Category Archives: People

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.

FPS and Fleet Half-Marathon

Events, Fund Raising, People

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A photo from last year’s Fleet Half-Marathon

David Pottinger writes:

In a previous post I mentioned that Roxanne Lewington and Tara Skinner, from the Fleet-based marketing team at Mackenzie Smith, are busily training for the very popular Fleet Half-Marathon. We’re very grateful that all the monies raised for this event will go to Fleet Pond Society’s Clearwater Campaign.

If you’d like to support Roxanne and Tara, and in so doing help fund improvements at Fleet Pond Nature Reserve, please donate on their Virgin Money Giving page here.

You can read more about this on a recent post on the Mackenzie Smith blog, which includes the following comment from Roxanne:

“I haven’t entered into anything like this for a while, years in fact. The last big physical challenge I can remember is climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco back in 2009 which was a completely different experience. It’s been tricky to stick to a training regimen but I’m making progress. On the day the energy is going to feel very different to running on my own, with the streets lined at start and finish and with those running around me as examples to spur me on I’m determined to finish the 12 miles.”

Everyone at FPS wishes them both the very best on the day!

Full details of the Fleet Half-Marathon on Sunday 22 March can be found here. Why not come along and cheer the participants on – it’s a really good event!

FPS Photographic Competition 2014 Results

Events, People, Photography

FPS Photo Comp Winners 2014

David Pottinger writes:

The results of Fleet Pond Society’s popular Photographic Competition were announced at the FPS AGM on Saturday 21st February. The theme for the competition for 2014 was ‘Fleeting Moments’ and the poster above gives snapshots of the winning and highly commended entries.

The Competition and Rosebowl Winner for 2014 was Terry Austin. Terry is the Deputy Chairman of FPS and is well-known for his many contributions to the conservation of Fleet Pond (see for example here).

Below is a photo from the award ceremony at the AGM.

Regarding the winning photo, please note the following important information:

“Following concerns raised by a number of people, Fleet Pond Society must emphasise that taking photographs of birds on the nest can only be done under license from BTO (British Trust for Ornithology). The photographer must hold a license or be supervised by a license holder. The latter was the case for the photo of the Black-backed gull chick which was photographed as part of the bird ringing exercise on the island set aside for nesting gulls and terns. The chick shown was ringed and returned safely to the nest for the photograph.”

FPS Photo Comp 2014 Winners and Judges

From left to right: David Styler (Secretary of Fleet Lions), Terry Austin (Competition and Rosebowl Winner), Tim Seed (Highly Commended) and Richard Keeley (who was on the panel of judges for the competition and is a member of Farnborough Lions)

The photos below are high resolution versions of the entries by Terry Austin and Liza Toth (please note that these are both rather large files).

FPS Photo Comp 2014 Terry Austin

The Competition Winner for 2014 was Terry Austin who captured this marvellous moment

FPS Photo Comp 2014 Liza Toth

A spectacular moment captured by Liza Toth (People’s Choice Winner)

The competition for 2015 will be announced later this year.

You can see the winning entries for the competition from previous years here.

Volunteer Of The Year Award 2014: Rachel Jones

Events, People

Volunteer of the Year Award 2015

Rachel Jones with Councillor Myra Billings

Cathy Holden writes:

Rachel Jones has been named as recipient of the Chairman of Hart District Council’s Award for Fleet Pond Society’s ‘Volunteer of the Year 2014’. Rachel is a Hart Countryside Ranger with special responsibility for Fleet Pond and it was the unanimous vote of the Society Committee that Rachel should receive this award for frequently going beyond her regulated duties.

Rachel said: “I was really surprised and shocked! I feel very privileged. It is wonderful that the Society and the Ranger Service work together so well completing valuable work to enhance and protect the Fleet Pond Nature Reserve. I look forward to a long future of this wonderful relationship.”

The award was presented by Councillor Myra Billings, Chairman of Hart District Council, at the Society’s recent AGM. The citation stated:

“The Committee considered a number of names but one stood out above the others. This person is one who makes the monthly volunteer tasks always enjoyable and takes extra care that volunteers are made welcome and that they know how to work safely and effectively. This volunteer can also often be found joining the ad hoc, but often weekly, Last of the Summer Wine volunteer tasks which contribute voluntary labour to specific tasks. These tend to be tasks that could not be done by the wider range of age groups we host at the monthly tasks, as they can take volunteers into more hazardous conditions or involve use of mechanical equipment.

Members might think that this volunteer is an unusual choice as she is on the payroll of Hart Countryside Service and has a particular responsibility for Fleet Pond. Her dedication to Fleet Pond, her support for our volunteers and the numerous occasions on which she gives extra voluntary hours to any activity at Fleet Pond we believe qualifies her to receive this award. Her dedication and her infectious sense of humour and fun have made her a much valued member of our team.”

Colin Gray, Chairman of the Fleet Pond Society added: “I am very pleased that Rachel received the unanimous support of the FPS Committee as the chosen nominee for this award. It underlines the very positive, friendly and effective relationship that exists between the Society volunteers and the Hart Countryside Service.”

Picture credit: Michelle Salter.

A Shocking Time For Fish At The Pond

Events, People, Plants and Animals

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

Geoff Dee, Committee Member of Fleet Pond Society (FPS), writes:

As part of the Fleet Pond Restoration Project a fish exclusion zone was proposed on the western edge of the pond to the north of the Chestnut Grove landing stage. A permeable curtain is used which allows free flow of water but does not allow fish to enter the zone.

The purpose of the exclusion zone is to allow aquatic plants and zooplankton to grow without fear of predation by fish. (As an experiment wooden frames filled with toilet brushes have been placed in the exclusion zone to provide a safe habitat for the zooplankton to grow and multiply.)

The zooplankton (tiny creatures like daphnia for example) will feed on algae which live suspended in the water, allowing the clarity of the water to improve. Once sunlight can reach the bottom of the lake seeds in the base mud will hopefully germinate and grow into submerged aquatic plants which will increase the oxygen levels in the water and provide food and sanctuary for other aquatic invertebrates.

It is hoped that these will provide a reservoir of vulnerable species which can be used to restock the main pond once the dredging and other works are completed.

The curtaining off of the exclusion zone was completed recently ready for the fish to be removed. A decision had already been taken that the best way to remove the fish would be to use electro-fishing. An experienced crew in a boat dangle anodes in the water and uses a current of between 1 and 5 amps at 150 volts (depending on the conductivity of the water) to attract and temporarily stun the fish which are then carefully removed by another member of the team using a net to transfer them to tanks filled with oxygenated water from the lake. At the end of the exercise these are then relocated into the main body of the pond.

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On a bright and crisp morning in early November the team from the Environment Agency arrived at Chestnut Grove to electro-fish the exclusion zone. Dr. Karen Twine (known in angling circles as the “Barbel Lady” for her research into barbel populations in the River Great Ouse) assisted by Dave Hellard, Andrew Wetherby and Michael Collins loaded up their boat with the necessary equipment and moved into the exclusion zone where they electro-fished for more than two hours, watched from another boat by Terry Austin and myself of FPS.

The catch was not enormous in quantity but included pike, perch, roach and bream.

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Given that the exclusion zone will need to be electro-fished regularly (every year or every other year) this is a long-term project. (At Barton Broad in Norfolk it took about two years to achieve a higher clarity of water.) If the exclusion zone is successful another zone may be created close to Sandy Bay.

For further background watch the video on YouTube as displayed above.

Ed. A version of this article first appeared in the FPS Autumn 2014 Newsletter under the title: ‘Fish Exclusion Zone and Electro-Fishing at Fleet Pond’. The newsletter is available to members of FPS (joining instructions here).