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.

Sayers Common Pond / Talbot Field / Super Sunday Event.

 

This summer we have undertaken many nature conservation activities/events. To cover some of these we combine several of them in one report rather than issue a number of individual ones.

 

Sayers Common Pond.

Following on from our successful barn owl breeding season, group concentration was immediately focussed on the woodland pond area at Sayers Common which had become very overgrown. Our first task was to clear the track leading to the car park area to allow volunteer’s vehicles and the tools required to utilise the area in front of the pond.

 

 

Blackthorn, bramble and other invading brush had made the track impassable.

 

It was quickly tackled to enable access to the work area. 

 

All cuttings were removed so that vehicles could proceed.

 

Having cleared the driveway our next task was the car park itself. It appears that ragwort had found perfect growth conditions this year for we faced an ‘ocean’ of yellow amongst the brambles, teasels and nettles.  The volunteers addressed the task energetically and began the clearance work required to allow the vehicles to gain access to the pond area.

 

 

A blanket of ragwort, thistle, nettle, bramble and teasel had overgrown the vehicle parking area….

 

….the clearance of which became the next task to achieve.

 

Volunteers worked hard to make the area useable again.

 

It took many hours….

 

….but steadily progress was made.

 

Having cleared a significant area, the volunteers finally reached the cabin kindly provided by the landowners and took a well-deserved break for refreshments.

 

The cabin was revealed….

 

….and a well-earned break was taken.

 

The work then resumed….

 

….until the vehicles could once again access the car park….

 

….and tools were able to be transported closer to the work area.

 

It was at this point they were able to tackle the pond and its immediate surroundings and began the required overgrowing brush clearance from around the banks.

 

 

The volunteers prepared to tackle the pond clearance.

 

With a mounting accumulation of cuttings requiring disposal….

 

….a bonfire was started….

 

….within the cleared car park.

 

With the swirling wind, it was often difficult for people to navigate a route…. 

 

….through the resulting smoke.

 

The clearance of the pond banks….

 

….required many wheelbarrow trips to the bonfire site.

 

Steadily the work progressed….

 

….and access to the pond was finally achieved.

 

The main pond was gradually revealed together with its subsidiaries.

 

Following weeks of hard work, the pond began to assume its original attractive state as the final cuttings and debris were cleared from the area.

 

 

The picturesque wildlife pond became evident…. 

 

….now cleared of all encroaching brush and visible to all.

 

Talbot Field.

Following complaints from neighbouring properties about the general intense growth of ragwort this summer at Talbot Field small nature reserve in Hassocks, a special ragwort removal day was arranged on a Saturday morning at the end of July.

 

Talbot Field entrance gate….

 

….with a group notice board attached to indicate our work involvement.

 

A working party gathered and energetically tackled the task. It was a laborious task but by lunchtime all signs of ragwort had disappeared thanks to their effort. Ragwort tends to inflame passions in people due to its danger to livestock if eaten but in the right location can be a valuable addition to support cinnabar moths, soldier beetles and other insects. The downside remains in its ability to seed and prolifically spread into adjoining locations. With nature areas quite often adjoining gardens, animal grazing pasture or other more sensitive areas, this remains a problem to be dealt with promptly to reduce complaints and any adverse consequences.

 

The offending plants were vigorously tackled. 

 

Volunteers scoured the location….

 

….to ensure all offending plants were identified.

 

Each one was removed….

 

….and placed in a wheelbarrow….

 

….for disposal.

 

The specifically designed ragwort forks….

 

….made the task much easier….

 

….and very soon the site was clear, much to the relief of the neighbouring residents.

 

Super Sunday Event.

On September 12^th we joined with many other stall holders with a presence on Hurstpierpoint High Street to advertise the work of our group and to raise funds for our work. The mastermind behind this initiative was one of our valued supporters, Mrs Evelyn Hole, who organised the tables and bric-a-brac sales with all funds going to our group. We are very grateful to her for her considerable effort and time.

 

Evelyn Hole kindly organised the group fund raising stall for the event.

 

The second table displayed a barn owl box, dormouse boxes, bat boxes and a photo-board illustrating the multitude of nature conservation initiatives currently being pursued. News Sheets from previous years were also on sale.

 

Group committee members and volunteers tended the tables throughout the day.

 

It gave us a valued opportunity to discuss our work with many interested people and answer their questions. There appeared to be a lot of enthusiasm for our effort from the public which we found encouraging.

 

A lot of interest was shown.

 

The time and effort undertaken by the group to support nature appeared to be appreciated.

 

A lot of people signed our Register of Interest to become supporters with many offering in addition to be volunteers and help with our work. Many financial contributions from the public were received to assist our effort which we were very grateful for. The amount received will help us tremendously with our ongoing costs to undertake our nature conservation activities.

 

Interest continued throughout the day.

 

Many thanks go to Evelyn, Rosemary and the group member volunteers, Graham, Jennie, Pat, John and Terry who ran the tables from 11.00am to 6.00pm and made the event worthwhile. In the absence of our usual public talks which have been prevented by Covid-19 restrictions, this occasion was very valuable to our group.

 

Each summer The Woodland, Flora & Fauna Group undertake a tour of all their owl boxes included in their barn owl conservation area. We also include the tawny owl boxes that remain after the progressive year-on-year destruction inflicted on them by grey squirrels, which resulted in the unfortunate removal of the majority of the 18 erected. In total, the two types of boxes originally numbered 60 across the area but now stands at approximately 50 in total with most of these now barn owl boxes.

 

 

A member of the group’s volunteer team checking a barn owl box.

 

 

The inspection of these barn owl boxes is required to determine which of them have eggs or young developing within them. It also allows us to keep a record of which ones the barn owls are using for purely roosting or for breeding as well. It usually takes place in June at a time when it is assessed that the breeding season is underway. This in turn is dependant on the type of weather that has preceded it in the spring and early summer.

On some occasions when other birds of prey species have been spotted using the boxes, like kestrels or tawny owls who begin breeding earlier than barn owls, an earlier check is undertaken to keep a record of these species as well. Some of the barn owl boxes are returned to each year by these species so observation can easily be kept on them.

The summer inspection of the barn owl boxes takes approximately three full days as the majority of them are in remote areas of countryside, which requires walking for long distances with a ladder to reach them. Normally two people undertake these checks for ease of operation and health and safety considerations.

This year, the earlier season check revealed kestrels breeding in one box and a tawny owl in another. This resulted in 5 kestrel-young and one tawny owlet who, once inspected, were returned to later to ring and record. These are the pictures of them in their boxes.

 

 

A box found containing 4 tawny owl eggs.

 

 

The mother tawny owl leaving the box as we approached.

 

 

She swooped into a nearby woodland where a specific tawny owl box resided.

 

 

A later check revealed that one tawny owl chick had survived.

 

 

Around it the mother had placed a food store to support it.

 

 

Several weeks later the owlet was ringed and recorded.

 

 

Similarly, kestrels had once again bred in a box favoured by them for many years. 5 kestrel young had resulted.

 

 

A few weeks later when they had reached a sufficient size, they too were ringed and recorded.

 

 

When examining the boxes earlier than normal, often jackdaw young are found. Their presence in the boxes is not popular as jackdaws fill the boxes with mud and twigs which often deters later use by barn owls.

 

 

The other common non-barn owl residents found are stock doves. The two young shown above are almost fully grown.

 

 

The later barn owl inspection of the boxes revealed that in general, the season had begun later this year, for many more eggs and emerging young were found than normal. The total number of eggs found on the initial visit rarely all materialise into young. This is due to a number not hatching or predation by their siblings if food becomes in short supply. This year we found a high number of young surviving and they all appeared to be well-fed and healthy. These are pictures of some of our findings in a year that has overall, been a good one for breeding barn owls.

 

 

A clutch of barn owl eggs found in one of the boxes this year.

 

 

In several our inspection coincided with the chicks hatching. Two had emerged from this clutch and were tweeting loudly.

 

 

Another box found with chicks emerging from a clutch of eggs.

 

 

This box revealed young that had newly hatched. At this early stage they form an initial down called Neopile to protect them.

 

 

After 12 to 14 days this is replaced by a thicker down called Mesoptile. These are older birds found in another box with this thicker down already grown. At this time the facial disc feathers begin to form and the primary quills begin to emerge with downy tufts.

 

 

In this box the young show this change as barn owl coloration is beginning to emerge. On the 25th day body feathers rapidly begin to grow to replace the down.

 

 

Each box examined reveals chicks at varying stages of growth and calculations are made about when to return when they are large enough to ring and record.

 

 

So acute is the hearing of the parent owls that they usually have left the box before we reach it, however silently we approach. We always pause to admire the graceful elegance of their flight until they disappear from view. They remain one of the most attractive birds in the English countryside.

 

 

We keep detailed records of all our boxes and their usage as a year-on-year comparison of their utilisation and the effectiveness of the surrounding areas to sustain a barn owl population. We also note the condition of the boxes to ensure that maintenance and damage repair are undertaken promptly to ensure a good accommodation standard for potential resident barn owls. This year a lot of maintenance has been undertaken and much repair work and reconstruction has been carried out by our valuable team member, Alan Murray, whose innovative modifications to box design are ensuring that many problems caused by bad weather and damage are overcome.

 

 

During the breeding survey for young, the boxes are simultaneously checked for damage and repaired if necessary. Any redundant jackdaw nests where breeding has finished this year, are removed to enable future use by barn owls. 

 

 

We continue to monitor the population of barn owls within our large conservation area which has seen the scarce, amber-listed barn owl population when we began in 2007, rise to a level which takes it out of the endangered species category. This effort by our group has made a significant local contribution to the national campaign to raise barn owl population numbers within this country and it is one we are duly proud of. We therefore, as a local Sussex nature conservation group, will continue to defend vigorously the barn owl population as part of our broad overall mission to improve survival prospects for countryside and wildlife in our local area. We install, maintain and take full responsibility for all boxes we erect to ensure the best conditions are provided for them.