Scrub bashing

Most of today was spent doing some scrub clearance at a site near Kilvington Lakes called Flawborough Footpath, to benefit the population of Grizzled Skippers that is present there. The day had been organised by Notts Biodversity Action Group, and although we could've done with a few more volunteers it was a great to be out and it's always satisfying to look back and see how much has been cleared - but I'm going to feel it tomorrow. Not much birdwise though - flyover Snipe and Grey Wagtail were the highlights, plus lots of Fieldfares.

Scrub clearance at Flawborough Footpath

 By the time we'd finish there wasn't much light left, so I decided to have a quick look at Hawton Works Grassland. Another Snipe was the only bird of note, and there was no sign of any Short-eared Owls. I did, however, see the large ploughed area that Carl told me about last weekend - this area, which was previously rough grassland, has had green waste tipped on it and looks awful, littered with plastic and lumps of wood and concrete  No doubt it will regenerate into nothing more than nettles and brambles.




What used to be part of Hawton Works Grassland

The same area in January

Not far away, I then had a look in the hedge where the Long-eared Owls roosted last winter, and came across five, which was very pleasing (and the most I've seen here). A nice way to round of the weekend.