Meadow Management
The Churchyard Hay Meadow has been cut
The Churchyard hay meadow has been cut. The hay is currently being turned everyday and will be bailed later this week ready for distribution.
Insects & Flowers
Cinnabar Moth Caterpillars Eating Ragwort
An East Meon Nature member took this super picture of cinnabar moth caterpillars eating ragwort. The ragwort was sited on Hyden Hill, East Meon. After a very wet spring and early summer, ragwort is making a big showing this year!
Summer Flowers
Greater Butterfly Orchids are Flowering in Hen Wood
A good number of greater butterfly orchids (Platanthera chlorantha) are growing alongside common spotted orchids beside the wide track in Hen Wood. These are a relatively rare species. They are a tall and upright orchid and are found in meadows and open woodland, and are fond of chalky soils. They have a sweet smell in the evening.
Tree Working Group (TWIG)
Elm Saplings Planted in Halnacker Lane
TWIG members Stuart Martin and Chris Brooker planted 4 disease resistant elm tree saplings on the east side of Halnaker Lane in the vicinity of the existing elm trees, just south of the cross roads of the path from Forty Acres. The tree saplings were donated by the South Downs National Park, and permission to plant them in the hedge was given by the Bereleigh Estate. It is hoped that another 6 elm tree saplings Read more
Insects & Flowers
Early Purple Orchids are Flowering
I found this early purple orchid next to a path near the Sustainability Centre. Spring is finally arriving.
Butterflies
The Hyden Hill Butterfly Transect Walk has Started
The Hyden Hill Butterfly Transit Walk started on 1st April and will continue once a week to the end of September. This year there has been a positive start with Brimstone Butterflies (male and female), in particular, to the fore. The blog picture shows an orange tip which has just hatched and is solidifying its wings.
Mammals
Meonside Beaver Project
Please use this QR code to give your thoughts and reaction to the Meonside Beaver Project. For more details follow this link: https://meonmatters.com/event/beaver-briefing/. Or drop in to East Meon Village Hall on 26th April between 11.30am and 5pm to find out more
Amphibians
2024 Toad Patrols Have Finished
Toad patrols started along Coombe Road on 4 February 2024 and finished on 16 March 2024. A total of 813 toads were found (497 males, 194 females and 122 squashed toads) and most were successfully moved across the road and placed near the pond. There was a significantly lower number of newts migrating, compared to last year. 248 which around 100 less than last year, unfortunately 17 of these were found squashed. A possible explanation Read more
Rivers and Streams
Riverfly Monitoring in East Meon High Street
Members of East Meon Nature Group completed a survey, last Wednesday, looking for river flies in the River Meon in the section in the High Street that was planted up by The Wild Trout Trust. River flies are a good indicator of the health of the river. The Meon was extensively culverted using concrete through the majority of the village in the early 1950’s in an effort to prevent the regular flooding that had been Read more
Amphibians
Toad Patrols Commenced on 4 February 2024
This year toad patrols on Coombe Road commenced on 4 February, this is nearly two weeks earlier than last year. A combination of mild weather and heavy rain has encouraged the common toads, palmate and smooth newts to start their migration to the spring fed pond to the east of Coombe Road.