October 2020 Nature Notes
Sickleholme Nature Notes
It turned out to be somewhat of a soggy October with wet and windy weather on more days than usual. That inevitably inhibited both golf and wildlife observations, whilst adding to the mood created by the wider restrictions imposed upon us by the Covid-19 virus.
At such times, it is helpful to look ahead and I was much encouraged by email exchanges and conversations with Matt and Patrick. Matt is enthusiastic about creating more wildflower areas and is looking at suitable sites and sources from which to obtain the right sorts of seeds. His newest member of staff, Janine, is also keenly interested in what can be done in that respect and is anxious to help. Patrick has separately been investigating the possibilities of a small reedbed area and if this is possible then it would have multiple benefits. Apart from the benefit to a range of wildlife creatures, the water authorities advise that reeds “polish” running water and help to maintain water quality. None of these initiatives need interfere with our golf in any way, so I look forward to being able to report further progress.
Bird reports this month have been mainly about thrushes plus more overhead Pink-footed Geese heading for Norfolk. There has been the usual influx of continental Blackbirds and at the beginning of the month there was a steady stream of Redwings travelling southwards. In mid-month I saw my first Fieldfare of the autumn, with 40 on 13th and 90 on 14th but Mike Elsworth then reported even higher numbers.
Autumn sees our main showing of fungi and we had plans for individuals from Sorby Natural History Society to help us identify at least some of the many species present. This may now have to be deferred until next year, so I have been trying to extend my own limited knowledge beyond just the red and white Fly Agaric “pixie houses” which are found on many parts of the course. This month’s photograph, taken by Trevor Hoyland, is of a dense group of Clustered Brittlestems that have been close to the path just below the 5th tees.
With the course about to close for the rest of the month, any contributions towards the next wildlife notes will be gratefully received.
Bryan Barnacle
