Wildlife Circus

Five species of bat were recorded from positions along the Portsmouth road Filter Beds last night: Noctules from 21.04 Soprano pipistrelle from 21.18 Common pipistrelle from 21.53 and Daubenton's bat from 22.05     Nathusius' pipistrelle passes were recorded by a surveyor positioned at the north end of the site and are not included in the plot. The majority of the pipistrelle passes were recorded at the northern end. The brown path indicates the movement of the surveyor and the bat symbols are automatically generated and georeferenced. That is: GIS or mapping software can 'place' the image in its appropriate real world location . So we can only detect bats that come within 20m of bat detection equipment and we cannot know what is happening in the areas closest to the river. As it grew darker and sand and house martins were replaced by bats, we also saw 2 Jersey tiger moths nectaring on buddleja.

non-native rye grass with the botanical interest of a rugby pitch Kingston Council has commissioned Land Use Consultants (LUC) to undertake an independent review of the borough’s Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). SINCs are non-statutory sites that are designated due to their importance for nature conservation. A number of wildlife areas across Kingston are already recognised as SINCs as they form vital components of the ecological network and green corridor in the borough. The council attest that, 'A SINC designation raises awareness of a site’s importance for wildlife and biodiversity, particularly with regards to planning and land management decisions, and helps ensure they are afforded adequate protection by the planning system in London'. But will our degraded sites  pass this 'test' as the designation hasn't stopped sites from being destroyed or developed for infrastructure. Thames Water Pipe Track Site of (Grade 1 Borough) Import...

Tomorrow is the anniversary of when John Clare began his 80 mile walk out of Epping from Lippitts Hill. The walk is now approximately 120 miles due to the extension of the road network, although it is still possible by crossing the M25 at Waltham Abbey keeping to the Lea Valley trail. I have undertaken nine recces so far to  find the best route from Loughton, Theydon Bois, Chingford and Epping. The C-19 situation has meant that the bed and breakfast establishments I intended to use were closed, and I am not best suited to sleeping in a ditch unlike Clare. The landscape changes little around Epping, although a few things are evident: there may be a reduction in larch due to Phytophthora ramorum, which can spread to the ancient beech trees;  cattle used for grazing may have changed to breeds such as the Longhorn's they use at Copped Hall; some animal and plant species would  be different as he wouldn't have seen muntjac deer, which are tame forest animals. ...