All posts by David Pottinger

Volunteer Event This Sunday – 8 June 2014

Events, Volunteering

Following on from the very popular Sunday volunteer event in May, the next one is this coming Sunday, 8 June.

Colin Gray writes:

“The task for Sunday is further erosion repairs to the Gelvert Stream banks as for the May task (see picture below). Please ensure you have wellies with you if you want to be the volunteer(s) dabbling in the stream.”

For further information and booking (which is essential as the tools and resources needed have to be planned beforehand), please contact Hart Countryside Services – details here.

2014-05-11_Sunday Task

The Eye-Catching Benches At Sandy Bay

Walks

2014-05-16 SB Seat 1

David Pottinger writes:

Here’s a couple of photos of the two carved benches installed in May at Sandy Bay. If you’ve previously not spotted them, keep a look out for them in your walks around the Pond or, better still, try them out!

They were created by chainsaw carving by the same person that created the popular totem pole plus heron carving at the picnic area. For another impressive example, see also the dragonfly on display by the carver at the recent Wildlife Day at Fleet Pond.

2014-05-16 SB Seat 2

Photo credits: David Pottinger

Photos From Fleet Pond Wildlife Day 2014

Events

2014-05-31_WD Rescue Hedgehog 2

An albino hedgehog cared for by Hart Wildlife Rescue (see also below)

David Pottinger writes:

Here are a selection of photos taken at the very popular Wildlife Day held at Fleet Pond yesterday plus some brief explanatory captions. Click each picture for a larger version. These and additional photos taken on the day may also be found on the Fleet Pond Society (FPS) Group site on Flickr.

2014-05-31_WD Dipping 3

 Pond dipping at the platform installed last year by FPS (see also here)

2014-05-31_WD Dipping 4

 Pond dipping nearby the platform (seeing what the nets bring up and identifying the results)

2014-05-31_WD FPS Stand

 The FPS stand, supplying information and advice to the public

2014-05-31_WD Bird Box 2

 Making bird boxes was very popular

2014-05-31_WD Fish Measuring 2

 Measuring fish caught earlier in the day by the EA

2014-05-31_WD Fish Small Perch

 All sizes of fish are in the Pond – here are some extremely small perch

2014-05-31_WD Fish Tank 2

 And here are some much larger fish – a very impressive collection!

2014-05-31_WD Investigating The Pond

 EA and FPS members going to investigate the aquatic nursery

2014-05-31_WD Odiham Scouts

 The very popular refreshment stand manned by the Odiham Scouts (who also help out on our conservation activities as well)

2014-05-31_WD Parade of Stands

 The parade of stalls at the Wildlife Day

2014-05-31_WD Carving Dragonfly

 Chainsaw woodcarving – an impressive dragonfly (see also here)

2014-05-31_WD Rescue Hedgehog 1

Introducing the albino hedgehog to the chainsaw carver (see also above top)

Photo credits: David Pottinger

Wildlife Day At Fleet Pond – Saturday, 31st May

Education, Events

Here’s a reminder that there’s a free Wildlife Day at Fleet Pond this coming Saturday, 31st May (10 am to 2 pm).

At the time of writing the weather forecast is quite reasonable (but please check beforehand).

From the Wildlife Day poster (see here for details):

“Come and join the rangers from Hart Countryside Services and volunteers from the Fleet Pond Society for this free event at Fleet Pond.

Take part in a variety of exciting activities such as pond dipping, bird watching and bug hunting. You can even try some bird box building!

Come and chat with representatives from local organisations such as the RSPB and Hampshire Wildlife Trust, whilst enjoying local crafts and food.

The Odiham District Explorer Scout group will be selling delicious homemade cakes along with tea and coffee.”

The Mackenzie Smith Photography Competition 2014

Photography

Mackenzie Smith, the local estate agents, with linked offices in Fleet, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Farnborough and Ash Vale, are running a photography competition:

To celebrate these areas we have decided to hold a photography competition to showcase the diversity and beauty of North Hampshire.  The competition will run right through to November 2014 to give you the opportunity to catch the changing seasons.

Mackenzie Smith Photo Competition

We would like you to capture the changing beauty of the local area, or anything that you think is particularly interesting or would make a good picture in the calendar.

There will be two grand prize winners in the following age categories, under 18’s and 18’s & over, with £250 going to each grand prize winner and Mackenzie Smith then also donating £250 to a charity of the winners choosing.

The twelve best entries will make up our 2015 calendar with the twelve photographers all receiving a free copy.

The deadline for the competition is 1st November 2014.

Full competition details (including Terms and Conditions) can be found on their website – see here.

Why not enter a suitable picture taken at Fleet Pond Nature Reserve?