David Horne – Chairman NEWSLETTER Email: [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Keith Metcalf NEW YEAR 2021 E-mail: [email protected]
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The closing year has been extra-ordinary in so many different ways. It began with the exciting news that the MCV had been selected to receive “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services”; sadly we are still awaiting the official presentation that was originally scheduled to take place during the Summer. The Spring lockdown and ongoing restrictions associated with the pandemic put paid to almost all of our planned activities for the rest of the year. For many of us with enforced travel restrictions and extra time on our hands the opportunity arose to more thoroughly explore the local patch and in so doing gain a fuller appreciation of the wonderfully diverse environment and abundant wild-life to be found in our immediate vicinity. Who needs “Tweet of the day” when you can hear shrieking terns, bubbling Curlew and whistling Wigeon virtually from your doorstep! The weather during Spring and Summer was exceptionally dry and warm and generally very pleasant. The breeding season for our local ground nesting gulls, terns and
1 waders was a good one as a result of the fine weather and reduced human disturbance from normal recreational activity. Locally during the late Summer and Autumn there were a number of rare passage migrants recorded. The most notable and easiest to spot was a gathering of up to three Phalaropes at Pennington performing their whirling feeding activities within feet of an admiring audience and their constantly clicking cameras. At our Keyhaven Pans site an Osprey was seen to dive and catch a fish. We are truly privileged to have such a wealth of wildlife in our immediate vicinity and I very much look forward in the future to sharing such experiences with you at our bird hides and on our guided boat tours, once the restrictions are lifted. Thank you to all our hard-working Committee members and work party colleagues who, against the odds, have managed to continue to have online meetings and carry out restricted field work this year. Finally, I would like to wish everybody a Happy healthy Christmas and better prospects for 2021. HAMPSHIRE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY ‘FREE’ BIRD TALKS
If you are looking to find ‘birding inspiration’ from some of our most experienced county birders, go to the HOS website www.hos.org.uk scroll down and click on the green HOS talks button and up will pop several wonderful talks. Everything you wanted to know about birds by Keith Betton Autumn & Winter birds in Hampshire by Keith Betton
Patch Birding by Marcus Ward Return of the Red Kite by Keith Betton An introduction to the commoner Gulls of the UK by Andy Lester
Birding the World’s remote Islands by Keith Betton and These Hampshire are superb Waders talks by all Marcus given Wardby expert county birders. 2
AN ABUNDANCE OF FISH IN THE DANES STREAM
During the early part of November 2020, dredging operations were carried out around the High Street bridge by specialist contractors working for the Environment Agency. This involved the use of a large 360-degree digger initially removing the more solid vegetation and mud, and then secondly vacuum tankers were employed to suck up the more oozy mobile mud around the arches of the bridge. Prior to commencing the dredging work, a section of about 40m of river was electro-fished. This activity temporally stuns the fish which were then hand netted, checked, and relocated upstream of the operation. The cleared section of river was next netted off to avoid them immediately returning to the working zone. An extraordinarily large haul of fish was collected which comprised the following: 89 Brown/Sea trout (largest 645mm, average 350mm). 13 Eels 30 Flounders 2 Stone Loach 49 Minnows 1 Stickleback.
Sea trout are sea going (anadromous) brown trout and are usually female. They grow faster and larger than those remaining in the river and typically develop a silvery colour. They return to spawn in the river after one to five years.
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Conversely Eels migrate up the rivers from the sea as elvers and spend a number of years developing into adults before returning to the sea to breed. Flounders are a marine flat-fish, but tolerant to very low levels of salinity found in estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers where they often thrive on muddy areas. The fisheries officer for the Environment Agency stated “I was quite shocked with the number and diversity of species removed over such a short distance of river. The data illustrates just how productive the Danes Stream is”. I think that this news will come as a pleasant surprise to local residents who occasionally glance over the bridge parapet and very rarely spot any fish. I’m sure you will agree it is re-assuring to know that our little river is in a very healthy state and currently supports a thriving population of fish and the invertebrate creatures they predominantly feed on. MCV AGREES WILDLIFE BLUE-PRINT 2021-2025
Your MCV committee has recently agreed a ‘blue-print’ for Milford-on-Sea Wildlife, Conservation and Amenity enhancements covering the next five-years. A number of projects have been agreed in principle. In some instances, these are also subject to landowner and/or third-party approvals. The projects include: Director’s Tower – The potential for a new and spectacular birding facility overlooking the Solent and ‘Hurst Narrows’ Formation of a coastal Wildlife Explorers Youth Group Nature Story telling for under fives Tern Raft introduction (at a site to be agreed) A new purpose built ‘Log Store’ at the recreation ground Sturt Pond Bird Hide enhancements (inside and out) Biodiversity Action Plan – Part Two covering 2021 – 2025 Solent Way footpath enhancements (our aim is a boardwalk)
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Solent Way Birding Sessions Hedgerow Surveys and In early 2021, encourage landowner to open a permissive public footpath around Downton Lakes (gravel extraction site) with access to be maintained for a minimum of 20 years. We are also excited about continuing with existing projects which will be re-introduced as quickly as we can after Covid 19 restrictions have been lifted: Creeks & Saltmarsh Dory Trips Birding for Beginners sessions at Bird Hide & Observatory Annual Youth Bursary Wildlife Fair at Pennington Marshes NFNPA Volunteers Fair at Lyndhurst Old Milford Meadow enhancements The replacement ‘Newcomers Supper’ annual event Continuance of School Wildlife project Hazel Dormouse surveys White-tailed Eagle Monitoring Group Studland Orchard, Meadow & Common conservation project Rowan Tree Copse & Wildflower Meadow at Swallow Drive SPECIAL ‘JACK SNIPE’ SURVEY AT STURT POND
NFDC and the Parish Council have recently approved an important ‘thermal imaging’ Jack Snipe survey at Sturt Pond. The survey, to be carried out over the winter months, is being conducted by Georgina (Gina) Burlinson.
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The method of using thermal imaging was originally piloted by Colin McShane of the West Midland Ringing Group. Gina has been fully trained in the use of the imager and survey method. Risk Assessments and Insurance cover were pre-requisites to Gina’s being able to conduct her first session at Sturt Pond, and (as the photographs show) was carried out in extremely misty and cold conditions. Fortunately, the mist did not hamper the use of the handheld thermal imaging device.
Jack Snipe sit very tight in clumps of dense vegetation and will usually only flush when you are almost on top of them, hence, many birds go completely undetected. Using thermal imaging, even birds well hunkered down can be viewed from several metres away.
MCVs conservation officer kept a watchful eye on proceedings during the 1.5 hour survey to make sure that Gina was safe whilst working. Further visits will be made during the winter months of January to March 2021. During Gina’s first survey undertaken on 7th December, 10 x Common Snipe and 5 x Jack Snipe were recorded. Had it not been for the thermal imager and the structured zigzag transect survey walk method, few, if any birds would have been detected from a static position like the Bird Hide. Other sites being surveyed by Gina include; Fishlake Meadows, Testwood Lakes, Lower Test Marshes, Bishops & Waltham Moors, Titchfield Haven, Farlington Marshes, Hockley Meadows, Chilland Water Meadows and New Forest sites. MCV shall receive a copy of the final results in due course, which we shall publish for you. 6
MILFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL - TREE PLANTING
On Friday 27th November, MCV committee members worked with Ben Willis (Deputy Head teacher), Mrs Hishon, Miss Crawford and 60 children, planting trees along the boundary between the school and The Swifts development. Trees were supplied by MCV (I Dig Trees scheme) and were planted as part of the school ‘Green Tree Award’ which is part of the Woodland Trust’s project to get children out doors doing something for nature. Over the next few years, Mr Willis and the children will be planting more trees with the aim of receiving a ‘Silver’ award for the school.
Bertie, Harry, Thea & retired school caretaker and MCV committee member, Chris Barrass A number of nest and bat boxes were also fitted into suitable trees and, the older children decided on the positions for three Hedgehog winter homes to be placed. Unfortunately, time ran out to be able to finish fitting Swift and Dormice boxes and the remaining bird boxes, so a second session will be organised when the school reopens in the New Year.
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All trees, saplings, bird, bat, dormice boxes and hedgehog homes were sponsored by MCV via a £500 grant given by them to the school. The children themselves decided on the items they wished included in their project. Thanks to Chris (B) and Keith for giving up your time to help the children plant the trees. THE FUTURE OF FARMING
The biggest shake-up in farming for 50 years is about to happen. Instead of the largest and wealthiest landowners benefitting from the £1.6bn subsidy given to them every year simply because they own land, these will be swept aside. In future, farmers will be paid to restore habitats, create new woodlands, boost soils and cut pesticide use. Farmers will also receive grants to improve productivity and animal welfare. The governments new target is that over the next seven years farmers will be producing healthier and profitable food in a sustainable way without subsidies. Farmland in England accounts for between 70% and 75% of all land and is the biggest driver of biodiversity losses and they also produce significant greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.
Wildflower strip along farmland edges to benefit invertebrates and birdlife
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It is thought that these predicted changes in agricultural policy are due to the UK leaving the EU whose agricultural policy has been regarded as a disaster for nature. Farming and environment groups largely welcomed the new government plans and await further guidance on the new scheme. Many farmers are already working hard to address the loss of British wildlife. New, so-called ‘green–payments’ will be trialled by 5,000 farmers before the government launches the scheme in 2024. They will be expecting farmers to continue producing food and increasing their environmental capacity. Kate Norgrove of the WWF said “Our farmers have the potential to be frontline heroes in the climate and nature emergency, and this roadmap starts us on the right path”.
Cirl Bunting (M) Yellowhammer
For many years Simeon Morgan (Keyhaven farmer) has led the way in ‘wildlife friendly’ farming, but even so, there is always room for more enhancements to be tried e.g. how about modestly extending bird feed stubble strips alongside existing hedgerows to encourage buntings e.g. at Lymore Lane and Keyhaven Road? In south Devon lost bunting species, including Yellowhammer and Cirl Bunting have been re-established by appropriate management. Do you know any New Forest farmers that may be prepared to provide MCV with a small amount of a barley-based wild bird seed mixture so that we can re-distribute it during winter along local farmland hedgerows? ……… With appropriate permission of course.
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BIGGER AND BETTER WETLANDS DALMATIAN PELICAN - REINTRODUCTION
Under ‘rewilding plans’ the Wildlife Trusts (WT) are calling on government to restore and enlarge such habitats, so that one day, Dalmatian Pelicans can be reintroduced. Nikki Williams Campaigns Director of the WT said; “Pelicans soaring over marshlands would be a fantastic sight. We want to see the return of species that were once common in Britain”.
Bones from this species have been found in peat bogs in England and it is thought that they went extinct 2,000 years ago, having previously been a common sight following the drainage of wetlands. The CEO of the Wildlife Trusts said, “Where a species can be demonstrated to have been native to the UK and is no longer present because of human activities, then in principle, we would enthusiastically support its reintroduction when the circumstances are right”. [Hope somebody is also designing big shoulder-wide hats!] 10
SOLENT WAY BOARDWALK & SALTGRASS LANE?
If you feel strongly about retaining access along the well- trodden footpath alongside Sturt Pond, or access along Saltgrass Lane, then don’t be shy in letting the County, District and Parish Council authorities know your views. Here are a series of photographs taken of these areas in November and December. As they say, lovely for the ducks!
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 11
PARISH COUNCIL SURVEY – PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AREA BEHIND PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Parish Council is asking residents what they would like considered for the public open space immediately east of the Primary School. The land will be handed over to the Parish Council when Pennyfarthing Homes completes ‘The Swifts’ development site in the spring/summer 2021. Over many years various aspirations have been put forward including using the land as a sports field, running track, or wildlife-friendly area. Council Chairman Bob Bishop has recently suggested “It could be that we come up with 3 or 4 different schemes”. Under the terms of the planning agreement between the developer and the planning authority, the Parish Council will be handed a ‘one-off’ payment of £182,000 to maintain and develop this new public open space site. Some money will be used to inspect play equipment, maintain the allotments, cut grass and trim hedges, which is estimated to cost about £8k pa. So, plenty over to develop the site into something the community would like to see there. So, with your MCV hat on, what would you like considered for this site? Here are some thoughts:
Create a small ‘Hazel Copse’ to enhance the existing known Dormouse hedgerow site Create a wildflower-rich grassland meadow area Establish continuous ‘wildlife corridors’ to link all the different habitats Create ‘Skylark Plots’ to enhance nearby populations Create a Butterfly, Bee and Bug park Second major ‘Community Orchard’ Construct a Dutch Barn for kids to play in on rainy days
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THE JOHN WALSH ‘Slinky’ RAT DETERANT
In discussions with MCV member John Walsh about ongoing problems trying to feed birds during the winter months without encouraging hoards of brown rats or squirrels to his feeders. John told me that he came across the following idea on YouTube and has since used the method successfully on his own garden feeders. He said that he first tried using Vaseline to make the pole greasy and the results were instantaneous and hilarious. John said; “I never realised that squirrels could pole dance!”. However, after a few weeks, the Vaseline hardened and was now actually helping ‘the little b_ _ _ _ _s shin up the pole.’ ……….. John’s words, not mine.
John said it was the ever-so- humble ‘Slinky’ that has put paid to unwanted visitors to the feeders. In case you have forgotten, the slinky is the spring-like children’s toy that you put at the top of your stairs and it walks down them without the aid of a safety net! John continued, ‘it is 100% successful.
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Make sure you buy the metal version of a suitable size as they do come in various sizes. No doubt it will rust in time, but the plastic ones are more vulnerable. On some bird feeder poles you can remove the various arms, water bowls and wing-nuts etc and then lower the slinky over and down the pole and fix it to the top so that it un-springs as it hangs downwards. With other types of poles try slipping the slinky on from the bottom. John continues; “Along comes the squirrel/rat, sees what he/she thinks is a step ladder and launches him/herself to grab the ‘stairway to heaven’ and lunch. The animal rapid descends to ground level and the slinky springs back into place again. After one or two more tries, the animal gives up and seeks food elsewhere.”
HURST SPIT TO LYMINGTON - CONSULTATION
One of the biggest subjects of the moment is coastal protection. How in future should we deal with climate change, and in our particular case, sea-level rise that is affecting our coastline between Hurst Spit and Lymington River? How will sea level rise affect habitats ‘outside’ of the sea wall and its embankments and saltmarsh, and indeed behind the sea wall with its many important marshes and saline lagoon’s? In the next few weeks, MCV will be seeking your initial views on what you consider to be the most important aspects of any future scheme. Look out for the questionnaire to which we would like every one of our members to respond. MCV has been chosen to represent its members views at the Stakeholders Advisory Group (StAG) zoom meetings. In order to represent those views we need to know what they are. This is a long-term project and we wish to use MCVs strong voice to express your views clearly and precisely to the Project Team before firm ideas are considered by them and put forward in a formal public consultation later in 2021.
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YEAR-END SNIPPETS
White-tailed Eagle updates: Simply click on the following www.roydennis.org then locate ‘Isle of Wight Sea Eagles’ Tab at the top of the page and then onto ‘Latest Updates’ . Remember that satellite-tagged eagle G3-24 is the female bird we have sponsored and named her MEG
Raptor Persecution and Prosecutions: In the UK during 2019 there were 45 confirmed shooting or attempted shooting incidents. Victims included 24 Buzzard, 4 Peregrine, 3 Red Kites, 3 Goshawks, 3 Barn Owls, 4 Sparrowhawks, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Merlin and 1 Kestrel. There were 25 confirmed poisonings including 18 Red Kites, 6 Buzzard and 2 Peregrine. There were also 9 confirmed trapping incidents, including 1 Golden Eagle, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Goshawk, 1 Tawny Owl and 1 Sparrowhawk and 6 confirmed ‘other’ persecution incidents, including 1 Peregrine and 1 Sparrowhawk. From all these persecutions, there were just 15 prosecutions that resulted in guilty outcomes. Fines for the year amounted to just £1,980 with two individuals given prison sentences. In 2019, there was just one bird of prey prosecution. The defendant (a gamekeeper) pleaded guilty to nine charges, including killing 2 Goshawks, 3 Buzzard, 3 Badgers and an Otter. He was sentenced to 225 hours of unpaid work and given a 10-month ‘restriction of liberty order (9am to 6am).
Raptor persecuters must be quaking in their boots!!!!
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The State of Natural England 2020/21 – Report available at www.prospect.org.uk
Winter Bird Migration: Our winter coastal birds migrate to ‘The Solent’ every year from colder climates to escape harsh conditions. Here are some of the distances travelled. Turnstone: migrate over 1500 miles from Greenland & East Canada, with others from Scandinavia Black-tailed Godwit: migrate over 1000 miles from Iceland (Note - none from Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose) Curlew: migrate over 600 miles from Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. Wigeon: migrate between 1500 – 3000 miles from Northern Russia and Siberia. Grey Plover: migrate over 3000 miles from Northern Russia and Siberia and Dark-bellied Brent Geese: migrate over 3000 miles from Northern Siberia.
RSPB - HOPE FARM – Annual Review 2019 – Farm continues to impress: Butterfly numbers up 409% compared with a 10% decrease nationally since 1990 Winter Farmland Birds up by more than 1,200% Breeding Farmland Birds up 200% 19 times as many Bumblebees than nearby control farm New regular sightings of endangered farmland birds such as Lapwing, Grey Partridge, Linnet and Yellow Wagtail which were never recorded on the farm 20 years ago. 36 Owlets have fledged in the last ten years 24 species of butterfly recorded in 2019
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960 Yellowhammer, Linnet and Reed Bunting recorded in December Hope Farm went ‘insecticide free’ in 2019 with no reduction in farming yields compared to previous years ******************************
22nd October 5.08am POLECAT visits The Pans Wetlands for first time and is caught on our webcam camera.
“Have a lovely Christmas and New Year” - See you in 2021 - 17