Signs of Spring
Sweet Violets by the Bereleigh Road
This flush of sweet violets (viola adorata) was spotted on the north side of the Bereleigh Road today. Spring is definitely moving forward now.
Amphibians
Big Night For Amphibians
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 were moved to safety with the loss of 1 squashed one.
Birds of Prey
Female Sparrowhawk Having Breakfast in Temple Lane
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.
Tree Working Group (TWIG)
The Tree Working Group (TWIG) Plants Hedge No.2
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.
Amphibians
Toad Patrols Commenced Last Evening
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 road.
Signs of Spring
Despite Recent Cold Spells Spring Is Coming
Despite the two recent cold spells, spring is coming. Snowdrops and celandines are flowering in a lot of places around the Parish.
Winter Visiting Birds
Flock of Lapwings near the Bereleigh Road
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 and around Forty Acres. I have only seem the odd one or two in recent years. This is a very handsome bird with a very Read more…
Tree Working Group (TWIG)
TWIG Completes Its First Project
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 enhancing the environment. The South Downs National Park kindly supplied the funding for this work.
Rivers and Streams
The Coombe Road Winterbourne Flows
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.
Fungi
Cauliflower Fungus (Sparassis Crispa)
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.