Category Archives: Expired

BSBI’s annual New Year Plant Hunt – how to take part

The New Year Plant Hunt takes place this year from 30th December to 2nd January. It is an annual event run by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland when people – whether absolute beginners or experienced naturalists – across Britain and Ireland head out to see how many wild or naturalised plants (not garden plants) they can find in bloom in their local area at midwinter.-

Perhaps surprisingly, many plants are still flowering in midwinter, with nearly 500 different species recorded during last year’s Hunt. Many of these are widespread, common and easy to identify, but BSBI will provide help with identification for everyone, including total beginners.

It’s easy to take part. During the four days around New Year, 30th December – 2nd January, take a short, leisurely walk outdoors, noting wild flowers in bloom. Submit your finds via our online form and you’ll be contributing to vital climate research. There is a recording app you are encouraged to use, either on your mobile or on your computer

More information, including how to register, can be found here:
https://bsbi.org/new-year-plant-hunt

 

 

 

Camera Icon

MKNHS Photo Competition 2024 – Entries by 16 January please

The Society’s annual Photo Competition takes place in January.

As last year, the format will be a print competition. That is, entrants need to submit prints rather than digital photos online.

There are five categories;
1. Birds
2. Plants & Fungi
3. Insects
4. Other Animals
5. Astronomy, Landscapes, Minerals etc.

A maximum of two prints can be entered into each category. (10 prints in total per entrant)
Maximum print size is A4 (210 x 297mm)

The deadline for submission of prints is 16th January, with the entrants judged by members at the Tuesday evening meeting on 23rd January.

Prints may be submitted at the Tuesday meetings on 9th and 16th, or by post to:

MK Natural History Society
c/o City Discovery Centre
Bradwell Abbey
Milton Keynes
MK13 9AP

No prints will be accepted after the deadline of 16th January.

The winner receives a small shield to keep and the large shield to hold for a year.

May the best photograph win – it’s up to you!

Queries to webeditor@mknhs.org.uk

The River Ouzel – its wild past – Derek Turner – 14th November – Recording

The course of the Ouzel runs through Milton Keynes and many of our excursions visit the Ouzel Valley. Derek Turner of Bedfordshire Geology Group gave us a full account of the river’s geology and history.

The presentation was based on a series of photographs shown from a Mac via Zoom on a PC rather than a PowerPoint presentation so the size of images varies

The recording will be available to view for 30 days. Follow the link and put in the pass code when asked to do so.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/r57HHJJb-zxwEjs49YVRAWHh6Sc6Y5IAssSxbmkFP0KH3OfO3pSYQvqRZ7fDox08.A478Ao_u-OB6EtAv

Passcode: ZHh?v4Y4

ELEGY FOR A RIVER – IS IT TOO LATE FOR RIPARIAN WILDLIFE? – Dr Tom Moorhouse – Tuesday 7th November –Recording

Ecologist and wildlife author Dr Tom Moorhouse was our guest speaker. His first book “Elegy for a River” laments the declining health of the UK’s rivers and wildlife such as water voles and will ask what can be done to improve them.

The recording will be available to view for 30 days. Follow the link and put in the pass code when asked to do so.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/orXxWDgRVkJw7uZGu6FLfyWbiU70i9Bp1670tNIlC5L6bdjh-be_rh3yhkfGM0fy.iyCiIvsdrcHtsyEm

Passcode: NH*==L99

Scarlet Tiger moth ©Paul Lund, Flitwick Moor 25 June 2019

Trip Report – Flitwick Moor 25 June 2019

Flitwick Moor is an SSSI managed by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust. It is a former mire in the valley of the River Flit which rises in the Chiltern foothills (and a tributary of the River Ivel which in turn flows into the Great Ouse). It is an uncommon habitat for southern England with areas of peat fed by iron rich acid springs (chalybeate) from the Greensands. This was extracted up to 1960 (the peat was used in the purification of natural gas and the chalybeate was sold in the 19thcentury as a cure-all tonic!). Alders predominate in the lowest areas of peat extraction: birch and oak (Quercus rober) in the higher. Woodland clearings offer habitats of sphagnum mosses, bracken, sedges, reeds and cotton grass. The slightly higher ground consists of a rough meadow dotted with ant hills.

It rained heavily on the day of the visit and although the rain had stopped by 19.00 it was still damp and murky: not ideal conditions for a wildlife amble. Nevertheless 18 members turned up for the evening which produced a good showing of plants and several invertebrates of interest.

The routetook us first through the wet woodland area of peat extraction. The plant life off the path and in the managed clearings included Rough Chervil, Small Balsam, Foxglove, Honeysuckle, Bracken, Common Polypody (a fern), Broad Buckler-fern, Soft Rush, Remote Sedge, Pendulous Sedge, and Cotton Grass (the latter much less in evidence compared with the Society’s last visit in 2016) all acid tolerant or acid loving. A total of 17 bird species were noted, by far the highlight being an Oyster Catcher which was heard calling as it passed over shortly after the walk started. Most of the other birds were common woodland species including Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Songthrush, given away by their songs and calls from the dense canopy.

Six-spot Burnett ©Paul Lund, Flitwick Moor 25 June 2019

Six-spot Burnett ©Paul Lund, Flitwick Moor 25 June 2019

The meadow area is rough grazed with scattered bushes and the mounds of the Yellow Meadow Ant. Here the plant life included Pendulous Sedge, Wavy Bitter-cress, Yellow Iris, and Horsetail at the soggy edges, and Lesser Stitchwort, Tufted Vetch, Meadow Vetchling, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lady’s Bedstraw, Scented Mayweed, Common Mouse-ear and Yarrow in the drier areas. Invertebrates included Marbled White and Six-spot Burnet.

A short diversion along the side of one of the ditches off the meadow yielded dense Russian Comfrey, Marsh Thistle and Hemlock (one specimen at over 3 metres!). The Scarlet Tiger (photo at top of page) was the invertebrate highlight here.

Thanks to Roy Maycock and Harry Appleyard, who were kind enough to accompany me on exploratory visits and for putting together checklists of plants and birds/invertebrates for participants, and to Paul Lund for the photographs.

Joe Clinch, Leader for the evening

RSPBNBLG Talk – Wildlife Down Under (Part 2) 14 February 2019

RSPB logoThe RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

Location: The Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes
Postcode: MK13 9AP (Google map)

Some of you will remember Chris’ talk last season – Part 1 of this “mini-series”. Part 2 will bring you lots more on his memorable three month Australian trip. Highlights include whale watching in Queensland, Sydney and the Blue Mountains in New South Wales and a Northern territory adventure visiting Kakadu National Park and other locations near Darwin. Images of iconic mammals and birds, plus some spectacular landscapes as well. Great photographs and an entertaining evening.

Time: Doors open 7.15pm for a prompt 7.45pm start, ends at 10pm

Price: Group members £3, Non-group members £4, Children £1

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.
Brimstone nectaring on Sanfoin, Pitstone Quarry, 28 May 2017

Annual Photographic Competition 22 January 2019

Following the success of last year’s competition with a large turnout and many high quality prints submitted I hope we can do as well this year. To remind you of the rules:-

All entries must be handed to Martin or Lewis by the end of the January 15thmeeting.

Prints only can be entered.
Maximum size of prints A4 (210x297mm).

Each member may enter a maximum of 2 prints per category. (That’s 8 prints in total). Prints must be unmounted.

The four categories are:-

1) Birds
2) All other animals, including mammals, fish, insects, etc.
3) Plants and fungi.
4) Habitats, geological, astronomical.

Domestic animals and cultivated plants are not eligible.

People must not be a major subject of any photograph. May the best photograph win! It could be yours!

RSPBNBLG Walk – Willen Lake 1 January 2019

RSPB logoThe RSPB North Bucks Local Group are leading a field trip to:

Location: Willen Lake – Meet in Parks Trust car park (free) off V11 Tongwell St, just north of Pineham (V11/H5) roundabout. SP 883 404

IMPORTANT
Please use ONLY the above car park. The reference to PAVILION CAR PARK in our printed programme was a mistake – apologies for any confusion caused.

Our ever-popular New Year perambulation of this local gem. Expect a range of water birds, including possible rarities (43 bird species seen last year … 44 if that really was a Redpoll)! Toilets at some distance (cafe on south lake). Most paths accessible, but some wet and muddy bits. Well-behaved dogs (must be on short leads) are welcome on this walk only.
Walk Leader : Chris Ward

Time: 10 am to 12.30 pm

Price: Free event

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

RSPBNBLG Quiz Night 23 November 2018

RSPB logoThe RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE FUN QUIZ NIGHT
Location: Wicken Sports Club, Wicken, Milton Keynes
Postcode: MK19 6BU (Google map)

Our Annual General Knowledge Fun Quiz Night

Teams of up to FIVE people – bring your own team or come along and join up with others.
£4 per person and a prize for each member of the winning team.
Extra “Spot round” in the interval for £1 – with an individual prize.
Wicken Sports Club will sell refreshments: tea, coffee and a bar.
Please book in advance by Friday 16 November
To Ann Davies e-mail: AnnRSPBNBucks@hotmail.co.uk

Time: Doors open 7.30pm for a prompt 8pm start

Price: £4 per person for main quiz, £1 per person for interval “spot” round

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 18 November 2018

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 18 November 2018 10:00-16:00hrs.

The reserve is open to friends and family, bring the neighbours too.
Stop off at the centre for a fresh cuppa and a piece of home-made cake.
Buy a unique pre-Christmas gift and some bird-seed too.

Also, Andy Harding, the County Bird Recorder, will be taking his monthly wildfowl count this morning. He is willing to take a group along to the hides and will help with identifying ducks and other birds. Please meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Centre.

Book sale icon

Book Sale Tuesday 30 October 2018

If you have any natural history books you no longer need that can be sold to raise funds for the MK Natural History Society, please bring them to Tuesday’s meeting (30th) as soon as you can after 7.30pm. We aim to sell them that evening.

Bucks Fungus Group walk – Ivinghoe Common 23 September 2018

Orange Peel Fungus by Jason Hollinger

Orange Peel Fungus by Jason Hollinger

Dear member(s),
Herewith your last minute reminder for our coming visit to Hodgemoor Woods on Saturday September 15th. The following weekend we visit Ivinghoe Common (part of Ashridge) on Sunday September 23rd. For full details go to www.bucksfungusgroup.org.uk/events.html
Due to the extremely dry period over the last few weeks and months in our area it has to be said that fungi-hunting at the moment is somewhat disappointing to say the least! I hope this won’t deter you from joining us but if you’re coming please don’t be surprised if finding beautiful specimens proves a bit of a challenge. We badly need a prolonged spell of rain in the Chilterns to get things moving.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Best wishes,
Penny

Bucks Fungus Group walk Hodgemoor Woods 15 September 2018

Orange Peel Fungus by Jason Hollinger

Orange Peel Fungus by Jason Hollinger

Dear member(s),
Herewith your last minute reminder for our coming visit to Hodgemoor Woods on Saturday September 15th. The following weekend we visit Ivinghoe Common (part of Ashridge) on Sunday September 23rd. For full details go to www.bucksfungusgroup.org.uk/events.html
Due to the extremely dry period over the last few weeks and months in our area it has to be said that fungi-hunting at the moment is somewhat disappointing to say the least! I hope this won’t deter you from joining us but if you’re coming please don’t be surprised if finding beautiful specimens proves a bit of a challenge. We badly need a prolonged spell of rain in the Chilterns to get things moving.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Best wishes,
Penny

FSC Learn to love Beetles course – 8 September 2018

We have 4 spaces on our Learn To Love Beetles course at @FSCAmersham on Saturday with @KatyPottsEnto . bookings have now closed online but you can still grab a space by calling our bookings team on 01743 852100.

This is a very good way of starting to look at beetles and very good value at only £5. Any question, please contact the FSC Biolinks team on the number above.

Best wishes

Neil

Neil Fletcher
Environmental Support Officer (Part-time, Tues-Thurs)
Historic and Natural Environment Team
Transport Ÿ Economy Ÿ Environment

Bat and Moth Evening – Linford Lakes NR 6 September 2018

Members of the Society mothing by Julie Lane. Linford Lakes NR 9 July 2016

Members of the Society mothing by Julie Lane. Linford Lakes NR 9 July 2016

Batty about bats and mad on moths?

Thursday 6th September 2018.
Doors open at 19:15 hrs.

Come and find out about the bats and moths here at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve.

Event starts prompt at 19:30hrs.

The evening will start with a presentation about bats followed by a walk with bat detectors and finishing with an insight on catching and identifying moths.

£3:00 per adult (£5 per couple), £2 for children
(All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult – event not suitable for children under 10 years old)

Friends and family welcome.

Please note, no dogs allowed on site.

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.
For the birds event ©Julie Lane, Linford Manor Park 22 July 2018

For the Birds event

For the birds event ©Julie Lane, Linford Manor Park 22 July 2018

For the birds event ©Julie Lane, Linford Manor Park 22 July 2018

For the birds event ©Julie Lane, Linford Manor Park 22 July 2018

For the birds event ©Julie Lane, Linford Manor Park 22 July 2018

Julie Lane has recommended “For the Birds”, part of the Milton Keynes International Festival:

I thought I should draw peoples attention to a wonderful lighting and sound installation called ‘For the Birds’ taking place this week at Linford Manor Park as part of the MK International Festival. It is a truly magical experience and great fun and for anyone who is interested in birds it would be a pity to miss out on it. Quite what the local wildlife makes of it is a different matter but it is well worth a visit. Tickets are £15 available from the Box office 01908 280800 and it is on in the evenings Wed 25th – Sat 28th July.

Julie has also provide some videos:
Video 1 (24 seconds)
Video 2 (18 seconds)
You can find more information on The Parks Trust website.

Butterfly Walk North Bucks Way 14 July 2018

White Admiral by Harry Appleyard, North Bucks Way, 8 July 2016

White Admiral by Harry Appleyard, North Bucks Way, 8 July 2016

Saturday 14th July 2018: 10.30am

North Bucks Way & Oakhill Wood, Milton Keynes, Bucks

A walk of about 2.5 miles along the North Bucks Way to look for White Admiral, Purple Emperor, various Hairstreaks and other summer species of butterfly.

Meet at Shenley Wood car park SP824356.

Leader and contact: Martin Kincaid 01908 235632 or mobile 07768 146232

Click here for more infrmation.

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.
Milton Keynes Festival of Nature Poster 6-15 July 2018

Milton Keynes Festival of Nature 6-15 July 2018

Organised in partnership with The Parks Trust and Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust and MK Natural History Society the Festival of Nature is a celebration of the fascinating and varied nature that can be found across the city.

There is a wide-ranging programme of activities available for people of all ages, located in areas across MK.

Full details about each activity can be found in the MK Festival of Nature booklet and please go to The Parks Trust website for booking events (please note that the Teens Go Wild event is taking place at Linford Lakes Nature Reserve not MK Museum as advertised in the booklet).

If anyone is happy to help us run the Teens go Wild event on 14th July or help with our activities at the Nature Day on 14th July please contact Julie Lane at silverteasel@hotmail.com Your help would be very much appreciated.

Mystery Solved

Julie Lane asked for assistance in identifying the objects in these photos.

Found on a Devon coastal road (one during the evening and one in the daylight) near East Prawle on 5th June.  It rolls into a ball like a pillbug when alarmed.

I’m delighted to say that Ayla Webb has identified the mystery object as the larvae of a Bloody-nosed beetle Timarcha tenebricosa

Briefing at start of the walk ©Peter Hassett 5 June 2018

Trip Report – Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

This week’s meet took place at Rushden Lakes in Northamptonshire, a large reserve of lakes, woodland and flower meadows owned by The Wildlife Trusts. While this site is somewhat further afield from many of our previously-visited sites, like many of our more familiar parks and reserves in Milton Keynes, it is a mere stone’s throw away from a large retail park which continues to grow day by day. Such a busy urban setting might put a casual wildlife enthusiast off from the area but as we gathered from our visit, this is an incredibly rich and diverse area in terms of both habitats and species.

As usual for our outdoor meetings, our walk began around 7pm, led this time by Reserve Ranger Toni Castello and three of his volunteers from The Wildlife Trusts. For much of the day, the weather was dull and overcast but fortunately as we made our way there, the low-level cloud cleared, bringing warm sunshine and a mostly clear sky for the rest of the evening, ideal for finding basking insects and bird-watching. After a brief introduction to the site, its history and its management, our walk began, passing by two of the lakes, the Nene Valley River and into two of the meadows.

While the breeze on the surface of the lakes prevented us from seeing the clouds of damselflies Toni and his volunteers claimed to see frequently there, we found no shortage of them basking along the waterside vegetation, two of the most numerous being the Red-eyed Damselfly and the stunning Banded Demoiselle. Male Banded Demoiselles were frequently popping up from the nettles and bushes as we walked by, with a few females and a mating pair among them also. While we were stopped next to one of the lakes, we also spotted many freshly-emerged damselflies with their exuvia in the reed-beds including Common Blue and Azure Damselflies.

Much of the discussion from Toni and the volunteers went into the making and management of various parts of the reserve, including the man-made lakes, one of which was said to be far more productive and beneficial for wildlife having been dug to various depths, rather than a mere large hole in the ground filled with water.

Fellow society member Mary Sarre wrote about the meadows and their rich diversity of flora:

“The large meadows we saw had never been ploughed and there were cattle grazing. There are two meadows, both categorised as MG4 (Lowland Meadow), the western one drier, and the eastern one wetter.

The western meadow had a range of tall grasses, and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) in flower, and earlier in the year the Cuckoo flower, Ladies bedstraw, Birds foot Trefoil, and Meadow Vetchling would be showing.

The eastern meadow is wetter, with wet flushes containing Yellow flag Iris, soft rush and Water figwort. A Thalictrum sp was mentioned by the guide, but not seen.”

While the densely covered trees and hedgerows prevented us from seeing many of them, it was a great evening for birdsong and observing several species around the lakes. Several Black-headed Gulls were seen over the lakes, with Cormorants and Grey Herons passing over. Just before the walk began, a distant Cuckoo was heard from the circular walk and warblers were singing constantly through the evening, including 5 Garden Warblers, Reed Warblers, Willow Warblers as well as 3 Song Thrushes. This year’s unprecedented lack of hirundines was unfortunately apparent here also but a group of at least 10 Swifts could be seen over the lakes.

This trip was a satisfying and educational end to what started off as an otherwise dull day, at a site that I’m sure many of us will visit again in the future to find out more. It is apparently a notable site for waterfowl in the winter, so a recommendation for local bird-watchers for sure.

Article by Harry Appleyard and Mary Sarre
Click on any of the pictures for a larger image.

Pictures from top to bottom:
Briefing at start of the walk ©Peter Hassett
Female Banded Demoiselle ©Harry Appleyard
View over the lakes ©Harry Appleyard
Nene Valley River ©Harry Appleyard
Blue-tailed damselfly ©Julian Lambley
Meadow ©Harry Appleyard
Male Banded Demoiselle, ©Harry Appleyard
Lakeside view ©Harry Appleyard
Lakeside Trees and Reeds ©Harry Appleyard
Female Red-eyed Damselfly ©Harry Appleyard
Black-headed Gull ©Peter Hassett
Kingfisher Carving ©Harry Appleyard

Briefing at start of the walk ©Peter Hassett 5 June 2018

Female, Banded Demoiselle ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

View over the lakes ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Nene Valley River ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Blue-tailed damselfly ©Julian Lambley, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Meadow ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Male Banded Demoiselle, ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Lakeside view ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Lakeside Trees and Reeds ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Female Red-eyed Damselfly ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

Black-headed Gull ©Peter Hassett, Rushden Lakes, 5 June 2018

Kingfisher Carving ©Harry Appleyard, Rushden Lakes 5 June 2018

 

 

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 15 April 2018

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 15 April 2018 10:00-16:00hrs.

Tea and coffee, home-made cakes available.

Second-hand books on sale as well as crafts and bird seed.

Great views through the new windows.

Here’s hoping for some warmer dryer weather as this can be a busy time on the reserve with lots of new arrivals. Birds singing and nest building, bees a buzzin, crickets chirping and butterflies and flowers too.

Come and enjoy the reserve a new, now we are free of any current building plans to spoil our enjoyment.

50th anniversary celebration badge label in golden color

Parking for 50th Anniversary Meeting at Chrysalis Theatre, Willen

There are about 70 parking spaces outside The Chrysalis Theatre so most people should be able to park here. Otherwise, please park at the Peace Pagoda car park, opposite Camp Hill off the V10. Note that parking charges will not apply on the evening. It is a short walk from this car park over a bridge to the venue, and parking marshalls will direct you. Can we also ask members to car share on the evening to reduce the number of cars on site

50th anniversary celebration badge label in golden color

Special Anniversary Event: Join us to celebrate 50 years of MKNHS!

Aerial photograph of Bardsey Island, Llyn Peninsular, Gwynedd, North Wales.

Bardsey Island, Llyn Peninsular, Gwynedd, North Wales..

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of Milton Keynes Natural History Society.

To celebrate this special occasion, the Society is delighted to present a talk by

Patrick Barkham on the subject of Islanders: an exploration of some of Britain’s smaller islands

When: Tuesday 27th March 2018 at 7:30pm
Where: Chrysalis Theatre, Japonica Lane, Willen Park South, Milton Keynes. MK15 9JY
Parking: There are about 70 parking spaces outside The Chrysalis Theatre so most people should be able to park here. Otherwise, please park at the Peace Pagoda car park, opposite Camp Hill off the V10. Note that parking charges will not apply on the evening. It is a short walk from this car park over a bridge to the venue, and parking marshalls will direct you. Can we also ask members to car share on the evening to reduce the number of cars on site
Tickets: £5 (Society members and under 18s free)

Click here to book your tickets. Book cover of Islander by Patrick Barkham

Patrick Barkham is a well-known natural history author and writer for The Guardian. His books include “The Butterfly Isles” and “Badgerlands”. Recently he has published “Islander: a journey around our archipelago”, an exploration of eleven of the smaller islands of Britain which will be the focus for his talk.

Do join us for this special evening!

Walk icon

Floodplain Forest NR walk on 4 March 2018 is going ahead

Walk iconMeet at 2 p.m at the Manor Farm Car Park, MK12 5NN. Leaders – Martin Kincaid and Joe Clinch

3 March 2018 update – the walk is NOT CANCELLED but please take extra care if travelling by road.

Martin Kincaid had advised that “the road up to Manor Farm is pretty clear now. We should be able to park up a the car park just off Old Wolverton Road if not the one at the farm buildings. I will wear a Hi-Vis jacket so that people can see me as they turn in off Wolverton Road. Forecast for tomorrow is much warmer, with temperatures up to 8C.”

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 18 February 2018

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 18 February2018 10:00-16:00hrs.
Tea and coffee, home-made cakes available.
Second-hand books on sale as well as crafts and bird seed.

Wader Quest.
Rick Simpson will be at LLNR on Sunday 18th Feb.
Rick and Elis Simpson run a charity, Wader Quest, to help conserve waders around the world.
As part of their fund-raising Rick and Elis will be at LLNR selling
Raffle tickets for a unique oil painting. The draw for the winner is to take place at the end of April.

Robin by Peter Hassett, College Lake 29 December 2016

Merry Christmas Sightings

Please remember to submit your local sightings to sightings@mknhs.org.uk and to look at the Recent Sightings in the News section. There are some fabulous pictures of otters in a member’s garden.

Many thanks to our Co-chair Julie Lane for these seasonal sightings:

On the day before Christmas Eve whilst cycling around Emberton Park I met

One raven cawing
Five goosanders fishing
A kingfisher piping and green woodpecker laughing
Three snowy egrets roosting
And a great spotted woodpecker in a poplar tree

Happy Christmas to you all.

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 17 December 2017

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve showing observation deck by Peter Hassett

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve showing observation deck by Peter Hassett

Open Sunday 17 December 2017

10am -3pm

In view of the cancelled Open Sunday last week-end due to the adverse weather conditions it has been decided to hold a modified Open Sunday this coming Sunday (17th Dec).

Andy Harding will be conducting his monthly duck count in the morning of 17th. Andy is willing to take interested visitors with him to the hide and assist with bird identification. Please join Andy at the Centre for 10:30am.

This can be a great time of year for spotting some of our winter visitors, who can turn up in good numbers to rest up and feed.

The Open Sunday will conclude at 3pm on this day, due to the short daylight hours at this time of year.

The Centre will be open for hot drinks and homemade cakes. Xmas crafts and Calendars on sale for those last minute gifts. Get your bargain holiday read from our second-hand books on sale.

Family and friends welcome.

Please note there will be NO CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING TODAY.

Public Inquiry.

The Public Inquiry relating to the development at Linford Lakes is on-going. The Investigator has adjourned the Inquiry which will meet again on 26th Jan and if required again on 2nd Feb. Decision 4-5 weeks after that.

.

Winner. Hoverflies by Mark Strutton. 3 July 2016

Annual Photographic Competition 23 January 2018

Following the success of last year’s competition with a large turnout and many high quality prints submitted I hope we can do as well this year. To remind you of the rules:-

Prints only can be entered.

Maximum size of prints A4 (210x297mm)

Each member may enter a maximum of 2 prints per category. (That’s 8 prints in total). Prints must be unmounted.

The four categories are:-

  1. Birds
  2. All other animals, including mammals, fish, insects etc.
  3. Plants and fungi.
  4. Habitats, geological, astronomical.

Domestic animals and cultivated plants are not eligible.

People must not be a major subject of any photograph.

Pictures must be handed to Julie Lane, Linda Murphy or Jean Cooke by the end of the 16 January 2018 meeting.
You can see the winners of previous competitions in the gallery section of the website. You can see the winner of last years competition –
Hoverflies by Mark Strutton at the top of the page.

May the best photograph win! It could be yours!

Paul Lund

 

 

Open Sunday at Linford Lakes NR 10 December 2017

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Linford Lakes Nature Reserve visitors enjoying an Open Sunday

Open Sunday.

10 December 2017. (note not third Sunday

10:00- 16:00hrs

With Xmas Craft Making Event.

Suitable for people of all ages, each session includes full tuition

and all materials to enable you to make and take home traditional

Christmas Decorations, using natural materials.

 The Christmas Craft sessions will run from

11am to 12.30pm and from 1.30pm to 3pm

 The Christmas Craft Sessions cost £10.00 each, £15 for family.

No booking required.

 Please note Children under 16 are welcome,

must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

There is also the usual Open Sunday opportunities.

Andy Harding may be recording his duck count this morning.

He is willing to take a group along. Please meet at 10:00 in the centre.

You can enjoy a walk and spend time in the hides watching our winter wild fowl and other seasonal visitors.

If you fancy some warmer wildlife watching, then why not use  the viewing gallery in the Centre, where you will also find:

Crafts, Gifts, Second-hand book stall, bird seed for sale and warming refreshments including mince pies and home-made cakes.

 Family and friends welcome.

MKNHS Society walk by Ann Strutton, Willen Lake 26 November 2017

Trip report – Willen Lake 26 November 2017

Sunday 26th November 2017 saw the first of our Society winter walks. 15 hardy souls braved the icy winds at North Willen Lake and were well rewarded.

We met at the Willen Pavilion car park on the west shore of the lake and began by looking at the veteran ash tree near the lake edge. Martin Kincaid explained how The Parks Trust has managed the decline of this tree and the recent discovery of bats roosting in it.

We then walked clockwise around the lake, stopping at times to look at the many species of duck among the huge group of coots (cootarium!) on the water. A single female Scaup, among a group of Tufted Ducks, was probably the pick, with good numbers of Teal, Mallard, Wigeon and Gadwall also spotted. We also found some nice specimens of the fungus Clitocybe geotropa on the grassy banks. When we reached the Flood Control structure, Mark Strutton shared his experiences of seeing otters here on several occasions in 2016. The animals are still active here and we were able to pick out a track from the lake edge, across the redway and down to the River Ouzel where we also found several piles of otter spraint and a slide down into the river!

At the bridge between the north and south lakes, we added 4 Little Grebes to the list and a Kingfisher was spotted shooting low across the water. We also admired a very tame Little Egret roosting in willow at this point. Ann Strutton managed to spot a group of 6 Goldeneye bobbing about on the South Lake at this point, and we did our best to see them between their frequent dives.

On the approach to the bird hide we spotted a Chiffchaff (there seem to be more than ever around this autumn) and hazel catkins. Form the hide itself we added Pochard and Shoveler to the wildfowl list bringing our duck total to nine species. However, waders were thin on the ground with just a single Lapwing observed. A single Greylag was the only goose we saw – obviously there were easier pickings on the South Lake.

The main target for today’s walk was the starling murmuration and we quickly marched around towards the Peace Pagoda to take position and wait. The first group of about 50 starlings appeared right on queue at 3.50pm and within five minutes they were swarming over the lake. Although there were probably no more than 2,000 birds (a pretty modest number) they put on a fine display as the sun set and for those who had not witnessed a starling murmuration before it was a memorable experience. A singing Cetti’s Warbler was a bonus at this point. The starlings finally settled in the reed beds at around 4.15pm at which point we said our goodbyes and retired for the evening, happy but in need of thawing out!

Starling Murmuration by Ann Strutton, Willen Lake 26 November 2017

Starling Murmuration by Ann Strutton, Willen Lake 26 November 2017


Report by Martin Kincaid

Number 1 hide, Floodplain Forest NR

Water Quality Survey, September 2017

This project was part of the ‘Clean Water for wildlife survey’ run by the Freshwater Habitats trust’s “people Ponds and Water Project”.

Phil and I had 5 testing kits and we set off to find 5 different water bodies, to test for Nitrates (ppm) and Phosphates (ppm). Our test sites were:

  1. Pond in Little Linford Wood (SP 8285 4550) 21/09/17
  2. River Great Ouse, Stony Stratford (SP7875 3965) 22/09/17
  3. Calverton Brook (SP 78095 3861) 22/09/17
  4. Pond, High Street, Stony Stratford (SP 7840 4080) 24/09/17
  5. Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve (SP8112 4220) 24/09/17

The test results showed that the water quality around MK is generally pretty good, with low levels of both Nitrates and Phosphates. Phil researched the net to try and establish an ‘acceptable’ level for nitrates for ‘environmental Water’ and the International Consensus is less than 5ppm.

So how did our 5 sites compare?

Site Nitrates Phosphates
Little Linford Wood less than 0.2 ppm less than 0.02ppm
River Great Ouse 0.5 – 1ppm less than 0.02 ppm
Calverton Brook 1-2ppm* less than 0.02ppm
Pond, High Street: less than 0.2ppm Less than 0.02ppm
Floodplain Forest NR less than 0.2ppm 0.02 – 0.05ppm

* indicates the higher level of Nitrates. This brook runs through farmland, which might account for it.

These figures need to be taken with a pinch of salt as the colour of the water in the test kit was assessed against the colour on the recording chart.

I wonder if there were there any other results to compare locally? Please send your results to info@mknhs.org.uk

Mary Sarre, November 22nd, 2017

Starling by Harry Appleyard, 20 April 2016

Starlings – love them or hate them?

Worldwide range of the common starling with natural populations in blue and introduced populations in red

Worldwide range of the common starling with natural populations in blue and introduced populations in red

I read a warning on an Australian website asking for all sightings of starlings to be reported, not because they were concerned about the welfare of the birds, but because”

The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of the most invasive bird pests worldwide, having established populations in many countries outside its natural range.

You can read more of the Australian Government’s warning here.

In England, Starlings are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take a starling, or to take, damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.

The Starling is on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern.

I will let you draw your own conclusions.

RSPBNBLG Talk – Tales from the Urban Jungle 9 November 2017

RSPB logoThe RSPB North Bucks Local Group are hosting a talk:

“Tales from an Urban Jungle” – David Lindo, the Urban Birder
Location: The Cruck Barn, City Discovery Centre, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes

Postcode: MK13 9AP (Google map)

We’re very pleased to welcome David Lindo back for a return visit to our Group – since he last visited us, David has been as busy as ever, writing, broadcasting on TV and radio, leading bird tours … and travelling far and wide.

David has visited over 270 cities worldwide in search of urban birds. During his travels he has found a surprising number of committed conservationists, interesting birding locations and, importantly, many birds. Join him on his journey in and around some of the world’s best urban birding areas. Sure to be an entertaining and informative evening.

Time: Doors open 7.15pm for a prompt 7.45pm start, ends at 10pm

Price: Group members £3, Non-group members £4, Children £1

See the RSPB North Bucks Local Group website for more information

MKNHS is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. You should check details of any events listed on external sites with the organisers.

Programme Change 7 November 2017

The originally planned presentation by Caring for God’s Acre, has been rescheduled to April 2018.

We are now delighted to announce that Jeff Blincow is now coming to tell us about “Conservation Projects at Yardley Chase”. This is a completely new talk he has not yet given elsewhere.

‘Field and Stubble’ Exhibition – 12 November 2017

‘Field and Stubble’, an Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings showcasing the latest work by the renowned local wildlife artist Kate Wyatt

The exhibition focuses on the wildlife and landscape of the Milton Keynes area

The exhibition is at All Saints, Lathbury, North Bucks on 11th and 12th November 2017 from 10-5pm.