Lets get this up to date

7/08/11 - Great Crested Newt Training

Last of three sessions towards my training course. This one was based on identifying newt species Larvae. Found plenty of them in the different ponds up on Rocksavage Power Plant NR. Brilliant day. Absolutely recommend this course to anyone who wants to go into newt work. Not only does it include EVERYTHING you need to know, you can also get one of your two references needed towards your newt license. Check out the Cheshire Active Naturalists.


9/08/11 - Otter Spraint Surveying

As a Gloucestershire Wildlife Volunteer I got involved with the species surveying programme developing for the Forest of Dean. I was given a route with numerous points on it to be monitored for signs of otter (esp spraints). This was very much an all day job, as there were around twenty points down a 4km stretch. All in all quite successful as managed to find, identify and photograph four spraints.

NBMP Waterways Survey - Ryeford
Had to re-route this survey as the riverside path was so overgrown it was completely inaccessible, which was quite frustrating. However! Plenty of bat activity on the canal, including lots of Daubenton passes.


11/08/11 - Bechstein radiotracking

Not going to mention too much, such as the site because I am not sure how hush hush it is. But must say it was an absolutely brilliant opportunity to meet and learn from such experienced and nice people. Plenty of Bechstein activity, emergence counts were fascinating to see, as was learning about the behaviour of the bats that had been tracked.


18/08/11 - Dormice Box Checks

Unfortunately no dormice, but nibbled hazelnuts and even nests were good to see. Old scabby birds nests were not so nice and made me feel itchy! But really appreciated the opportunity and hope to go again.

Bat Harp Trapping

What a superb evening. Numerous different species:
Daubentons, Long Eared, Brandts, Whiskered and Pips.

Got handling experience and released a whiskers :) The combined knowledge in the group was overwhelming and I learnt alot from being there. Brilliant people can't wait for the next meet!

Look on my flickr page for new pictures.