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Monday, April 11th, 2016 | Author:

Springtime is coming!

With an obvious eye for a view, Soonu Dilke sent us this photo of the Mere (with the willow basket sculpture on the opposite bank) taken on a sunny afternoon in March…

SoonuDilke1

 

Many thanks Soonu, we look forward to more of your photos in the future.

Thursday, November 26th, 2015 | Author:

a misty, moisty morning view, recently provided by one of our members

carolines

 

the best time to appreciate the aesthetics of our shed?
Wednesday, June 03rd, 2015 | Author:

Herony2015 It’s that time of year.

 

 

A heron on sentry duty in the willow tree, looking for a snack in or on the water below. Duckling and fish as likely targets.

….and a fox lurking in the undergrowth, probably heading for nearby back gardens

 

Fox22515

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Friday, February 06th, 2015 | Author:

The flooding of a year ago is practically forgotten.

A clear, cold and still morning on site to do a bit of general tidying and a few sightings in the process, all seen on the mere within 15 minutes or so;

………… a kingfisher enjoying the sunshine

kingfisher1

a tufted duck …….tufted duck2

the ubiquitous mallard showing his colours ……. mallard3

 

……………………..  and is that a little grebe? …. little grebe

Spring is almost sprung!

Thursday, February 20th, 2014 | Author:

7th February, the Ver overflows …

 

wwa tidal path 2014 and a previously waterlogged path disappears

wwa mallard highground mallard head for the high ground

and on the 9th Feb the water level rises to an unprecedented level ….

wwa hightide 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

when will it end?!

 

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013 | Author:

This female ‘leaflitter crab spider’ – Ozyptila praticola – was found at the reserve yesterday on an ivy-covered tree trunk beside the bog.  These spiders are very well camouflaged amongst earth or on tree bark and they move very slowly, playing a sit-and-wait game to capture their prey rather than making a web or actively hunting.  They will also rely on their camouflage or play dead (thanatosis) rather than run away if disturbed.  Ozyptila praticola are fairly common in southern England.

 

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Saturday, November 02nd, 2013 | Author:

The sunshine today was enough to tempt out plenty of wolf spiders plus
this smart young Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis)

Pisaura mirabilis from the reserve

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Wednesday, August 29th, 2012 | Author:

the kingfishers are no rumour.

Seen perching on the boardwalk handrail, Tuesday morning…. and yes, there are two. No copying or pasting here …..

Monday, July 16th, 2012 | Author:

One man went to mow ……

 

A rare dry day saw the volunteers out in force for the first cut of the meadow area ……

 

Sunday, April 15th, 2012 | Author:

 

A view of the River Ver now the hedge has been laid.

Make the most of it! Recent showers have had  no effect on the continuing fall in water level.

On the subject of our local chalk stream, a new book has been announced ……

The River Ver –  A Meander through Time

 by Jacqui Banfield-Taylor

 

 

This first major and comprehensive work on the River Ver
reveals a fascinating story from source to confluence and prehistory to the
twenty-first century of a chalk stream that has shaped not only the local
landscape but the lives of people past and present.

With a forward by the renowned television presenter and
wildlife photographer Chris Packham of Spring/Autumn Watch fame, the book tells
of the Ver’s long, interesting and chequered history, including archaeology and
geology, milling and watercress growing, problems with abstraction along with
rainfall and aquifer records, abstraction and flow charts and comprehensive
records and details of a selection of local flora and fauna.

There are wonderful personal memories and experiences
sprinkled throughout the book of people who have lived, worked and played on or
near the river, helping to bring the past to us here in the present, all
complemented with over 300 illustrations, many never seen before in public and
some going back more than 250 years.

The River Ver, A Meander through Time, makes it clear how
valuable and important our chalk streams are and how vital it is to raise their
profile and that of the rich diversity of wildlife they support. This
beautifully written and illustrated book hopes to encourage readers to take an
interest in exploring and caring for this superlative resource and its
surroundings and help to give the River Ver its rightful importance now and for
future generations.

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