Announcement

FAMILY FUN DAY

 

Abram Woodland & Wildlife conservation Group would like to invite you to a small mammal survey on Sunday 13 September 2015, 7.30am start. Over the weekend traps will be laid in the hope of capturing many small mammals. This will be the group’s third SMS in two years, the previous two survey’s have proved the presence of mice, voles and shrew on our site. Survey objective is to ascertain continued presence of the various species, and whether or not our conservation management techniques are working. The traps will be opened Sunday morning and results observed. Following this will be a family fun orienteering course. CRACKING WAY TO SPEND SUNDAY MORNING.

 

ABRAM Village Fete

May of this year, saw the first village fete held next to the historic site of Abram Morris dancing ground on Park Lane, in well over a hundred years. The event was organized by our group, with the aim of introducing the ourselves to the wider community of Abram and surrounding towns and villages. The day went well and the weather was very favourable, making the nature trail hunt, exhibits and demonstrations, fun for all. Visitor numbers, approximately 85, was a good showing for first village fete.

Exhibitors 

Morris men taking a break 

Chainsaw carving demonstrations

We hope to hold similar events in the coming months.

Winter (Christmas) Bird Survey

What a fabulous walk this turned out to be, eight of us turned up. Not bad considering it was five days before Christmas. It was led, again, partly by me and Steve Atkins of GMEU. Steve thought we could practice the 1 KM transect survey method. The birds spotted on site were as expected, mainly, natives. However, there were quite a few surprises, flocks of Redwing showing all morning, Bullfinch making an appearance and Greenfinch (not seen on site for many a year). Fantastic five hours of bird watching fun.. Survey details posted at later date.

Autumn Bird Survey

Another wonderful day of on-site bird surveying and a delightful identification workshop to finish the event. Full report and maps to follow, once Rodis is back on-line and working properly!
Special sightings were; Willow tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and flock of longtailed tits. We also heard a Treecreeper, awesome!!

Woodland survey

Three day woodland survey was a great success. Small mammal trapping proved presence of common shrew. Field vole and wood mouse, which we already knew were present from last years trapping, were also caught. Pipistrelle and Noctule bat were observed and verified by bat detectors. Hundreds of moths were caught, among them the Lesser Swallow Prominent, and various species of caddis fly caught. A more detailed record of results will be posted soon.

Birdsong ID Workshop

What a fantastic morning we had. The workshop led by Steve Atkins of the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit, proved to be extremely productive. Maypole wood is Home to: Blackcap, Lesser Redpoll, Whitethroat, Greater spotted woodpecker and Goldcrest. We heard and observed other birds, insects and botanicals. Full report will be posted when all recorded data is received back from the GMEU.

Butterfly catching

A diary note:

My daughter and I went for a butterfly hunt for a couple of hours this afternoon in Maypole wood. Cracking little adventure, we caught Hedge browns, Meadow browns, a Green veined White, plenty of day moths and four Red Admirals. We didn’t actually catch the ‘Admirals,’ far too quick. So, we just stood still and watched them flutter and glide around us, much to my daughters amusement. For a fleeting moment, the ‘Admiral’ landed on her net.  She instantly giggled and later commented how ‘cool’ that had been…

Secretary

Litter Picking

Three of us out at wood last night, President, treasurer and secretary; 1 1/2hrs of  litter picking. Not a glamorous past time, but a necessary activity if we are to create a more appealing area. Three quarters of a cubic metre of rubbish collected, with two rusty chairs and front ‘bumper’ of a car. Plenty more rubbish to collect! More volunteers needed!

Fire damage and rubbish strewn everywhere on hill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More rubbish and damage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

el president hard at work rubbish collecting

 

 

 

 

Plenty more rubbish and litter to be collected! We need more volunteers! Any body willing to help??

 

 

Butterfly Survey

Due to unfavourable weather forecast this event was cancelled. Instead, a RSPB wild square survey took place. AWWCG president, treasurer, secretary and their children took part. Many species of animal and plant were found and other wildlife discoveries made. For a couple of us the highlight of the day was watching the swallows catch day moths and flies, all within a few feet of our heads. Cracking day out!

Some of the more notable observations are listed below.

We discovered:

1. Birds nests
2. Squirrel drays
3. Shield bugs
4. Spiders
5. Butterfly’s
6. Day moths
7. Chiffchaffs
8.  Swallows
9. Ground beetle
10. Wild orchids and many other plants

Maypole Wood

AWWCG has for some time, investigated into the possibility of naming the site we manage off Park Lane in Abram. At November AGM, committee agreed the name should be, ‘Maypole Wood’. This would be in keeping with the area as once there was a dwelling on the site known as Maypole house. I’m pleased to inform everyone that Wigan council duly named the site, ‘Maypole Wood,’ on 11 March 2014.