Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-09-26
Looking for Lichens
Field Trip . LichenWe were absolutely delighted to be invited to explore Petersfield Heath and Pond in the company of Petersfield Area Lichen Enthusiasts (PALE). This area covers some 69 acres of land together with a 22 acre pond and has a range of woodland, scrub and heathland habitat with a wide variety of lichens. There was obviously
Written by Mike Creighton on 2023-07-13
Morning bird song, Martin Down
Birds . Field Trip . FloraOn a very clear and cool June morning I was joined by two enterprising people to explore the possibilities of Martin Down habitat. On opening the car door I was surprised to hear three Skylark already in song although it was still dark. They stopped shortly afterwards but sang again later and were joined by
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-09-28
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
Birds . Field Trip . Flora . Insects . MammalsRecently Southampton Natural History Society had a guided walk to this small jewel of a nature reserve on the outskirts of Southampton. This week a couple of us joined a small group from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) for a small mammal survey. Swanwick Lakes, once a clay pit for a local
Written by Mike Creighton on 2019-05-05
International Dawn Chorus Day
Birds . Field Trip . Natural HistoryThe first Sunday in May is International Dawn Chorus Day. What started as a 4am birthday party in the 1980s – hosted by naturalist Chris Baines in the Midlands – has now spread throughout the UK and across the world. And in a little bit of the New Forest 5 hardy souls braved the 1c