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The third annual bird box survey was carried out on 27^th January 2012 by Richard Steer and Duncan Hooton. The boxes were opened and old nests removed, the condition of the box was noted and a number allocated and marked on the box.

 Hedgerows are a vital component of Sharphill Wood as a Nature Reserve.  When the Friends Group started work, the boundary hedge was very gappy with mature hawthorns which had been neither layed nor coppiced for many years. However it still managed to fulfil part of its purpose of supporting a range of wildlife, a habitat for invertebrates such as worms, small mammals such as mice and of course a wide range of insects.  These support the larger predators such as birds, badgers and bats.

Why not take part in the RSPB: Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend!!! check out the link to find out more :)

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

In great weather conditions, 11 of us (including three newcomers) furthered
our indulgence in shrub planting at the wood yesterday. We completed most of
the south-east side and made a start on the southern end of the west side.
We probably have less than 200 donated plants remaining, so we should finish
at the next regular work party on 22nd January (subject to making up the
shortfall in canes and guards). In addition, we made safe a fallen tree that
was resting rather precariously across the eastern path, removed a small
tree that had fallen into the field on the west side, impacted earth on the
south end steps to make them safer, and removed a substantial amount of
litter.

BY John Elwell work party co-ordinator

8th January extra work party meetig 09:45 at Peveril Drive entrance (tree planting , lots of ) volunteers needed don`t forget packed lunch and your spade !

10th January Friends group meeting 19:30 at usual venue, if you have not attended before email for details.

22nd January, normal work party, more details nearer the time

In January this year the Government announced that populations of breeding birds on farmland are at their lowest levels since 1966 and that populations have fallen by almost 50% in the past 44 years. Of course there are variations in breed.  Pressure on habitat due to frming methods seems to be the cause. Currently in danger are kestrels, lapwings, skylarks, tree sparrow, yellow wagtail and starlings. Wood pigeon, jackdaws, stock doves and greenfinch populations have however increased.

The October work party was held in pleasant conditions (mild, dry and relatively little wind). There were 9 volunteers who turned out on the day, including the two lads continuing their community service as part of their Duke of Edinburgh awards and a first-timer friend that came along with them.