Welcome to the eighth DOG Bulletin. I am absolutely
delighted to be including the second edition of ‘The Holt’,
with this mailout. Peter Irvine has done a marvellous researching
and editing job, and thanks too to all contributors, as ‘The
Holt’ is again an excellent read. A mixture of good and bad
news below, and some interesting events coming up this spring.
EVENT: Otter, Mink and Water Vole Survey of the Rivers
Wey and Jordan
Saturday 12th May (provisional date)
We have very little knowledge of where wetland mammals
are living in the Weymouth area, and we want to fill this gap by
carrying out a one-day ‘blitz’ survey. The day will
be suitable for any otter group member, as training will be given
regarding field signs of all three mammals. We will stick to our
usual format for our days out ie: routes will be planned around
picnics, pubs and tearooms! Please let me know if you are interested,
I will be sending out booking forms at the beginning of April. This
event is FREE.
EVENT: Aquatic Plants ID - New Naturalist Course
Saturday 19th May 11am - 2.30pm Tadnoll & Winfrith Reserve GR
SY793875
I am leading a practical outdoor session where participants
will learn to identify submerged and marginal plans. Suitable for
beginners and people with some botanical knowledge. Wear suitable
clothing and bring a packed lunch. Cost £10. Call DWT 01305
264620 to book a place.
EVENT: Aquatic Animals ID – New Naturalist Course
Saturday 7th July 10.30am – 3pm Kilwood Nature Reserve GR
SY 937827
Andy Abbott is leading a session where you can go pond
dipping and learn to identify nymphal forms of dragonflies and other
aquatic invertebrates. Bring wet weather gear, wellies and a packed
lunch. Cost £10. Call DWT 01305 264620 to book a place.
Dorset Otter Group Christmas Social December 2006
Over 50 people attended this popular event; we even ran
out of chairs. I am extremely grateful to Jason Fathers (Chalk and
Hawk Project) and Matt Hart (Environment Agency) who gave fantastic
talks (see ‘The Holt’ for more information on the otter
filming project and European eels).
Otter Group Administration Changes
Emily White and Darren Fanner have kindly agreed to become
Area Co-ordinators, to join Sheila Dawsey, Stephen Carroll, Roy
Heeler, Elizabeth James and Peter Irvine. Can surveyors send their
Winter 07 results to their co-ordinator as soon as possible. Ann
Thornton is a new volunteer with DWT, who is helping out with all
DOG administration here at Brooklands, which is making a huge difference
to me!
Otter Deaths in January 2007
Six dead otters were picked up by the Environment Agency
between 1 and 19th January. This figure should be considered against
the facts that in 2001 only 6 otters were picked up all year, and
we are only expecting around 12 for the whole of 2007. However,
EA and DWT were expecting a rise in otter deaths due to the extremely
high water levels. Two of the six otters were found within a week
of each other at the same site on the A31, adjacent to the Charlborough
Park Estate. They are assumed to be road traffic accident victims,
The Environment Agency had identified this site as a black spot
previously, and the Highways Agency have agreed that mitigation
measures will be installed at the site. Please keep informing us
of otter deaths as soon as possible after incidents.
Contact for DOG matters: Rachel Janes (Rivers
& Wetlands Conservation Officer) on 01305 264620 or email rjanes@dorsetwildlife.co.uk
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