August
I am told that the flower
or flowers associated with this month are Gladiolus or Poppy, along the
Wirral Way I have spotted one or two different poppies, the one I would call
the wild one very often associated with corn fields, and another type with a
larger more floppy flower head and a colour range from pale pink to a deep
red.
This month is usually good
for a show of butterflies and while I must show my lack of knowledge as to
the various types, I know the rangers are very good at noting the different
species and logging the sightings, etc
On speaking to the rangers
staff, they would enthuse about common blue, or a selection of large, or
small and green-veined whites, speckled wood butterflies along with common
darter, brown hawker and southern hawker dragonflies apparently these can be
abundant all around the park as there is plenty of birds-foot trefoil to be
found and of course the ever present nettles.
The target species for the
day was the small copper, only one of these was located at the top of a
grassy bank but due to some windy conditions whipping across the site the
overall tally was on the low side.
If you are out on a walk
and you spot something, maybe in the shelter of a hedge bordering the
footpath or adjoining horse track where plenty of common blue damselflies
along with other butterflies and dragonflies take advantage of the windbreak
offered by the hedge, make a quick note and later discuss this with the
rangers you will find them interested and possibly able to confirm your
sighting.
It is quite possible at
the end of your walk you had encountered ten butterfly species, including
those mentioned above along with small tortoiseshell, brimstone, meadow
brown and painted lady.
The late summer months
just before we go into the autumnal season is a time when avid bird watchers
or the title of “Twitchers” that is accorded to them, turn out in force. I
only learned recently that “Oystercatcher” birds are such important wildlife
species in the Dee, estuary that the Wirral Coat of Arms features one
sitting on the top of the crown.
At
the back end of July one of the members of the Wirral County Park Friends
Group Mr Derek Cotgrave, gave an excellent talk about his experiences all
over the world and the exotic species of birds he found in places like Sir
Lanka and Guyana in his official duties with the RSPB, and Derek still is
sometimes called to assist in ringing and dealing with birds locally if the
occasion arises.
I was delighted
to spot some exotic looking birds and described them to a ranger, who
assured me these were in fact Goldfinches; (Carduelis Carduelis) then showed
me a beautiful illustrated book that confirmed without doubt
In the past we have also had very interesting
presentations by friends of friends about the joys of Bee keeping and the
life and times of honey bees, bumble bees, worker bees, and drones, etc.
Wirral Country Park Friends Group is a voluntary group of local
residents who have a primary interest in seeing that much needed
improvements, enhancements, and the general well being of the park and
Wirral way is maintained, we welcome any new members and if you have an
interest in your local environment, and can help then get in touch. Check
out the web site www.WCPFG.org.uk
September:
It
really is a shame, summer passes so quickly, I seem to remember when I was a
child the summers were hotter and longer, the winters colder and the snow
was up to my waist.
How
well I remember older relatives saying be careful what you wish for when I
wanted lots of snow, seems things have gone full circle, for I fear this
winter is going to be a harsh one, all through the seasons this year 2010
the weather pattern has been to say the least unpredictable.
I am
hoping that now the open spaces grounds and gardens, parks etc, are in the
hands of a contractor for maintenance purposes we will soon see some
improvements, in respect of reducing some of the overgrowth and removing
that look of neglect that can very soon happen, when things are left to run
absolutely wild.
That
is not to say I expect it to all look manicured neat and tidy, we are
fortunate on the Wirral Country Park that we can have all of the best
features of a magnificent natural facility combined with a practical
approach in sections to enable users of the park be they on foot, cycle or
horse back to fully appreciate just what we have here.
The
abundant fruit harvest enjoyed by some has promoted a rash of home grown
recipes in many publications, anything from Elderberry Wine, to Apple and
Blackberry Pies, Nettle Beer, and a wide selection of ointments and potions
to soothe and heal skin complaints etc.
Flowers of the month:
You may be expected to see “anethum”
this is known as the herb Dill,
clusters of small yellow flowers
quite scented, “centaurea” also known as Blue Cornflower, very often found
just as the farmers are gathering their crops of corn, wheat, oats, and
barley from the fields bordering the Wirral Way.
And
the “papaver” or Poppy that
follow, “Asciepias” known as Milkweed, clusters of little white flowers.
Plus many more the Knowledgeable staff at the Visitors centre can provide
you with a wealth of information, you only have to ask. Maybe pick up a
leaflet and the latest copy of this news letter from the information
counter.
While out walking you may also find quite a few Daddy Long legs or crane
flies, some species grow to a fairly large size but look terribly fragile
with long thin legs and gossamer wings that seldom seem to stop flying about
in a random manner. Like butterflies and moths they emerge from a cocoon
type larval maggot known as leatherjackets very much sought after by lots of
birds as a succulent tasty food source.
Remember anything you do spot report it to the park rangers they appreciate
all the sightings and keep detail records on the Flora, Fauna, and
happenings all over the park and Wirral Way.
You
can become a valuable member of the Wirral Country Park Friends Group, and
help to preserve, maintain, and enhance this beautiful public amenity we are
so fortunate to have here right on our doorstep.
Check the web site www.WCPFG.org.uk
&
www.Best-Park-Wirral.org.uk
Sandy Cameron (WCPFG)
Calendar Items January 2010
A Time for Resolutions
January is a time for resolutions and new starts, so now is the ideal time to make the commitment to get out and about in Wirral’s Countryside, not only to enjoy the wonders of nature in the Country Park, but also to improve your overall health and well-being in the process. If it’s a bracing walk along the beach at Thurstaston that you’re after, or a more sheltered walk along the Wirral Way, it’s all here just waiting for you to discover. Before you set off, why not call into Thurstaston Visitor Centre, which is open every day of the week with the sole exception of Christmas Day, and pick up a free nature guide or just to have a chat with the Information Assistant who will help you plan your route?
There’s so much to see and do at this time of the year that you’re spoilt for choice. If you have a pair of binoculars with you and you’re on the cliff top or the beach you will have the added advantage of seeing thousands of wading birds, many of which are resident here all year round, but equally as many that have migrated here from Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic and Scandinavia. They are wintering over out on the estuary and will be here until spring or early summer when they will make the long journey back to their breeding grounds.
Equally, a walk along the Wirral Way will reveal many different species of birds flying from hedge to hedge looking for alternative food sources when all the berries have gone. If you visit early in the morning you will see rabbits hopping about on the paths scavenging for food or you might see a fox or a weasel. If you visit later on, as the short days draw to their close, you might be lucky enough to see a Barn Owl setting off on it’s evening hunting spree. It is also at this time of the year that we get the spectacular sunsets over the Dee Estuary. So whatever you’re doing, make sure you find the time to visit the Country Park- you know it makes sense!
Extract from Wirral Country Park Newsletter January 2010: compiled by James Locke
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
Come along to the next meeting and add to the discussion, air your views, pass on any useful comments, play your part, all are welcome.