OXFORD WILDLIFE NUMBER 93 NEWS SPRING 2012

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NEWS FROM BOUNDARY BROOK NATURE PARK There has been a good show of spring flowers at Boundary Brook

We are awaiting some activity in the ponds. The pond levels are quite high, considering the dire warnings of drought in the south-east. We had many newt and frog tadpoles last year so we hope this continues.

Clearance of the scrub along part of the western edge of the site has been a

big task. This is in preparation for the Council to erect the remaining section of fencing which should make the site secure.

Do come and see what has been achieved and maybe lend a hand to maintain and develop our award-winning project.

Wild daffodils at Boundary Brook flourish in the Bird Orchard as well as wood anemones

EVENTS Past . . . University Farm, Wytham In January we had a most interesting talk by Mike Gooding, the Managing Director of FAI Farms based at the University Farm at Wytham. He explained how they are trying to meet the challenge of producing food for the rapidly increasing world population by trying to use sustainable methods which benefit the natural environment. He encouraged us to join the Friends of FAI, to receive information about the farm and offers of farm produce for sale etc. Membership is completely free and has no obligations! Just Google Friends of FAI Farms. We have been invited to visit the farm on the 28 June to see the work in progress (see p 12.).

Tree Walks Our walk in February, led by Ian Gourlay, to explain the importance of trees in an urban environment was well-attended and was most enlightening. We started in St Giles, where most people are aware of the magnificent plane trees, otherwise trees of any sort are an unusual sight along the roads of central Oxford. Yet, in the cemetery attached to St Giles church, we were amazed at the wide range of unusual trees, many of unknown origin; for example where did the massive fig tree come from? Apple and plum trees are not usual in a cemetery either.

Ian told us about the problems of encouraging trees in an urban environment where councils are terrified of the consequences of trees falling on people or vehicles or of damaging roads, pavements or buildings. With proper maintenance trees should be no problem and they are an asset to the visual landscape, as well as being an advantage to wildlife, attracting birds and insects to a city.

We then had a tour taking in Wellington Square, Beaumont St, past the famous chestnut beside the Lamb and Flag, via the University Museum and finally into University Parks finding, on the way, a mind-boggling assortment of trees from all over the world each with its own interesting story. Ian also made historical points and their place in the street scene were pointed out, for example where trees are found, e.g. the trees framing Worcester College at the end of Beaumont St. are growing on the site of a former royal palace. This was a most instructive walk which convinced us of the beauty and importance of trees in a city.

A good follow-up will be John Thompson’s talk on May 15, to the CPRE, on the importance of trees and wildlife corridors in a city environment. It will be at 7.30pm at Kellogg College, 62 Banbury Road, on Oxford’s trees and their contribution of the Forest of Oxford. The Forest of Oxford are trying to persuade the City Council to create wildlife corridors around playing fields throughout the city and to introduce more wildlife-friendly management in the city parks. They especially would like to see a reduction in grass cutting to encourage wildflowers. Projects at Botley Road Recreation Ground and the community woodland at Cutteslowe are demonstrations of the management they would like to see throughout the city (see listings on page 10).

Oxfordshire Science Festival Our stall in Bonn Square during the launch of Oxfordshire Science Festival was successful. The weather was kind to us and we sold many books and wildlife-attracting seeds and enthusiastic children tried our life cycle puzzles and, sometimes with the initial caution, put their hands in our Feely Boxes although sometimes they were braver than their parents!

Cover photo by Peter Keene: Chaffinch feeding young

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Future . . . Fritillary Count Why not come and see the beautiful fritillaries in Osney Mead on April 14th? We count the plants and flower heads in the various patches so they can comment on whether the management of this attractive site within the city is succeeding in fostering these rare flowers which are now the county flower of Oxfordshire.

AGM Our AGM on 10th May will be held in the Gladiator Club so come along and have your say in how the group is run and what you would like to see or do in the future. We hope you’ll stay and chat for a while after while we have some light refreshments.

Oxfordshire Goes Wild We are having a stall again at the University Museum of Natural History on 21st April. We hope to have the popular mini-pond-dipping set up again and there will be other activities for children also we will be selling books and some seeds.

Open Day As usual we will have our summer open day in June. Do come along and take part or just come to see our progress. As usual there will be pond dipping and other activities for children (or of course adults as well!).

University Farm Visit at Wytham The excellent talk by Mike Gooding inspired us to arrange a visit to the FAI Farm at Wytham. Mike will show us around on Thursday 28th June. He says this is the best time to see it, before they cut the hay, when the wildflowers should be at their best. We will meet at the University Farm at 6.30pm and there is a large trailer that will take us around the many different areas of the farm. This will limit numbers so book a place as soon as you like. The nearest bus route is to Wolvercote which is about a mile from the farm so if you would like a lift, or could offer a lift, and to book a place please contact Janet Keene – tel: Oxford 820522 or email keene@ouwg.org.uk

See rear cover for details of all these events.

Badgers The University of Oxford research group WildCRU (Wildlife Conservation Research Unit) have been studying badgers in great detail in Wytham Woods since 1987, although badgers have been a subject of research there since the early 1970s. They are committed to monitor every badger in the woods from ‘womb-to-tomb’. They think this research is ‘possibly the most detailed and complete for any carnivore population in the world’. So far they have detailed records of over 1250 badgers.

If you are interested in taking part in one of the Badger Census evenings (run by staff at Wytham Woods) they are on May 8th, 10th and 11th from 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm approximately. Meet in the car park in Wytham Woods at 6.15 pm.

Also there is a Badgerwatch on Saturday June 9th. Cost is £5 per head (no children under 12 please). Meet at Krebs Field Station Wytham, at 4.15 pm for a talk by the renowned badger expert Dr Chris Newman, followed by a picnic (delegates to bring their own). At approximately 6.30 pm we will go to Wytham Woods where delegates will be taken in groups to different setts for the badger watch. Approximate finish time will be 9.30 pm.

It is essential to book. This should be done via my email: linda.baldock23@gmail.com. Joining instructions and all other information will be sent prior to the event. If you don’t have access to email give your details to Janet Keene tel: Oxford 820522 and she will forward them to me.

Lin Baldock

A seasonal puzzle At this time of year you may see these flowers:

Cold white stuff and as it melted it these would come from it _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ These may be stuffy and prudish versions of scented summer flowers _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ They may ring but are they sad? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Are these the same as kittens? No, they are not. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Does it live in a rock pool? No, in the Bird Orchard at Boundary Brook _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ This sounds like frogs objecting to being told off for making too much noise! _ _ _ _ _ _ ?

Answers on page 9

Found in the Botley Road

A bunch of keys on a pink carabiner, including a key to Boundary Brook Nature Park, was found in the Botley Road. If it is yours or if you know who might own it contact Kathy Chicken on 01865 770742 .

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Does familiarity breed contempt?We have spent a long time recently looking out of the window at a pair of red kites circling the two Scots pine trees in the wood near us. Last year they started to nest in one of them but the rooks, and probably jackdaws, harassed them so much that they gave up. This year they appeared to be looking for a nest site again and have not yet been mobbed.

Apparently, in the past, they used to be known as the “hat birds” because they would steal hats from people’s heads. They eventually became extinct in England by 1870 as they were persecuted by generations of gamekeepers, who thought they were a threat to game. They are basically scavengers and eat carrion although they do take some small birds and mammals. When the first ones were reintroduced in the Chilterns in 1989 we were thrilled to see them when we drove along the M40. They eventually reached Oxford where we have seen them circling Boundary Brook, easily recognised by their forked tails and large size – their wingspan is 5 feet.

Sadly they are now being criticised and the Oxford Times reported that “The birds will use knickers, bras, socks, plastic bags and string for their nests.” In addition they have been accused of “swooping down in gardens and school grounds, ruining picnics and barbecues.”

A red kite being harassed by rooks: Peter Keene

People are now being asked to stop feeding red kites as they are coming closer to people as they have learnt that near houses and schools they can often find food and as a result they often worry us as they come too close to pets and people. There should be enough food in the countryside for them as the largest requirement is for carrion supplemented by living prey such as rats, mice and voles.

Janet Keene

Lizards in the Lye Valley There is some important conservation work going on in the Lye Valley to help the wildlife and some extra help would be very much appreciated. The city council workers and volunteer team are doing a lot of reed and scrub cutting to let in more light. Some of the areas targeted are important basking sites for reptiles, especially lizard. These areas have been getting too shaded and need to be opened up so that the sun can warm the ground and trees. Being ‘cold-blooded’ basking in the sun is critical for reptiles before they are able to be mobile enough to be able to hunt for food and to reproduce.

Lizards on a pollard: Judy Webb

For lizards, basking is especially important for the females carrying young. Female lizards retain the fertilized eggs in their bodies rather than laying them in rotting vegetation like grass snakes. The young lizards are born live from eggs inside the female’s body (called ‘ovoviviparity’). Females carrying eggs need to bask in the warm sun to obtain

enough heat in the body for successful embryo development.

The left-hand basking lizard in the photo is obviously female - ‘fat’ with eggs, soaking up the sunshine on the willow pollards near the board walk. Unfortunately they regularly get disturbed by walkers along the board walk, so they could do with basking areas that are a bit further away from public footpaths, hence cutting and clearing to make more sunny areas available.

This North Fen site is one of only two places lizards are still to be found within Oxford City

Limits. Lizards are protected species and populations need help to keep the habitat suitable. Volunteers have been raking up and transporting reed to piles, plus some cut scrub removal. Of course the reed cutting and scrub removal will also help the special plants of the fens (like the marsh helleborines) by giving them new areas to colonise. Judy Webb

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The Challenge of the Fuchsia

Have you been to the Botanic Garden recently? If you walk through the walled part nearest the High Street, you reach the Merton Beds and a surprising sight: sand and netting where there used to be lawn with island beds and a few trees. You can see this in the photos. To indicate the scale, it covers 955 square metres. This is a project called Seeds of Change. The seeds come from perennial plants likely to cope with climate change; hence the cunning name. This is similar to wildlife gardening and could be the way ahead if our traditional bulbs, shrubs and lawns cannot deal with warmer, drier conditions.

Close-up of jute netting

It's new to Oxford but not new to the UK. There have been similar schemes at the Eden Project in Cornwall, the Wisley Gardens near Guildford (showcase of the Royal Horticultural Society), the Earth Centre in Doncaster, the Welsh National Botanic Garden and the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield. The last one gives a clue to the origin of the idea: James Hitchmough, Professor of Horticultural Ecology at Sheffield University. You may have noticed that gardening and nature conservation are flower-bed-fellows nowadays: in organic methods, bee-, bat- and bird-boxes and Chris Hannington's piece in the last Wildlife News. 'Horticultural Ecology' works on a bigger scale but it looks like the same idea in longer words.

The Professor's aim is to copy the way that plants in nature co-exist with a mixture of up to 40 species that he compares to a prairie and which others call a meadow. It's 'a naturalistic plant community' if you want to sound clever. Apparently there are research students in Sheffield measuring people's aesthetic response to flowers so the plant mixture can achieve maximum beauty. The first step is to clear the soil of perennial weeds. Next comes a mulch of coarse sand about two and a half inches deep into

which you rake and then roll your seeds. You can mix them into a 'sawdust carrier' (a pile of sawdust) to make it easier to spread them evenly by hand. The blend of species is designed to grow a dense lower layer with taller plants spaced far enough apart to prevent shading out the neighbours. Another aim is continuous flowering between April and September. Being herbaceous, all the plants die back to the ground in winter.

The old grass and island beds have gone

Bare sand looks boring, so at the Botanic Garden in late November there were tufts of ornamental grass to add variety - it looks like a sand dune without the dune. Over the whole surface yellow jute netting was pegged down to stabilise the mulch. I would guess that it also prevents squirrels from burying nuts, birds from digging for grubs and cats from adding their own manure. The effect at this early stage is shocking but, on reflection, the back end of the Garden was always a bit drab and the only thing I missed was a sun-dial which used to be there. In two years' time there should be an established prairie meadow which needs just one cut-and-burn in late March or early April. That's sustainable gardening: half-way between a park and a nature reserve.

The sand mulch looking towards Christchurch Meadows

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The Wisley project got all its seeds from a German company called Jelitto (www.jelitto.com), named after the founder who was Klaus Jelitto. They claim to supply 3,900 varieties of perennial seed and to export 80% of their production. Sowing seeds directly into a sand mulch has several benefits: you cut out compost and plastic containers, you shut out annual weeds, you get a higher density of plants and you can use the cold winter weather to trigger germination in spring. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else, but you'll also spend less on gardeners' wages because the plants don't need thinning, transplanting, spraying and all the other chores which keep a potting shed busy. Nature takes care of that.

The sand mulch looking towards the Iffley Road

The Oxford project uses species from three 'seasonally dry grassland communities' in the southern USA, southern Europe and South Africa. The plant-names are not given, but I found a detailed list for the Wisley project at www.mygarden.rhs.org.uk/blogs. The Director of Horticulture has the suitable name of Jim Gardiner. Among the 40 species he specifies in Wisley's 'Missouri Meadow', I recognised the genus names Penstemon, Dianthus, Euphorbia and Rudbeckia. He even offers variants to deal with shade, quoting advice from Professor Hitchmough. If you were to print out that long list, you could build your own prairie. All the plants are non-native of course but, looking far ahead, they could replace native species which cannot adapt to climate change. It's too early to say what native birds and insects will make of this new planting.

Sustainable gardening ticks all the right boxes but, to be honest, it feels a bit wrong to me. I think this is because the Romans were Britain's first gardeners and they valued symmetry in their designs. They didn't want nature - they wanted artifice. The Victorians took it further and what you see in public parks is largely their invention:

bedding plants in strong, contrasting colours, beds in fancy shapes plus lawns cut low with edges neatly trimmed. Before the lawnmower was invented in 1830 (by Edwin B. Budding in Stroud, since you ask), you'd have used a scythe and been happy with grass that was three inches long. When wildlife gardeners argue that we shouldn't be so tidy or formal, they're battling against a cultural grounding that made us want a garden in the first place. Gardeners want to feel needed by their plants!

Climate-change gardening is multi-purpose. Firstly, it can change the climate of opinion in traditional gardeners like me who should really throw in the trowel. Secondly, it's working with our warming climate by using species which can tolerate drought. Thirdly, it cuts our dependence on chemicals which pollute the planet when they're made and again when they've been applied. It fits well into botanic gardens because they have an educational mission and a scientific purpose. The Oxford Garden was Britain's first in 1621 when the Earl of Danby gave £5000 for 'the glorification of the works of God and the furtherance of learning'.

Just a sideshoot now, but the Danby Arch of 1633 and the stone walls you see today were so expensive that nothing was left for gardening. The first curator began work in 1642 but wasn't paid for his first seven years. This man Jacob Bobart apparently survived by selling fruit which he grew on the job. His aim was to create a 'physic garden' for the study of medicinal plants. His son Jacob Bobart the Younger developed the idea of seed exchange with other gardens. After some years of neglect, William Sherard revived the garden in 1728 and endowed the Sherardian Professorship in Botany which exists to this day. In return Oxford University pledged to grant the garden £150 per year. Today that annual grant is worth £400,000.

The seeds of change information board

The Oxford Botanic Garden used to be free for everyone.

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In the 1990s, I think, a wooden shed appeared inside the entrance and genteel volunteers sold tickets for going in. Now there's a swish new visitors' centre built in Cotswold stone to match the historic surroundings. The professional staff will charge you £3.80 for a day ticket in summer months and on winter weekends after you've gone through the wooden gate to the left of the stone archway. On winter week-days that gate is locked and you can make a regal entrance by walking through the Danby

Arch. Admission is 'by donation' - in effect a blue metal honesty box on the right-hand side. It's certainly worth a visit to see how the Seeds of Change are growing.

Finally, I saw two wise old visitors looking at the rarest and most valuable plants in the Botanic Garden. 'What's the best time for taking cuttings?' asked one. 'When nobody's looking.' said the other.

Another interesting project in the garden

John Gorrill

Amphibians and Reptiles In 2012 we are keen to rejuvenate the Oxfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (OxARG) – and raise our profile in this county. Although the group has been in existence since 2002, we felt that we’d like to encourage a much greater number of the people that often encounter our native herps (i.e. frogs, toads, newts, slow-worms, lizards and snakes) or manage land in our county to be more aware of this group, and to tell us about their experiences. This will enable us to build up a more complete picture of their distribution in the county, work together with other local groups and landholders to help them improve their habitats for our native amphibians and reptiles, and of course raise public awareness and level of understanding generally. Therefore we are now contacting - wildlife groups, gardeners, allotment holders, professional ecologists, and local councils to see whether any of you would like to be more involved with your local Amphibian and Reptile Group – Oxfordshire ARG. In the short term we are hoping to move towards a formally constituted group, with an elected committee, which can then organise and participate in events, co-ordinate recording of gardens, and allotments, as well as the wider Oxfordshire landscape by a widespread network of people. Another important task will be to represent amphibian and reptile conservation with different statutory (and other) bodies in the county. In 2012 we are hoping to be able to set up an online recording system, run field visits, participate in a number of events including ‘Oxfordshire Goes Wild’ and a Bioblitz, and provide regular newsletters and up-dates for those with an interest in amphibians and reptiles across the county. OxARG is also part of the larger country wide amphibian and reptile network – ARGUK. ARGUK was established in 2005, following the renaming of the Herpetofauna Groups of Britain and Ireland (HGBI), and with the formation of a new panel to help coordinate the network of volunteer groups known as Amphibian & Reptile Groups (ARGs). The first groups were started in Surrey and Sussex in 1986, and today there are over 60 groups or contacts. It is estimated that more than 1,000 volunteers are involved in these county groups, right

across the UK. As a consequence, this is the grass roots of the UK herpetofauna conservation movement, complementing the work of national charities such as Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and Pond Conservation. There are several advantages to being a member of the ARGUK network - as members we receive their newsletter, ARG Today, their regular E Bulletins, and most importantly can benefit from their umbrella insurance scheme which covers field work and other events. In addition, we are entitled to apply to the ARGUK 100% fund, for financial assistance with small practical projects. As a part of the network we can also call on our neighbours in Berkshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire and Surrey (etc) for help should we need it. We would be delighted to hear from any of you with an interest in amphibians and reptiles – either to join as members, or even to stand for the committee. You don’t have to be an ‘expert’, and even if your interest is just in making your garden or allotment more herp friendly, then we would be delighted to hear from you. There will be a small charge for membership – to cover the costs of stationery, postage and running the website – however, this is essentially a volunteer group so we aim to minimize any costs. At the present time I am acting as Secretary, so if you think you might be interested kindly respond to me directly. Also if you know of anyone else that may like to be involved, please do pass this on. Once we have a group together, then we will organise a first, informal meeting where you will be welcome to meet us, and share your ideas and opinions. We look forward to hearing from you.

With best regards Angie Julian, Rod D’Ayala and Jim Fairclough

Oxfordshire Amphibian and Reptile Group (OxARG) Contact: Dr Angela Julian, 82 Gidley Way Horspath, Oxford, OX33 1TG. Tel:01865 872162

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Members’ observations This would be an interesting section to add to our regular items – can you contribute some of your observations

for the next issue, giving place and date? 14.12.11 Nancy Druce Think I saw swifts early in October. Definitely saw bees exploring a fuchsia in early November (sheltered spot). Wallflowers are still in bloom today. (North Oxford) 16.02.12 Kathy Chicken Yesterday I saw a small, quite thin squirrel eating leaves. The squirrel was very close to my window so they were definitely leaves. I hurriedly put some nuts out on the table and it ate them all.

In spite of the snow and frost I am still eating shoots of broccoli and the small leaves which taste like spring greens. Have just pulled up the Brussels sprouts which

did not do so well during the cold spell, they opened up too much. (Cowley)

25.02.12 Janet Keene I saw the first butterfly of the season when a yellow brimstone butterfly flew by. This is often the first butterfly to appear in the spring.

The next one I saw was a comma basking in the late afternoon sun on 11 March. They are regularly seen near our garden as each year there is a hop in the hedge where they presumably go to lay their eggs as their larvae feed on nettle, elm and hop. (Southmoor)

Butterfly recording If you would like to add your recordings of the butterflies you see contact the Butterfly Conservation Upper Thames Branch for a straightforward record sheet to fill in during the year. You will also receive a summary of the Oxfordshire recordings at the end of the year. Contact Mrs Margaret Price, Perdiswell Farm, Woodstock, Oxon OX20 1QJ.

Identification courses 2012 Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire Education Group

www.anhso.org.ukBOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL COURSES

The Basic Course Now in its eleventh year, the basic course is held on six Saturdays from April to September, with an optional field course day in mid-June. The aim is to teach the use of dichotomous keys to gain knowledge of the main families of flowering plants and to provide an understanding of technical terms and descriptions in the keys in order to identify plants. No previous experience is necessary for this course. A certificate is awarded on satisfactory completion of the course.

The basic course is for a maximum of 18 students and will usually be taught by three or four tutors. Tutors will be active botanists or experts in the particular botanical group that the course is covering. Each session will be a mixture of practical work and talks. We will use binocular microscopes, hand lenses and dissecting tools. There will be information on books, societies and other useful organisations. Students will be expected to do work between sessions. The course book (which students should buy) is the New Flora of the British Isles by Clive Stace, Cambridge University Press, third edition, published in 2010. (The cost of this is approximately £40 to £45.) We also make some use of John Poland and Eric Clements The Vegetative Key of the British Flora BSBI but it is not essential to buy it.

This year, in order to try to satisfy demand, we shall be running two classes in parallel, one will be held on the Saturday morning and one in the afternoon of the same day. Note: we can’t offer you a free choice between morning and afternoon sessions so please keep the whole day free until we have confirmed which session you will be attending. Our policy will be to fill up the morning

session first. Please feel free to state a preference, however, as there may be some flexibility in the end. Continuation Courses These courses are for those who have attended the Basic Course or with a similar level of experience. Usually for 12 students maximum. Generally they use the same methods as the Basic Course with adaptations to suit the subject of study. Latin for Botany, Use of a Vegetative Key, Grasses, How Plants Work, Field Outing Dates, Costs and Venues: Costs include coffee etc. and biscuits but bring a packed lunch for whole-day courses. Basic Course 31st March, 28th April, 9th June, 7th July, 4th August, 1st September, Saturday mornings, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and afternoons in parallel, 2.00 pm to 5 pm at Hill End Field Studies Centre, Farmoor, Eynsham, Near Oxford. Cost £125.

Vegetative Key 21st April, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Hill End. Cost £45. Grasses 23rd June and 21st July, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Wytham Field Station. Cost £80. How Plants Work 13th and 27th October, 10 am to 4.00 pm, Hill End. Cost £80 For further information on all courses phone Frances Watkins on 01865 863660 or email: frances@oxfordrareplants.org.uk

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INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOPS 2012

At Hill End Field Study Centre, near Eynsham

Sunday 22nd April – Solitary Bees 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Ivan Wright (Shotover Wildlife). Cost £40.00 Sunday 17th June – Terrestrial Bugs 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Darren Mann (Oxford University Museum of Natural History). Cost £40.00 Sunday 22nd July – Hoverflies and Soldierflies 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Steve Gregory (Northmoor Trust) Cost £40.00 Sunday Sept. 23rd – Plant Galls 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Lawrence Bee (Hill End Centre) Cost £40.00

• Each day will run from 9.30am – 3.30 pm and will be a combination of classroom/lab work and fieldwork at Hill End.

• The workshops are aimed at enthusiastic, adult beginners and will provide a basic introduction to the identification of the different invertebrate groups. Microscopes will be used where appropriate, but experience in microscope use is NOT ESSENTIAL. Equipment will be supplied but, if possible, please bring a hand lens.

• Please bring your own packed lunch - coffee and tea are provided.

For further information or to make a booking please contact Lawrence Bee or Kathy Smith at: Hill End Centre, Eynsham Road, Farmoor, Oxford, OX2 9NJ. Tel: 01865 863510 Email: lawrence.bee@oxfordshire.gov.uk or hill.end@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Rare Plants Group meetings The Rare Plants Group is a part of The Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire. Based in Oxford, it works with local and national organisations to prevent extinction of wild plants in Oxfordshire. If you would like to be involved in this valuable work please contact Sue Helm (see below)

The Rare Plants Group has focussed its efforts on twelve plant species, seven of which are on the UK Biodiversity list, and four of which are key species on that list.

Thursday 7 April: Cotswold pennycress, Thlaspi perfoliatum, monitoring at Bridgefield Bridge SEE and Palmer’s Bank at 10am. Saturday 9: April Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla vulgaris, monitoring at Aston Upthorpe, 11.00am. KW Tuesday 12 April: Cotswold pennycress, Thlaspi perfoliatum, monitoring at Linch Hill verges 2.15pm. AWM Monday 9 May: Green hound’s tongue, Cynoglossum germanicum, monitoring at Pyrton 10.00am. SKL Mon 16 May: Green hound’s tongue, Cynoglossum germanicum, monitoring at Stratford Bridge at 10.00am. SKL Saturday 21 May: Narrow-leaved water-dropwort, Oenanthe silaifolia, mapping at West Mead, many volunteers needed at 10.00am. AWM Thursday 2 June: Fen violet, Viola persicifolia, monitoring at Otmoor 10.00am. CRL Thursday 9 June: Fen violet, Viola persicifolia, monitoring at Otmoor, 10.00am. CRL Thursday 16 June: Wytham Arable Flowers survey 2.15pm. AWM Thursday 30 June: Meadow clary, Salvia pratensis, monitoring at Ardley 10.0am. CRL

Contact Sue Helm 07774205972 for further details.

Answers to quiz on page 3 Snowdrops, primroses, bluebells, catkins, wood anemones, crocus.

If you would like to create a quiz (light-hearted or serious) for a future newsletter do send it (and the answers!) to the editor:

see end of page 12.

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EVENTS FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS (For contacts see next page unless otherwise listed) MARCH Saturday 31: Introduction to Surveying, a family-friendly wildlife discovery session led by Ivan & Jacqueline Wright, and Interactive guided nature trails launch led by Wildknowledge, at SS Mary & John Churchyard (junction of Magdalen Road and Cowley Road). 1.30 - 4.30 pm. Contact Ruth Ashcroft 07706 874681.

APRIL Tuesday 3: Submarine volcanoes - Prof Tony Watts talks about seamounts. Volcanic in origin they are widely scattered throughout the world’s ocean basins, especially in the Pacific. They are significant as ocean ‘stirring rods’, biodiversity ‘hotspots’, and hazards for earthquakes, landslides, tsunami and submarine navigation. 7.45pm, Old School Room, St Peter’s Church, Wolvercote. Parking in School grounds opposite. Members: Free, Visitors: £2. (ANHSO) Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4: Family Fun Wild Eggstravaganza: 10am-4pm. Complete the Easter Bunny’s wildlife trail to win your chocolate prize. Crafts and outdoor activities with lots of spring fun for all. Fun activities for the whole family. Just drop in - no need to book. Activities take around two hours. All ages welcome. Picnics welcome. No dogs please. Meet: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre OX14 4TE Admission: £3 donation/child Contact: Katie Fenton 01235 862024 katiefenton@bbowt.org (BBOWT) Thursday 5: Save the Albatrosses, an illustrated talk by Dr. Cleo Small Seventeen out of twenty two albatross species are threatened with extinction many die trying to grab an easy meal from the baited hooks meant for fish, such as tuna. Hear how they hope to save them. Members free. Visitors welcome, £3 on the door. 7.45pm, Sandhills School, Terret Avenue. (RSPB) Tuesday 10: Namibia a talk by Peter Barker indoor meeting 7.45pm Stratfield Brake Pavilion Kidlington. Contact Barry Hudson 01993 852028. (OOS)

Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12: Family Fun – Flowery Fairies and Woodland Trolls Discover the magical secrets of wildlife and flowers. Make magic flower potions and meet some secretive woodland creatures. Fun activities to get the whole family excited about nature. Just drop in - no need to book. Activities take around two hours. All ages welcome. Picnics welcome. No dogs please. 10am-4pm Meet: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre OX14 4TE Admission: £3 donation/child Contact: Katie Fenton 01235 862024 katiefenton@bbowt.org (BBOWT)

Thursday 26: Nature Tots: A great new opportunity for your little ones to interact with and learn from nature. Come along for outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on our wild and wonderful nature reserve. Please dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tea, biscuits and mud provided! Booking essential. 9.30-11.30am Sutton Courtenay Envrionmental Education Centre OX14 4TE Admission: £2.50 per family Contact: Christine Donaldson 01235 862024 christinedonaldson@bbowt.org.uk

Saturday 28: Newts and other Amphibians. Local expert Rod D’Ayala leads this workshop about amphibians and their conservation. Learn to identify local species of amphibians, their ecological requirements, survey methods and legal issues to protected species. Followed by field session trying out survey methods and working with live specimens of widespread local species. 10am-4pm. Booking essential. No dogs please. £30 (BBOWT volunteers free). Volunteering Office 01865 775476 volunteering@bbowt.org.uk (BBOWT)

Sunday 29: Coach Trip to Durlston Country Park and Studland Heath, Dorset. Coach leaves Headington Hill Hall (Brookes University) at 7.30am. Sea-cliffs, hedgerows, coastal limestone downland, haymeadows and woodland make an ideal resting place for incoming migrants Cost about £17. Booking essential. Tel. 01865 723868 or E-mail: anne@anclark.force9.co.uk (RSPB)

Sunday 29: CS Lewis Wildlife Discovery Day from 2-4pm. Join the Friends of CS Lewis Community Nature Reserve, in Risinghurst, for an afternoon of wildlife walks, art and craft activities, storytelling, nature trails and more. For more information please contact Helen d’Ayala on 01865 775476 or helendayala@bowt.org.uk

MAY Tuesday 1: Agriculture and wildlife in harmony? Mike Gooding will examine the practical challenges of commercial agriculture and wildlife working in harmony, while the pressure for food and fuel rapidly increases, drawing on the experience of farming at Wytham. 7.45pm, Old School Room, St Peter’s Church, Wolvercote. Parking in School grounds opposite. Members: Free, Visitors: £2 (ANHSO)

Thursday 3: Otmoor Update an illustrated talk by Peter Barker, a volunteer warden who has observed the fluctuations in birds as well as taking a keen interest in other wildlife there. Members free. Visitors welcome, £3 on the door. 7.45pm, Sandhills School, Terret Avenue. Contact tel: 01491 612600. (RSPB) Tuesday 8: AGM plus talks from Members at Stratfield Brake Pavilion, Kidlington. Contact Barry Hudson 01993 852028 (OOS)

Tuesday 8, Thursday 10 and Friday 11: Badger Census evenings (run by staff at Wytham Woods). Meet in the Car Park in Wytham Woods at 6.15 pm (see p3). Sunday 13: Titchfield Haven, Hampshire coastal & marsh outdoor event. Contact Steve Alley 01608 659628 (OOS) Tuesday 15: Oxford’s Trees and the contribution of the Forest of Oxford a talk by John Thompson at 7.30pm Kellogg College, 62 Banbury Rd (see page 2 for details).

Sunday 20: Coach Trip to Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. Coach leaves Headington Hill Hall (Brookes University) at 7.30am. This mature oak woodland close to the River Severn has an enormous variety of plant and insect species which, in turn, support a fine range of woodland birds. In spring it attracts Redstart, Pied Flycatcher and Wood Warbler along with many other woodland birds. Cost about £20 depending on numbers attending. Booking essential. Tel. 01865 723868 or E-mail: anne@anclark.force9.co.uk. (RSPB) Saturday 26: Grow Wild in your Garden learning more about wildlife gardening? See our beautiful wildlife garden and learn how to help wildlife in your own backyard. Talks and information for adults and activities for children. Booking essential by Mon. 14 May. No dogs please. 10am-1pm Rachel Strachan 01235 862024 rachelstrachan@bbowt.org.uk Meet: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre OX14 4TE Admission: £3 donation. (BBOWT) Thursday 31: Nature Tots details as April 26. Time: 9.30-11.30am JUNE Tuesday 5: Crassula helmsii: a war of attrition talk by Dr Jonathan Newman. Crassula helmsii is a small, creeping amphibious aquatic macrophyte thriving in open areas of marginal aquatic habitat. Originally introduced from Tasmania in 1911, it has spread to

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about 30,000 sites in the UK. He will discuss current methods of control and management and why it is so difficult to control. 7.45pm, Old School Room, St Peter’s Church, Wolvercote. Parking in School grounds opposite. Members: Free, Visitors: £2 (ANHSO)

Saturday 9: Badgerwatch. Meet at Krebs Field Station Wytham, 4.15 pm for talk by Dr Chris Newman, bring a picnic and at approximately 6.30 pm groups will be taken to different setts for the badger watch. Approximate finish time 9.30 pm. Cost is £5 per head (no children under 12 please). Booking essential see p.3 for details.

Sunday 10: Thrapston Gravel Pits, Northants. Nene Valley Gravel Pits outdoor event. Contact Steve Alley 01608 659628. (OOS)

NEXT NEWSLETTER Please send your copy for the next newsletter as soon as possible to: Janet Keene, 7 Norwood Avenue, Southmoor, Abingdon, OX13 5AD or if possible email: keene@ouwg.org.uk. The final deadline is by the end of May.

OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP Website: www.ouwg.org.uk Don't forget that we are here to help. Please contact any member of the committee for help or advice on wildlife matters and we will attempt to help or to put you in touch with someone who can answer. Kathy Chicken: Boundary Brook Nature Park Information Oxford 770742 and Alan Hart (Warden) 07979 608 013 Janet Keene: Newsletter Oxford 820522 Jan Dight: Membership Secretary 07958 635 930 Delia Twamley: Planning Oxford 554636 CONTACTS FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire (ANHSO): Alison McDonald 556651 Botanic Garden: Oxford 286690 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers 01296 330033 Butterfly Conservation: David Redhead Oxford 772520 Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE)

Christopher Gowers Oxford 512047 City's Countryside Sites or Biodiversity in Parks Oxford 252240

email: parks@oxford.gov.uk Forest of Oxford: John Thompson Oxford 513528 Friends of Aston’s Eyot (FAE) Ruth Ashcroft 01865 248344 Friends of CS Lewis Reserve (FoCSL) Helen d'Ayala Oxford 775476 Friends of Oxpens Meadow (FOM) Margaret Maden Oxford 721372 Friends of the Earth (Oxford): Jackie Walkden 07981 572629 Friends of the Trap Grounds (FoTG) Catherine Robinson Oxford 511307

Friends of Warneford Meadow (FoWM) Sietske Boeles Oxford728153 Local Wildlife Trust (BBOWT): Oxford 775476 New Marston Wildlife Group: Curt Lamberth 07763-191072 Oxford Conservation Volunteers www.ocv.org.uk (OCV): Jo 07887 928115 Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum (ONCF): Oxford 407034 Oxford Ornithological Soc. (OOS): Barry Hudson 01993 852028 Oxford Tree Club (OTC): Ian Gourlay Oxford 245864 Oxfordshire Badger Group: Julia Hammett Oxford 864107 Oxfordshire Bat Group: David Endacott 01235 764832 Rare Plants Group (RPG): Sue Helm 07774205972 Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): Peter Wilkinson Oxford 452579 Science Oxford Live (SOL) St Clements: Oxford 728953 Shotover Wildlife (SW): Chair: Ivan Wright Oxford 874423 Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) Gavin Bird Oxford 815411

UNIVERSITY of OXFORD – Department for Continuing Education Day and Weekend Courses

Tue 17 April to Tue 26 June 2012. Applying Ecology: How can knowledge of ecosystems be used to increase biodiversity in your local area? 10 weekly meetings 10.30am-12.30pm. Fees from £150. Ewert house Summertown. Includes: Introduction to ecology; communities and populations; Biodiversity & extinction in the UK; Stability, disturbance and succession; 4 field trips to range of habitats. Tutor: Jocelyne Hughes. Wed 18 Apr to 20 June . Reading Your Environmental Landscape. 10 week evening course 7-9pm. Fees from £150 Ewert House, Summertown. Tutor: Dr. Curt Lamberth. In-depth interpretation of how eco-, hydro- and geological processes shape our environment. Tue 17 Apr to Tue 26 Jun 2012. Birds Of Oxfordshire: 10 weekly meetings at Rewley House 7-9pm. Fees from £150. Includes developing the skills needed to identify and record the characteristic birds of Oxfordshire, understand their ecology and habitats, and explore current threats and solutions to their conservation.

There are several flexible, part-time courses designed for busy professionals and delivered by experts often involving online participation. Subjects include:

Climate change and climate change modelling. Ecological survey techniques. Environmental conservation. International wildlife conservation practice. Oxford Energy Futures Conference. Sustainable urban development

Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation (Mod 1) 2011-12 For more information contact the Administrator, Day & Weekend Schools, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA. Tel 01865 - 270380 or by email: pp@conted.ox.ac.uk. Website: www.conted.ox.ac.uk.

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OUWG EVENTS www.ouwg.org.uk

APRIL APRIL WORK PARTIES Every Sunday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Boundary Brook Nature Park: work party

between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Saturday 14 April: Snake’s-head Fritillary Survey in Osney Mead led by Tim King (01865-515453). Meet on the south side of Botley Road at SP 492063 by the traffic lights at the entrance to the Seacourt Park & Ride at 10.30 am. Contact Tim at timothy.king@virgin.net if you intend coming or if you want further details. If late you could just walk through the nature park and join us on Osney Mead. Tim will spy out the land beforehand to confirm that Fritillaries still exist there!

Saturday 21: Oxfordshire Goes Wild -– 12 till 4 pm at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Parents of children aged 4 – 11. OUWG stall with mini-pond-dipping and other activities for children at this free event for families. Contact: cynth@oncf.org.uk

MAY

MAY WORK PARTIES Every Sunday 6, 13, 20, 27. Boundary Brook Nature Park: work party between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Thursday10: OUWG Annual General Meeting 7pm at the Gladiator Club 263 Iffley Rd - at junction of Percy St and Iffley Road. All members welcome, light refreshments and a chance to chat afterwards.

JUNE

JUNE WORK PARTIES Sunday 3, 10, 17, 24. Boundary Brook Nature Park: work party between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Sunday 17: Early Summer Open Day Come to see the wild flowers, the tadpoles in the pond and, if the weather is good, there may be butterflies. The group will be leading guided walks and selling native wild plants, seeds and cottage garden plants to attract wildlife to your garden this year as well as booklets about wildlife. There will be children’s activities. Children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult. Wheelchair access, admission free. 2-5pm.

Thursday 28: Visit to University Farm, Wytham Woods. Meet at the farm at 6.30 pm. If approaching Wytham from Wolvercote before you enter the village, after crossing two hump-backed bridges and before before you reach the White Hart pub turn right on road signposted to University Farm. Mike Gooding will show us around the farm. Booking essential as numbers are limited. To book or to offer or ask for a lift contact Janet Keene 01865 820522 or email keene@ouwg.org.uk No charge but donations welcome. (See page 3).

BOUNDARY BROOK NATURE PARK. Come and help us to manage the Nature Park. You can choose your task from a variety of jobs. A warm welcome guaranteed. You need not come for the whole time. Please ring on the day of the work party to ensure it has not been cancelled through bad weather etc. Contact: Alan Hart 07979608013 or Kathy Chicken 01865

770742. There is usually someone working at Boundary Brook most days so, if you want to come at other times, find out who will be there and when by ringing Alan Hart 07979608013. We plan to have work parties every Sunday but check if doubtful weather before arrival. Bus route: Stagecoach Route 3. OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP If you wish to contact OUWG or would like to become a member write to the editor: Janet Keene, 7 Norwood Ave, Southmoor, Abingdon OX13 5AD or Tel: Oxford 820522. E-mail: keene@ouwg.org.uk Registered charity no 1101126 Printed on paper from sustainable forests.