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Welcome to the seventh DOG Bulletin. There have been
lots of activities going on over the last few months; DOG has attended
several shows, carried out a few 'blitz' surveys and as usual the
surveyors amongst you have all been busy otter spotting. A few dates
for your diary, 11th October in Blandford for what promises to be
a very interesting evening. and also 6th December for the Otter
Group Christmas Social Evening.
EVENT: 'Mammal Detective in Dorset' 7pm Wednesday 11th
October 2006
Dorset Badger Group presents in conjunction with Dorset Wildlife
Trust, an illustrated talk by Michael Woods, Chairman of the Mammal
Society.
Venue: Corn Exchange, Market Place, Blandford Forum,
Tickets: £4 including refreshments, admission for children
free, available at the door, or call Sue Old on 01300 341249 or
email susie.o@btinternet.com
EVENT: Dorset Otter Group Christmas Social 6th December
2006
We are very fortunate this year that we have two speakers lined
up; Jason Fathers of the Chalk
and Hawks Project will report to us on the otter filming project
at Walford Mill, and Matt Hart Fisheries Officer at the Environment
Agency is going to tell us all about the otters favourite foodsource,
the mysterious European eel. The evening will be held at Brooklands
Farm, Forston. Drinks and a light supper will be provided, funded
by a raffle. I will send out a booking form nearer the time, but
please put the date in your diaries.
Report for Survey of Asker and Manger
Approximately 25 otter group members carried out this survey
in June 2006. They split into three teams covering the Askerswell
to Mangerton Mill, Nettlecombe to Mangerton Mill and Loscombe Farm
to Mangerton Mill. Frequent sites with mainly old spraint were found
upstream of Loders on the Asker, and many signs were round on the
Mangerton on the way to the mill. Six positive sites were found
by the Nettlecombe team on the Mangerton upstream of Mangerton Mill.
The results from the Loscombe stretch were quote disappointing as
more spraint had been found there previously. However there was
evidence of fresh spraint at one site and some prints. It was a
great day out, enhanced by great weather and frequent pub and tea
shops en route! Thanks to all who participated, in particular, Peter
Irvine, Philippa Fortescue and Elizabeth James for leading the groups.
Report from Survey of Christchurch Harbour
Pam Bennett, Rob Chaldecott, Marion Hams, Steve Urquhart,
and Darren Fanner led by Stephen Carroll carried out a survey of
a section of the harbour on the Hengistbury Head side in March 2006.
They found 6 locations with positive otter signs, which is more
than on previous surveys. This suggests an increase in otter activity
in the area. At least 3 sites had been used repeatedly, which suggests
regular presence of otters. Coastal otter areas are not well known
outside Scotland, and last years Fleet survey produced only negative
results, Weymouth records are rare as are Poole Harbour records,
so positives from Christchurch Harbour are pretty exciting. Stephen
writes, it would be interesting to see how far eastwards in Christchurch
Harbour, towards the sea, and with increasingly brackish/salt conditions,
otter signs might be founds. Many thanks to Stephen for organising
this survey.
Throop Islands & Kinson Common Opens Days; Melplash
& Stour Valley Shows Thanks to everyone who organised
and manned the otters group stand at these summer shows.
Contact for DOG matters: Rachel Janes (Rivers
& Wetlands Conservation Officer) on 01305 264620 or email rjanes@dorsetwt.cix.co.uk
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