This was well attended with members of Council on hand to show new members around the site. June Atkinson gave them an introduction to the site’s specialities such as the wonderful Pyramidal Orchids, upwards of 150 again this year. There was a good selection of plants along the northern shore of the lake and round to the pond including Red Bartsia, Betony, Scarlet Pimpernel, Yellow Wort, Wild Strawberry, Knapweed, Tufted Vetch and Common Spotted Orchid. Kerry also led a walk round the whole of the South Lake. June pointed out the Sand Martin wall which had over 50 nests again this year but there was some sad news regarding the Common Tern chicks which had been predated by Crows. Many Blue Damsel flies were on the wing and some Four Spotted Chasers too. The site can be very sheltered but the brisk wind was quite evident in places making photography difficult, but on the whole we avoided showers and it was a very enjoyable morning.
Thank you to Muff and Jack who manned the gate so it was open to members who hadn’t got a key. Keys for the gate and the hide can be obtained by members only from Sue Coldwell gen.sechdns@yahoo.co.uk for a £20 deposit which you can pay online or by cheque to HDNS and send to the Treasurer, Lynne Gilland; the details are on the membership card.
Also thank you to June and the Management Team for maintaining the site for members to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Sue Coldwell
