The wildlife of Belstead Brook Park – see page 10 © David© Walsh

May to August 2021

A news and events Produced by the diary from wildlife and conservation groups in the area Mobile photography Melvyn Eke

Using a modern mobile phone to take photos both for reference later or publication is easier than you imagine.

A quick read through the instructions book and practice will allow great results as good as most SLR cameras. They all have zoom magnification systems and a steady hand (and patience) will allow good results as per photos attached all taken in my Belstead Road garden. Get reading and happy snapping.

2 Welcome by James Baker Editor Welcome to the Spring and Summer edition of Local Wildlife join me in thanking all those who help to bring it together. News magazine. I’ve been extremely grateful that everyone It is very sad to hear of the passing of two stalwarts of involved in the production of this wonderful magazine has local conservation – John Ireland and Dave Munday. I had continued to rise to the challenge during the last, difficult year. I the pleasure to work with John as part of the River Action hope that the mix of articles and news has brought some interest Group for many years, and his kindness and willingness to and enjoyment during the lockdowns. help improve the Ipswich environment was plain to see to all around him. John had a wonderful calm and supportive It’s really important therefore to thank everyone involved – Colin manner, and his thoughtful input helped achieve great Hullis, the ‘Production editor’ – which means he basically improvements along the River Gipping through the town. makes it happen! Without Colin contacting all the groups and contributors and providing gentle encouragement when needed, Dave Munday was a regular volunteer with Greenways for there would be nothing to read! Working with Chris Saunders many years – a dedicated and very hard working member of who produces the artwork ready for print, and Lydia Woods who our team. He also became the chairman of Ipswich Wildlife helps with editing and production, Colin always delivers 24 Group (as well as the Wildlife Trust Ipswich Group) pages of well-illustrated, interesting and informative news. and brought an enjoyable and yet very effective style to the informal committee meetings. Dave’s influence and direct Of course the contributors (of both articles, snippets and photos) impact on many of the nature reserves and green spaces are equally vital, and whilst for many it has been difficult to fill around Ipswich will live on as testament to his enthusiasm pages in recent months – none has failed to deliver! Normally, a and commitment. (Please see tributes on pages 6 and 12). long list of summer events would bring this edition to life – but with the Covid-19 restrictions and uncertainties still ongoing, As I have mentioned in previous editions, the importance of there are very, very few! Hopefully in the next edition we will the natural world, to all of us, is more vital than ever these days be able to report more sociable news and promote events once – so if you are able, please do help by becoming a member of again, and we can all share in enjoying the huge breadth of local conservation groups or getting involved as a volunteer – the wildlife through walks, talks and practical activities. amazing biodiversity of our area won’t look after itself!!

I hope that you love this magazine as much as we do and will Have a great summer of wildlife exploration!

Contents Page Mobile photography 2 4 Friends of Holywells Park 8 Greenways Countryside Project 9 Ipswich Wildlife Group 12 7 15 Friends of Christchurch Park 14 RSPB Ipswich Local Group 16 Friends of Belstead Brook Park 17 Suffolk Bird Group 18 Friends of the Dales 19 Butterfly Conservation 20 Wild Ipswich - Orwell Country Park 21 Ipswich Borough Council Wildlife Rangers 22 Snippets 23 19 20 Events Diary 24

Local Wildlife News is published by Greenways Countryside Project. Editor: James Baker [email protected] Tel 01473 433995 Production Editor: Colin Hullis [email protected] Tel 07979 644134 Production Assistant: Lydia Woods Artwork production: Chris Saunders [email protected] Tel 01473 721550 Printed by The Five Castles Press Tel 01473 718719 Paper produced from well-managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council The opinions expressed in Local Wildlife News are not necessarily those of the Greenways Project. 3 Nature Lovers Quiz 2 Sheila Roberts Suffolk Wildlife Trust Ipswich Group

Normally, at this time of year, the Ipswich Group of the Wildlife Trust would have a busy and interesting programme of talks and visits available for us all to enjoy and Ipswich Group Newsletter learn from. Chairman: (Vacant) Secretary: Wendy Brown 01473 259674 So, while we wait, the group would like to invite you have a go at Nature Lovers [email protected] Quiz number 2. Instead of just answering them all yourself, why not set up a video or Treasurer: Tony Clarke 01473 741083 telephone call with some like-minded family members or friends you haven’t see for [email protected] a while and invite them to see how many answers they can get right? We are the Ipswich Group of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. We offer an interesting range of monthly meetings with guest speakers. Trust members Birds and non-members are equally 1. Which Ipswich park shares a border with a reed bed where people saw snipe and welcome. During the summer months woodcock last winter? we offer a variety of trips, some local, 2. What is a group of rooks known as? others by coach. Details of these and our monthly meetings can be found in 3. Many older people use the name ‘hanser’ for what kind of bird? our “Dates for your Diary” section 4. If, in Suffolk, you saw a King Harry bird on your feeder, what kind of bird would it be? or on the website, 5. What percentage of turtle doves have we lost in this country since the 1970s? www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org.

Animals 1. What is a squirrel nest or roost called? 2. Pilot, minke and fin are all types of what animal? 3. What kind of animal was runner up in the 2021 season of the Channel 4 TV programme ‘The Masked Singer’? 4. What kind of animals helped the Tailor of Gloucester to complete a waistcoat for the Mayor? 5. Bishy barnabees is a term often used in East Anglia for what kind of insect?

Trees 1. When ripe, what colour are the berries of the rowan tree? 2. In the 1970s top ten chart hit, what kind of tree had yellow ribbons tied around it? 3. How many species of native tree (deciduous and evergreen) are there in Britain? 4. Which is the only British native deciduous tree to develop cones? 5. It is thought that Britain’s oldest tree can be found in Scotland and is over 2000 years old. What species is it?

Plants 1. Which species of plant is threatening the future of our native bluebell? 2. Which Wildlife Trust reserve which is a good place to see water avens and spectacular displays of marsh marigold, once provided with drinking water? 3. The Wildlife Trust has a nature reserve near Framsden that is famous for having thousands of one species of plant – what is this unusual plant? 4. What colour are the flowers on the wild flower Dyer’s Greenweed? 5. Which spiny evergreen shrub’s yellow flowers have a distinctive coconut or vanilla scent and can be found most of the year?

Habitats 1. In which Ipswich park was a nightingale heard singing for the first time in living memory last year? 2. Which ancient woodland local nature reserve can be found in South West Ipswich? 3. What name is given to the vast expanse of heathland that used to stretch all the way up the coast from Ipswich until a hundred years ago? 4. What do the initials LNR stand for? 5. Which rare butterfly, seen only twice on , needs milk parsley for its caterpillars to eat?

ANSWERS can be found on page 6. 4 There’s a pretty pink pest lurking over the border Sheila Roberts Suffolk Wildlife Trust Ipswich Group

Just over the boundary of Ipswich, poised to march across our borough boundary is an environmental thug dressed up in finery fit for a catwalk. © AmyLewis The species I’m thinking of is Himalayan balsam - Impatiens glandulifera and, if you’ve ever walked along shady river banks in other parts of the country, there’s a good chance that you’ve already seen this botanical menace. I was on holiday in Yorkshire last year and saw how it had established a dense monoculture along parts of the River Nidd that was quite shocking.

A relative of the bizzie lizzie plants we grow in our gardens, Himalayan balsam can grow up to ten feet tall. It has fleshy stems, bright pink flowers and extremely sharp serrated leaves.

It thrives in damp soil and is becoming an Himalayan balsam increasingly common invasive species along river banks, Apart from its vigour, Himalayan open spaces and gardens. Native to the balsam’s success is mainly down to Himalayan region, it was introduced the seed dispersal technique. As the into Britain in the 1830s as a new seed pods ripen in late summer, they decorative annual plant for the growing gradually dry out and create a strange number of gardeners who wanted to structure that suddenly bursts open – cultivate something exotic. As it seeded often on being touched. This explosive so freely, it quickly became popular action throws the seeds far and wide. Ipswich Group Newsletter with Victorians as an inexpensive way The tiny seeds can survive in water and of creating a novel splash of colour are viable for at least two years which in their gardens. Unfortunately, the explains why they are dispersed so far spread outside your garden’s boundary plant soon spread beyond the garden down rivers and streams – often washed could see you fall foul of the law. boundaries and out into the wider up on the banks during a spring flood countryside. so allowing them to colonise another So far, there has only been one record of area. this invasive weed growing successfully Its ability to grow rapidly and spread in open spaces or nature reserves within easily means that it is a big threat to the Ipswich borough area – along natural habitats as it shades out our less Its ability to grow rapidly and the canal in Holywells Park. But, it is vigorous native species and quickly spread easily means that it is a already colonising large areas along establishes a virtual monoculture where the River Gipping between Ipswich and nothing else can grow. Nothing much big threat to natural habitats... Needham Market so we Ipswich folk seems to eat Himalayan balsam so it need to get our defences ready. does not play much of a role in the food chain to compensate for the loss The other way this weed can escape The Royal Horticultural Society suggests of other plants. into the ‘wild’ is if gardeners pull that the best way to curb this rampant up the plants that have seeded from invader is to pull up the plants before Admittedly, its pretty pink flowers are their plots and fly tip the debris on they flower and set seed. As annuals, it popular with bees but is that at the the local open space. What people would seem to be easier to deal with this expense of them not pollinating other may not realise is that doing this is plant than the equally thuggish horsetail native species? We may also conclude actually illegal – the plant is listed which was described in a previous article that not all pollinators are equipped to under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and in Local Wildlife News. However, its feed on the pollen and nectar of these Countryside Act 1981, and it is an love of river banks means that it can often garish blossoms so those that aren’t will offence to plant or otherwise allow this set seed in places that cannot be safely starve as the native species they depend species to grow in the wild. So even reached to pull it up without a lifejacket upon cannot grow. allowing it to grow where the seeds can and a boat so the message is, safety first. 5 Secretary's News Wendy Brown Suffolk Wildlife Trust Ipswich Group

I have some sad news about the death in February of two long-standing champions of Ipswich wildlife.

Dave Munday who was a committed Chairman of John Ireland who edited the SWT Ipswich Group's the SWT Ipswich Group for many years died after newsletter contribution to Local Wildlife News a long fight with Parkinson's disease. Dave was for many years and enthusiastically supported the warden at Martin's Meadow Nature Reserve and an meetings and outings, had been suffering from active member and past Chairman of the Ipswich Alzheimer’s disease. Wildlife Group.

Ipswich Open Garden Celebrating Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s 60th Anniversary Saturday 26 June 10.30 – 12.30 15 Cheltenham Avenue IP1 4LN This is a SWT member’s beautiful garden. £5 including homemade refreshments. You may also browse plant and book stalls. There is limited street parking alternatively a no.7 Ipswich bus stops in Cotswold Avenue. Numbers are limited. To book contact [email protected] 01473 785600

Answers to Nature Lovers Quiz 2

Birds Animals Trees Plants Habitats 1. Bourne Park 1. Drey 1. Red or orange 1. Spanish bluebell 1. Christchurch Park 2. A parliament 2. Whales 2. Oak 2. Springs 2. Spring Wood 3. Heron 3. Badger 3. 32 3. Snakes Head fritillary 3. The 4. Goldfinch 4. Mice 4. Alder 4. Yellow 4. Local Nature Reserve 5. Any number between 5. Ladybird 5. Yew 5. Gorse 5. Swallowtail 91% and 97%. 6 © Both pictures © John Ferguson 7

© Tom Marshall IP6 9JY 01473 890089 suffolkwildlifetrust.org [email protected] , Ashbocking, Ipswich Ipswich Ashbocking, Brooke House, Ipswich - the most hedgehog-friendly town in the UK town - the most hedgehog-friendly Ipswich Wild in the Week for home for home Week in the Wild educated Weekend children, Wildlife clubs, Young courses Teen Wardens, Wild throughout events and Family the summer too. on the @Suffolk an eye Keep in Ipswich Trust Wildlife page and Facebook Instagram @SWTipswich page for updates and exciting wildlife sightings in the town. As many of you might know, might know, you of As many Suffolk Trust has Wildlife major projects had two our Ipswich in the town, where Hedgehogs project we aimed, and achieved, the most in making Ipswich in hedgehog-friendly town to the UK, and our Closer out set Nature project, which to inspire the next generation and naturalists of young connected with thousands teens children, of school the three and families over past These it spanned. years fed into and projects have current 'Ipswich shaped my am I project where Wild' is continuing to connect people with nature and celebrating wild wonderfully Ipswich’s side. to I hope to welcome you join me for a month jam- full of wild activities packed Ipswich’s to celebrate of wildlife and fantastic array work Suffolk Trust’s Wildlife over delivered that we have All in the town. recent years can you the details of how in both 30 Days get involved free 30 your download Wild, and for all pack, Wild Days celebration of our birthday can be found on our events website. The Further good news! after just stop don’t activities I will be continuing to June. regular sessions such host my for under 5s, Tots Wild as Wild Learning Officer, Suffolk Wildlife Trust Suffolk Wildlife Wild Officer, Learning Lucy Shepherd Wild celebrations - Suffolk Wildlife Trust turns 60! Wild Wildlife - Suffolk celebrations Trust Young people enjoying wild activities in Ipswich with Suffolk Wildlife Trust Trust Wildlife with Suffolk wild activities in Ipswich people enjoying Young you will join me! will join me! you of glow worms and I hope and I hope worms of glow beetles, and going in search beetles, and going in search spiders, searching for stag for stag spiders, searching ponds, hunting for wasp ponds, hunting for wasp urban wildlife, delving into urban wildlife, delving into on night safaris looking for on night safaris looking for activities such as, going as, going such activities I will be hosting different I will be hosting different just a slice of cake or two. just a slice of cake or two. Trust’s 60th with more than 60th with more than Trust’s celebrate Suffolk Wildlife celebrate Suffolk Wildlife celebration, I would like to like to I would celebration, cake, necessary for any cake, necessary for any copious amounts of copious amounts of Whilst celebrating with with Whilst celebrating connection. connection. the opportunities for nature the opportunities for nature acts of wildness, and double acts of wildness, and double celebrations, double the double the celebrations, and allows us to double the us to double the and allows nicely with our 60th birthday nicely with our 60th birthday year, 30 Days Wild coincides coincides Wild 30 Days year, the 30 days of June. This This of June. the 30 days random acts of wildness for acts of wildness for random everyone to take part in to take part in everyone Wild', where we challenge we challenge where Wild', national campaign, '30 Days national campaign, '30 Days we celebrate our biggest our biggest we celebrate across our movement as as across our movement time for The Wildlife Trusts time Trusts Wildlife for The June is always an exciting an exciting is always June for our 60th birthday. our 60th birthday. for long celebration in June long celebration in June sessions, and a month- sessions, gearing up for a return of of gearing a return up for the dust off my kit and kit and the dust off my excited to be knocking to be knocking excited pots several times, I am I am times, pots several nets and down our bug our bug down nets and dry off our pond dipping dry dipping off our pond delivery and having to to having and delivery After a year of disrupted of disrupted After a year A difficult year at Holywells Yvonne and Andy Friends of Holywells Park

What a difficult year it’s been for us all! The Friends of Holywells Park have not been able to run any of our regular events for the past few months, we are however, hopeful that we may be able to host our Apple Day in October. Watch this space!

Holywells Park has been very well used and appreciated by many during the lockdown months, providing a welcome space for exercise, play, and connecting with nature - many have discovered the Park for the first time.

Our regular volunteer work parties have not been able to take place, but, by the time you read this, we are hopeful that we will be back working in the orchard. February is usually the time that we prune Fruit trees in the orchard - lost to their own devices during lockdown the fruit trees, but this year, it has not happened. It will be the younger members of FoHP have noticed the abundance interesting to see how much were so saddened to see their of wildlife that make their fruit the trees bear this Autumn, beautiful park uglyfied that homes there - muntjac deer, having been left to their own they decided to be pro-active foxes, small rodents and devices! and do a litter pick. Amelia squirrels. There are five pairs and Isabelle were amazed at of Mandarin ducks on the The beekeepers have been how much litter they collected wilderness pond and up to allowed to tend and monitor during their hour of picking, three buzzards are spotted Friends of the beehives as these creatures but happy that they had helped daily wheeling over the trees. are classified as livestock. We to improve the environment, One afternoon in November, a Holywells Park are pleased to say that all the especially for the small animals Red Kite was seen in the area, The Group aims to work in partnership hives have survived the winter that so often meet their end in a rare sight for Ipswich. with Ipswich Borough Council to and we’re hoping for another discarded cans, crisp packets improve and promote the Park. good honey harvest this year. etc. Well done, girls. Keep up Keep an eye on The Friends Contact: [email protected] the good work! of Holywells Park website, www.holywellspark.org.uk With more visitors to the Park, Facebook page and the notice facebook.com/holywellsparkipswich we have noticed an increase Over the past few months, boards in the park for updates in the amount of litter. Some of regular visitors to the park may re. events later in the year.

Mandarin ducks on the Wilderness pond Our champion litter pickers 8 Project's progress under restrictions James Baker Manager, Greenways Countryside Project

Sproughton Nature Reserve Management work has continued through the winter to improve the range and quality of habitats within the reserve. Volunteers have helped to plant over 400 shrubs to form a hedge and some areas of scrub; removed large quantities of litter; constructed urban habitat piles (for reptiles in Scout Headquarters (next to St Peter’s Church), particular); put up bird and bat boxes; Stoke Park Drive, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9TH and pollarded riverside willows. In Office: 01473 433995 addition, large machinery was used for [email protected] www.wildipswich.org some pollarding and creating new small Twitter: @greenwaysproj ponds. Instagram & Facebook: @greenwaysproject

A huge dead hedge of blackthorn The Greenways Countryside Project exists to protect and enhance the countryside, landscape and open woodland. This winter we had to carry space across an area of about 100 square kilometres out a large amount of scrub clearance in and around the town of Ipswich, and home to along the line of underground drainage around one quarter of the population of Suffolk, for services in order that they can be the benefit of wildlife and local people. The project adopted by Anglian Water, following relies on volunteers to complete much of its practical the development of the Thorington conservation work. Park estate some 20 years ago. A 10m The Greenways Project is a very successful and well- wide strip about 200m long of dense established partnership between Ipswich Borough blackthorn had to be cleared and made Council, Council, East Suffolk Council into a huge dead hedge. Incredible and the local community. effort by the small number of our dedicated volunteers who have been out helping us during the lockdowns! Paths and high usage Hedge planting at Sproughton LNR The cleared area (and there is more to Like almost all of our sites this winter, do next winter!) will be kept clear of the very wet weather along with a huge Martlesham Heath SSSI trees and managed as meadow, so many increase in use, led to very muddy Once again, a large excavator-mounted species will benefit. stretches of path at Belstead Meadows. flail was used to manage some large Here and around other sites, we had areas of mature gorse – increasing Alderman Canal LNR to try to alleviate these problems structural and habitat diversity. Further Rubbish dumped into the Canal from the by adding gravel and other surface areas of gorse and other scrub were adjacent public car park on Handford materials. cleared by hand in more sensitive areas Road included three mattresses and frequented by adders and other reptiles. three sofas – all extremely heavy when We are always at our busiest in the Obviously no ‘Megabash’ volunteering full of water – so a digger had to be used winter months doing all the habitat event was possible this February, but to get them out for us to remove and management work, so finding time for Greenways volunteers did a huge dispose of properly. The nature reserve this work was very tricky! It’s also not amount of work and local volunteers continues to be abused by some people the best time of year to try to improve burnt the arisings. with huge amounts of litter, dumped paths, whilst it is so wet! Spring and rubbish, drug waste and human and summer will be full of path surfacing dog faeces. Those volunteers who help and repairs to boardwalks – and it will look after the site on the first Saturday be interesting to see if the massive morning of each month, deserve a increase in usage of our sites continues medal for working here! beyond the end of the lockdown!

Clearing large areas of gorse at Martlesham

Kiln Meadow LNR Each winter we cut some areas of scrub to maintain a diverse mosaic of grassland, scrub, hedge and developing Removing rubbish from Alderman canal Boardwalk repairs 9 Belstead Brook Park: the positives of ‘staying local’ David Walsh All photographs © David Walsh I live less than five minutes’ others were located just across walk from Ashground the railway line off Bobbits Plantation and Lane. With the help of a small Meadows, two sections of number of other local birders, Belstead Brook Park. This I found a grand total of 28 article reviews the wildlife I singing Nightingales south saw in the Park during 2020, of Ipswich within walking reflects on the personal distance of my home, a highly benefits of walking a local significant population which I area during the lockdowns, wrote about in a recent edition and briefly mentions sightings of Suffolk Bird Group’s The from early 2021. Harrier.

I have lived in Stoke Park since A singing Cuckoo was seen/ 1992 and have kept detailed heard between 8 and 16 May, notes of wildlife sightings in my first patch sighting since and from my garden since 1 May 2010. It favoured the 23 April 2020. Nightingale near Belstead village then. In contrast, my birding in south-west corner of Bourne and around what has become Park, but wandered as far west another rare migrant, spent my very first bag of litter; the Belstead Brook Park was, until as Bobbits Meadows. It sang three minutes in my bird bath obsession has continued and recently, mostly confined to relentlessly night and day, and on 4 June, rudely interrupting at the time of writing I am up the spring when the migrants was much enjoyed by a large an online maths lesson I was to 73 bags! arrived, extending into the number of local residents, not giving! summer for butterflies and just birders. Singing Species dragonflies. During the summer months, males One major task during April birds played second fiddle 24 March 2020 marked was to survey the warblers, to insects and flora – see Chiffchaff 43 the start of lockdown, with and in stages I covered the below – but as we progressed Blackcap 40 walking locally as daily whole area from Bourne into autumn these included a exercise the only permitted Bridge to the Copdock Hobby hawking over Bobbits Whitethroat 32 option. I felt very fortunate Interchange; the totals of Meadows on 7 August and to have such a range of paths those considered breeding large flocks of Redwings Reed Warbler 23 to explore, not just within birds are detailed in the table. heading inland in October. Sedge Warbler 8 Belstead Brook Park but Willow Warbler no longer There was a female Stonechat beyond the A14 into Belstead breeds but I recorded two in Ostrich Meadow from 4-6 Cetti's Warbler 5 and Wherstead parishes as one-day passage migrants in November, a Corn Bunting well, so decided to make April. Grasshopper Warbler there briefly on 7 November Lesser Whitethroat 5 the most of them; it helped was a notable absentee in and a female Marsh Harrier Garden Warbler 2 that spring is a great time 2020, but a real bonus came on 28 December. I had seen for birding! I meticulously in the form of a fabulous a pair of Bearded Tits in recorded my bird sightings, Marsh Warbler, a rare migrant, Bourne Park reedbeds from 2021 has continued where keeping ‘complete lists’ on which sang throughout 21 4-13 April so was chuffed 2020 left off, with daily patch eBird, and inputted my other May in perfect breeding when two males greeted me visits during the lockdown; observations directly into habitat but sadly didn’t linger; on 7 November as I collected it’s been fun to be one of a iRecord; this became part of the range of mimicry was my daily lockdown routine. I awe-inspiring! continued these local walks throughout the year, and the As a result of spending so data I collected enabled me to much time at home last spring, produce a comprehensive end there were several highlights. of year ‘write-up’ to share with A male Marsh Harrier headed Greenways and other local over on 24 March, the first birders. of three Red Kites appeared on 2 April and one of the Birds local Peregrines soared high Nightingale is one of the great overhead on 23 April. I noted treasures of the local area. In at least two Common Scoters 2020 two singing males settled as they flew over in the early down on territories within hours of 3 April, part of a the Park, one on the edge of national movement detected Spring Wood and another by listening at night. Finally, in Belstead Meadows; two a Rose-coloured Starling, 7 November 2020. Bearded Tits in Ostrich Meadow 10 All photographs © David Walsh

25 February 2021. Water Rail Bobbits Meadow 30 May 2020. Mating Banded Demoiselles in Ashground Plantation small but committed band of Butterflies and to point out to interested a ‘patch tick’ for me as was a local birders sharing sightings Dragonflies residents on their daily Water Shrew along the brook with each other. The cold snap Belstead Brook Park supports strolls. in Ashground Plantation brought increased numbers an impressive variety of on 17 May. My stand-out of Teal, Snipe, Redwing butterflies and dragonflies; Plants highlight was watching a and Fieldfare, plus a few in 2020 I recorded 26 and In 2020 I started to take a female Otter with two cubs Woodcock. Highlights so far 18 species respectively. My proper interest in plants; I for fully half an hour in have been a Great White Egret butterfly highlights, in date carefully took photos of all Ashground Plantation at from 14-19 February, a Barn order, were numerous Green those I found, did my best to dusk on 4 November, a real Owl which took up residence Hairstreak sightings in late identify them and sent the privilege. in one of the Bourne Park April and May, mainly in rest to a friend who was very boxes from 15 February and Kiln Meadow, a good tally helpful and patient, a human Summary a very showy Water Rail in of Brown Argus in an ever- version of the iNaturalist app! The ability to get out and Bobbits Meadows. increasing range of sites, a I tallied 116 species, looking about locally played a big part female Purple Emperor on 21 in Martin Sanford’s Flora of in helping me through the I have mostly concentrated June in Millennium Wood, Suffolk to see which were the lockdowns. As mentioned in on the ‘star’ birds, but what then White-letter, Purple and more unusual. My best find the last Local Wildlife News for me, makes Belstead Brook Brown Hairstreaks from July was a single Green-winged the extra footfall on the paths Park special, is that on a daily onwards; the latter required Orchid in Belstead Meadows has caused some issues, walk I can nearly always notch time and perseverance! The on 14 May. but I have been uplifted by up 40 species and sometimes star dragonfly was a female seeing families enjoying the even 50. Kingfisher, Little Southern Migrant Hawker Mammals wildlife on their doorstep. Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, in Bobbits Meadows on 3 I noted nine mammal Once the lockdown is over, I Great Spotted and Green July, a major surprise and species during 2020. Water will undoubtedly head further Woodpeckers, Goldcrest, my first ever in Suffolk! The Voles were surprisingly afield to some of my favourite Treecreeper, Grey Wagtail and most obvious and striking showy along the Belstead spots, but I am sure that I will Siskin are ten of those on the dragonfly on the patch is Brook during the spring continue to make very regular majority of my recent lists. Banded Demoiselle; there and summer and seemed to visits to the patch which has In 2020 I recorded 92 bird were large numbers along become tolerant of walkers. been so important these last species in total! the brook, another species A Bank Vole on 13 April was twelve months.

3 July 2020. Southern Migrant Hawker Bobbits Meadow Belstead Brook Park 30 July 2020. Brown Hairstreak Belstead Brook Park 11 Wow, What a year Colin Hullis Ipswich Wildlife Group

At the time of writing (March), all our © Colin Hullis lives have been turned upside-down by the Covid19 pandemic for a full 12 months. The very necessary restrictions on movement and personal contact have had severe and long-lasting effects on every aspect of our lives and the lives of people all around the world.

As far as our Wildlife Group is concerned, our activities have had to be drastically curtailed as invariably they involved groups of us working closely together carrying out conservation work at local wildlife sites. However, we have managed to continue with some activity with limited numbers on a strictly controlled basis. This has allowed us to carry out the important winter coppicing work in Spring Wood and to maintain the walkways at Alderman Canal.

Of course not all events have been able to go ahead and certainly the most significant Spring Wood Day - another Covid casualty of these is the annual celebration of Spring that is Spring Wood Day. Held each year for the past 10 years on the first Monday wilder places. Of course there have been May Bank Holiday, IWG along with examples of some who have not showed Greenways and Friends of Belstead Brook due respect for the environment so this is Park have welcomed other environmental an opportunity for us to lead by example groups and hundreds of local people with the hope of influencing attitudes. to a day of woodland walks, practical wood-working demonstrations, music, Another positive to emerge from dancing, poetry, story-telling and bonfire the isolation has been 'back garden food. Unfortunately all such events have birdwatching'. Many have discovered a not happened for the past year and are previously unknown fascination with birds unlikely to begin again until 2022. by having to spend so much time confined Secretary Leila Matata to their house and garden. Certainly I have [email protected] www.wildipswich.org The restrictions have allowed us to take built up an impressive list from my tiny Facebook@IpswichWildlifeGroup limited exercise and this seems to have urban garden that includes, peregrine, inspired many to venture into previously buzzard, sparrowhawk, loads of gulls, Ipswich Wildlife Group is a registered charity, unexplored areas of the countryside the resident robin, blackbird, starlings, relying entirely on volunteers, that promotes interest in, and conservation of, wildlife and for a breath of fresh air. This has been a sparrows and pigeons, migrants including habitats in and around Ipswich. good thing in many ways allowing more swallows and swifts and even three ring- people to experience the benefits of our necked parakeets. © Colin Hullis The future now looks much more positive so hopefully we will all soon be able to visit our favourite places, hug our friends and family and at long last, fill the Events pages of our magazine!

Dave Munday R.I.P. It was with great sadness that we had the news that our past chairman Dave Munday passed away in February.

Dave was an active member of the Wildlife Group who was passionate and enthusiastic about all environmental matters and loved to be involved with all aspects of conservation work. Dave served on the committee and was chairman for many years.

Dave was also chairman of the Ipswich Group of Suffolk Wildlife Trust and was a long-time member of the local Ramblers Ring-necked parakeets - back garden birds! Group. He will be greatly missed by all. 12 IWG Facebook correspondence worldwide @IpswichWildlifeGroup

The IWG Facebook pages are managed by committee member Gerry Donlon. Gerry does a great job keeping the pages up to date, answering the many questions and handing out advice to all manner of correspondents from all over the world. Here are a few of them:

Hi there, my name is Shayne Rudd, I have a community radio show in Ipswich and we are looking to bring awareness to our listeners about koalas and the low number we have left. The importance of Wilde life in general. We are dedicating a segment to it on Monday 4th November and hope to have someone who can come in and speak to us. A Carer who has some animals in care. If you can put us in touch with anyone. We would greatly appreciate it.

Kindest regards P.s I was a wildlife Carer for years and can ensure the studio will be reasonably quiet and animal friendly. No flash photography to scare them. We just find the best way to engage our audience is live guest. We look forward to hearing from you to raise awareness to our most vulnerable Australia’s wildlife. Ipswich Wildlife Group reply (Gerry Donlon) Hello Shayne, thank you for contacting Ipswich Wildlife Group. Sadly we have no Koalas here, as we are in Ipswich, Suffolk UK. I hope you will find someone local to you to talk about the importance of Wildlife. Best wishes from us all, and keep up the good work

From Shynuts L L Shynita Hay I need someone to come get a lizard thats been hit buy a car. I picked it up.

Ipswich Wildlife Group reply From Matt Lowe 22 (Gerry Donlon) November Hello Shynuts, thank you for hi there do you guys help contacting Ipswich Wildlife pluvers? i have one sitting Group, Suffolk UK We on eggs in my yard but suggest you contact one of she's sitting in the blazing your local Wildlife groups hot sun. I was going to put a for advice. Best wishes, IWG little cover over it so it can sit in shade but she gets upset Oh s**t sorry I thought this was Ipswich, Australia if I go towards her. any help would be appreciated. Ipswich Wildlife Group reply (Gerry Donlon) Ipswich Wildlife Group reply No worries, sorry we can't (Gerry Donlon) help you from here. Best Hello Matthew, thank you for wishes and happy new year contacting Ipswich Wildlife from all of us Group, Suffolk UK We would suggest you do put a little cover over her and contact Same to all you guys your local bird rescue centre Best wishes, IWG

13 Inspecting the 'bird-brained'… Reg Snook Friends of Christchurch Park

Lock-down continues and, as for many others, my excursions are extremely limited. Any wildlife sightings in our Park come from limited sources so I have once again referred to my notebooks.

The following stories are just a sample of what the Department of the Environment Inspectors had to commit to. First of all, I must say that many keepers were extremely knowledgeable, loved their birds and respected the Inspectors but, over the course of 28 years, I had to deal with some who cared little for their

Friends of

Christchurch Park Goshawk Secretary: Sylvia Patsalides 07971 467042 Membership Secretary: Robert Fairchild Ongar, Thurrock, Wickford goshawk was large, it looked at asked the keeper. “Yes”, I 01473 254255 and Leigh on Sea. For me with wild eyes and it was also replied, “but why do you keep www.focp.org.uk Follow us on Facebook@ many of these visits I was housed in a very large aviary. this vicious bird?”. The keeper Christchurch Park and Twitter@ChristchurchPk accompanied by a Police Oh dear, but at least it was the wiped more blood from his The sole purpose of the Friends Group is to Officer for, although many keeper who had to catch it. hand, looked at me and said, help look after the Park for the public good, keepers of protected species 'Here, Kitty, Kitty' came to mind! “I simply love her, she is part of and to promote its welfare. Anyone who were 'straight' and became the family”. shares this aim is welcome to join. For a small my friends, many were The keeper emerged from a shed annual fee of £10 you can join in Friends somewhat corrupt and wearing thick clothes, goggles, Foundling eagle activities all year round, including Illustrated had dealings with suspect a crash helmet and boots and Recollecting another incident talks and discussions, Guided Park walks and suppliers from all over he was carrying a dustbin lid. always makes me smile Practical conservation work. You will also receive an informal seasonal newsletter. Europe. Sometimes, visits What had I let myself in for? He since it was so ludicrous. to their premises were entered the cage. The goshawk The Department had sent me enjoyable, others put the went mad and flew from end to into deepest Essex because a charges and even less for the 'fear of God' into me. I will end as only goshawks can. My keeper had reported finding a Inspectorate. On the plus relate one or two of these blood pressure rose, the keeper's large box on his doorstep and side, however, I got to see and visits. probably even higher. Suddenly, inside this box was, how about handle not just British birds of as the goshawk reached one end this, a golden eagle. You could prey but eagles, vultures and The Gos and the dustbin of the flight, the owner lunged not make it up. Of course, hawks from across the world. lid forward and pinned it to the end this gentleman said he had no I also, thankfully, got to know The first supposedly normal wall with the dustbin lid. “Come idea who had left this package several members of the Essex visit was to a gentleman and check the ring number”, he on his doorstep but felt it was Police force. who had a goshawk. I was urged, “the bird cannot move, obviously someone who did to check its ring number. its talon is in my thumb”. And not want this bird and knew Over all those years I was Perfectly normal, or so I so it was. The bird was pinned the keeper could look after it. a Wildlife Inspector for thought. The keeper was to the wall with one very large Yeah, right! You can fool some DEFRA specialising in birds pleased to see me and sharp black talon sticking out of the people some of the time of prey. Wildlife crime can showed me the forms from the man's thumb with but... So I duly visited this be big business and so it was relating to this captive- blood streaming down his wrist. keeper who was as 'nice as that I was a member of the bred bird but then, rather I gingerly moved forward, wiped pie', an exception in this part Global Wildlife Division. sheepishly, he told me the blood from the bird's leg and of the world, but then he badly My designated area, for my that this bird was a female with the help of pliers succeeded wanted to keep this eagle. sins, was East Anglia, which and that it had not been in easing the keeper's pain. The However, he did not have that included Essex. My inspections handled for two years. It keeper, now free, backed off. privilege as following further took me to 'deepest' Essex was then that I realised This ungrateful hawk screamed investigation it was decided which included Basildon, that this was not going to and dived to the far end of the that this bird had been taken Billericay, Southend, Grays, be straightforward. This aviary. “Was everything okay?” from an eerie as a youngster. 14 15

© Colin Hullis Friends of Friends Christchurch Park Christchurch discovered made the day even even made the day discovered gentleman had This worse. badly, rather built an aviary, injured housed an which but sitting on a perch hobby hutch chicken in a run-down is This a lesser cape eagle. was African species. I had only an before and both on seen two that continent but to me it was one of the saddest examples of wildlife crime that I had seen. imagine a magnificent Can you up on bird of prey hunched in a wire netting a perch enclosure dripping with rain and looking nothing like those free birds that I had seen in Where had it come the wild? found out but never We from? been thought to have it was smuggled in from Rotterdam. more stories to many I have majority of tell but the vast were to keepers visits my very were law-abiding, who pleasant and knowledgeable. Chicken hutch eagle One of the saddest of visits at to a docker that I made was had applied for who Harwich bred a licence to keep captive a wet It was birds of prey. I what but day and miserable as we approached his house his house as we approached the barrel were confronted by out from of a shotgun sticking idea did not That his letterbox. well with the Police go down he did not pull the – luckily, trigger. Golden eagle Peregrine falcon Peregrine aviaries the following year and and year the following aviaries I was asked to search his his to search asked I was However, with the Police, with the Police, However, from keeping birds of prey. from keeping birds of prey. was found guilty and banned guilty and banned found was in court with me as a witness, in court with me as a witness, eggs. A year later he appeared later he appeared A year eggs. disappearance of a clutch of of of a clutch disappearance happened to coincide with the happened to coincide with the earlier in the year which just just which earlier in the year a peregrine's nest in Cumbria a peregrine's nest in Cumbria he had been photographed at at he had been photographed Unfortunately for the keeper, Unfortunately for the keeper, in a dustbin - 'butchered'. in a dustbin - 'butchered'. discovered the youngsters the youngsters discovered carried out a search and and carried out a search disappeared. The disappeared. The Police the four young birds had birds had the four young the premises by which time time which the premises by Police and then re-entered and then re-entered Police went outside, 'phoned the went outside, 'phoned the that just was not possible. I not possible. I that just was from the same clutch. Now Now from the same clutch. that these four birds were were that these four birds quite a bit older. I was told told I was quite a bit older. two ten days old and two old and two ten days two were not two birds but four, birds but four, were not two ringed – except that there there ringed – except that me the two youngsters to be to be youngsters me the two in Grays. The keeper showed keeper showed The in Grays. adults and owned by a keeper a keeper by adults and owned product of a captive pair of pair of product of a captive two young peregrines, the peregrines, the young two witness the close ringing of close ringing of witness the pleasant. I was requested to to requested was pleasant. I Another visit was less less was Another visit Disappearing peregrines Disappearing © Colin Hullis © Tim Kenny © TimColin Kenny Hullis bass riff of the lesser whitethroat will fill bass riff of the lesser whitethroat the once again, whilst our woodlands as the impressionists of the reedbed such warbler and grasshopper sedge warbler will return to our wetlands. Not forgetting and that great reed warbler the mechanical shouting warbler, the Cetti’s ventriloquist hidden in the his head off but staying wait. scrub. I really can’t taken the decision I have and sadly, Finally, as the leader of the local to step down term is initially for five A leader’s group. badge handing in my I am however years, are We for personal reasons. early a year intending to elect a successor at the next committee meeting . but now time in charge my enjoyed I’ve to someone time to hand over I feel it’s the group the time and can give who attention that it requires. I’ll still be so I’m about on the occasional walk Meantime not disappearing completely. over been a pleasure writing for you it’s and I look forward the last four years Wildlife to keeping abreast of the Local News in the future. Male blackcap Chiffchaff, Felixstowe. A warehouse is now being built very taken. close to where this photo was is now A warehouse Felixstowe. Chiffchaff, say Minsmere is my favourite place in the favourite is my Minsmere say certainly the place I feel at and it’s world, places calmest and happiest. Natural my in like this are becoming increasingly rare denuded of wildlife over a nation vastly we the decades and we must do whatever can to protect them. of summer lie ahead of brighter days The to us, and I’m particularly looking forward the return of those signifiers of the season. yellow cuckoos, and martins, Swallows last of all nightingales and and wagtails newly installed swift I’m hoping my swifts. to passing boxes will become attractive reminds me, I need to get birds, which the calls. I hold of a sound system to play it to is considering who urge anyone would assist in reversing boxes to swift purchase the decline of this fascinating species. More details can be found on the website - Trust Wildlife of our friends at the Suffolk www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/swifts the groups of birds, favourite One of my fluty song of The also return. warblers, DJ stylings the scratchy the blackcaps, the heavy of the common whitethroat, Leader, RSPB Ipswich Group Ipswich RSPB Leader, Tim Kenny

Hello to summer and goodbye from me from goodbye and summer to Hello

Tel 01394 809236 Tel Group Leader Tim Kenny Kenny Tim Group Leader or email as per details above. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/Ipswich www.rspb.org.uk/groups/Ipswich Ipswich Local Group Ipswich [email protected] [email protected] And whilst I would never claim that this never I would And whilst Minsmere for matches part of Felixstowe me a worrying give this does biodiversity, Sizewell glimpse into a future in which to report that the C is built. I’m happy Minsmere” recent e-action “Love RSPB’s one hundred thousand garnered over a campaign fronted signatures following and Megan McCubbin. Chris Packham by I’d If I had to be pressed for an answer My local patch has undergone a My local patch and not in a good way. transformation, Road, stood of Felixstowe Across the Port could be where skylarks green fields but this land days, heard on clear sunny who a company by owned always was huge had planning permission for two on the site. I knew the day warehouses expect I didn’t come, but what would on the have the effect this would was loom warehouses The surrounding area. and the construction wood a nearby over out taking place drowns currently work the nascent spring song of the chiffchaff, The local dove. and stock bullfinch too upon are in for a shock whitethroats April. Africa in their return from The RSPB head office have, head office have, The RSPB the local not given unsurprisingly, but to restart permission group yet, the by provided “roadmap” with the hope giving us all renewed government this date, of a midsummer release the I use now. too far away doesn’t feel quite deliberately, date” “release phrase been under we’ve like as it does feel alone like live if you (or, house arrest in solitaryme, for eons confinement) to Restart details provided will be now. will and we all members known, once News Wildlife advise these in the Local too.

September to April at ChurchAndrew St April at Rushmere September to our regular field meetings. Three times a year you willyear Three times a our regular meetings. field receive the ‘Orwell Membership Observer’ magazine. the receive see the Events Diary in this magazine, visit our website Diary see the Events in this magazine, Ipswich RSPB Local Group is for everyone interested in Group is for everyone RSPB Local Ipswich Come along to our indoor talks, held monthly between along to our indoor talks, Come costs £3 per year (£1 for Juniors). For more information For (£1 for Juniors). costs £3 per year Hall, get out and experience nature first hand on one of and experience get out Hall, birds and other wildlife in the Ipswich area and beyond. area and beyond. birds and other wildlife in the Ipswich 16 Stop/start year Ann Havard Friends of Belstead Brook Park

Our last work party of 2020 Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in December saw us scrub looks lovely in early spring bashing in Kiln Meadow (March or April) with its parallel with Bobbits Lane. clouds of pure white blossom This was another Mega Bash coming out before the leaves working with Greenways and heralding the warmer and Ipswich Wildlife Group weather to come. In the volunteers. This stretch autumn the fruit – sloe berries needs to be cleared of make very good sloe gin vegetation as there is a water and jam. But … it is a very main underneath and the horrible bush or tree to thin water company needs access or cut down as the branches just in case of leaks. So get totally tangled up with this necessitated us having each other and they have very to tackle the thicket of sharp spines. It’s definitely Blackthorn cutting in Kiln Meadow blackthorn which has grown a case for using really good up over it. heavyweight gloves. Unfortunately with another lockdown due to Covid-19, we felt we had to cancel our January, February and March work parties. At the time of going to press we are hopeful that our April work party can Friends of Belstead Brook Park go ahead. www.wildipswich.org Email: [email protected] If you’d like to join in the fun Friends of Belstead Brook Park and can spare three hours on (FoBBP) was set up in 2002 to help the second Saturday of each look after the 250 acres of informal month, we’d love to see you. country park on the south-western You wear old clothes and fringe of Ipswich. The group runs stout boots – good exercise, practical work parties, helps raise great company and the funds for improvements and acts as ‘eyes and ears’, passing information pleasure of knowing you’ve back to the Greenways Project. helped the environment – Colin taking a break what’s not to love? Spring has sprung

Primroses Aconites Bluebells

Celandines

17 Save Our Suffolk Swifts – update Eddie Bathgate Suffolk Bird Group Council Member

Progress has been, and continues to AONBs have donated a total of 138 nest be, made ahead of the return of Swifts boxes and 23 call systems for installation to the county. Donations and gift aid within their boundaries. This constraint have allowed SOSSwifts to provide means that siting is not straightforward, as community ‘sets’ comprising six nest many towns and villages lie just outside boxes and a call system, and a recent the AONBs, however, we have set about donation from Suffolk’s two AONBs distributing them to Swift enthusiasts for has provided a welcome boost to this them to install. supply. The Dedham Vale AONB have supplied 15 call systems and 90 nest boxes for Enquiries: distribution amongst the Stour Valley [email protected] Farmers, with a further set supplied to www.suffolkbirdgroup.org Manningtree Swift Group for use on a Twitter: suffolkbirds1 prominent location there. SBG is the Group for people interested in AONB Coast & Heaths donated 40 nest the birds of Suffolk, providing a network boxes and six call systems. Schools in and a voice for birdwatchers in the county. Waldringfield and Orford, pubs in Snape and Orford, a church in Shottisham along with Snape Maltings and Dunwich SOSSwifts Community Sets coastguard cottages are all recipients. We have a number of sets to donate to suitable locations. Pakenham Mill It is particularly exciting to be getting and Aldercarr Farm Shop have already Swift sets into schools. If time permits, Nest box production line received their sets. Schools in Occold, the children will be decorating them and Rendlesham and Middleton, and churches Aldeburgh’s Amazing Swifts have kindly Breeding Successes in Barrow, Walpole and Debenham are offered to give talks to educate the pupils. Patience is needed with Swifts: it can take awaiting permission. Free nest boxes time for them to discover and make use of have also been distributed for fitting close provided nest sites. However, they pair for to existing colonies in Framlingham, With growing numbers life and are faithful to breeding locations, Occold, Little Bealings and Woodbridge of nest boxes and more so once you have a pair, they’ll return the in the hope that populations will bloom following year and their behaviour will there quickly. We are looking to place locations now playing calls, likely attract in others. Swifts are colonial further community sets elsewhere around the hope is that occupancy nesters so the size of a colony is only Suffolk. Prime targets are suitable gables limited by the availability of nest sites. on prominent locations on community levels will rise... buildings where they will be visible for With growing numbers of nest boxes and the public to enjoy. more locations now playing calls, the Hadleigh Environmental Action hope is that occupancy levels will rise AONB Boost Team year on year. Furthermore, the increased The Coast & Heaths and Dedham Vale Funded by their local authority, HEAT awareness of colonies means that it is have been very busy both making and easier and quicker to protect them or to fit installing nest boxes around Hadleigh. nest boxes close by when essential works Amazingly they are aiming to install affect their existing nests. SWT have 80 nest boxes in 20 locations around a stock of nest boxes for this scenario the town, each with a call system and and Woodbridge and Halesworth both volunteer spotter. had instances in 2020 when these were required. Nest Boxes and Surveys It is very pleasing to have received so If you would like advice, have a many enquiries from around Suffolk. suggestion for a community set location, Surveys have been tricky during the or wish to volunteer to make or fit nest lockdown, involving many emailed boxes, please get in touch. Roll on May photographs and a very limited when our Swifts will start screaming again opportunity to drive by during essential over Suffolk. travel. However, Swift supporters in Denham, Lowestoft, Stowupland, Meetings and Walks Wetheringsett, Thurston, Knettishall, After a year (at the time of writing) it may Barrow, Ipswich, Ashbocking, Kesgrave soon be possible to recommence our and Thornham St. Martin have all outdoor walks. A fundamental part of the purchased nest boxes after a survey, and group's activities that have been missed been advised on how to play Swift calls to by many. Fortunately indoor talks have attract them in to breed. Following their not stopped - only gone online like many enquiry, Bungay Town Council are now other organisations. Please check our installing nest boxes and a call system website for information on our upcoming Summer homes to let down by the Waveney river. events in the coming year. 18 The Dales in Springtime Kaye Roberts Secretary, Friends of the Dales

Waking up from a cold and wet winter, the Dales in early March was gradually showing signs of spring with new growth popping up everywhere.

The paths have taken a heavy toll with the increased foot traffic through this popular area and one particular area of grass will take some time to repair itself.

There are several large patches of snowdrops,which may have spread from the surrounding houses and even one or two stray daffodils. The primroses are in flower as they have been since before Christmas. Some violets are also now showing and the bluebells are growing Scarlet elf caps thriving on dead wood vigorously so should put on a good show when the flowers The patches of three cornered at this time of the year. These volunteers were unable to appear. The lesser celandines, leek are also doing well. small cup-shaped fungi can assist with these tasks. which favour woodland grow up to 5cm across and habitat, are also in leaf and Scarlet elf caps are clearly as they expand, the margin of Foxes can be heard calling one or two flowers have visible on dead wood in the cup tends to fragment. during the early evenings. opened, although they close among some ivy and provide up when the weather is dull. a rare show of bright colour The cherry plum trees are in bud and a few have produced flowers which should provide a grand display as spring progresses.

There have been up to six moorhens overwintering in Friends of the main pond and it will not be too long before the frogs the Dales are back. The Dales is a small Local Nature Reserve situated off Dales Road Two trees had uprooted and in Ipswich. were partly blocking the top path overlooking the pond. For details of the Friends Group please contact secretary Kaye Roberts The Council dealt with these [email protected] or find while on site planting about us on Facebook by searching 20 honeysuckle. With no Friends of the Dales Large patches of snowdrops work parties taking place, the

Lesser celandine favour woodland Violets emerging in March 19 Purdis Heath, Site of Special Scientific Interest Julian Dowding Secretary, Suffolk Butterfly Conservation © Colin Hullis After three years of waiting, permission to work has been granted by Natural and its new owner.

Butterfly Conservation are now optimistic about the future of the site, especially as both NE and the new owner say they are keen to get conservation going again. This should be good news for all those who care about this site with its rich variety of wildlife and particularly for its Silver- studded Blue butterfly colony.

Butterfly Conservation The heather in full flower on Purdis Heath Saving butterflies, moths and our environment and highlights the value of remove some of the more Finally, in spite of our own Membership Secretary this site, right on the edge of troublesome scrub while inactivity for three years, it’s 01379 643665 Ipswich. David and Helen’s at the same time creating good to report that last year, www.suffolkbutterflies.org.uk incredible commitment is larger areas for Silver-studded SSB numbers increased. A email: [email protected] Butterfly Conservation is dedicated to deserving of special thanks. Blue butterflies to colonise. count of 111 males and females saving wild butterflies, moths and their Similarly, all of you who’ve Another key component will was made by myself and habitats throughout the UK. All Butterfly helped in the past with Purdis be maintaining the northern David Basham, a week before Conservation members who live in Suffolk volunteering - and especially habitat link across to Ipswich peak population count (June are automatically members of the branch James Baker and Greenways Golf Course. Neil Sherman 2020). This indicates a certain and receive our newsletter, the Suffolk - deserve a big thank you has been creating brilliant resilience in the colony but we Argus, three times a year. The Suffolk too. Without you, we would habitat on the course, and believe we need to go much branch is run by volunteers and we would be surely looking at another it’s only right to support his further to ensure its continuing be very pleased to hear from you if you local extinction of Silver- work there and make things presence into the future. would like to get involved. studded Blue. better all round for local

© Matt Berry heathland species. He’s also If you are willing to help, We’re now drawing up just finished foraging some please contact either myself or plans for winter 2021 work of the over-mature heathers James Baker. Thank you. parties. Quite a lot of work on Purdis as part of the new is needed to bring the work agreement. Thank-you [email protected] site back into reasonable Neil! [email protected]

condition (gorse and scrub © Colin Hullis ‘explosion’ is threatening all the good work of the past) and so we’d love as many people as possible to lend a hand with volunteering next winter. Such work will be much the same as before, Male Silver-studded Blue i.e., invasive scrub removal and scrape weeding. All David Basham and Helen of this is achievable with Saunders have been collating basic tools such as loppers records there for a number and bow saws. It’s also fun of years. They’ve collected a and friendly, and good for total of over 1,248 different your health. As usual we’ll species on site, including provide refreshments such 78 birds, 114 Hymenoptera, as tea, coffee, cake and 372 Lepidoptera, 40 lichen biscuits. We also hope to and liverwort and 185 plants. carry out a few larger-scale The diversity is staggering works using machinery to Volunteers clearing gorse during a Purdis Heath megabash 20 Orwell Country Park through the year Graeme Fayers

This collection of photographs is by Graeme Fayers who works for Five Castles Press, the printers of Local Wildlife News. Five Castles' premises are alongside the end of Orwell Country Park and overlook the Orwell Bridge.

Graeme explains, "I just had the notion that it might be nice to snap a picture of the bridge from (roughly) the same place every month in order to see the seasons change. Obviously when I took January’s shot, I had no idea how 2020 would ultimately unfold! Wild Ipswich Fortunately, in the pandemic year, I worked off-and-on throughout the whole year so All the conservation organisations working managed to get a picture every month, at roughly the same time, and on roughly the same together to inspire local people to help day of the month. I think I took one of the pictures mid-morning, the others were all about wildlife throughout the town and beyond. 1pm. I managed to catch a seagull in one, and I like the solitary leaf in January, although I www.wildipswich.org think November is my favourite".

February March

January

April May June

July August September

October

November December 21 Banks for Wildlife David Dowding Ipswich Borough Council Wildlife Team

Topography is a key councillors and Suffolk County component of any wildlife Council, management has habitat. Steep sided banks changed to an annual cut, in have very good drainage and early September. This was to with the south facing aspect, improve the green corridor really catch the sun. and extend the vast array of wildflowers from Landseer This makes them great habitats Park for warmth-loving species and great spots for burrowing Mowing the banks in summer animals. They make great was very good for spring habitat for wildflowers - the flowers, but summer flowers vegetation never gets too struggled. The site already had lush as both the nutrients and a good coverage of sheep’s moisture readily run off. As a sorrel and fescue grass and has result, they require minimal since been added to by the raking and a lot of the arisings scuffing of a few patches with blow off anyway. rakes and forks and spreading a native seed mix. Steep sided bank on Landseer Road

One of the limiting factors to achieve initial germination - had a pulley/winch system in meadows is germination less successful but a few larger that once locked in place, opportunities, the vegetation plants, an ongoing project. enabled mowing with ease. It can get very dense , but on is paramount to cut grassland steep, sunny banks this is We have also worked on to encourage regeneration rarely a problem. There is a similar bank also often a great assemblage at Derby Road of burrowing aculeate rail station in Wildlife Rangers Hymenoptera, which help partnership with Office : 01473 433998 to maintain bare ground for Greater Anglia, [email protected] germination. On Landseer and Friends of the Stable Block, Holywells Park, Road the Pantaloon bee Earth. Cliff Lane, Ipswich IP3 0PG and the Bee wolf act as soil The Wildlife & Education Rangers are engineers. Shaun from the responsible for the management of IBC Grounds wildlife areas within the town’s parks With such a harsh Maintenance Team and other green spaces. As well as environment and a sequence has a brilliant carrying out practical management, of dry springs, only the most piece of kit for the team runs an events programme drought tolerant species have managing these and works with many local schools to engage and inspire the public about established. Salad Burnet, steep banks called the wildlife Ipswich has to offer. Birds Foot Trefoil and Lady’s a 'Spider'. He has Vipers Bugloss - 'drought master' Bedstraw have all done well also mown some but Vipers Bugloss the 'drought areas along Birkfield Drive and of wildflowers and reduce Up until 2019 the steep sided master' has done best was even successful mowing succession, but equally banks on Landseer Road were steep areas at Ravenswood. important is to leave areas cut throughout the summer The Northern side of the bank uncut, an alternate sequence to keep them short, but after holds more soil moisture and The Tump really was a test of strips cut/uncut works best agreement with the local nutrients so it is more difficult for the machine, but Shaun when managing larger areas.

The bank at Derby Road rail station The Spider cutting grassland on the banks of 'The Tump'at Braziers Meadow 22 Earliest primrose Badger's choice IBC Rangers SnippetsAn artificial badger sett was put in at Sproughton Enterprise Park on one of the banks as mitigation for the development but over the last few years we have never noted any use. We knew badgers were still about as we have found prints and droppings whilst carrying out conservation work. In early March we noticed two fresh, sandy excavations right next to the artificial sett. Fox was always a possibility but on closer inspection we could clearly see badger footprints at the entrance, traces of fresh grass bedding and a well-used latrine less than 5m away.

It would seem that after all that effort, the bank itself came up trumps!

This photograph of a primrose in flower was taken by Gerry Donlon on Sunday 20th December 2020, during the Ipswich Wildlife Group Spring Wood monthly work party. This is the earliest recorded flowering of Primroses we know of in Spring Wood. The well-used badger latrine

Another load of rubbish . . . and yet another fly-tip in Belstead Brook Park cleared up. However, volunteers still found time to carry out some proper conservation work in Millennium Wood, widening a ride to benefit wildflowers and invertebrates.

Another load of litter and fly-tipping from Alderman Canal Local Nature Reserve. Thanks to Greenways and Ipswich Wildlife Group volunteers once again clearing rubbish instead of conservation work!

23 For events covering a broader range of environmental Events Diary issues go to www.wildipswich.org

PLEASE NOTE: Due to restrictions Regular Events concerning THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH 10.30am - FRIDAYS 10am Greenways coronavirus 1pm SPRING WOOD WORK PARTY CONSERVATION WORK PARTY Join Ipswich Wildlife Group and Friends of Another opportunity to work on the 50 or so (COVID-19) and Belstead Brook Park for a morning of work sites managed by the Project – please see the in the wood. Meet at the field gate at top of details above for Tuesdays Work Party bridleway in Kiln Meadow. Details from Gerry the uncertainty Donlon 07733 968481 FRIDAYS FORTNIGHTLY 10am Ipswich Wildlife Group/Greenways BOX KIT MAKING surrounding this TUESDAYS 10am Greenways CONSERVATION Come and join in making the kits for bird, WORK PARTY hedgehog and insect habitat boxes for our at the time of The Project’s largest weekly work party – Wildlife Homes project. Only the most carrying out a wide range of practical tasks rudimentary of woodworking skills needed. across the 50 or so sites that we manage. For all Thorington Hall Barn, Bobbits Lane, Ipswich. production, please Greenways work parties, volunteers need to be More information from Martin Cant 07858 registered via a short informal induction prior to 436003 [email protected] check with the joining us – please contact us for further details. Work party runs from 10am to about 4pm. FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH organisers of the Contact [email protected] or 10am - 1pm Ipswich Wildlife Group call 01473 433995 RIVER WORK PARTY events listed to see A joint work party with the River Action SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Group along Alderman Canal and the River 10am – 2pm SWT Wild Learning Gipping, maintaining footpaths and making if they are still going WILD IN THE WEEK these splendid waterways areas to be proud of. Location – across Ipswich. Join us for our Wild Meet at Bibb Way alongside Alderman Road ahead. in the Week activity day for children aged 6 - recreation ground. More information from 10 years. Each month has a different theme all Colin Hullis 07979 644134 taking part in the great outdoors. See website for details. Price £7. Booking essential. To book: FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 10am Saturday 26th June 2021. 10.30am to www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org / 01473 890089 Butterfly Conservation WORK PARTY (October 12.30pm Ipswich Open Garden. Celebrating to March) Suffolk Wildlife Trusy's 60th anniversary at SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH More information from Helen Saunders 15 Cheltenham Avenue, Ipswich IP1 4LN. This 10am – 2pm SWT Wild Learning [email protected] is a SWT member's beautiful garden. Limited WILD IN THE WEEK Location – across Ipswich. Join us for our Wild EVERY SECOND SATURDAY street parking. Numbers are limited. £5 10am – 12pm SWT Wild Learning including homemade refreshments. To book in the Week activity day for children aged 11 – 16 years. Each month has a different theme all WEEKEND WILDLIFE CLUB contact [email protected] or Holywells Park. Join our wildlife themed 01473 785600. taking part in the great outdoors. See website for details. Price £7. Booking essential. To book: club to explore the park, learn about wildlife, www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org / 01473 890089 meet new friends and earn awards as you go. Age 6 – 11 years. Cost £3. Please book at WEDNESDAYS 10am Friends of Holywells Park suffolkwildlifetrust.org or 01473 890089 HOLYWELLS PARK WORK PARTY Join our small team of volunteers doing valuable SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH work around the Park. Meet at the Stable Block 10am - 1pm Friends of Belstead Brook Park located down the driveway from Cliff Lane. CONSERVATION WORK PARTY Contact Andy Smuk for details 01473 728907 Come and join us for a morning working in the fresh air. For further details visit our website: SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH www.greenlivingcentre.org.uk/fobbp Friends of The Dales WORK PARTY or email [email protected] Contact Kaye Roberts Nest boxes, [email protected] SECOND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH 1.30pm – 3pm SWT Wild Learning YOUNG WARDENS EVERY THURSDAY/FRIDAY 10am – 11.30am Holywells Park. Price £3. Booking Essential. To firewood and SWT Wild Learning WILD TOTS book: www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org or 01473 Outdoor adventure and play for tots age 18 890089 beanpoles for sale months – 5 years and their carers. Christchurch Park Thursdays, Holywells MOST SATURDAYS 10.30am - 1pm Ipswich Park Fridays. Cost £4. Please book at Ipswich Wildlife Group have a ready Wildlife Group Northgate Allotments suffolkwildlifetrust.org or 01473 890089 supply of seasoned firewood for your WOODCRAFT & WILDLIFE Get involved in coppicing and woodland skills open fire or wood burner, boxes for birds, THURSDAYS 10am Greenways bugs and hedgehogs and bean poles and at the Wildlife area. Call Geoff Sinclair to CONSERVATION WORK PARTY confirm dates 07860 595376 pea sticks for your garden. All are made A smaller group than on Tuesday, but operates by IWG members from recycled timber in the same way – please see details above for LAST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH and wood resulting from our woodland Tuesdays Work Party 10am - 1pm Ipswich Wildlife Group WILDLIFE conservation work. ALLOTMENT THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Come and lend a hand to help create our 9 – 10pm ‘Green Drinks’ Dove Inn, Ipswich Take a look at the IWG Facebook page or wildlife friendly plot. More information from DRINKS AND CHAT Colin Hullis 07979 644134 at the website www.wildipswich.org where Join us at the Dove Inn for a drink, a chat and a there is more information and prices. All bit of networking with other environmentally- proceeds go to Ipswich Wildlife Group, a minded people. Look out for the ‘Green Drinks’ registered charity. sign on the table. All welcome

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