Observations
What
the Butlers Saw
With
modest knowledge of natural history, limited time and equipment and
adopting a conservative approach to identifying and recording species,
two BOFs Committee members observed the following during 2000:-
78
species of plants in flower including, Common
Spotted, Pyramidal and Southern Marsh orchids.
6
species of mammal including a breeding pair of
Red Foxes. Single foxes were observed on several occasions, the vixen
with a cub once.
44
species of birds, most notable a Grey Wagtail and
a Common Sandpiper on migration.
5
species of amphibians and reptiles. Great Crested
Newts once again bred successfully on the reserve.
22
species of butterflies were observed. The
common grassland species were present including Common Blue's, Green
Hairstreak's and Marbled White's. Clouded Yellow's were the most numerous
of the migrant butterflies appearing in quite large numbers during August.
9
species of moths were identified. The sight
of an emerging Large Elephant Hawkmoth was
a particular pleasure.
3
species of damselfly
and 6 species of dragonfly were seen. The large
and spectacular Emperor dragonfly patrolled the main lake during July
and August.
3
species of water insect were seen, including
lesser water boatman, springtail and pond skater.
Members
of other animal and plant groups and fungi were observed but not recorded.
Despite
a mild Spring this was a year of generally cool and wet weather conditions,
including four episodes of flooding in substantial areas of the Reserve.
Nevertheless the variety of wildlife observed - and 'What the Butlers
Saw' was obviously only the tip of the iceberg of the Reserve's biodiversity
- reveals the significance of this site as an oasis for wildlife in
the Canterbury section of the Stour Valley.
Ken
and Judy Butler, 19/11/00.
Observation
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