South Notts Local Group
Bringing the work of the Trust to your doorstep
Rushcliffe’s Wildlife Web Site
Reserves
The South Notts Local Members Group, known as the SNG represents members of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust resident in the south of the county, principally in the borough of Rushcliffe. More about the Group...
Clean that bird feeder!
Many people in Britain regularly feed birds during the winter and spring, with bird feeders, tables
and food being big-selling items at garden centres. All this is great news for birds, leading to much
improved survival rates for small hedgerow and woodland species during bad weather and the breeding
season. But, there has been a significant rise in bird diseases over recent years, especially in avian
pox, which has spread rapidly since its first appearance in the UK about 5 years ago. Research suggests
that this spread is facilitated by birds gathering at ‘feeding stations’, such as bird tables, bird
feeders and bird baths. Here saliva, droppings and feathers from infected birds can remain on the
feeders and pass on the infection to later visitors. Please help reduce the spread of bird diseases
by regularly and thoroughly cleaning the bird feeders, bird tables and bird baths in your garden.
Before you put out fresh bird food: wash the feeder, rinse it with clean water and dry it (drying the
feeder stops the fresh food getting damp and going mouldy).
More on BTO web site...
News
Giving nature a helping hand (updated 12 January 12)
The work party season is now well under way at our nature reserves. Whether it is looking after the infrastructure, mowing meadows, cutting back the scrub or giving ponds a bit of TLC it is time to get out in the fresh air! This all helps to maintain our best wildlife habitats and the species that use them. Our local nature reserves require active management to prevent them losing their identity. If this sort of work appeals to you, now is as good a time as any to get up and out. See our new reserve work parties page, or download our printable guide to South Notts reserve work parties (PDF document).
Autumn to Spring Wildlife Out and About Programme (added 23 October 11)
For our full activities programme (walks, talks, reserve open days etc.) from now until April 2012 check the What’s On list at the bottom of this page, or download our What’s On booklet as a PDF document (print double-sided on A4).
Summer Quiz: Answers now available! (updated 17 November 11)
Our summer fund-raising quiz began back in May, when the first quiz sheets were distributed at the Spring Fair. It ran throughout the summer, with completed entries due in by the closing date of 30 September 2011. So our quizmaster has now issued his quiz sheet filled-in with the definitive answers, which you may download as a PDF document. Jane Wisher from Shepshed got all 40 answers correct and so wins the £20 prize. Andrew Kirk from Wilford receives the £5 draw prize. Congratulations to our winners, and our thanks to all who took part!
Winter newsletter now available (added 13 December 11)
Our latest newsletter, for December 2011 to April 2012, is now available to read online or to download as-printed (PDF).
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (updated 7 February 12)
The RSPB’s annual winter Big Garden Birdwatch was held over the weekend 28–29 January 2012. Thanks to all the people who take part, these quick annual surveys have revealed significant trends in Britain’s bird population. This year’s results should indicate if there has been a ‘bounce-back’ in bird populations since last year’s very cold winter. If you took part but have not yet sent in your results, you can still submit them via the RSPB website – where results should soon start appearing.
Work party news (updated 7 February 12)
Contact details for the Sharphill Wood work party have recently changed. There is a new meeting place for the work party at The Hook, Lady Bay. And the Bunny Wood work party entry now includes their spring programme. Please see our current work parties page or printable guide for latest details.