AUTUMN NEWSLETTER
 

At the end of the second year of the ten-year plan for renewal of the vanishing heath land, we are pleased to report that all the objectives outlined in the plan have been achieved.   The site has been inspected by advisors from both Norfolk Wildlife Trust and DEFRA and The Trust has been congratulated on its conservation efforts.

DEFRA has now agreed to allow the extension of the heath land renewal areas in two selected areas, which will increase the area for regeneration to a total of about three hectares.   This will necessitate the felling of some more selected inferior birch and scrub, some more mechanical scraping to remove bracken litter, and some spreading of heather cuttings and seed.

It is inevitable that during this process, some may feel that the natural ambience of the heath is being affected, and the visiting public are being asked to co-operate by avoiding obvious work areas.  Disturbance to wildlife, of all forms, is high on our list of priorities, and we are convinced that the long-term benefits will justify short-term effects.

Most of the work completed on the heath has been achieved on a voluntary basis, and there is still a great need for more interested volunteers to come forward.   Experienced and skilled conservation workers would be especially welcomed, but much can be achieved by the enthusiasm of untrained volunteers under guidance of the more experienced enthusiasts.   May we suggest that anyone who would like to know more about becoming involved in this interesting and important work should contact Bill Flynn on 01362 688413.

Finally, we are looking for someone who is prepared to relieve Bill Flynn of his conservation management responsibilities in the foreseeable future, as, unfortunately for us all, his personal circumstances compel him to limit his future involvement.    

Our field trip was to Titchwell. Two new members joined us and used the binoculars bought from the Awards For All grant. On a bright and sunny day we saw 76 species. After Titchwell  we went on to Holme but perhaps the best bird came when nearly home.

At Titchwell: Sparrowhawk, Marsh Harrier, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Tern, Great Skua, Little Egret, Greenshank, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow Wagtail, Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint. At Holme: Red-backed Shrike and House Martin. Finally at Lenwade we saw an Osprey - circling for 4-5 minutes then flew off NE.

Over 50 people attended our indoor presentation in September in which Peter Lambley of English Nature talked about coping with changes taking place on the Norfolk coast due to changing climate and rising sea levels. It was an interesting and very relevant talk and details of the presentation will be posted  on our website at:  www.wvbs.co.uk along with a full list of species seen on the field trip. 

Next field meeting is at Breydon Water and the Yare Valley on Saturday November 13th. Meet at Sainsburys car park, Longwater, Costessey for a  10.15. departure. 

Indoor meeting, Thursday November 18th,  Lenwade Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. A talk by Mike Toms (BTO) on Garden Birds and Bird Gardens. Not to be missed!

Visitors welcome, non- members £2, refreshments available.  

Colin Wright: 740548 [atomic.colin@virgin.net]