Wildlife Survey News

A very short but important report this month

The Curry Rivel Nightingale is back. For the third year in a row.. Remarkable for a migratory small bird who has flown hundreds of miles to find a mate here in little old Curry Rivel! Reported to us by none other than the Editor of this paper! Confirmed singing last night and again this morning by a local resident.

News also of a sighting of a Grass Snake in a garden in the Townsend area. Seen in a wildlife set aside area of the garden and swimming in a small pond too.

We have had reports of Slow Worms , Grass Snake , an Adder in Willtown area and an unconfirmed report of a Smooth snake, which are not normally found around here. We await a follow up report this year.

A big news item for Batty Piece nature reserve is the report of a new Orchid species seen in the meadow for the first time in over 10 years, possibly a Green Winged orchid or Early Purple.. Subject to confirmation. They are common on the RSPB reserve near Fivehead. We have three wild orchid species now! Spotted by a walker. There are always surprises to be found. It also shows the need for dog walkers and their dogs to keep to the paths during the months of April,May and June. Wild orchids are easily trampled. The same request will apply to East Field too.

East Field meadow will also soon be displaying wild orchids along side the many other plant species which are now being given a chance to thrive again. The hedge between Eastfield and the adjacent Batty Piece has been showing the flowers of Blackthorn ,and Hawthorn and other species. The hedge was planted by volunteers over ten years ago. We hope more birds will be seen on the meadow as a result/

Latest news may also be found on the Community Facebook page and on the Community Web site

David German 01458 259688
Photos from Eastfield and Batty Piece..
Bee Orchid
Marbled White on Knapweed