<p> The Wildlife Group Update</p><p>HOS Orchid Propagation day In August I went on the Hardy Orchid Society propagation day. Fascinating, detailed and well worthwhile. My long term aim is to use these skills to propagate up a selection of our native Orchids in conjunction with Downside School and produce plants for introduction into wildflower meadows.</p><p>Churchyard work party By the time you have read this, the wildflower patch in Ditcheat Churchyard should be neat and tidy again, leaving the overwintering area to do its job. </p><p>August Bat Walk Contact information: We met at the bridge in Alhampton on a beautiful August evening. Bridget Wadey: Bat paraphernalia bristling (identification charts, bat detectors & torches) we email:[email protected] set off to see what bats were around. or phone: 01749 860240 In Alhampton we came across an amazing sight of a nursery of Pipistrelles  You can follow our activities coming out of a roof. There would have been 200 to 300 at least. It was by: joining our emailing definitely a nursery brood as the young were fairly inept at flying and list; contact Bridget see sometimes fell out of the roof before regaining their dignity! It was one of above, those inspiring wildlife sights that are very memorable.  through the FTN news Haddon Wood beckoned and we went in search of the pond. A Noctule with (www.fossetrinitynews.co.uk), its "chip chop" sound was heard near the Chapel. It was the first time many there is usually a monthly of us have been in Haddon Wood and we were very impressed with the update on the Wildlife group layout and good establishment of the trees.  or www.ditcheatchurch.co.uk, this site publishes our meetings We lingered at the Bridge on our return journey and were rewarded with a and activities as they happen. The Wildlife Group has its own tag view of a Daubenton's bat, flying swiftly to and fro under the bridge. Many thanks to Fiona for leading the walk; without her help to identify the bats we wouldn't stand a chance. Note no photos...... difficult in the dark!! Now there's a challenge.</p><p>Bird Surveys The House Martins and Swallows in my yard are getting fewer as I write, by the time you read this they will be well on their way to Africa and my surveyors will be sending in their results. </p><p>Meeting up: Note NEW date  15th October - Fungus Foray. 2.30pm led by Les Cloutman Details in October on notice boards or contact me, see below.</p>