Woodlands.co.uk
Creating a woodland pond and encouraging pond life.
Pond building in woodland is more than just digging a big hole. It is very much about creating a habitat, which is varied but which actually keeps the water in. Over the last month or so, we have been digging a large wildlife pond in Kent not only for wildlife but also for enjoyment. We wanted an expanse of water that would be big enough for some canoeing and paddling around in small boats.
To do the job, we employed a pair of digger drivers with their machines but we were very much involved in the design and practicalities. I knew several people who had dug ponds and lakes but in this case I particularly wanted something with an island; hoping that this could be a protected area for bird nesting – as well as an interesting feature. Read more…
Dragonflies and Damselflies…….
The trend in the weather since the 1980’s has been for a general increase in temperature. Perhaps, in consequence, new species of dragonfly and damselfly have arrived in Britain from the warmer climates of Southern Europe.
The following species have been recorded to date
- the Willow Emerald
- the Southern Migrant Hawker
- the Southern Emerald Damselfly
- the Vagrant Emperor
- the Small red-eyed Damselfly and
- the Dainty Damselfly.
Wildlife surveys
There is a considerable number of different surveys running throughout the country, some of which might hold a particular interest for you. Many ‘natural history’ organisations / charities are dependent on the input from volunteers to monitor the status of plant and animal populations throughout the UK or specific local areas – especially in these financially difficult times. Read more…
The National Forest
The Countryside Commission had the idea of creating a new ‘National Forest’ in 1987 – to give a tangible expression of the benefits of trees and woodlands. It also has a practical role in terms of demonstrating the importance of carbon fixation (through photosynthesis) and the importance of this in the amelioration of climate change.
The National Forest was and is a bold project, focusing on some 200 square miles of central England (parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire). The area includes farmland and the relics of coalfields & mineral workings, with some pockets of ancient woodland – for example, Charnwood Forest to the east and Needwood Forest to the west. A map of the area of the National Forest can be seen here . Read more…
European Red List
Many insect species are under threat – butterflies , dragonflies, beetles; according to the Red List. In most cases, this can be associated with habitat loss. Read more…
National Insect Week 21st / 27th June, 2010.
World wide some million different types of insect have been identified and named, even in the U.K. some 24,000 species can be found. Insects, like bees and bumblebees are economically important in the pollination of many crops (apples etc) and flowers; others like the saproxylic beetles have a role in the recycling of the materials and nutrients from dead and decaying wood. Read more…
Can you help with more surveys?
Apart from the bluebell and ladybird surveys, various other learned bodies / organisations are appealing for help in recording certain insects. For example, the British Dragonfly Society Biological Records Centre would like people to look out for a damselfly called the banded demoiselle.
The adult banded demoiselle may be found flying (between May and September) near rivers, canals and streams with abundant waterside vegetation. Read more…