Last evening, Thursday 9th March, was a big night for the 2023 Toad Patrol. The weather had rapidly changed from dry/cold to wet/mild, encouraging the toads and newts to get moving to their breeding pond. 102 Toads were moved to safety, with the loss of 6 squashed ones. 96 newts Read more…
I came across this female sparrowhawk this morning, breakfasting on a blackbird. It did not immediately fly away, so I was able to get a good picture. I think it was protecting its prey.
TWIG and supporters, led by Stuart Martin, today planted its second hedge row. It is positioned on the Recreation Ground, behind the Cricket Pavilion and next to the Clanfield Road.
With the mild (9C) and damp weather toad patrols commenced on Coombe Road last evening, 16 February. 25 toads rescued, 3 squashed toads found. Also 16 palmate newts rescued, with 3 squashed ones found. Please drive carefully on Coombe Road at dusk and beyond, there will be patrols on the Read more…
Despite the two recent cold spells, spring is coming. Snowdrops and celandines are flowering in a lot of places around the Parish.
There is a flock of 30 to 40 lapwings in the field on the south side of the Bereleigh Road. This is a relatively unusual sight in East Meon. When I first came to East Meon around 15 years ago there seemed to be some breeding pairs on Park Hill Read more…
TWIG (Part of East Meon Nature), led by Stuart Martin, completed their first project yesterday. They planted a broad hedgerow using native British species on the north side of the village green. As it develops it will provide a habitat for many birds, insects and other animals, as well as Read more…
After a record breaking hot summer, and the Coombe Road pond drying out completely the winterbourne started flowing yesterday 02/11/22. We have been very worried that the toads and newts that use the pond for breeding would have nowhere to go! The autumn heavy rains have saved the day.
This autumn is throwing up a number of interesting fungi. I spotted this one, Cauliflower Fungus (sparassis crispa), yesterday. Apparently it is edible when fresh and white, but it gets tough an indigestible when it gets to this orange/yellow colour.
I found this very colourful pale tussock moth larva in the Parish this week. Autumn is a good time of year to spot exotic looking larva.