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wet but happy? |
Following the initial monthly meetings of ‘Back to Nature’ the time had arrived for a weekly approach to try and keep the momentum and encourage more participants through the glorious summer!
The first of these regular session found us taking a traipse across Winchester in typical English summer weather! RAIN!
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‘put your backs into it!’ |
Our task should we agree to take it on was to partake in the great British conservation task of Himalayan Balsam removal. the plant a non native invasive species was introduced due to its exquisite flowers which have to be said are great for nectaring bees! However it does have the the ability to swamp a site and exclude native species. We got to St Cross meadows and set to the stream side vegetation with great gusto. Having first shown the participants what our target was I gave a little explanations to why we as a conservation organisation were removing plants from the countryside
The Balsam resides in slightly damper habitats and normally can be seen swamping our stream side in the summer. It uses the streams as a means of spreading its deleterious effects, it also has a fantastic seed spreading delivery method! The pods as they ripen and when they get to their ripest one slightest touch and the pods spiral open with explosive force sending seeds many metres in all directions!
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checking out the pond life using id guides |
‘I found it quite interesting, the different types of pond life and river life’
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working in the site pond |
The next week was the great old staple of outdoor education across the land, stream and pond dipping. This is a hit for those of all ages as it offers the chance to see what normally is a hidden world under the surface!
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small frog |
Most participants are amazed at what is on offer as usually when taking a brief passing glimpse at streams or ponds there really is little to be seen to the naked eye. then when you start to explain the relationships and how this larvae turns into a wonderful dragonfly people are amazed at the diversity and complexity of it all. IT’S GREAT!
Back to Nature at Winnall Moors 