Winter at Feckenham

It's been wet, very wet but Feckenham is coping really well. Surface water is high and there are areas where it is almost over your Wellingtons but still passable with care.

We have been monitoring the water levels since the beginning of December last year and the results are interesting. We already knew that water naturally moved across and off the reserve, however, interestingly, we are finding that after significant rainfall the levels in the dip tubes are not that different to when there hasn't been any rain but the build up at the Southern end is being caused by excess water not getting across neighbouring land and into the brook.

This isn't a problem for us as the high water levels enhance the reserve. It just makes it more difficult for anyone walking the permissive public footpath, but then it is meant to be a wetland !

Our Roving Volunteers have been very busy with coppicing more Alders and this week carrying out margin clearance on the main pool. This was a job that has been long overdue and it now looks much better providing more water in the channel along the right side of the pool.

James Hitchcock has also been busy pollarding more big Willows which is part of our ongoing Management Plan.

This winter we have found a record number of Brown Hairstreak eggs on our Blackthorn. We are currently at 86 with one or two doubles and a triple. Previous years have only managed to record 24. So, when the adults are on the wing in late summer we will hopefully locate an Assembly tree.

This week has seen the first signs of our Cowslips with some brave new plants showing on top of a Mole hill.

Paul, Feckenham Wylde Moor Reserve Warden

Hedge laying at Hill Court Farm

Last month members of the Hill Court Farm volunteer work party got stuck into the task of clearing / laying / coppicing a long length of hedgerow.  The weather was kind to us & in our beautiful location, surrounded by bird song & watched (rather suspiciously!) by rabbits we had a great day. Massive thanks to all those who helped!

Clearing the hedgerow was a job in itself as it was pretty choked by thick bramble in places, but thanks to a determined and enthusiastic team the bramble was defeated and the hedgerow was liberated! We were then to have a go at laying the top end of the hedge and I think the results are looking good - well worth the toil. 

Clearing the hedge ready for laying

The start of the hedge laying - looking good

There is still much work to be done, so if you have a couple of hours spare and fancy lending a hand at this month's work party on this Saturday 30th November we'd love to see you. There will be plenty to get stuck into at whatever pace suits you and the opportunity to learn the art of hedge laying for anyone who'd like to have a go.    Although the work seems almost brutal at times, the hedgerow will be enhanced as a habitat when it grows back thicker, healthier and stronger next year and this in turn will be beneficial to wildlife for shelter / nesting, as a food source and as a 'corridor' across the Reserve.  It should prove to be one of those tasks which gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside as you see the results over time. 

Contact Naomi or Rob for further details on 01905 754919.

Sara, Hill Court Farm warden