-netting, sieving and netting to sampling techniques such as light-trapping, pitfall-trapping and water-trapping. Inevitably some identification will be taught too but the emphasis will be on surveying and field craft.

Steyning Saplings

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The Outdoors Project Steyning Saplings
Birds, bugs and butterflies – these are just some of the creatures that a new nature group for 2 – 4 year olds will be learning about on the Steyning Downland Scheme from Easter. The aim is to run fun outdoor sessions, where parents and young children can explore and enjoy nature right in the heart of Steyning. The group will run on Tuesday mornings 10 -11.30am from 29th April to 27th May 2014. The cost is £25 for five sessions. To book a place email: katie.scanlan@theoutdoorsproject.co.uk

Saddlescombe Farm Open Day

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Dew pond at Saddlescombe Farm
The National Trust writes:

Discover this ancient downland farm that was once owned by the Knights Templars. Tours of the 17th century buildings, the surrounding downs and the walled garden. Displays and demonstrations of traditional work including; hurdle making, shepherding, carpenters’s workshop and more. This year we are delighted to introduce our new farmers Roly and Camilla — so watch out for newly born lambs and their sheep dog Belle. Tea and home-made cakes available.

Sunday 27th April, 10:30am–4:00pm, adult £5, child £3, family £13.

Get stuffed

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Potter's Museum Bramber
Local readers who qualify for a bus pass will recall childhood visits to Potter’s Museum when it still occupied the building in Bramber that housed it for a hundred years. Somewhat younger readers may have visited it in Arundel. The youngest will have had to travel to Cornwall to see it prior to closure a decade ago. Today’s Telegraph provides a convenient photo sequence to awaken the relevant memories.

Monday 21st: the Daily Mail catches up.