HARDINGTON WILDLIFE IN FEBRUARY
The warm weather in January has continued to confuse wild creatures and I have noted, during the few sunny intervals, both peacock and brimstone butterflies, a frog and a queen wasp. Now that February has arrived, we expect to see early signs of spring, but are still likely to have severe cold weather which will be damaging to any wildlife which has been active too early. Being mild and dry has been a good opportunity to tidy up gardens and hedges, but buds on bushes and trees are already swelling, so pruning should be finished asap before the sap starts to rise.
I hope a good many took part in the RSPB Garden Birdwatch on 28th/29th January. Unfortunately it was not advertised in time for the January “Messenger”, but it is an important survey, showing up changes and problems in our environment. Last year’s survey proved declines in greenfinches, song thrushes and bullfinches and increases in goldfinches and long tailed tits. The next event for the RSPB is “National Nest Box Week” 14th-21st February. Loss of habitat and places to nest are serious problems and nest boxes are a welcome solution for hole nesting birds. Nest boxes are also a good way to get children interested in wildlife and the presence of birds helps to control insect pests in the garden.
Another initiative is the RHS “Britain in Bloom” competition marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. They are hoping that fifty acres of wildflower seeds will be planted or sown in 48 hours on 14th/15th April. We can all join in with this with a small plot in our own garden and it will help to stem the decline in wild flower populations and the pollinating insects they support. Wild flowers are not easy to establish in gardens as most dislike fertile soil. The best plan is to remove turf or topsoil and plant in the subsoil.
Now that our new village recreation ground is progressing so well we are planning to establish a wild flower area there and hopefully in time, it will look like our wonderful national nature reserve just up the hill. If anyone has surplus packets of wildflower seeds or plants to donate they will be most welcome.
Mike Bickerton, January 2012.