OUR AIM IS TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND THE HABITAT IT PROVIDES FOR WILDLIFE ALONG THE RIVERSIDE
Our April Meet was on 30th - a fine day with a thin layer of cloud and varied birdsong. A group of starlings were seen amongst the fruit trees near their day roost. Were they finding insects or blossom? They soon flew off. This spring - we can call it spring now - there has been unprecedented flowering of Cuckooflower - and with it good numbers of Orange Tip butterflies. Evergreen vegetation such as Holly and Ivy has started growing fast with Holly Blue butterflies often seen flying nearby. Small birds are still visible in the trees as most trees are not yet in full leaf.
Our May Meet was a week early, on 21st, the 29th being on a Bank Holiday weekend. Growth has been prolific and the appearance of fruit blossom and Blackthorn blossom very welcome. Three weeks makes a huge difference at this time of the year.
In addition to more Orange Tips, Holly Blues and Brimstone butterflies Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies have been present during the month so far.
A major achievement this Sunday in May was the removal from the river of a mountain bike, a small trolley and a large heavy trolley hauled out of the river by two of our group who are experts. The river level had been erratic over many weeks due to unreliable weather patterns, so they seized the chance after checking for the presence of wildlife. The items had often been submerged under the fast-flowing currents. There will still be more to do after the bird nesting season. Wildlife steers the work,
