December 2011

Hedgerows become more sparse as December approaches. It has been a good year for berries though, some such as Guelder berries, Haws and Sloes cling on to branches, but past their best. Holly berries are ripening thick and fast this year ready for the festive season. Teasel skeletons are scattered on grassy banks looking impressive even though not in flower.

It has been a good month for the birder. Peregrines have again been sighted flying over Bindon Hill. A resident of the village thinks they may have seen a female Hen harrier flying over the village with its wings held in a shallow ‘V’ shape. Their diet consists mainly of  Pipits and Voles, so lowland farmland is an ideal hunting ground in winter months.

On Bindon Hill, the bird most frequently seen is the gregarious Meadow Pipit, calling as it flies overhead ‘seep, seep’. The scratchy call of a Dartford Warbler has been heard on top of Bindon Hill on several occasions. On one such occasion, it flew out of the gorse dragging its long tail behind in weak flight.

It is the time of year when we look forward to seeing winter migrants such as Fieldfare and Redwing. We have seen flocks of Fieldfare in nearby fields, at first it is easy to mistake them for Mistle Thrushes until their call, ‘Gak, gak’ is heard. We look forward to our first Redwing sighting.

We have chosen Holly as the shrub of the month, which given the chance will grow into a small tree, it certainly adds a splash of colour to the hedgerows in the village.

Just to mention a few events coming up, we are organising a Lulworth Cove beach clean on the 11th December 1-3pm. If you are interested meet on the slipway, gloves and bags provided. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The World Heritage Site, we are leading a free guided walk which will include Stair Hole, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. This will take place from the Heritage Centre on the 13th December 10.30am – 1.00pm. For more information, or to book a place call the Rangers on 01920 400437.