Category Archives: Education

Cormorants at the Pond

Education, Photography, Plants and Animals

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Visitors taking photographs of birds at Fleet Pond

David Pottinger writes:

Recently I was walking to the station via the Pond and I came across two visitors from Farnborough (see above) who were doing some wildlife photography. We had a brief chat about their visit and they mentioned that they were especially interested in the cormorants at the Pond. Here is some information on these interesting birds.

The RSPB website describes the Cormorant as follows:

“A large and conspicuous waterbird, the cormorant has an almost primitive appearance with its long neck making it appear almost reptilian. It is often seen standing with its wings held out to dry. Regarded by some as black, sinister and greedy, cormorants are supreme fishers which can bring them into conflict with anglers and they have been persecuted in the past. The UK holds internationally important wintering numbers.”

Colin Gray, Chairman of Fleet Pond Society, adds:

“The cormorant is designed to hunt fish in deep water. It therefore lacks the natural oils in its feathers that other waterbirds have to give them buoyancy. The bird needs rapid manoeuverability under water and to be able to stay submerged for some time. It therefore has to stop regularly to dry the feathers between hunting trips. This lack of buoyancy also explains why it swims with only the head, neck and part of the upper body above water.

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A spectacular shot of a cormorant roost at dusk at the Pond by Nigel Cridland (click to enlarge)

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An impressive closeup of a pair of cormorants drying themselves off at Fleet Pond by Barry Perfect (click to enlarge)

Habitually, mature birds return to coastal cliff sites to breed in summer and only young and non-breeding cormorants will be found inland in summer. In more recent years, however, the number of commercial freshwater fisheries inland have led to some birds breeding close to these and not taking to coastal breeding sites. One pair attempted to breed at Fleet Pond on Cormorant Island two years ago and two young hatched. The nest was destroyed however and it is uncertain if the two young survived.

The cormorant looks black from a distance, often because the feathers are wet, but on closer inspection on a sunny day the plumage has a glossy, iridescent green/blue sheen similar to that seen on a mature male starling in summer plumage. Young cormorants have pale, almost white breast feathers.”

Photo credits: with kind courtesy of the mentioned photographers.

Beavers Pay A Visit To The Pond

Education, Events, Volunteering

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Above and below are a selection of photos taken when the Hawk Moth Beavers, of the 100th Elvetham Heath Scout Group, visited Fleet Pond last month.

Information on Scouting and the different sections of the above Scout Group can be found on their website here, including:

Scouting is run by volunteers, and all of those involved in the 100th Elvetham Heath Scout Group give their time and skills to make Scouting happen. We always need leaders, assistants and parent helpers to make the evenings possible for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, but other volunteers are also necessary.

If you have a skill, trade or hobby and could spare some time, please let us know.

Many thanks to the Beavers for supplying the photos.

This event provides a good example of one of the many ways that Fleet Pond Society (FPS) helps in raising awareness and appreciation of Fleet Pond Nature Reserve.

If you would like to join FPS, and in so doing help support us in our numerous voluntary activities, please see here.

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Fleet Pond Wildlife Day This Coming Saturday

Education, Events

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Why not come along to the Wildlife Day at Fleet Pond this Saturday? There’s lots to see and do, for adults and children alike, and all in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Still undecided? Well, to get a flavour of the day, take a look at the photos taken from last year, see here. There’s more going on than you might imagine!

Fleet Pond Society (FPS) will have a tent and stall there, so if you’d like to talk to us about what we do or perhaps how you could get involved (we’re always looking for new volunteers), do call in and have a chat – you’d be most welcome!

Chris Packham And A Tortoise Called Charles Darwin

Education, Events, People

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Cathy Holden writes:

“The Patron of Fleet Pond Society (FPS), the naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham, opened a new science complex at the University of Lincoln on 14th April 2015 with the aid of a tortoise called Charles Darwin! The latter had been training hard in order to cut the ribbon by biting through his favourite Rocket and Dandelion vegetation (see pictures above and below, as well as the gallery here).

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Chris Packham has been appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Lincoln and will be teaching undergraduates on Zoology, Biology, Biomedical/Bioveterinary Science and Animal Behaviour and Welfare courses (see also the video clip below).

Professor Packham said: ‘If you really care for a subject, you should teach it and I am delighted by this opportunity to share my passion for wildlife and my experiences of some of the most urgent conservation issues we face.

I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to pursue a career in the areas which fascinate and impassion me. The future is in the hands of this generation and I hope to contribute to preparing them for this responsibility. There is simplicity in nature’s perfection and so much to learn. I am envious of the students at Lincoln who are embarking on that journey of discovery.’

Dr Libby John, Head of the School of Life Sciences, said:
‘We are delighted to welcome Professor Packham to the academic community at the University of Lincoln. At Lincoln we provide our students with a varied and engaging programme of scientific study. They have the opportunity to work closely with world class academics on research projects, engage in international fieldtrips and conduct a wide variety of project work. Professor Packham will bring a challenging and stimulating insight to our conservation teaching.’

Chris’s interest in wildlife was formed at a young age, studying kestrels, shrews and badgers in his teens and undergraduate days. After graduation, he began taking still photographs and trained as a wildlife film cameraman. His photography continues with exhibitions and invitations to judge prestigious competitions but the camerawork gave way to presenting.

In 2010 Chris was awarded the Dilys Breese BTO Medal for ‘his outstanding work in promoting science to new audiences’ and he is an enthusiastic supporter of many wildlife, conservation or environmental charities. He ran the hugely successful production company ‘Head over Heels‘ making programmes for Animal Planet, National Geographic, ITV and the BBC.

Professor Chris Packham officially opened the University of Lincoln’s state-of-the-art Joseph Banks Laboratories on Tuesday 14th April 2015. The same day he delivered his inaugural public lecture to around 300 students.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dn4Fn-cpiyY&w=560&h=315]

The above article first appeared in the FPS Newsletter for Spring 2015. If you’d like to receive this, please consider joining the Society, we’re always keen on new members! Joining instructions are here.

Aliens At The Pond

Conservation, Education, Plants and Animals

Fleet Pond is both a Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (an overview and map is here). The latter has important implications, in particular the avoidance of the introduction of alien species.

Colin Gray, Chairman of Fleet Pond Society, explains and give some examples of the importance of not introducing non-native plants or animals:

“Fleet Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The legislation that notifies a SSSI includes the protection of native plants and animals naturally found on the site. These regulations have been incorporated into the by-laws governing Fleet Pond.

Any non-native plant or animal poses a threat to the survival of the native species. There are already examples of how non-native species are having an adverse effect. The American Skunk Cabbage that grew in abundance in the wet area of Brookly Wood has spread its seeds via the Brookly Stream and can now be found at numerous sites around the water edges. The large, thick leaves shade light off smaller, less vigorous plants.

American Skunk-cabbage

Picture of Skunk Cabbage at the Pond – see here

Rhododendron and Cherry Laurel, both “aliens” are competing successfully with native species in the wooded areas. These tend to be introduced by roots spreading out and by birds carrying the seed. Seed of Red Currant and Cotoneaster have also led to these plants now appearing at several sites.

Most of the above is as a result of being close to private gardens containing these plants and cannot be considered “deliberate” introduction of non-natives.

Introduction of animals or birds is also illegal under this legislation. Sadly we cannot take the animal rights group to court for releasing Mink from fur farms; too distant in time and space, but this has led to a non-native animal having a serious adverse impact on our birds and small mammals. Similarly the introduction of the American Signal Crayfish is a result of a serious mistake elsewhere.

A couple of years ago I stopped two people carrying a large plastic bag containing goldfish. They were planning to put them in Fleet Pond. I explained that such an act was illegal and likely to attract a high fine and they changed their minds and drove away. The fact that a goldfish would be very unlikely to survive long as they are so easy to spot by our fish eating birds meant their chance of survival was low, but goldfish can carry virus or parasites that would be transferred to the carp in the pond.

Introducing plants or animals deliberately must be avoided if the integrity of Fleet Pond’s SSSI notification is to be maintained. There are therefore potentially high financial penalties for anyone found to be introducing a non-native plant or animal.

Recently we found two small “pits” cut into a bank on the Dry Heath and hidden by the gorse thickets there. These had been surrounded by chicken wire, filled with fresh soil and planted with unidentified seeds. Had we caught the culprit the fine imposed could have been high and, in some cases, the penalty can be levied per plant. This attempt at introducing plants has been removed but we will need to keep our eyes open to ensure another attempt is not made.

Please let us know should you see anyone planting plants or trees or releasing any animal or warn them of the consequences of their action.”

From the GOV.UK site:

Sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) conserve and protect the best of our wildlife, geological and physiographical heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. There are over 4,000 SSSIs in England, covering around 8% of the country.