September 2005

Dormouse Nut Hunt: We had lovely sunny day to hunt for hazelnuts, the 11 strong team of youngsters did a fantastic job and at least one hazelnut was definitely identified as having been eaten by a Dormouse this year. Terrific news.

August 2005

Moth Night: A sudden drop in the wind and rain allowed the event to proceed at the last minute. About 6 traps were set up attracting a wide range of moths and bats.

July 2005

Wildlife Trailer: Despite a cold and windy start to the day, some very resourceful children managed to catch a wide range of bugs and take them to the trailer to be shown on the Big Screen. A big success and full of fascinating information from Dr Richard our guide for the day

June 2005

Guided Walk: A leisurely stroll around the field in the sun with Jim Andrews identifying the many fauna passing through.

May 2005

Dusk & Dawn Chorus Walks: This was the first time we had held this type of event and it was a real “ear opener”. The birds sang and with Jims help we started to tune in - it was tough but it was great fun trying.

Feb & March 2005

Winter Work Party: Again we had lovely sunny weather which helped us with the hedge work along Bartons Lane and some scrub clearance. Where the hedge is gappy we are doing some layering and planting.

Jan 2005

Winter Work Party: We had an excellent turn out and a fantastic sunny day. The task was to cut down some dogwood and small trees above the play area which was blocking a view, the debris from the dogwood was then skillfully woven into a fence.

Nov & Dec 2004

Winter Work Parties: We have been cutting down the small oaks alongside the bottom path to open it up to better light. Everything has grown a great deal and there is still a lot to do.

Sept & Oct 2004

Dormice Nut Hunts: We had varied weather with pouring rain and an Observer photographer at the first, but sunny for the second. Our second mission was successful with nuts found that had been eaten by Dormice.

AUGUST 2004

Duck Race: Our annual fund raising event was a great success with over 400 ducks sold. The profit we made will allow us to pay for insurance to continue with next years events and some extra for tools etc. Thanks to everybody who took part and helped, particularly The Millstone Pub for hosting the event.

MAY 2004

National Moth Day: This year both day and night time flying moths were included with 2 events; an afternoon ramble including an insect collecting device which showed how many different species lived down in the grass. In the evening 4 moth traps were set up, to see what was around despite the cold temperature.

MARCH 2004

Field Work Party: We cleared some more scrub and worked on some gaps in the hedges along Bartons Lane

FEBRUARY 2004

Dig work party: We dug 3 test areas around the field to disturb the seed bank. What grows will be monitored this summer

JANUARY 2004

Path work party: We cleared the banks of the footpath going down to the Millstone pub.

DECEMBER 2003

Scrub work party: We finished off the year clearing some larger scrub in the middle of the field.

Dormice On Site: Great news, some of the nuts collected in October were confirmed as have been eaten by Dormice. This indicates a very healthy habitat.

NOVEMBER 2003

Hedge work party: Our first work party of the winter was spent trimming back some of the hedges around the Balancing Pond near Pyotts Hill. Another lovely sunny day, we also planted some new saplings to fill in some of the gaps.

SEPT & OCT 2003

Dormouse Hut Hunts : We had great fun with about 18 pairs of young helpers searching for hazelnuts. A few have been sent off for verification, and we also found nuts eaten by bank voles, wood mice and squirrels.

AUGUST 2003

Duck Race 23rd August: Our first duck race was held on the river by the Millstone pub to raise money to continue the work of the group. It was very successful and raised about £300. Thanks to everyone who was involved!

Moth Night 2nd August: Four moth traps were set up around the lower part of the field, and around 30 people came to see the in’s and out’s of mothing. First recording of the year that night of the Maple Prominent.

JULY 2003

Ramble around the Field 19th July: Another good turnout on a Saturday afternoon with Alan, Jim and Lee providing expert knowledge.Lots of butterflies, moths and caterpillars were seen plus lots of interesting information on the historical usage of some of the plants

JUNE 2003

Walk in the Field 11th June: A good turnout on Wed evening and perfect weather. A surprise was over 30 Bee Orchids in Top Meadow that have just started flowering. Last year we had 3!

MAY 2003

Small Gate on Bartons Lane: We’ve installed a small gate in a in the hedge on a double blind corner in Barton’s Lane. There’s been a couple of road accidents recently involving dogs running into the road.

APRIL 2003

National Moth Night: 12th April: Creepy lights at the bottom of the field, including locals and visitors from London for this national event. Our find results were added to the national database.

www.nationalmothnight.i nfo

All moths well fed :-)

MARCH 2003

Boardwalks built on bottom path by the soggy bits. Hopefully will allow a complete circuit of the Field during the wet winter & spring.