We undertake the conservation of a small but ecologically valuable area called Talbot Field in Hassocks. It includes a small wooded area surrounded by a field which has reverted to meadowland. This year we began our yearly work there in the early months by removing unwanted brush within the woodland and a smaller tree formation at the opposite end of the site, to allow unfettered public access to the footpaths that wind beneath the trees and restrict the bramble growth to a manageable presence. This allows woodland flowers to flourish in the spring.

The trees always produce a large quantity of debris each winter due to gales breaking off branches and occasionally causing a tree to fall, so our first task with the clearance work this year was to collect and cut up all the debris and stack it in piles under the trees to provide habitat for indigenous wildlife.

 

Stacking wood debris for wildlife.

 

Clearing the cuttings from the woodland.

 

 The site provides a home to many species of wildlife like this frog found residing beneath the leaves.

 

Toads are also found in the woodland area.

 

Cuttings were raked up and transported to a bonfire.

 

Once this was done, we began the brush cutting exercise with all resulting cuttings transported to a central position at the rear of the site, for disposal by burning. Due to the location of the surrounding houses, we only undertake this when the wind is blowing away from them to avoid any inconvenience to neighbours.

 

 

Volunteers wheeling barrows full of debris for burning.

 

Getting rid of the brush cuttings was the next step.

 

Some volunteers took a well-earned break before moving on to the next section.

 

When this was completed, we turned our attention to the meadow and removed all the bramble spread from under the trees, other brush emergence and a multitude of unwanted tree seedlings peppering the area. This keeps the meadow in the best condition for the summer wildflowers to flourish each year.

 

 

Clearing up after brush removal.

 

We then undertook the brush clearance adjacent to the perimeter hedgerows and fences to control its spread into the meadow and address the voiced concerns of the owners of neighbouring properties who resent it spreading into their gardens. It also allowed the perimeter bluebells and other wild flowers to grow freely without being smothered.

On completion of this phase, we undertook the removal of emerging ragwort plants whose presence always generates animated requests from neighbours for its removal as it spreads so freely and has reputation of deadliness to grazing animals. The plant tends to alarm people, in many cases unnecessarily where animals are not present. Certainly it is of value for Cinnabar Moths to flourish.  This year was a bumper year for ragwort due to favourable growing conditions and required a later return visit to remove the clearance of a second flush of growth. After this effort the meadow was left undisturbed for the meadow flowers to flourish.

Several years ago, Hassocks Parish Council, who we have always found to be an enthusiastic supporter of the natural environment, purchased some wildflowers for us to plant to enrich the meadow. Last year several packets of wildflower seeds were additionally sown by our group in the spoil heaps of the very vigorous mole population and have grown. A number of foxgloves and other wildflower plugs from our own group nursery garden were also planted last year and watered throughout the summer. The rewarding results of these efforts were seen this year with patches of ox-eye daisies, musk mallow, ribwort plantain, knapweed, vetches, cowslips and several other species providing colour amongst the meadow grass. The increased insect activity witnessed around these species clusters was evident.

 

Results of previous year’s planted plugs adding colour to the meadow.

 

Ox Eye Daisies have been added to the species mix within the meadow.

 

Musk Mallow now grows in many places to add richness to the area.

 

The only planting done this year was a small beech tree donated by a parish resident which has been watered weekly during the recent hot spell. This single planting was perhaps fortunate, as the dry heatwave conditions would have generated considerably more effort with the watering activity if more additions had been included.

The bird nest boxes mounted in the tree formations on the site have provided homes again to the local population of nuthatches, great tits and bluetits. These, together with the many area bat boxes, have been provided by the Parish Council for us to maintain and monitor over several years and for which we are very grateful to them.

The bat boxes have produced a regular colony for bats of various species to a remarkable degree for the size of the woodland area. Each year in the late summer we inspect them and record occupancy and always find that virtually every box has either resident bats in them or evidence from droppings that they are highly used. Last year quite a stir was created amongst bat groups and enthusiasts following our discovery of many ‘restricted and rare’ Bechstein’s bats in a number of the boxes.

 

 

Some of the Bechstein’s bats found in the boxes in Talbot Field woodland.

 

This led to us being requested to write an article describing the discovery for other groups. With the woodland being so continuously attractive to bats for colonisation, we strive to keep it in its current pristine condition to encourage continuation of this high box occupancy. We therefore are nervous when unavoidable external factors force change on the woodland structure and its existing formation, as with the unavoidable removal of several trees that were undermining a neighbouring property to the south last year and the large roadside oak tree detected to be unsafe to the north earlier this year which had to be felled.

Our late summer checks this year should indicate whether these losses have impacted usage by our local bat populations. We are hopeful that they haven’t and that a replacement for the tree to the north, indicated as a possibility by the Parish Council, materialises to restore the woodland.

The area is a valuable oasis for nature in a diminishing natural environment and we are extremely grateful to Hassocks Parish Council for the support they give us in our effort to increase its value still further.

 

Pond Lye SNCI

Having completed the work at Talbot Field for the summer we were then summoned to deal with an uncontrolled spread of ragwort at another of our sites called Pond Lye SNCI. Here the neighbouring property owners were again concerned by the sea of yellow which was advancing towards their property. We quickly attended and began clearing a 20 metre buffer strip away from their boundary by digging the plants out with ragwort forks.

 

 

The hot summer after earlier damp conditions encouraged vigorous meadow growth.

 

So vigorous was the growth here that in places it exceeded 2 metres tall, making it difficult for volunteers to see the person who was working next to them. With the summer temperatures so high and the ground so hard and cracked, it was almost impossible in places to insert the forks into the ground. In the high summer temperature, this task became one for the dedicated volunteer only.

 

In the extremely hot temperatures this summer produced, the volunteers battled on.

 

We found it easier to look back on the ground already cleared than the work which still had to be completed.

 

Slowly the sea of yellow shrank as volunteers progressed.

 

This ragwort invasion certainly pleased the insect populations in the meadow. Due to the exceptional growth of flora this year, the meadow became the home for wildlife of all descriptions.

 

Insect activity could be found everywhere.

 

Few plants were found without a wildlife companion, whether an insect on leaves and flowers or a small mammal scurrying beneath.

 

The grass in the meadow was unusually very tall this year also and baked dry and brown. This prevented any burning to take place as the surrounding terrain was like a ‘tinder box’, ready to spread fire uncontrollably across the site from the slightest spark.

 

All grass became parched in the heat of the exceptionally hot summer.

 

All ragwort removed was therefore transported to an area outside the meadow cut boundaries so that it could be left without impeding the annual late summer hay cut.

The volunteers worked tirelessly on this until a huge strip had been cleared bordering the neighbour’s area. It required three additional almost consecutive days to finish off so that group work could resume elsewhere. Our return will be for the meadow cut later when all all flowers have finished and the wildlife currently flourishing in the meadow will have dispersed.

 

 

 

 

Sunday May 1st provided an opportunity to step back from our tasks and appreciate some of the beautiful countryside that surrounds us as we gathered in a small Sayers Common woodland pond area for a group supporter open day. This also gave us an opportunity to demonstrate some of the nature conservation work we had been undertaking in the area for many years previously to our supporters and others who had been unable to visit with us on our volunteer project days.

 

The pond as it now appears after extensive work by group volunteers to restore it.

 

In May the bluebells begin to appear around the pond and in the surrounding woodland area. With fresh green leaves beginning to emerge and wildlife starting to breed, this early summer period is the perfect time to appreciate nature’s beauty.

 

The surrounding woodland begins to spring to life with a carpet of bluebells.

 

Visitors start to gather next to the woodland pond.

 

The extent of the work undertaken in the area by the group is explained to attendees.

 

The long and difficult task to retrieve the pond from its previously derelict state is described in detail.

 

The party of people then head toward the surrounding woodland.

 

Within the woodland, a carpet of bluebells skirted the pathways….

 

….stretching as far as the eye could see.

 

At regular intervals the party paused to allow everyone to catch up and gather to appreciate the flora and the wildlife boxes installed for bats and dormice.

 

One of the witnessed dormouse boxes erected in the woodland.

 

When looking up, bat boxes were seen mounted on the woodland trees.

 

Amongst the bluebells some orchids were observed. 

 

Occasional obstacles were encountered following wind damage in the early months of the year.

 

Once manoeuvred, all continued along the winding pathways….

 

….through the woodland towards the surrounding fields. 

 

When reached, everyone walked out into an area where further wildlife conservation measures were in place.

 

Here several barn owl boxes were sited.

 

An explanation was given of the box positions in an area where high usage was made of them. 

 

Once all boxes had been visited, the party of people headed back through the woods again….

 

….appreciating the scenic beauty as they went.

 

At the end of the journey the landowners had kindly organised refreshments….

 

….which were appreciated by all.

 

Cakes, sandwiches and drinks were gratefully consumed.

 

The Woodland, Flora & Fauna Group are very grateful to the landowners who permitted this event to take place. They have been very supportive of our work for many years and allowed us to undertake a number of conservation projects in an area of extreme natural beauty. We would also like to thank all those who attended and the generous sum they contributed afterwards in voluntary contributions towards the ongoing cost of our work.

Last year’s dormouse box checks were not reported in a website bulletin due to an unavoidable temporary pause in group activities before Christmas, although they were briefly mentioned in the 2021 News Sheet. To provide a more comprehensive description to compensate, the following report is published.

 

 

A dormouse pictured enjoying a meal of honeysuckle.

 

Dormice nationally are very scarce and frustratingly difficult to detect. In many areas conservationists rely on nesting and feeding evidence left, footprint tunnel detection pads and motion detection cameras in order to confirm their presence when physical sightings are not possible. Sadly, it is the case across the country that dormouse numbers are even declining at re-introduction sites where a presence has been re-established. In our area we only erect dormouse boxes where we have at some stage witnessed them, or found old nests or food left- overs that bear their hallmarks when we have undertaken advance surveys with plastic investigation tubes. This currently amounts to four possible locations selected from a survey of the many woodlands in our local area and in which permanent wooden boxes have been erected in their place.

 

A volunteer installing dormouse boxes.

 

Since the initial positive results, subsequent box checks have proved frustratingly disappointing to establish a continuing evidence of dormice. The positive sightings we have recorded previously have been of lone individuals.

In these woodlands we have mounted an even distribution of boxes and check them frequently throughout the summer between April and November. Such is their scarcity, that we no longer expect to find a dormouse but when we do, we celebrate its presence.

 

 

A volunteer searching for evidence of dormouse nut consumption.

 

From a general wildlife perspective, the dormouse boxes provide a marvellous opportunity for nesting wood mice, great tits and blue tits with the ability to negotiate the rear entrance hole set against tree trunks and branches. Here they are regularly found raising their young. Others are used by the wood mice for creating food stores of acorns, hazel nuts, seeds and berries which unfortunately can attract the grey squirrel. When this happens the boxes are destroyed in the squirrel’s effort to gain access.

 

 

 A damaged dormouse box following a squirrel attack.

 

In our endeavour to sustain the dormouse population wherever possible, we will continue diligently with our checks in the knowledge that we have either had a previous presence or discovered signs of a possible habitation in each of the selected areas. All food stores found are examined for dormouse consumption traces and other clues of a presence but the vast majority of findings last year were non-dormouse related. The following pictures are included as a record of last year’s surveys and some of our findings. Although the dormouse continues to be elusive, you can join with us to celebrate the beauty of nature through our findings and other species found.

 

  An examined box being returned to its former position.

 

 Another box containing a stored food supply of acorns.

 

 A wood mouse found relaxing in a comfortable nest of leaves.

 

 A box containing a well feathered birds nest in readiness for egg laying. 

 

 Another box containing a clutch of bluetit’s eggs. 

 

 One of the many adult bluetits found capitalising on the dormouse box initiative to lay her eggs. 

 

  A wood mouse occupant of another examined box.

 

This box housed a family of wood mice.

 

 From beneath a nest of leaves a single wood mouse emerges.

 

 A store of delicious wood mouse food to sustain the occupants of this box.

 

 Bluetits are small enough to utilise the small entry hole at the rear of the dormouse box and are found in a large number of boxes in our woodland installations.

 

 Detecting our presence, these young bluetits don’t care who they ask to feed them.

 

We strive to disturb any species found as little as possible to allow them to continue to flourish in the relative safety of our boxes. When the nests are finished and the occupants have departed, the boxes are cleaned out in readiness for future residents which will hopefully include a dormouse presence.

On Sunday May 1st 2022 at 2.30pm, our volunteer nature conservation group is organising a public countryside walk in the secluded, beautiful, bluebell carpeted, wooded area of Sayers Common adjacent to a large wildlife pond. The owners of the land have kindly offered to allow people to appreciate the natural beauty of an area that we have invested a lot of time and effort into making it a haven for wildlife and nature. They want to help us promote our group and will be providing refreshments afterwards to encourage donations to help with our continuous expenditure to improve our local countryside. We are very grateful to them for this opportunity and support.

 

 

The previous walk held was enjoyed by all who attended.

 

Due to site constraints this invitation is unfortunately limited to our Registered Supporters and their families only. (You are a supporter if you receive our monthly email bulletins). If you would like to join us please email: dralianmarine@aol.com beforehand to ensure that site numbers are not exceeded. The event will allow you to join us to appreciate the bluebell flanked pond and surrounding woodland which is the focus of many nature supporting initiatives undertaken by The Woodland, Flora & Fauna group. In addition to the considerable work that has been undertaken to create the woodland pond, wildlife projects to support barn owls, bats and dormice have also been pursued. These can be witnessed as the walk proceeds with commentary provided as required to allow a full understanding of each.

 

Most of our work is on privately owned land for the benefit of our natural world so the opportunity for the public to witness it is often limited. The landowners in many areas are kindly lending us their support to allow improvement to the natural environment which is so important to us all as well as the wildlife species that rely on it for their continued existence, so please take advantage of this opportunity.

 

 

Flower blooms fill the air with their sweet aroma at this time of year.

 

We have dedicated all our spare time since 2004 on this quest so any support you can give us by attending would be greatly appreciated. Please advise your families and bring them along with you.

 

The access into this area will be along a grassy track to the west of Kings Business Centre in Reeds Lane Sayers Common. It will be signposted with a large black & yellow group sign at the entrance. Car parking will be in the open area beyond the metal gates. Group members will direct attendees from there. For those using sat. navs. the entrance is approximately 50 metres beyond the Post Code BN6 93G (heading west) along Reeds Lane on the right hand side.

 

In the tea garden area, there will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to contribute towards the costs of our conservation work in a retiring collection tray. We don’t charge any membership or other fees and rely on donations from anyone who feels inclined to support us in our effort to enhance local countryside and wildlife survival prospects.

 

We look forward to meeting anyone who is able to make it and hope you find the experience rewarding. We would also like to thank you for the group support you continue to give us, whether by attending our events, donating to our work or volunteering for our nature conservation tasks. These are all invaluable to us.

Our progress with our ongoing work to support local bat populations has increased above last year’s record achievement. The Woodland, Flora & Fauna Group’s bat box conservation area initiative which began in 2009, has proved to be even more successful this year. This 2021 result is a considerable boost for our group volunteers who have worked so hard in erecting and maintaining boxes within local woodland. These boxes provide bat roosting and hibernation opportunities in areas most likely to provide suitable survival conditions.

 

Licenced teams visit all boxes in the group conservation area.

 

We already had score of boxes in suitable habitat locations around the local area but last year invested group funds to further enhance this provision in additional woodlands. This work is not easy as a great deal of preparatory work is usually required to ensure maximum utilisation of the boxes.

Teams of volunteers energetically undertook this work and their reward is reflected in the continuously improving number of bat occupants being recorded each year. Thanks are extended to them for their effort and the wonderful family of group registered supporters and friends who continue to generously offer financial donations to help us with our voluntary nature conservation work.

 

Additional woodland locations were selected and new boxes installed.

 

This year we found a welcome new species of bat occupying several boxes in three of our woodland locations. These were Bechstein’s bats, a species with a conservation status officially described as ‘restricted and rare’.

 

The first Bechstein’s bat discovered in our annual inspection.

 

This is a great addition to the various other species we normally attract like Natterer’s, Common Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle, Noctule and Brown Long-eared bats. The survey findings included a family of eight Bechstein’s bats and other individuals found in a woodland which has proved very popular with all species for many years. Additional Bechstein’s bats were found in other locations.

 

A group of Bechstein’s bats found in another box.

 

This one was found in a different woodland.

 

This was a Bechstein’s bat found in yet another location.

 

Where groups of Bechstein’s bats were found, some were tightly clustered in the roof dome of the box.

 

The many other bats found were more common species but equally as valuable to our conservation effort. The pictures below show some of our box occupants.

 

A lively Soprano Pipistrelle bat reacting to the sudden influx of light as the door was opened.

 

One of the many boxes found containing Common Pipistrelle bats.

 

This box housed a beautiful Noctule bat.

 

Most bats, even of the same species, often differ slightly in appearance from one bat to another, as seen with this Common Pipistrelle when comparing with some of the other pictures.

 

Many boxes had lone residents, some housed several and others contained group clusters. Note the delicate structure and wing membrane of this Common Pipistrelle bat and the finger clasping the rough surface of the box interior above it and the foot below.

 

A cluster of Common Pipistrelles gathered in another box. Note the bared teeth as they expressed their displeasure at being disturbed.

 

We are very sensitive to the welfare of the bats we find and do limit their disturbance as much as possible.

 

We often find families of three or four especially with the Common Pipistrelle bats shown here.

 

In these cases they are always roosting in close proximity to each other to maximise thermal insulation and security benefits.

 

Different types of boxes as this one, often house just a single occupant and usually Common or Soprano Pipistrelle’s.

 

Each bat found regardless of number or species are always rewarding and a great boost to our conservation endeavour. 

 

The overall total of bats found reached a record number this year and proves our work is now a significant factor in sustaining and improving local bat populations. It is therefore vitally important that we continue this effort to maintain the improvements achieved to date.

 

The work to achieve this is physically hard….

 

….and relies on the valued support of our team of helpers.

 

Even though the task is a long one and requiring considerable physical effort to visit every woodland and box….

 

….there remains a good spirit amongst members with always a chance to have a little fun, as shown here with our team leader keeping her troops in order.