Lymington & District Naturalists' Society

This week's talk: 28th September 2021 AGM (15 minutes) followed by "The Return of the Bustard" by David Waters

Tuesday 28th September sees our first talk of the Winter 2021/22 season taking place in our new venue - St. Thomas' Church Hall, Lymington, which will be preceded by a short AGM. Doors open at 7 p.m.

"The Return of the Bustard"

Great Bustard at Keyhaven November 2019

© Richard Coomber

David Waters of The Great Bustard Group will explain their efforts to reintroduce this remarkable bird!

Note: We respectfully ask that attendees wear masks at our indoor meetings.

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Our next meeting will also be in St. Thomas' Church Hall on 12th October when the subject will be "Marine Mammals and Recent Discoveries" by Anna Bunney from ORCA.

Field Meeting Report: Oakley Inclosure 16 September 2021

A lovely misty morning among the great oaks, Beeches and conifers though it wasn’t long before the sun burst through the canopy.

We started with a glimpse of a Great Spotted Woodpecker and heard Robin, Coal Tit and Jay in the trees around us. The grassy rides were carpeted in delicate dew covered cobwebs, each with a small spider at its centre.

A few butterflies, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood, emerged to dance in the pools of sunlight before we deviated briefly into a clearing in search of slime moulds. We found just old remains of a yellow Dog’s Vomit Slime Mould but came across a good display of a coral fungus, .Ramaria stricta

Ramaria stricta © Richard Smith

We found another good fungal specimen at the base of a beech tree, Cauliflower Fungus, and several Violet Door Beetles before we emerged from the wood and followed the wood margin up the hill.

Cauliflower Fungus © Richard Smith

A damp drainage ditch encouraged dragonfly, moss and sundew and several Southern Wood Ant mounds were dotted up the line. Looking out across the Gorse and heather a distant raptor was probably a large female Sparrowhawk being mobbed by crows, for generally Corvids avoid Goshawks like the plague. Much nearer was a family of Stonechat. An attractive moth, a Silver Y, settled on the bracken by the path and we found Oyster Mushrooms, King Alfreds Cakes, and heard Nuthatch and Long-tailed Tits.

Diving back into the wood we headed back, finding Green Elf Cup, several Russula mushrooms, an immature Beefsteak Fungus that resembled a slime mould, heard Ravens croaking nearby and saw a fascinating collection of more Violet Door Beetles working through a patch of dung.

Green Elf Cup © Chris Robinson

Fox poo with Sloe stones and Violet Dor Beetles © Chris Robinson

An immature Beefsteak Fungus © Andy Skarstein

Back in the car park a wonderful specimen of a Goat Moth caterpillar was found. I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely morning in the woods despite not finding many birds and, in particular, the promised array of exotic species such as Crossbill and Dartford Warbler. Glad I didn’t mention the Wildebeest! RP

Goat Moth caterpillar © Andy Skarstein

Field Meeting Report: Matley Wood

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) GP

On a grey, still morning, twenty-seven members gathered in Matley car park to explore the wood and surrounding area. We paused briefly in the campsite where a few bird feeders hung in the trees before branching north into the Ancient and Ornamental Woodland of Matley Wood. This term refers to areas of the forest containing a mixture of native trees and bushes, largely natural and unchanged, that are not subject to statutory inclosure. (1). We passed Oak, Holly, Small-leafed Lime, Yew, Sweet Chestnut, Crab Apple and Rowan. Signs of Autumn appeared as we noted the Holly, Crab and Rowan were all filled with fruit, the Rowan already being plundered by Blackbirds.

Emerging from the wood we followed a sand and gravel track over the heath towards a footbridge on the Beaulieu River. A series of parallel ridges in the heath suggest possible earlier ploughing activity - several areas of the forest were ploughed for food production during the Second World War. We found several large fragments of metal shrapnel amongst the furrows, evidence of extensive wartime training activities in this area during both world wars (1).

Dwarf Gorse (Ulex minor) DP

Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiaella inundata) CR

Amongst the different species of heather that were in full flower, we noted Dwarf Gorse, Devilsbit Scabious, Harebell, Marsh Clubmoss, and Sundew; the latter two giving a clue as to how wet this area can be.

Small White RS

Grayling Camouflage CR

Amongst the heather, Small White and Grayling butterflies were observed, the latter being well camouflaged and reluctant to fly.

Fox Moth Caterpillar MF

A Fox Moth caterpillar was found on the heath. There were also patches of a tiny red-capped lichen, Cladonia floerkeana.

Coral Necklace MF

Coral Necklace Illecebrum verticilatum was growing in a small dried out, dusty depression beside the track, soon to be waterlogged again.

Approaching the tree line beside the Beaulieu River, we paused to watch Spotted Flycatchers darting out from the trees to capture insects. We moved along the bank of the river, visiting areas that have been heavily poached by cattle. On the river bank, Water Forgetmenot, Water Mint, Water-pepper and Lesser Water-plantain were all seen and a Raven flew overhead.

Green Woodpecker dropping RS

Marge pointed out a cylindrical white Green Woodpecker dropping and later examination showed numerous ant exoskeletons within.

Nodding Bur-marigold (Bidens cernua) DP

Chamomile was growing in small clumps close by the second river bridge as well as a good stand of Nodding Bur-marigold. This boggy area is normally busy with dragonfly, but was quiet on this day.

Spotted Flycatcher RS

Stopping for a break at the hill fortification just to the South of Home Farm proved fortuitous. The Alder, and Willow trees along the river bank and the surrounding lawn were busy with numerous Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and either Chiffchaff or Willow Warbler - we could not agree on the latter! A group of Woodlark appeared, a flock of House Martin and a few Swallow circled high over the trees and a distant Buzzard was seen.

Wolf Bee Philanthus triangulum CR

Walking back towards Matley, we enjoyed the view from the top of one of three ancient barrows (3). The eroded sandy path back to the woods has left a bank suited to the Bee Wolf which have have excavated several tunnels with characteristic “D” shaped entrances. A few were found on the path and in the cooler temperature were relatively docile and could be examined closely.

Returning to the northern edge of the wood we skirted around the wooded perimeter and then back to the car park, noting some fungi and some green stained wood, evidence of Green Elf-cup, Chloriciboria aeruginascens, on the way.

Earthball Scleroderma citrinum CR

Slime Mould GP

Green Elf-cup Chloricioria aeruginascens GP

References:

1/ THE NEW FOREST An Ecological History - 1968; Colin R. Tubbs

2/ White Moor - its military history : http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/heritage/lyndhurst/white-moor-military-connections.html#bombing-school

3/ Two bowl barrows and a bell barrow on Matley Heath: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1009880

An interesting drone survey of the area along with more information can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/csoqTK1E3kM

Photographs: © M. Fidkin, G Payne, D Potter, C Robinson, R. Smith

Map:

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Nature Reserve Open Day

A reminder that Lymington & District Naturalists' Society have a stand at this event and several members of our committee will be attending - come and visit us!

Field Meeting Report: Cadman's Pool - 19 August

Chaffinches CR

On this warm but overcast morning 18 members with Pam as leader gathered at the side of Cadman’s Pool. Feeding on the pool side were a flock of Chaffinches, and a mixed flock of Coal Tits and Blue Tits and on the water were Mallard, a solitary Canada Goose and a couple of juvenile Moorhens.

Eyebright CR

From the pool we set off along the concrete remains of the old airfield across the heath towards Holly Hatch Inclosure. Here we found all 3 types of heather consisting mainly of Ling, with some Bell Heather and small patches of Cross-leaved Heath. Along the track sides Cat’s Ear, Lousewort, Eyebright and Milkwort were in flower as well as a small area of Wood Sage.

To the right of the track lies a small boggy pond where we found Marsh St. John’s-wort which was in flower, Marsh Pennywort, Round-leaved Sundew and the erect seed heads of Bog Asphodel. Looking across to the inclosure there was a glimpse of a Green Woodpecker and we heard the distant call of a Buzzard. Further on we had a good view of a male Redstart and a Roe buck with one antler and all around we could hear and occasionally see Stonechats.

Boletus SS

On entering Holly Hatch inclosure deer fencing provided protection for young Silver Birch, various conifers and offered plenty of undergrowth for wildlife. Chiffchaff, Redstart and Blue Tits were seen. On the grassy track sides fungi were present, waxcaps, puff balls and bolete (species not identified). Also, Bilberry, Wood Sorrel and Wood Spurge were present. Then following a wet path downhill through the mature woods, we came to a wider track where we saw a single Speckled Wood Butterfly. In the damp areas Hard Ferns with normal and reproductive fronds were growing.

Tubular Water-dropwort CR

Eventually we came to Holly Hatch cottage and the open lawn where cattle and ponies were grazing. Here there are views across Rakes Drake Bottom and in the distance Sloden Inclosure. Every year House Martins nest under the eaves of this cottage and we were not disappointed as they swooped around and fed their young.

A Grey Wagtail was spotted on the roof of an outhouse and in and around the stream that runs through the valley, flowers of Tubular Water-dropwort, Lesser Spearwort, and Greater Bird’s- foot-trefoil were seen together with Water Plantain in seed.

Finally, we walked along the inclosure’s edge, with the stream to our left and mature Oak and Beech to our right. On a large Silver Birch several twisted bundles of twigs matted together were seen. These are known as witches brooms, they can be caused by bacterial, fungal or viral infections of the lateral buds. These bundles do not harm the tree. Then, whilst watching a family of Nuthatches, a female Blackcap was spotted and further on a Wren, Robin, Song Thrush and Blackbird were seen.

Devilsbit Scabious CR

Saw-wort SS

Eventually we returned to the heath again. As we walked uphill, we found the small pink flowers of Lesser Skullcap and further on Devil’s-bit Scabious, before we finally came back to the car park.

Photos: © S Skarstein and C Robinson

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Field Meeting: Report Normandy Lane - 5 August

Leading his first Thursday group walk for nearly 2 years, Brian was joined by over 20 LymNats. Although "Birds" was the advertised subject, the walk began in the "wilds" of Woodside Gardens where wild flowers and insects dominated. The group spent over an hour independently exploring the delights of one of Lymington's hidden jewels.

Common Fleabane DP

Large Tiger Hoverfly on Knapweed MF

Water Mint GP

Members of the group may have seen: Agrimony, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Common and Lesser Knapweed, Common Fleabane, Field Bindweed, Honeysuckle, Woody Nightshade, Wild Carrot, Corn Marigold, Great Reedmace, Lady's Bedstraw, Gipsywort, Mugwort, Ragwort, Yarrow, Lesser Stitchwort, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Rosebay, Great Willowherb, Red Clover, White Clover, Silverweed, St.John's Wort, Pineapple Mayweed, Water Mint, Hemlock Water Dropwort and Hogweed.

Small Skipper CR

Butterflies seen included Small Skipper, Silver-studded Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Painted Lady and Red Admiral.

From Woodside we proceeded to do a circuit of Normandy Marsh to deliver the advertised walk.

We saw immature Shelduck which would have followed their parents to the lagoon immediately after hatching. The nest would have been a down-lined cup in a burrow or hollow tree (as seen on "Springwatch"). There was also a juvenile Avocet, still with some dark brown where the adult is black.

Common Terns, with juvenile CR

The number of white foreheads of the juveniles amongst the black caps of the adults was evidence that the Common Terns had a successful breeding season. A group of 30+ birds periodically took to the air from a spit, with their harsh key-arr and kirri-kirri calls, and then landed back in an orderly fashion, all facing front.

When an imperious Great Black-backed Gull took flight, it was instantly mobbed by Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls - they clearly recognised a predator that would probably have accounted for some of their young.

Little Egret "JN" CR

Little Egret "JN" was showing well out on the marsh. Ringed as a chick by Graham Giddens in the summer of 2006, "JN" is recognised by the BTO as holding the longevity record of this species (I reported today's sighting to GG).

A very keen young ornithologist pointed out a young bird that was eventually identified as a Redshank, possibly the sole survivor of a late (July) brood, whose siblings may have been predated by the GB-bG.

Golden Samphire CR

From the seawall it was possible to see a variety of coastal and saltmarsh plants: Glasswort, Common Sea-lavender, Sea Purslane, Rock Samphire, Golden Samphire and Common Cord-grass (Spartina anglica).

Wasp Spider SS

Also present: A handsome Wasp Spider, Black-tailed Godwits (still with some summer colour) Dunlin, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, Greenfinch, White Campion, Bristly Oxtongue, Teasel and Polypody. Other LymNats may have seen more and all just beat the rain back to Maiden Lane.

Route:

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Field Meeting Report: Dibden Inclosure - 22 July

16 members joined leader Geoff on one of the hottest mornings of the year for this rather misnamed field meeting as, from the car park, we immediately crossed the road to explore Fawley Inclosure.

Silver-studded Blues CR

Grayling CR

Within a few yards, all 3 heathers, Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath and Ling were attracting many Silver-studded Blue butterflies both male and female and several mating pairs were spotted. Less numerous were Gatekeeper, Grayling, Large White and Small Heath with a Silver Y moth, Golden-ringed Dragonfly and innumerable grasshoppers also seen.

Carrion Crows cruised overhead and a Woodlark posed atop the gorse before flying off. Amongst the heathers, Lousewort, Tormentil, Heath Milkwort, Self-heal and Coral-necklace were identified.

Lady Fern DP

Moving on, we passed the site of a scheduled ancient monument known as a Bowl Barrow but were unable to pinpoint its exact location. A Sparrowhawk flew above the trees and Goldfinches flitted around. As we moved into the conifer plantation a Chaffinch was spotted. By this time somewhat spread out, the botanists identified Sheep Sorrell, Wood Sage and Lady Fern.

Oak Eggar moth (Lasiocampa quercus) CR

Small Copper and Peacock butterflies were seen as well as Riband Wave and Oak Eggar Moths with a Keeled Skimmer dragonfly also posing obligingly.

Around the edge of an area of mire were some good specimens of Round-leaved and Oblong-leaved Sundew along with Bog Asphodel, White Beak-sedge, Cotton Grass and Pale Butterwort. Kestrel and Buzzard were also spotted.

Cutting back through the plantation, we risked life and limb on a brief detour across the busy A326 Fawley Road to Forest Front Nature Reserve for the disabled. By the pond, much welcome shade and seating provided an ideal location for an overdue refreshment break.

Nettle Weevil RC

An Emperor Dragonfly patrolled around the fine stand of Reedmace but although movement could be seen, no birds or fish were identified. White Water-lily flowered in the pond and on a short walk around the reserve a good variety of plants were evident, namely Tufted Vetch, Rosebay Willowherb, Lesser Stitchwort, Common Knapweed, Hogweed, Ladies’ Bedstraw and Corky-fruited Water Dropwort. Small Copper, Skipper and Speckled Wood butterflies and a Blackcap were also seen. Richard collected a small moth called Garden Grass Veneer (Chrysoteuchia culmella) and Maureen picked up a striking blue Nettle Weevil.

Small Red Damselflies CR

Returning to the enclosure, we moved on to Flash Pond where Coloured Water-lily flowered alongside Lesser Spearwort, Marsh St. John’s Wort and Water-plantain. Blue damselflies hovered around and Small Red amselflies were mating.

Meadow Pipit CR

The return walk crossed open heathland where, in the distance above the conifers, a Buzzard, two Kestrels and a Swift were seen. Meadow Pipits and Stonechats, both adult and juvenile, were busy in the gorse and a Little Egret was fishing in what remained of one of the larger ponds.

Lesser Water-plantain CR

Some small specimens of Lesser Water-plantain were clinging on in a dried-up puddle and we also saw Chamomile in flower before crossing back to the car park.

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