Seeing the Changes 238

There seem to be a lot of wild flowers still in bloom as one jogs (slowly) from the University to Westcross. They include Sea bindweed (Calystegia soldanella); Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium); Dandelion (Taraxacum spp); Lesser hawkbit (Leontodon saxatilis); Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea); Sea mayweed (Tripleurospermum maritimum); Daisy (Bellis perennis); Bastard cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum); Annual wall rocket (Diplotaxis muralis); Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum); Large-flowered evening primrose (Oenothera glazoviana); Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis); Rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum); White clover (Trifolium repens); Red clover (Trifolium pratense); Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis); Sea plantain (Plantago maritima); Bramble (Rubus fruticosa); Yarrow (Achillea millefolium); Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis); Sunspurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) and Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). Bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) continued to bounce from flower to flower.

River Trent Takes a 'Suicide Pill'

A twenty-mile portion of the River Trent has been poisoned by the release of cyanide into its waters (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/07/water-metalworks-suspected-cyanide-leak). The cyanide (suspected to be the result of illegal dumping from a steel polishing company in the area) has not only directly killed lots of fish (including an estimated 2000 Sticklebacks on one 100 yard section) but killed the bacteria that process sewage in the Strongford water treatment plant (these effects last for days until the bacteria can be re-generated). The latter effect has resulted in sewage and ammonia leaking into the river exacerbating the problems (oxygen levels are, for example, greatly reduced). There are also concerns about other animals in the area including otters and fish-eating birds. All this is likely to result from one illegal act!

A 'Spike' in Rhino Horn Poaching

Disturbing news (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/oct/07/rhino-horn-poaching-south-africa) that there has been a great surge in the killing of South African rhinos (with 84 rhinoceros killed by poachers thus far this year, including 33 in the flag ship establishment of Kruger Park), an activity linked to an "insatiable appetite for rhinoceros horn in east Asia". Horns (added as a powder to medicines to treat fevers and other illness, as well as being used to manufacture the handles of daggers given at puberty to boys in Yemen and Oman) can apparently sell currently for around £125 (but the ground version, like drugs, can be 'cut' with other substances, greatly expanding the profit margin). There are also reports that collectors in Asia are hoarding horn (like gold?) as they expect it to increase in value. It has been noted that the poachers have gone hi-tech, using helicopters and automatic rifles, in their 'military-like' activities. It seems to me that the poor old rhino has little chance under these present pressures.

A Lawn Unto Itself?

I thought it might be interesting to see have long it takes the grass in front of Fulton House to recover after having the large marque placed on top of it. The picture immediately above was taken on the day of the tent's removal. It looked pretty trashed! The second picture was taken 3 days later. The grass is less compacted but is still etiolated. Four days after that, there is not much of an improvement but a bit greener. After yet another four days, it's starting to look like grass again (although still very damaged). The rain, after yet another 4 days, has resulted in its almost returning to normal (except for where the struts were).

Seeing the Changes 237

It must be Autumn. Not only are the trees changing colour and losing leaves, but the Great black slug (Arion ater) is depositing its eggs for the next generation.

Late Butterfly Migrations

It has been claimed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/oct/01/uk-butterfly-season-weather) that the late spell of warm weather has extended the brooding season for many species of UK butterflies. Substantial numbers of migrating Clouded yellows (Colias croceus) have been noted in southern counties of England.

Ex-Parrots?

Interesting (but not very new) news from the London Evening Standard (http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23751194-open-season-on-parakeets.do) that Natural England have confirmed that there is to be open season on London's 40,000 feral Ring-necked parakeets along with the Monk parakeet, Canada goose and Egyptian goose. All these alien species can be humanely shot, trapped or netted (along with native crows and magpies) where thay are deemed to pose a threat to natural lifelife, public health or public safety. The Ring-necked parakeet has been described as "the Grey squirrel of the skies" and has been accused of 'bullying' smaller birds and even attacking church spires! I understand the reasoning behind the decisions but the birds are simply doing what they do.