Well... I’ve been busy so not found the time to update and
post but here are some random updates.
Did not cut the meadow this year and I'm so glad I didn't,
because there are lots of butterflies enjoying the long grass and
flowers. Mainly Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Skippers, Peacocks, Commas,
Painted lady, large whites etc. Several hummingbird hawk months visiting the
pink and white valerian flowers.
Moorhens have at least 5 chicks on the pond. Kingfisher seen
a few times but require a new perch and diving post as the old ones have been
taken over by encroachment of Norfolk reed. The reed however is supporting
several breeding pairs of Reed warblers which have hatched off young.
Tawny Owls continue to call at night, and the Barn Owl is still hunting over the
meadow and pond margins.
I have put up two hunting posts in the meadow to give them a
nice vantage point. I have seen water voles now on several occasions so
am pleased they have found a home at Longbeach Farm. Several grass snakes seen disappearing
into the long grass having been disturbed while basking on the cut paths
through the meadow.
The main pond is maturing nicely although the Norfolk reed is a bit of a thug! – The second smaller pond has been re-lined with clay (again…) just filling up now and hopefully this time it will hold water.
Random pics (in no particaulr order) below which reference some of the updates
mentioned above!
Main Pond.
