Great Close, Church Farm, Church Street, DUNTON, Beds, SG18 8RR
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GARDEN - Wildlife

Wildlife may not be as active or noticeable this time of year, but signs of life are apparent if you know where to look.

One of the aims of the Wildlife Survey at Great Close Field is to attract a greater variety of wildlife. Birdfood and feeders, purchased with the Breathing Spaces grant have been sited to attract birds from the surrounding fields and hedgerows. A high-energy suet mix, peanuts and mixed cereal grains are supplied at the time of year when food is most scarce. The sub-zero temperatures also make an accessible water supply hard to come by. To alleviate this problem, a bird bath has been kept topped-up using the waterbutts.

Approaching the end of January, it is a good time to assess nesting opportunities for Spring. Kath and Graham Ambrose have been commissioned to build nestboxes for a variety of bird species. Several locations have been selected for the placement of these boxes. The previous year's nesting sites, the aspect of the field, and suitable surfaces for attachment have been taken into consideration. The grant funds have also paid for roosting pockets, which provide further shelter for birds.

Rodent thoroughfares are evident as the site is prepared for the growing season. The recently installed shipping containers are thankfully suitably vermin-proof. Seeking refuge from the cold, mice can be viewed underneath the survey fence panels. The presence of remains in owl-pellets also indicates that mice play an active role in the foodchain at Great Close Field.

Future projects planned for 2010 include: The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, a Natural History Museum air quality survey, and the creation of a wildflower patch, amongst others.

 

Report by Richard Bevan

January 2010

 

 

 

| August 09 | November 09 |

January 2010 wildlife update for Great Close Field