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The Bristol Avon Otter Survey... 


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Nature in Avon 
2002 Volume 62 


Bristol Naturalists’ Society 
Registered Charity No. 235494 


Anyone interested in natural history or geology may 
apply to join. | 
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NATURE IN AVON 


THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BRISTOL NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY 
Founded in 1862 
© Bristol Naturalists’ Society 2003 


VOLUME 62 (for 2002) 


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Printed for the Society 
By the Charlesworth Group, Huddersfield 
ISSN 0068-1040 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:2 


EDITORIAL 


Dr Terry Smith as Editor of Nature in Avon. In the previous two issues he 
has set new standards in both content and presentation and I have strived to 
maintain these standards. 


| was with more than a little trepidation that I took on the task of succeeding 


Terry has been of immense help to me in preparing this edition and I am most 
grateful to both him and Richard Bland for their expertise and advice on 
editorial matters. I must also thank the other members of the Publications 
Committee for their guidance, and Mike Gaunt of Charlesworth Group, the 
printers, who has given freely of his knowledge in order to prepare this material 
for publication. 


There would be no Nature in Avon were it not for the authors of articles, 
compilers of Biota and the members of Council and Sections who keep the 
records of the Society’s activities throughout the year. These contributors keep 
the ‘Proceedings’ what they have always been, a highly respected journal with a 
long and distinguished history. 


In furtherance of the committee’s endeavours to make Nature in Avon an 
attractive and readable journal, we are once more seeking shorter contributions, 
together with more substantial articles, and we hope that these will still reflect 
the regional interests of our members. 


Whilst welcoming contributions, we would urge members wishing to submit 
articles that they should read the /nstructions for Authors reproduced on the 
inside back cover of the Journal. Adherence to these instructions makes the life 
of the Editor very much easier. 


Once again, the Editor must accept responsibility for any typographical errors 
that may have been reproduced in this issue, and for these he sincerely 
apologises. 


Peter Belcher, 
Cowslip Cottage, 
Slate Lane, 
Compton Dando, 
Bristol, 

BS39 4LN. 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:3-7 


Rerum Cognoscere Causas 
Fulfilling a vision. 
R. L. Bland 


how should it relate to the various other local organisations, some of 

whom have articles in this journal? A good way of finding an answer is 
to look back to our foundation 140 years ago. On May 8th 1862, Adolph 
Leipner, newly appointed to teach Natural Philosophy (called science today) at 
Clifton College, summoned a meeting of like-minded men in Clifton and 
created the Bristol Naturalists’ Society. At its first meeting its purpose was 
stated to be “to undertake every kind of science that finds culture amongst us” 
and “‘to combine the efforts of many observers, and unite in one body all who 
are willing to work’. He became the first Secretary of the Society, a post he held 
for the next thirty years. He was to become primarily a botanist, but his 
scientific interests were very wide, and his vision was to guide the society until 
his death in 1894, and remains in force to this day. 


A n 140th birthday is a good time to take stock. What is the BNS for? And 


In the first two years the Society established its rules and membership, and held 
a variety of meetings on diverse subjects. Then in April 1864 Adolph Leipner 
suggested, as an immediate objective for the society, creating a complete 
Natural History of the region, to include the geology, botany and zoology, and 
all wholeheartedly supported this. There must have been much discussion about 
how this was to be achieved. The result was that sections were created covering 
entomology, botany, geology, chemistry and zoology. Each had its own 
president, and each would be dedicated to its section of natural history. It was 
decided to cover an area of nine miles from the centre of Bristol, with Clevedon 
and Weston-super-Mare covered in an appendix, and to produce an octavo 
volume. As E.H. Swete in his Flora Bristoliensis of 1854 had already described 
the botany of the region, the botanical section began work at once on creating a 
herbarium for the museum, to act as a reference collection for all. 


Meanwhile William Saunders, the first President, had published in 1864 his 
geological map of the Bristol Coalfield, defining in great detail exactly where on 
the ground each successive rock strata could be found, and it became apparent 
to all that the area defined by this study was the appropriate one to cover. It ran 
from Berkeley in the North to Wells in the South and was larger than the later 
county of Avon. It must also have become apparent that the enterprise was a 
very large one, and that the Proceedings were probably the best place in which 
the results could be published. 


The first Proceedings article that could be considered part of the great enterprise 
was perhaps G.F. Burder’s 1872 article on the rainfall in Clifton since 1850. 


3 


Richard Bland 


Then in 1874 began a series of articles, which were to set the scene for the next 
twenty years. First W.W. Stoddart published an outline article on the geology of 
the Bristol Coalfield, which was to be the first of a long series by a variety of 
authors detailing the complex geology of the region. In the same volume he had 
an article on the geological distribution of Bristol Mosses, showing how the 
moss species reflected the underlying geology. A. Leipner produced an article 
on land and freshwater molluscs of the Bristol region, making it clear that he 
was not simply a botanist. 


In 1875 for the first time the coat of arms of the society featured in the 
introduction to the Proceedings, with the Society motto. This was the nineteenth 
century equivalent of the vision statement of today, and had the great merit of 
being very concise. “Rerum cognoscere causas”, meaning, “to understand the 
whole natural world’, a quote from Vergil, set the Society a target that, if a little 
ambitious, could at least be realised in some way within the immediate locality. 


In 1875 E. Wheeler produced the Birds of the Bristol District identifying 168 
species. In 1876 Cedric Bucknall published the first of 13 papers on the fungi of 
the region. His list of fungi ran to 1431 species, 100 of them new to Britain and 
was completed in 1890. It is striking that there were more species of fungi 
known than of plants. 


Also in 1876 A.E. Hudd listed the first paper on the Lepidoptera, noting in the 
introduction that this was part of Leipner’s grand endeavour. The insects were 
successively published, being completed in 1883. 1310 species were recorded, 
which were compared with 1246 in Norfolk and 1341 in Yorkshire, the only 
other counties to have published complete lists. He was later to list 1300 species 
for the Victoria County History of Somerset, which appeared in 1903. 


In 1879 the botanists decided to prepare a new flora as it was nearly thirty years 
since the last, and in 1881 the first paper on the ‘Botany of the Bristol Coalfield’ 
by J.W. White appeared. It is astonishing that it should be produced so rapidly, 
but A. Leipner was by now Professor of Botany at the University, and the ten 
years of work on the herbarium must have provided much of the data. The last 
part of this work was published in 1885. J.W. White went on to publish regular 
supplements, and this culminated in ‘The Flora of Bristol’ published as a 
separate work in 1912. This is widely regarded as a classic of its type. From 
1913 he produced an annual report on new botanical discoveries, which 
continues in the same form to this day, and is the basis of the biota section of the 
present Proceedings. 


In 1883 a short series of full weather records began to be published by H.B. 
Jupp, to complement Burder’s rainfall records. This was later to be taken over 


4 


RERUM COGNOSCERE CAUSAS 


by Rintoul, and his Clifton College records to 1916 were the official records for 
the Meteorological Office. In 1920 the records from the Long Ashton Research 
Station became the standard, as they are to this day, though, as it is shortly to 
close, this will cease. 


A. Leipner died in 1894, and his obituary does not mention the great project. In 
1898 the British Association for the advancement of science met in Bristol and 
its handbook, which I have been unable to find, gave a complete account in brief 
in one volume of the natural history of the area, based on the work that had been 
done so far. In one sense this was what Leipner had originally hoped for. But the 
efforts he had inspired in them proved to be a further inspiration. In 1897, for 
instance, an Ornithological Section was created specifically to update Wheeler’s 
1975 list, and in 1901 a new list of 197 species was published, and the section 
dissolved. In 1922 it was resuscitated under the leadership of Coldstream 
Tuckett, and has flourished ever since. 


But there was much more to do. There were new geological discoveries such as 
the Tortworth inlier identified in 1907, an area of exceptionally ancient rocks 
exposed at the surface. In the same year H.C. Charbonnier published the 
Mammals of the Bristol District, finding 37 species, and E.E. Fritsch recorded 
‘The Algae of Abbots Pool’. In 1912 Arthur Vaughan published a magisterial 
article on the Avonian series of Carboniferous Limestone in the Avon Gorge, 
with very fine photographs of both sides of the Gorge. In the same year H.C. 
Charbonnier published a list of the Diptera of the district and in 1913 there was 
an article on the distribution of Mycetozoa, a branch of the fungi. In 1915 
appeared an account of the natural history of Steep Holm by a series of authors, 
the first detailed study of a specific area. 


The post war world years saw a number of developments. Firstly, the concept of 
an annual biota, with notes on Botany, joined in 1936 by notes on Birds, which 
was to become, in due course, the Avon Bird Report, and from 1949 a report on 
Lepidoptera. At first these concentrated on rarities, but increasingly have sought 
to monitor the process of change. 


Secondly there were increasing numbers of studies of specific sites. These 
began with an article in 1928 by Stuart Thompson on the Berrow Flats, in 1929 
one on the Avon banks, and in 1932 a study of Denny island by Harrison 
Matthews. In 1933 A.C. Leach looked at the birds of Barrow Gurney reservoirs, 
and Averil Morley in 1934 the bird-life of Clifton Down. The heath association 
of Black Down in 1937 and the ecology of Dundry Hill by Gertrude Bailey in 
1939 were other notable studies. 


Thirdly a series of studies of marine life began. The first was a note on sea 
5 


Richard Bland 


fisheries by Harrison Matthews in 1933. Then came two articles on the coast of 
Somerset by O. D. Kendall in 1936 and 1939. In 1937 the first of 19 articles on 
the biology of the Bristol Channel was published. This was part of an intensive 
study by the Bristol University Biology Department, some of it published by the 
BNS, which lasted until 1956. 


Fourthly there were continuing updates on previous studies of the Bristol area. 
H. Audcent published regular lists of the Diptera between 1928 and 1934, listing 
1750 species. H. Tetley published a study of the land mammals in 1940 as a 
result of the change since Charbonniers article in 1907, which noted the first 
sightings of Grey Squirrels in the area, and Harrison Matthews published a note 
on marine mammals. Sandwith was working on the alien flora of the docks in 
particular, and published a study in 1932. In 1947 H.H. Davis published an 
updated version of the bird list with 276 species. 


In all this development Leipner’s vision was not forgotten. J.W. Tutch 
mentioned it in an historical sketch of the society in 1932 and it was repeated in 
the Centenary History produced in 1962. The vision of a single work 
encompassing the whole was almost achieved in 1955 when ‘Bristol and its 
Adjoining Counties’ was published for the meeting in that year of the British 
Association for the Advancement of Science. There were detailed articles on 
geology, physiography, climate, fauna and vegetation. Most were written by 
members of the university, but the Proceedings of the Society feature large in 
the references. 


This was in some ways a highpoint. There existed an extraordinarily complete 
knowledge of the geology, plants, birds, fishes, insects, fungi and marine 
organisms of the area defined by William Sanders map of 1864, the greater part 
of it printed within the Proceedings. 


Since then our understanding has become in many ways far more complete. The 
changes have been complex. Firstly the focus has switched. Bristol observers 
now see themselves as part of a national network, creating national 
understanding. The formation of the British Trust for Ornithology and the 
Botanical Society of the British Isles encouraged participation in national 
surveys from the 1930s. These have become increasingly the focus of society 
activity, whereby we harness local knowledge and enthusiasms to national aims. 
The advent of computers has made this ever more effective. The notion of 
uniting the efforts of many observers noted in 1862 has been realised a wholly 
new way. 


Secondly the recognition that the natural world is not static, but in a process of 
perpetual flux, driven in part by natural processes of competition and variation, 


6 


RERUM COGNOSCERE CAUSAS 


in part by the environmental stresses created by man. Hence the desire to map 
distribution by atlases, and to monitor populations by ever more sophisticated 
techniques. This began in the plant world and spread to the birds. It was to lead 
to the establishment of the Bristol Environmental Records Centre, part of a 
national network of information. 


Thirdly there developed an increasing awareness of the fragility of the 
environment itself, and the danger of local extinctions. This was already clear to 
J.W. White in 1912, and to ornithologists in the 1930s, but as we learnt to 
measure population change we have become aware of the scale both of gains 
and losses in many species. This led to the demand for conservation, and the 
establishment of the Avon Wildlife Trust. 


It led also to a recognition by central and local government of the necessity of 
creating a society that was in the long term sustainable. The word is on 
everyone’s lips, but its real meaning, that we must live in complete harmony 
with the natural world, taking from it no more than we back put in, is very far 
from any sort of realisation. 


Fourthly these changes made the study of natural history an increasingly 
professional activity. The world of the amateur naturalist, represented with such 
brilliance by the BNS, even though its founder and many of its early members 
were also Professors of Botany or Geology, appears to be irrelevant. 


But, finally and most significantly, there also came a recognisation that 
everyone could and must be involved both in understanding and in protecting 
the natural world. Everyone could participate in citizen science, and be involved 
in their own locality. Thus there came into being new local societies and nature 
reserves, an enthusiasm for doing something that in some way would show that 
we did care and were involved. 


Adolph Leipner’s vision of bringing together the observations of all in order to 
create a complete understanding of the natural world that supports our 
civilisation is as valid and necessary today as it ever was. The need to ensure 
that those who take the key decisions are guided by precise and sound 
knowledge of the probable impact of their actions has never been greater, and 
the need to educate every citizen in a democratic society is vital. The Bristol 
Naturalists’ Society has played an outstanding role in this process in the past 
140 years, and will continue to do so. 


Richard Bland 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:8-11 


Reflections 
Mary Taylor 


Our President in 2002, Mrs Ann Wookey, suggested that, as my membership 
spans more than fifty-five years, it might be interesting to write some notes on 
changes in the Society during that time. What follows is the result. A few 
members are mentioned by name: more information about some of them is given 
in my husband’s paper ‘100 years of Ornithology in the BNS’, in our 
proceedings for1999. 


y parents joined the BNS in the mid-1940’s, having been duly 
AY, ee for membership by an existing member, as was then 

necessary. A basic subscription was paid, plus an additional sum (half 
a crown, or 12.5p) for each section joined. I was accepted as a Junior Member 
soon afterwards. The first time I attended a meeting alone it was with great 
anxiety that I found my way to the University Quadrangle and up the steps to 
the Wiglesworth Library. A gentleman in bowler hat and dark overcoat assured 
me in a deep, booming voice that this was indeed the venue of the lecture to be 
given by Howard Davis, long time Secretary of the Ornithological Section, on 
‘The Art of Archibald Thorburn’. The many sketches and signed artist’s proofs, 
some now in our possession, were indeed the treat of a lifetime. Thorburn was 
one of the foremost bird illustrators of the time, contributing many plates to the 
famous Handbook of British Birds. 


It was the great character and falconer Harry Savory who had been my guide. 
He it was who gave another memorable lecture, on hawks and hawking, at 
which he showed some beautiful hoods and jesses from the Dutch House of 
Orange. Another well remembered talk was on the effects of fluorine in drinking 
water in preventing tooth decay, but in excess causing fluorosis. This was long 
before fluorine was deliberately added to our mains water. 


In my earlier years most meetings were held in University lecture theatres and 
attended by numbers of academics and by teachers from public schools. 
Business took time. Minutes of the previous meeting, including a summary of 
the lecture, were read and confirmed. Any recent observations by members were 
noted. Then followed a formal introduction of the speaker, together with details 
of his (seldom her) work and achievements. In those days a lecture with no form 
of visual aid was the norm, and many were given by members. The use of an 
epidiascope required an assistant to manipulate the books and engravings; 
likewise for the slide lantern, to handle the heavy boxes of 3-inch glass slides. 
After questions came a fulsome vote of thanks. Reminders of forthcoming 
meetings followed and then folk crowded round the lecture bench to chat or 
examine books, pictures or specimens on display. Due to post-war shortages 


8 


REFLECTIONS 


there were very few new books, and paper was of poor quality, with only a few 
black and white illustrations. Skilled photographers like J.H. Savory and R.P. 
Gait would bring prints taken with their cumbersome half-plate cameras. It was 
a time when specimens were still ‘obtained’ and on one never to be forgotten 
occasion a reverend gentleman, having visited Brean Sands after a severe storm, 
displayed a box full or heads from various seabirds that he had found dead on 
the beach, decapitated. Over the years visual aids came to be usual — First, black 
and white slides, followed by colour slides, then colour films, and, most 
recently, Power Point presentations. 


One great memory was of my first annual dinner, a very formal affair held at 
Bristol’s Grand Hotel. I was the youngest present, among all those important 
people! Food rationing was still in force, but it was the sense of occasion plus 
the guest speaker’s talk that mattered — Field-Marshal Lord Alanbrooke, Chief 
of the Imperial General Staff, came to show his films of Sparrowhawks nesting 
on his estate. The Society has seen many changes in this feast, from the 
formality of the hotels and then the University’s Senior Common Room, 
through a delightful summer cheese and wine party in Goldney Garden, then the 
D.I.Y. efforts of a few years ago, to the splendid celebrations of two recent 
years, when we returned to our roots at the Masonic Hall at the foot of Park 
Street. 


The gift of lecturing was not possessed by all; on one occasion, we suffered an 
hour’s reading of closely written notes without once raising either eyes or voice 
— I don’t remember the subject. This contrasts with an occasion when Brian 
Vesey-Fitzgerald, well-known naturalist and broadcaster, chatted for a similar 
time while relaxing back against the laboratory bench, and kept us enthralled. 
From that occasion the expression ‘chime of dandy dogs’, for a group of hunting 
weasels, passed into our family vocabulary. Another notable occasion was a 
lecture on gulls by Professor Niko Tinbergen, the famous ecologist. I missed 
this talk, being in hospital awaiting the birth of my first child, but he kindly 
autographed my copy of his New Naturalist volume, ‘The Herring Gull’s 
World’, and on hearing the reason for my absence, he ornamented its title page 
with a sketch of two gulls giving the ‘long call’ 


The Society’s links with the University have weakened with changes in its 
organisation. Once, the Professors of Botany, Zoology and Geology were lords 
of their departments, and — all being BNS members — gave permission for 
meetings to be held in their lecture rooms. Now the University is run as a 
business, and hire of rooms has become so costly that we have had to move 
elsewhere; while lecturers are so busy that few have time to devote to local 
societies. 


Mary Taylor 


Presidents of the Society used to alternate between professionals, often 
academics from the university, and amateurs from other backgrounds. Sir Lewis 
Fermor, who was President when I was first a member, seemed to me to be 
rather distant and aloof — having retired from the Geological Survey of India as 
an eminent man famed for discovering important manganese deposits, he was 
held in some awe. 


Communication with members was by means of the monthly foolscap Pink 
Sheet. This eventually became the ‘Yellow Peril’, which grew into the Bulletin 
we have today, though the number of pages has grown along with the breadth 
and interest of its contents. 


A constant companion on country walks was A Flower Book for the Pocket, by 
Macgregor Skene, Professor of Botany in the University, who sometimes 
lectured to the Botanical Section on difficult groups, like the grasses. Field trips 
by coach were very popular; giving access to places that could not be reached 
by public transport (few members owned cars). We all reacted with pleasure 
when the words ‘a cream tea will be taken’ ended the details on the Pink Sheet 
of a forthcoming trip to Exmoor — a real luxury, as food rationing continued into 
the 1950s. On ornithological outings a great deal depended on the leader’s 
knowledge of the area, skill in identification and ability to impart this to others. 
It is easy to forget that in the early post-war days very few had the luxury of 
field glasses, and fewer still owned prismatic binoculars. There was a degree of 
mutual help along members, who shared their glasses and tips on recognition. I 
had only a small second-hand telescope and later a superior ex-naval ’scope 
with variable magnification. No tripods — a ledge, rock, knee or borrowed 
shoulder had to suffice. Pocket field-guides were almost non-existent: my 
Observer's Book of Birds with only alternate colour plates was my only aid at 
first. Later a copy of Birds of the Wayside and Woodland abridged by Enid 
Blyton from the three-volume work by T.A. Coward, was my essential 
companion. In those days I was a frequent visitor to the bird collections in the 
City Museum to gain knowledge of comparative sizes and colours of similar and 
related species. It was 1954 when the first coloured guide specifically for the 
field identification of birds appeared. 


Of outdoor meetings, a geological field trip in 1948/9 led by Prof.Whittard was 
without doubt the most prophetic. We walked along the beach at Aust and were 
shown the area where the strata and underlying geological formation would be 
suitable for the siting of a bridge across the River Severn. I certainly never 
thought this would become a reality, even less that in my lifetime there would 
be a second bridge! The little car ferry seemed quite adequate then, though if it 
was closed due to bad weather a long cycle ride round Gloucester was needed 


10 


REFLECTIONS 


(as happened to me one Easter, when the weather also caused both the Oxford 
and Cambridge boats to sink during the Boat Race). 


A number of BNS members have greatly enriched my life through their humour, 
knowledge and erudition. Amongst those no longer with us I must mention 
George Sweet with his great knowledge of the New Forest and its rarer raptors; 
G.A. Forrest who would enliven coach trip with comments like ‘I defended a 
man from there against a murder charge’; H.R. (‘Steve’) Hammacott; H.W. 
Neal, with his uncanny instinct for nest-finding and a fund of stories from pre- 
war years; and last, but not least, G.E. Clothier, who fostered my early interest 
in birds and sustained it with his practical guidance and enthusiasm (he once 
described me as “a small girl with a very long telescope’. 


One aspect of the Society has always been the amount of time put in by officers 
and members, but over the years a far more active role has become necessary for 
those holding elected positions, demanding a much heavier commitment in a far 
busier world. Changes in the legal obligations of the society, its charitable status 
and the need for health and safety compliance, have had major effects on its 
management. In the past it was hard to be elected to a committee or similar post, 
but now it is sometimes difficult to find a volunteer. 


Little did I know what an impact the BNS was to have on my life and on my 
marriage. From the moment my husband succeeded me on the committee of the 
Ornithological Section in the mid-1950’s, he seems to have been involved in 
almost every part of the Society. There have been times when I have felt like 
citing the BNS as grounds for divorce; the worlds ‘Proceedings’ and ‘Bird 
Report’ often struck dread into the household, knowing that holidays and 
outings would take second place. This is my opportunity to tell of the hours, 
nights and early mornings when the typewriter would be in full cry, and of the 
effort and patience needed to make lines fit — there was no automatic 
justification then; the words ‘cut and paste’ meant just that. In the days before 
word processors scissors and paste were used to change single words, or lines of 
type were literally rearranged to fit the page or the final number of pages. Five 
a.m. was the record early morning finish. The relief when a manuscript went at 
last to the printers was tremendous. I do realise that producing a well-written 
article or paper is a matter of great personal pride and satisfaction to my 
husband. We celebrated our golden wedding in 2002, so my earlier thoughts did 
not come to fruition. 


Mrs. M.V. Taylor, 
10 Cheddar Close, 
Nailsea BS48 4YA. 
e-mail: chedclo@blueyonder.co.uk 
1] 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:12-23 


The Natural History of Ten Acres 
Faith and Tony Moulin 


over a period of several years as the interests of a group of local wildlife 

enthusiasts developed and _ crystallised. Many of YACWAG’s 
committee members were originally part of a local group of the Avon Wildlife 
Trust, or involved with the Yeo Valley Watch Group, but in the spirit of Local 
Agenda 21, began to think and act more locally. Under the previous banner of 
‘Friends of Biddle Street SSSI’, the group had, since 1995, been managing a 2.3 
km section of the disused railway, the Cheddar Valley Railway Local Nature 
Reserve, on behalf of North Somerset Council with help from English Nature, 
but in 1999 new legislation obliged charity registration. To reflect a wider 
interest a name change was required, and so YACWAG was born, with Tony 
Moulin as Chairperson. 
We felt that the freedom to experiment with nature conservation methods, and 
the continuity of our actions, could only be achieved by ownership of land. This 
opportunity arose almost immediately when a number of fields on Congresbury 
Moor came onto the market. Mark Britten, a local farmer with a great interest in 
wildlife, bought some of them that were adjacent to his own land, and told us 
that a particular field might suit our purposes. The field was just over ten acres 
in size (4.089 hectares) and immediately became known, with little originality, 
as ‘Ten Acres’. It became our ambition to purchase it and turn it into a nature 
reserve. 
The new experience of raising large sums of money was both exhilarating and 
anxiety provoking, with many twists and turns. As the field is within the Biddle 
Street SSSI and is floodplain grazing marsh, a habitat covered by a national 
Biodiversity Action Plan as well as a local one, we approached the Heritage 
Lottery Fund. To our delight they were able to provide almost £20,000, which 
was 75% of the project costs. Other contributions came from Yanley and North 
Somerset Environmental Company (YANSEC) from the landfill tax rebate 
scheme, and by Wessex Water, who gave us £2,500 as their very first ‘Gold 
Award’ project. 


: Yatton and Congresbury Wildlife Action Group (YACWAG) evolved 


A brief history 

Ten Acres appears on the 1840 tithe map as two enclosures separated by a ditch. 
This ditch is clearly visible on the RAF aerial photograph of 1946 but more 
recently it had disappeared, although it retained some hawthorns on the eastern 
bank. This ditch was now home to old beds, domestic and farm machinery, dead 
animals, copious amounts of black plastic and manure. One of our first tasks 
was to remove this and have the ditch reinstated. We added a berm on one side 
for added wildlife value, and the spoil from this operation created a north-south 
bund providing other opportunities for wildlife. 

12 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


In one corner of the field we had noticed a stone platform. A survey by a field 
archaeologist revealed that a bridge on this spot had formed an access to the 
Great, or North, Moor of Congresbury. This bridge is shown on a 1736 survey 
of lands in Congresbury belonging to Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital of Bristol. The 
moor in the eighteenth century appeared as an open common, bounded to the 
south by the Congresbury Yeo, to the east by lands known as Cow Leaze and 
the Hurst, to the north by the irregular Hurst Pool Rhyne and to the west by an 
ancient trackway called Waterlands Way and an early enclosure known as New 
Croft (Broomhead, 1999). New Croft is now also owned by YACWAG. 

A moor is often thought of as an upland area with heather growing on it. The 
true definition does not require it to be a high place, and the moors of North 
Somerset are inland areas, while the term ‘levels’ generally refers to coastal 
areas underlain by alluvial clay. In the past, moors were regarded as ‘waste 
ground’ of little value, yet this land had been productive for centuries, providing 
local people with fish, eels, wildfowl and summer grazing, as well as reed for 
thatch and rushes for floor covering and lights (Storer, 1972). Although some 
drainage took place before the Enclosure Acts the land must always have been 
wet in winter. There were no houses here and few tracks across it. The routes 
from Yatton to Congresbury or from Yatton to Hewish lay on higher ground to 
the east, or were protected from flood by the ancient sea defence known as Gang 
Wall (Campbell, 1997). The earliest documentation is medieval with references 
to the driving of cattle onto the moor. A survey of 1567 mentions the ‘North 
More’ of Congresbury (Broomhead, 1999). 


Big Changes 

The North or Great Moor was enclosed by an Act of Parliament in about 1813 
and became known as the ‘New Moor’ on the Enclosure maps. Why was it 
known as the ‘New Moor’ if it had ‘always’ been a common area for the use of 
Congresbury villagers? Local areas acquired with the enclosures new names — 
Kenn Moor, Nailsea Moor, Tickenham Moor and ... Congresbury Moor (Beisly, 
1996). It is to be supposed that with the extensive improvements to flood 
defences and drainage, this area now useful to the new agricultural system was 
in that sense a ‘new’ moor. 

There were very great changes to the landscape at the time of the Enclosure Acts 
and Congresbury Moor suffered the same agricultural improvements as the rest 
of the country. A large pond or lake disappeared from the maps and a new drain 
was put in. John Rennie, later Sir John Rennie, the Victorian engineer of 
renown, engineered the local drainage system, which was finished in 1827. His 
complicated solution to the problem of how to prevent the tidal water of the 
Congresbury Yeo from inundating the Moor involved a rhyne being culverted 
underneath the river to join another new rhyne (Hildich, 2001). The work was 
extremely successful and the system remains effective today. Another great 
Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was responsible for further 


3 


Faith and Tony Moulin 


changes in the landscape when the Cheddar Valley Railway, a Broad Gauge 
branch of the Great Western Railway, sliced through the north east corner of the 
moor on an embankment in 1867-9. 


New Cut 
When the area that includes Ten Acres was divided up into fields by the 
excavation of rhynes forming ‘wet fences’, Rennie’s New Cut was dug on the 
southern boundary of the field. It must have been a huge upheaval for wildlife 
at this time with the destruction of marsh habitat in favour of creating land 
suitable for cattle grazing. Ten Acres was probably not ploughed and re-seeded 
but the improved drainage affected the flora and, within decades, confined the 
wetland species to the edges of the rhynes and ditches. 
The New Cut is 
now managed by 
the West Mendip 
Internal Drainage 
Board (IDB), 
being) “a “very 
important part of 
the flood defences 
for homes 72 in 
Congresbury. 
It is dredged and 
keeched (weed 
cleared) often and 
the vegetation cut 
from the banks 
twice a_ year. 
There. arewiiew 
niches for wildlife 
with this kind of 
management, and 
most of _ the 
wetland flora has 
disappeared to be 
replaced soon by 
nettles. | Shortly 
after YACWAG bought Ten Acres we were delighted to see a large number of 
Small Tortoiseshell (Ag/ais urticae) caterpillars feeding on nettles at the top of 
the bank to the New Cut. Within a week or so these were totally destroyed when 
the bank was cut by the IDB. Traditionally the IDBs have had almost absolute 
powers to maintain drainage in any way their Board sees fit. After much 
lobbying of Parliament some modernisation is now in place and it is recognised 
14 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


that the IDBs have an important role in conserving biodiversity. As landowners 
we are required to pay an annual rate to the IDB for their work, and we were 
now able to request them to reduce the cutting of the banks of New Cut in 
accordance with their own best practice guide and their duty to nature 
conservation imposed by central government under the Land Drainage Act 
1994. 

There is a potentially happy ending as a partnership project was undertaken 
early in 2003 to improve New Cut. This pilot project will reduce the need for 
intensive maintenance and prevent the banks of Rennie’s Rhyne from slumping. 
Most landowners are reluctant to lose any of their land for IDB improvements, 
but YACWAG has allowed the edge of the field to be taken because of the gains 
for nature conservation. 150 metres of the ditch has been re-profiled with berms 
and varied bank gradients to provide a diversity of niches for emergent plants. It 
is hoped that this will also suit the Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris), which 1s 
one of only eleven priority species of terrestrial mammals to be identified in the 
Biodiversity Steering Group Report in 1995 as needing conservation action. A 
Species Action Plan was published in 1997. YACWAG’s bank should not 
‘need’ cutting frequently because of the increased capacity of the rhyne, and we 
envisage cutting in strips every other year as recommended in the Water Vole 
Conservation Handbook (Strachan, 1998). 


A watching brief 

YACWAG’s priority was to see what happened with minimum intervention. By 
the time we acquired Ten Acres it had been receiving annual applications of 
fertiliser “to beef up the grass”. We favoured a low-intensive approach and 
decided simply to let the grass grow! First of all it was important to establish 
what was already on the site. Amateur enthusiasts were soon grappling with 
keys and accompanying those with more knowledge into the field. We never 
refused an opportunity to walk down to the field with professional ecologists 
and learn from them. Thus we were able to identify many grasses and sedges, 
and were rewarded by a good diversity to practise on. The fertiliser had not done 
as much damage as might have been feared, and the invertebrates seemed 
surprisingly numerous too. 

In our first summer we stood on the Cheddar Valley Railway path and enjoyed a 
sense of pride in seeing a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) hovering over our field. It 
was the middle of July and Ten Acres was the only field on the moor with long 
grass. The grass was full of Field Voles (Microtus agrestis). It set the scene for 
YACWAG’s future management actions on Congresbury Moor. We would try 
to provide habitat, which, because of current agricultural practice, no longer 
existed. 


Faith and Tony Moulin 


Just add water 

English Nature had designated Biddle Street a SSSI in 1994 because of the 
aquatic species present in the rhynes and ditches. An agreement was reached to 
put the field under the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES), and English 
Nature enthusiastically encouraged us to accommodate more water. 

One of our first actions was to create more wetland features. As well as 
restoring the straight ditch previously mentioned, including the creation of a 
semi-circular shallow pool half way along it, we also opened up some field 
gutters, smashing clay drainage pipes in the process and creating small (half a 
metre wide) ditches that hold water in the winter. These field gutters are known 
in Somerset as ‘grips’ (pronounced gripes) and produce an undulating 
Bos in fields. This additional water storage area also helps to maintain 
the dampness of the field. In the second 
year Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) 
was flanking some of these field gutters. 
We also decided to create a new ditch that 
would divide the remaining area in half, 
creating three compartments within the 
field. These could then be treated 
differently and provide comparisons for 
management techniques or regimes. This 
new linear pond can truly be called the 
glory of Ten Acres. 


The Wiggly Ditch 

The Wiggly Ditch, as it has become known, was constructed with the help of 
Andy Pearce of Pearce Waterscapes and the encouragement of Stephen Parker 
of English Nature, and was funded by WES capital payments. Incorporating 
some bends in the design provided areas with different aspects to catch the sun 
or provide shelter from the wind. It also gave corners for shy creatures to hide 
in. Beside our new super-ditch the huge bunds of extracted clay have provided a 
useful niche for small mammals when the ground is wet, as well as a range of 
colonising plants. From the field gate it is impossible to see the larger creatures 
using the waterside, but the many slots of Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) show 
that it is a regular track for them. A stroll along the edge of the Wiggly Ditch 
will often flush out Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), Mallard (Anas platrhynchos) 
or Green sandpiper (7ringa ochropus). On 8th November 2002 Trevor Riddle, a 
trustee of YACWAG who monitors the birds on our patch, flushed a record 21 
Snipe from the ditch edge. 

The ditch has a deep central channel designed to provide deep water at all times 
and resist colonisation by emergent plants. A berm was constructed on both 
sides to provide shallow water habitats where birds and mammals can drink and 
where the water is warmer for invertebrates. The banks slope gently and thus 


16 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


provide optimum wildlife habitat. While local rhynes and ditches do provide 
some good habitat, the narrow strip at the side of a ditch is often too restricted to 
be useful to wildlife. In an intensively grazed field the traditional steep sided 
drainage rhynes provide little cover from 
predators and a very restricted range of 
opportunities for both plants and animals. Our 
Wiggly Ditch provides a variety of food, cover 
and shelter. 

A plug of clay was inserted at the open end of 
the ditch close to the Hurst Pool Rhyne. This 
reduces the fluctuations in water levels that 
occur elsewhere on the moor. Footprints show 
that this is also a handy crossing point for the 
local foxes and deer. 


Colonisation 

In the first year the plants that appeared in the open water of the Wiggly Ditch 
were alarmingly unattractive algae but the edges soon also greened up with 
abundant creeping Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), Common Spike-rush 
(Eleocharis palustris) and the dainty annual Toad Rush (Juncus bufonius). 
There were also some ominously large, green, grass-like leaves. These had 
stationed themselves at the corners of the wiggly bits of the ditch and gave rise 
to astonishment from many people that they had not been deliberately planted as 
they were so well spaced and so aesthetically pleasing in their symmetry. 

After a few months several thuggish plants could be identified: Greater Reed- 
mace (Bulrush) (7ypha latifolia), Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum) and 
one stand of Common Reed (Phragmites australis). Sweet Reed-grass (Glyceria 
maxima) also began to take over a small ditch at right angles to the Wiggly 
Ditch. In the second year other ‘problem’ plants emerged. Along with the 
interesting records of Spiked Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Hair- 
like Pondweed (Potamogeton trichoides) was the unwelcome Canadian 
Pondweed (Elodea canadensis), which grows so fast that it out-competes native 
waterweeds, and the algal Blanket weed (Spirogyra spp). Looking like green 
cotton wool, although this is grazed by minute creatures and provides a refuge 
for slightly larger ones, it also threatens to use up the water’s oxygen supply and 
exclude sunlight from plants growing beneath. 

On the muddy bank further new finds emerged: Marsh Speedwell (Veronica 
scutellata), a rare plant previously unrecorded in this area, and a stunning array 
of low fleshy plants like Sharp-flowered Rush (Juncus acutiflorus) and False 
Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae). In one place a patch of Creeping Jenny 
(Lysimachia nummularia) appeared. 

In the third summer the lush green growth of the Bulrushes began to worry us. 
Excessive growth of algae in the water is probably the result of nutrients 


7 


Faith and Tony Moulin 


leaching from the surrounding soil, which 
we know was enriched by chemical 
fertilisers in recent years. Bulrushes are one 
of those plants so useful in colonising and 
helping the natural process of succession, 
whereby one plant community gives way to 
another successively until the climax 
vegetation (usually woodland) appears 
when conditions are favourable. They are 
useful in poor soils because they, like 
Alder, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air. In the case of Bulrushes they 
then release it into the water. During summer 2002 the Bulrushes seemed to be 
dominating certain areas of the ditch, yet a closer inspection found a new floral 
record: the Pink Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata) which encouraged us not 
to panic about the Bulrushes just yet! There were plenty of Bulrush Wainscot 
moths (Nonagria typhae) too! 


Dragonflies 

Vicky Hale, a young Environmental Science graduate with an interest in 
dragonflies, had been surveying various sites nearby for her final year project, 
and included the Ten Acre ditches in her survey. We were excited to discover 
the rare Hairy Dragonfly (Brachytron pratense), the Emperor (Anax imperator), 
the Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa) and the Black-tailed Skimmer 
(Orthetrum cancellatum) all enjoying the new stretches of water. 

Further studies developed in 2002 when Tony Smith generously gave his time 
and expertise to assist YACWAG’s Trustee, Ken Blake, in undertaking a survey 
of aquatic invertebrates in both ditches. This established the presence in their 
larval stages of Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum), Variable Damselfly 
(Coenagrion pulchellum) and Black Darter (Sympetrum danae) providing 
further excitement, as Ken had not seen the adult form in this area. Dragonfly 
books seem to indicate that the Black Darter frequents acid peaty pools for 
breeding (Randalph, 1992; Powell, 1999) but as with many observations made 
in the field we can only conclude that the dragonflies have not read the books! 
Ten species of aquatic snail were recorded and fourteen species of water beetle, 
including Hydaticus transversalis and Helochares punctatus, both of which are 
notable species. Ken confessed that his favourite find was the Mighty Atom 
(Plea leachi), simply for the interest of its English name. 

So our water features were good value, but what about the much bigger spaces 
in between? 


To graze or not to graze 
That was the question. We found that people were horrified by the long grass in 
our fields. Local farmers indignantly said we were “ruining” the field. I 


18 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


wondered what happened to the concept of leaving land fallow for a year? How 
could leaving it alone do any harm? 

We knew, however, that grassland must have some kind of management or the 
processes of nature would turn it into scrub and eventually woodland. Our entire 
landscape is man-made, and this is especially noticeable in the North Somerset 
Levels, where the Enclosure Acts converted most of the landscape to permanent 
pasture. Traditionally grassland management was much different from today. 
Animals were not so large and heavy — and not so ‘fussy’ being of a stronger 
constitution to cope with a harder life. It is not only for their aesthetic appeal 
that rare breeds are favoured for conservation grazing. We found that the main 
difference today, though, is in the stocking density (The Wet Grassland Guide, 
1995). 


Vole City 
From the start we had taken advice from Chris Sperring, MBE, of the Hawk and 
Owl Trust. His experiments in grassland management at Portbury had resulted 
in extraordinary numbers of Short-tailed Field Voles which are the preferred 
food of Barn Owls (Tyto alba) and Kestrels, and also part of the diet for many 
other species, including Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Crow (Corvus corone), Rook 
(Corvus frugilegus), Weasel (Mustela nivalis), Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Heron 
(Ardea cinerea), Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), Badger (Meles meles) and Otter 
(Lutra lutra). The Vole population had exploded in our field, and a pair of 
Kestrels could be seen constantly hovering over it. With the support and advice 
of Chris Sperring we decided to try to maintain the vole population. The 
margins of the nearby Cheddar Valley Railway Local Nature Reserve have been 
managed as rough grassland ‘Barn Owl corridors’ for five years. We put up a 
Barn Owl nesting box on a pole in Ten Acres and to our delight a Barn Owl 
appeared just 10 weeks later. We therefore hastily erected a second box, as Barn 
Owls do not live together to raise young, and we had been advised that the male 
would need somewhere to roost nearby. Sadly we have not yet hosted a pair and 
the single female Barn Owl moved on. This coincided with a spell of the wettest 
weather on record and we thought the Voles might be drowning. Wetland can be 
too wet! The sight of a Barn Owl quartering the field on a cold, misty evening is 
not one that will be quickly forgotten. 

We were also very pleased with the gift she left us in the form of a carrier bag 
full of pellets. On dissection these have revealed the bones of all three species of 
shrew: Common (Sorex araneus), Water (Neomys 
fodiens) and Pygmy (Sorex minutus). There are also 
Field Voles galore and Wood Mice (Apodemus 
sylvaticus). 

The boxes were not wasted as a pair of Kestrels took up 
residence in one of them in the spring of 2002. The 
three young that were successfully reared in Ten Acres 


r9 


Faith and Tony Moulin 


were ringed by Chris Sperring in June and flew a few days later. Their healthy 
weights demonstrated that they had access to plenty of food. 


How dense were our voles? 

When Chris Sperring told us that a Bristol University PhD student from the 
Mammals Unit was looking for a site to use for her research into small mammal 
trapping, we were enthusiastic. We are always pleased to welcome 
knowledgeable people into our nature reserve 
and enjoy learning from their observations. Suzy 
Wilkinson set 40 Longworth live-capture traps 
per 100 metre transect, as well as numerous hair 
tubes and footprint tubes (which give proof of 
the passing of Voles from fur stuck on tape or 
from their footprints left in poster paint) in Ten 
Acres and other nearby sites in order to 
determine the most reliable method for estimating Vole density in a field. 
Suzy’s research was of great interest to us, as it provided useful base-line data, 
but even more rewarding was her discovery of a Harvest Mouse (Micromys 
minutus), another new record for the SSSI. 


Permanent pasture 

Our main aim on Congresbury Moor is to provide as diverse a range of habitats 
as possible in order to encourage and maintain species biodiversity. We can do 
what farmers trying to make a living cannot do. It is early days yet and we will 
continue to experiment with the best way to manage the grass. We have tried 
some cutting and some grazing, leaving good margins for a reservoir of Voles. 
There is a constant balance between the needs of the various species. Advice on 
management for harvest mouse is broadly speaking reflected in the way we have 
been managing the field for voles: they need undisturbed long grass. 

In New Croft, next to Ten Acres, two years of hay cutting have restored to the 
moor at least 25 plants of Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), as well as quantities of 
Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) and Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis). 
Knapweed was presumably a more common sight before agricultural 
intensiveness progressed to today’s level. Most of the fields in the area are 
either cut for silage several times or grazed permanently; the grass never gets 
long enough to flower and wild flowers are suppressed and restricted to those 
that can cope with such intensive management, like Docks and Dandelions. We 
leave wide margins on all four sides to ensure that some long grass remains for 
over wintering invertebrates and, of course, the Voles. 

It is only a few years since the recent local converts to organic farming stopped 
using artificial fertilisers. It is to be assumed that regular cutting and grazing the 
year round without inputs of fertiliser will eventually deplete the soil’s nutrients 
sufficiently to encourage a more interesting flora. It seems to be working for us 


20 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


in New Croft, but in neighbouring fields you would not know if Knapweed was 
present, because the cattle would eat it away. This is not the traditional meaning 
of ‘permanent pasture’. Its original meaning was the permanent use of the land 
as pasture, as opposed to, for example, hay meadow. What we see nowadays are 
fields that are indeed permanently pasture. They do not get a break from being 
grazed, even when they are very wet. This inflicted far less damage to the flora 
when herds were small and could not be fed through the winter. The moor may 
have provided grazing for all those eligible from the village and still only had 
thirty cows roaming on it in the summer! Now thirty cattle are penned in one 
field summer and winter until its grass is 1cm high, and then they are moved on 
to do the same in the next one, creating a uniform sward that is of little benefit 
to wildlife. 
In a very interesting experiment in Wales to restore high-input/high-output rye 
grass pasture to natural damp pasture, the Shared Earth Trust adopted a five- 
point plan. They reduced stocking rates to traditional levels (one third of a 
livestock unit per acre per annum). They used mainly cattle to encourage patchy 
growth and kept livestock out of the fields from April to mid-July. They allowed 
some winter grazing to permit a little poaching to create mini seedbeds, and they 
stopped mowing for hay or silage. Within six years this regime had developed 
patchy growth with tussocks of coarse grasses and rushes. A rich variety of 
plants had returned purely as a result of grazing in this low-intensive way 
(Shared Earth Trust Conservation Booklet 6). 
The Shared Earth Trust found from their invertebrate monitoring that there were 
about ten times as many butterfly and moth caterpillars and four times as many 
adult beetles in the grazed areas as in those cut for hay. There were three times 
as many ground invertebrates. No small mammals survived in their hay 
enclosures in winter, but in the rough pasture they found an average of 90 small 
mammals per acre. In July there was little difference — 240 per acre, but once 
the hay was cut the site became of no value to small mammals (Shared Earth 
Trust Conservation Booklet 7). We await Suzy Wilkinson’s results from our 
field with interest. 
Mowing, like overstocking, produces an inevitable uniformity and we would 
like to create as much diversity as possible. Inappropriate stocking densities are 
a common factor, however, in reducing the conservation value of wet grassland, 
and we have observed this elsewhere on the moor. The effect of 30 cattle 
grazing a wet field for one day is not the same as that of one cow grazing for 30 
days. We have been greatly indebted to farmer Mark Britten for his invaluable 
help in cutting, grazing and many other tasks (like help in erecting our pole 
boxes), which without the use of his tractor would probably be impossible. His 
cattle, however, are a herd and they like to be together (as they have been for 20 
years). They are creatures of habit and it has not been possible yet for us to 
experiment with the low stocking densities tried at Denmark Farm. We are 
doing the best we can with the tools (and animals) available to us. 

ZA) 


Faith and Tony Moulin 


Grassland Butterflies 

We noticed in 2001 that good numbers of Meadow Brown butterflies (Maniola 
jurtina) had bred in the field. Hundreds could be counted within a small area. 
Large Skippers (Ochlodes venata) had also been seen. Large Skippers, like 
Meadow Browns, feed on long grass in the caterpillar stage. In 2002 we counted 
the Large Skippers along one side of the Wiggly Ditch. A 150 metre length of 
the bund next to the ditch yielded a massive count of over 65 individual Large 
Skipper adults. In 1999 when we bought the field there were no Large Skippers. 
This is truly making biodiversity happen! 

In 2002 we noticed that Small Skippers (Thymelicus sylvestris) were also 
colonising the field. They are often found in association 
with Field Voles because their foodplant, Yorkshire 
Fog (Holcus lanatus), is one of the tastiest grasses high 
in starch that is appreciated by voles. Management 
recommended for them is very light grazing or no 
cutting for 2-4 years (The Wet Grassland Guide, 1995). 

: 2 a 1 In one corner a Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) has 
—_ seen, and in ily we saw two Marbled Whites (Melanargia galathea) 
flying in the field. These butterflies cannot be found in nearby fields. Their 
needs are very specific. The caterpillars feed on different grasses at different 
stages of their growth. They cannot stand too much disturbance, and of course if 
the grass is cut for hay or silage the caterpillars are lost along with the food 
plants. 


Conclusion 

Only three years have passed and Ten Acres has taken on a completely different 
appearance. The grass sward is no longer uniform. There are wide marshy 
margins and tussocks of Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and Hard 
Rush (Juncus effusus) are appearing. 

One can stand at the gate at twilight and through half-closed eyes imagine the 
moor as it used to look long ago. The birds seem to think so too. We have 
noticed that the assemblage of birds attracted to Ten Acres has changed with the 
management. Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) have become regular winter visitors. 
Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) visit during the summer and autumn. Stonechat 
(Saxicola torquata) and Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) can be seen 
perching on dried dock stems as they hunt for insects. Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes 
minimus) and Snipe take refuge and feed in the ditches. For a few weeks in the 
late spring of 2002 two or three Cuckoos were regularly spotted sitting on our 
‘raptor perching posts’ or chasing each other round the field. Later in the 
summer large flocks of Swallows, Swifts and House Martins swooped over the 
field gathering up flying insects. 


22 


THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TEN ACRES 


A Buzzard is calling overhead. Two Kestrels are within view, each hovering 
silently over some hapless small mammal. A Heron is standing in the ditch. It is 
rough and damp. It looks like a moor! 


References 


Beisly, P. (1996) The Northmarsh of Somerset. Weston-super-Mare Heritage 
Centre 

Broomhead, R.A. (1999) 4 Documentary and Archaeological Survey of Two 
Recently Acquired Sites in Yatton and Congresbury. 

Campbell, M. (1997) A Survey of the Ancient Parish of Yatton.Y atton History 
Society. 

Hildich, M. (March 2001) Desktop Study and Management Plan for the Gang 
Wall (SMR 8068) 

Kirby, P. (1992) Habitat Management for Invertebrates. RSPB. 

Powell, D. (1999) A Guide to the Dragonflies of Great Britain. Arlequin Press. 

Randolph, S. (1992) Dragonflies of the Bristol Region. City of Bristol Museums 
and Art Gallery/BRERC 

Storer, B. (1972) The Natural History of the Somerset Levels. The Dovecote 
Press Ltd 

Transforming Intensively Managed Grassland. Conservation Booklet 6. The 
Shared Earth Trust. Lampeter. 

Restoring and Managing Damp Pastures. Conservation Booklet 7. The Shared 
Earth Trust. Lampeter. 

Strachan, R. (1998) Water Vole Conservation Handbook. WCRU 

The Wet Grassland Guide. (1995) RSPB. 


We gratefully acknowledge the advice and support of Terry Smith in the writing 
of this article. 


Tony and Faith Moulin, 
YACWAG, 

33 Court Avenue, 
Yatton, 

Bristol, 

BS49 4EP. 


Tel. 01934 834282 


E-mail Moulin@tinyworld.co.uk 


22 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:24-37 


Changes in the populations of the main groups of organisms ina 
garden pond 
Robert Muston 


After the completion of a garden pond in 1998, records of the appearance of 
frogs, insects and algae were kept until the summer of 2001 when it was 
decided to study in a more systematic way the pond life that had appeared 
with emphasis on the micro-organisms. The aim of this study is to record the 
populations of the main groups of organisms in a garden pond. Fish were not 
introduced as they are known to have a considerable effect on the plant and 
plankton communities. 


Introduction 


The pond under study is small. Approximately oval, it is about 2m long by Im 
wide. The bottom is undulating and varies from 0.5m to Im in depth, ensuring 
that the pond will not freeze solid. 

There is a shallow border for semi-immersed marginal plants, and a large 
sloping stone, partly in the water to allow frogs and toads an easy way to dry 
land, and to provide an escape route for animals such as hedgehogs which have 
been known to fall in ponds and drown. 


Objectives 


It was decided to investigate the changes in pond population over a season by 
identification of the organisms whilst looking for any patterns. The regions 
existing within a pond are discussed towards the end of this paper. The three 
which were selected for examination were:- 


e a trawl from the bottom of the pond 
a microscopic examination of the algae growing around the rim 


e a microscopic examination of the micro-fauna and flora living on 
Lemna root. Common Duckweed). 


Methods 


Collection of detritus 


It was essential to disturb the water as little as possible. The pond is small and 
delicate creatures such as damselfly larvae could be suffocated if too much mud 
was stirred up. There is also the risk that any sweeping of the net might 
physically damage them. 

The collection, including water retained in the net, was then placed into a white 
plastic trough. In order to allow the sediment to settle to one side of the trough, 


24 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


it was left for about two hours, propped up at one end. The trough was also 
covered with black plastic sheeting to simulate the gloomy conditions at the 
bottom of the pond. After 2 hours, the sheet was kept in position, but the trough 
was lowered, care being taken not to stir the silt. This was done in the 
expectation that creatures would move around the relatively unmuddied trough 
bottom and become more visible. The catch was then sorted into a smaller 
trough so that they could be seen and sorted with greater ease. Young newts and 
insect larvae were logged first and returned to the pond as soon as possible 


Collection of fringe algae 


(Oedogonium with Mougeotia occurring from March onwards) 

This grew just below water level at the edge of the pond. It was collected by 
hand, and kept in a crystallising basin. (This is a round flat-bottomed glass 
receptacle, about 1.5cm deep and 6cm in diameter.) Sufficient algae were 
chosen at random from this collection and placed on a microscope slide. Using 
mounted needles, it was then teased out until a layer had been evenly spread 
over the middle third of the slide. 2 drops of prepared pond water were then 
added followed by an 18mm square cover slip. A small stock of pond water was 
available for adding to slides. This was prepared before hand by boiling and 
decanting into a small bottle until half filled. This was shaken thoroughly to 
oxygenate it. Immediately before use, 30 drops was put in a solid watch glass 
and 10 drops of methyl cellulose was added and stirred in. (MethyI cellulose is a 
viscous medium used in slide preparation to slow down the movement of 
organisms. ) 

The algae under the cover slip were then scanned at x40 to get a broad overview 
of what was there and also to check that the slide preparation was satisfactory. 
It was then systematically re-examined at x100 and a record was kept of 
findings. For the identification of smaller objects, and for objects of interest a 
magnification of x400 was used. 


Collection of Lemna root 


Plants were collected by hand and those with a 3cm root were then retained for 
subsequent examination. The whole plant was placed on a slide and positioned 
so that the underside of the leaves were visible as well as all the root — this 
ensured that the whole of the root was visible. (Whenever Vorticella colonies 
were found, these were invariably on the uppermost section of root immediately 
below the leaves.) Several attempts sometimes had to be made before a 
satisfactory preparation was obtained. 

2-3 drops of prepared pond water was added and covered with an 18 mm square 
cover slip. It was then scanned at x40 and systematically re-examined at x100, a 
record being kept of findings. For the identification of smaller objects, and for 
objects of interest a magnification of x400 was used. 


pas 


Robert Muston 


2500 [255 carnivores 
GD herbivores 
2000 —fs— Primary producers 
® 1500 + 
2 ue 
E t 
e 1000 + 
500 | J | | 
0 + | . fi an ce 
Ashe On pee ~ GN LG. 
FF OFM FW FSH PK HP VT FS 
y S 
Fig 1 
Results 


Primary Producers are green plants such as phytoplankton, algae, 
microscopic plants, pond lilies, etc., which manufacture food through 
photosynthesis. 

Herbivores include small crustaceans, nymphs, and some types of insects 
that feed on the plants and algae. 

Carnivores include newts and many insect larvae including mayfly and 
damselfly larvae that consume herbivores. 


Fig | shows the total number of carnivores, herbivores and primary producers 
recorded on a monthly basis. Primary producers obtain energy through 
photosynthesis and are the ultimate source of energy for all other organisms 
Because of this distinction, that population has been emphasised by plotting the 
population as a line. The graph shows some interesting variations. 


e Overall more primary producers March — September than in the 
period September -March. This coincides with a period of longer day 
length and higher temperatures. This increase is observed in all three 
sample areas of the pond. 


e Note how there are greater numbers of primary producers, fewer 
herbivores and even fewer carnivores. This also indicates a representative 
and relatively unbiased sampling of the group. 


e The herbivore population is high from March through to June 
26 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


e The records from September through to January 2003 show a 
return to similar levels in November to January 2002. However, it is 
intended to keep records for the foreseeable future, and a discernible 
pattern for this period may emerge after a few years. 


e In July, the primary producer population is high whist the 
herbivore and carnivore populations are low. This fits with a typical food 
web when the primary producer population would fall before those of 
herbivores and carnivores. 


e Newts and dragonfly larvae are also to be found within the algae, 
not surprisingly as they are carnivores, but newts are very timid and 
disappear into the depths as soon as they detect any movement — adept at 
evading capture, it is unlikely that any accurate count of numbers has 
been made. 


Peridinium 


This interesting single celled organism, quite fascinating 
to watch, is found in numbers at all times except late 
autumn. Fig. 2 shows the population throughout the 
survey period. For each location the population remains 
fairly constant although the Lemna population peaks in 
February and then declines. As Peridinium is free 
swimming, its presence around Lemna is accidental. 
The algal fringe population is much more variable and 

is probably due to the rise and fall in water 

level causing drier and wetter alternating 
periods. Population in Fig 2 has been plotted on a logarithmic scale so 
as to include all figures clearly. 


Fig 2 Peridinium population 


—@— Detritus 
—fil Lemna 
—#s—- fringe 


10000 


1000 


100 


a 


\ Wh i 
-% [ | 
\ a < y / 
hs Ney / 


\ ; 
7 a a ee a a Se Sw 
Nov Dec Jan-02 Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan-03 


2] 


Robert Muston 


Figs. 3 & 4 display the micro-population from November 2001 — January 2003. 
A steady increase in protozoa, diatom and rotifer population is seen in March 
2002 through to May, with desmids suddenly peaking in February and March. 
After a drop in mid-April, the diatom population peaks in June. Few Peridinium 
are observed during late autumn and during this time, a population consisting of 
Chlamydomonas (75%) and Euglena (25%) was observed, and peaking in 
November. Fig.4 shows an important ecological pattern in ponds known as algal 
succession where the seasonal succession of algae is shown here by changes in 
population of desmids and diatoms. Desmids are more predominant in January 
to February / March and thereafter decline as the population of diatoms 
increases to a peak in August. 


Fig 3 


Seasonal population changes of rotifers and protozoa 


-1— rotifers 


300 || —-O— protozoa 


Fig 4 


Seasonal population changes of diatoms & desmids 


1200, ~~-®-—- Diatoms 


1000 | —— Desmids = o> 0s 


28 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


Figs 5-8 are population curves for other groups of animals found in the pond. 
With the exception of flatworms, all groups become more abundant in the early 
part of the year, declining in the autumn. To facilitate comparison, the curves 


have been plotted on the same axes. 


Fig 5 Fig 6 
Ramshorn snails Flatworm population 
70 70 5 
60 a6 [J algae 
- Ca ee —e— detritus 
40 40 4 
4 
30 | i $ 


@ 
ew 
0 — oo i 
Oo 26 .A wo XS 
» & FS w Y 


NG. oe: SO AS aX © 
SF FEF FW FS YB 


“e 


0 i 
SX FS Ww Fw v& YS 


~ N s\ 
& o AS &” 


Fig 7 Fig 8 
Damsel and Hog louse population 
Mayfly larvae population 
70 ; 70 5 
2) eee | Ga algae 60 hf algae 
oe ee ~——e— detritus 0 | \ A + detritus 
40 4 40 4 }— ra ‘ 
30 | 30 | } i ae — 
20 | 20 +*— wt 2 
10 { 10 4 af H - / 
4. eo } / 
0+ . | eee ee eae oe 0 =i L\ T L, | lL T L T T | cE = T 
. FS SF Ss F CF PC Y KF LS F 


w es we we y & 


These animals are neither to be found in free water and they are too large to be 
found on Lemna root. Although they sometimes occur near the surface, usually 
during the warmer months, they are normally to be found on the bottom. 


29 


Discussion 


Robert Muston 


Periodic cycles were found. 


A peak in hog louse population in February indicates a hatching 
season (records show a sudden appearance of 2mm individuals), 
and the population of ramshorn snails rises in May. 


Flatworm population increases during winter months when 
decaying vegetation is abundant. The flat worm is a detritivore. 


Ramshorn snail population peaks in May, although why this 
should be is not clear. 


Herbivore / primary producer cycle between March and June. 


Damselflies appear nearer the surface in April and May. This time 
is near to the emergence period when the larvae are to be found 
closer to the surface. Pyrrhosoma nymphula appearing first, with 
Ischnura elegans and Coenagrion puella appearing a month or so 
later. Records show that the first P. nymphula appeared in late 
April 2002. 


The desmid population peaks in February / March whilst the 
diatom population peaks in November: both are photosynthetic 
organisms with a need for nutrients. Diatoms also need SiO; to 
grow. 


Peridinium numbers dropped in the autumn being replaced with 
Euglena 

and Chlamydomonas. 

The marked lack in photosynthetic activity indicated by the low 
population of primary producers arises from shorter day length, 
gloomier weather and lower temperatures. 


How representative of the pond as a whole were the samples taken? 


The fringe algae population showed considerable variation 
possibly explained by a rise and fall in water level due to alternate 
evaporation and filling with rain. 


No collection was made from free-water. (This has been done 
since September 2002.) 
Decreases in the Lemna root population might arise as a 
consequence of spurts of root growth resulting in lengths of 
sparsely populated root. 


30 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


e The appearance of the damselfly larvae in March occurs 4-6 
weeks before emergence. They are likely to be nearer the surface, 
and more easily caught at this time. 


@ The number of newts caught was very small as they are adept at 
evading capture. A better way of trapping them must be found 
before any valid results can be obtained. 


Data handling 


e A survey such as this is in no way complete after such a short 
period of 15 months. Further studies should take over an extended 
period of a few years, as only then will seasonal cycles appear. 
This is particularly the case as the pond is so new and 1s still 
evolving. 


e Are the samples taken sufficiently large? 


Further work 


e The change in diatom, protozoa, and desmid population may be 
part of a longer cycle yet to complete. The study will therefore be 
extended over a longer period so that any cycles may be observed 
a number of times. The free water will soon be sampled by taking 
a vertical sample from the bottom to the top. 


@ The Ramshorn snail data should be recorded in greater detail 
taking records not only of abundance but also physical size (e.g. 
shell radius and aperture diameter) throughout the year. 


e A more systematic way of collecting organisms from the free 
water zone should be used. These organisms also should be 
counted in a more precise way, perhaps using a haemocytometer 
to obtain a population figure per litre for each organism. 


Azure Damselfly 
Ischnura elegans 


eal 


Robert Muston 


Pond biology 


A pond is a small body of standing water shallow enough for sunlight to reach 
the bottom, thus allowing the growth of phytoplankton and rooted plants. 

An undisturbed and healthy pond is recognised by its abundant and rich variety 
of plant and animal life, ranging from microscopic bacteria to insects, fish, and 
amphibians. At this stage, the water is nutrient rich and the cycle of life is rapid. 


Six distinctive habitats can be found within the pond community, of which only 
three were selected for this study. The three habitats discussed each have their 
own fauna and flora as will the others not discussed earlier. 


The surface film habitat is located on the surface of 
the pond water. This is the habitat of air-breathing 
floating animals (insects) such as Water Boatmen, and 
Pond skaters. 


The open-water area is surrounded by plant life and 
ends where vegetation is dense and rooted into the soil. 
Here are found free-swimming organisms such as fish, 
insects, small microscopic plants and animals that drift 
suspended in the water. Phytoplankton mostly 
consisting of a variety of algae is the basic food within 
ponds with small suspended animals such as tiny crustaceans, insect larvae, 
rotifers, and other invertebrates feeding on the algae, in turn becoming food for 
larger pond animals. 


Pond Skater 
Gerris sp 


The bottom of standing water ponds, particularly those in gardens are 
characterised by muddy or silted bottoms, inhabited by insect larvae and a 
variety of micro-organisms. Many of these animals burrow into the bottom 
whilst others such as dragonfly larvae, annelids, small shellfish such as Pisidium 
together with a large population of bacteria feeding on detritus. When the water 
is turbid, light is not able to penetrate very far and may not reach the bottom, 
preventing plants from growing and reducing the availability of shelter. 

The littoral habitat extends from the waters edge outward as far as rooted 
plants grow and is the most diverse region in the pond community. Plants 
include grasses, sedges, rushes, flowering plants, and found amongst the roots 
are algae, protozoa, worms, insects, snails, and amphibia. 

The floating-leaf plant zone is made up of broad, flat-leaved water lilies, water 
ferns, and duckweed. Animals such as snails, beetles, and mayflies, various 
larvae and eggs may be found underneath the largest of these, together with a 
variety of filamentous algae. Roots extending down provide a micro-habitat of 
considerable interest to the microscopist. 


a2 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


The submersed plant zone is the area of vegetation that surrounds the centre of 
the pond. Any plants will have leaves that are long and slender, or bushy and 
branched. 


~ The hornworts (Ceratophyllum sp) frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus- 
ranae) and crowfoot (Ranunculus sp) are some of the flowering 
plants found in this zone. Frogbit has the ability to over-winter as 
submerged buds called turions. These winter buds are terminal 
shoots in which the leaves are situated very close together acting 
as a stored food supply. 


The organisms can be grouped into trophic levels. Living things 
interact with each other by feeding on one another: therefore, 
energy, compounds, and chemical elements are transferred from 
creature to creature along the food chains. 


In the study of freshwater biology, textbooks often make 
little or no mention of ponds (e.g. Moss, 1988). In Great 
Britain, permanent ponds in British countryside are of 
different kinds (in size, purpose, situation and location) 
but we are most familiar with garden (which tend to be 
smaller), village (larger), farm (muddier) and dew 
(shallower). They are numerous (estimated to be about 
800,000 in 1880s based on 1:12,500 maps and 2-12 per 
square mile based on 1:25,000 maps (Rackham, 1986). 
Many may have been filled in, but others, especially those 
in suburban garden ponds, will have been dug. Such small ponds, 
although overlooked for much serious ecological research, are 
important for sustaining populations of amphibians including Red Data 
and BAP species such as the Great Crested Newt. (Ansell ef a/., 2001) 


PVTOTAOTOTO TUTTO TOTO TA TTT 


TMT 


turions 


Although Natterjack Toads require temporary ponds, newts require permanent 
ones preferably small ones without fish, the absence of fish being particularly 
important for Great Crested Newt (Beebee and Griffiths, 2001). 


B)S, 


Appendix Species List 


Blue-green algae 
Spirulina 
Oscillatoria 
Tolypothrix 


Free floating algae 


Chlorella 
Chlamydomonas 
Eudorina 
Euglypha 
Pandorina 
Coelastrum 
Pediastrum 


Filamentous algae 
Spirogyra 
Mougeotia 
Oedogonium 
Stigeoclonium 


Other algal forms 


Cylindrocapsa 
Chaetophora 
Diatoms Cymbella 
Gomphonema 
Amphora 
Pinnularia 
Dictosphaerium 
Scenedesmus 
Navicula 
Desmids Closterium 
Cosmarium 


Robert Muston 


Protozoa 
Amphileptus 
Coleps 
Colpidium 
Peridinium 
Gymnodium 
Euglena 
Paramoecium 
Stentor 
Euplotes 
Vorticella 
Didinium 

Class Heliozoa: 
Actinophrys? 


Coelenterata 
Hydra sp (brown hydra) 


Gastrotricha 


Chaetonotus 


Rotifers 


Brachionus 
Euchlaris 
Rotaria 
Mytilena 
Colurella 


Flat worms 


Polycelis 
Dugesia 


Nematoda 


Annelida 
Oligochaetae 
Leeches 


34 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


Mollusca 


Planorbis  crista (A 
ramshorn snail) 
Planobarius (A ramshorn 
snail) 

Limnaea (Pond snail) 
Pisidium (Pea cockle) © 


Crustaceae 


Daphnia 
Macrothricidae 
Cyclops 
Asellus 
Gammarus 


Chelicerata 


Insecta 


Limnesia? (mite) 


Gerris sp (pond skater) 
Notonecta sp _ (water 
boatmen) 
Coenagrion 
(Azure Damselfly) 
Ischnura elegans (Blue- 
tailed Damselfly) 
Pyrrhosoma — nymphula 
(Large Red Damselfly) 
Family Syphidae 
(hoverflies) including: 
Eristalis sp (as Rat Tailed 
Maggot) 


puella 


Large Red Damselfly 
Pyrrhosoma nymphula 


Amphibia 


Triturus (Smooth 
Newt) 

Bufo bufo (common toad) 

Rana temporaria (common 


frog) 


vulgaris 


Mammalia 


35 


Erinaceus 
(hedgehog) 
(eating frog spawn at night) 


europaeus 


" This population of Pisidium 
died out during the autumn of 
2001, and has not re-appeared 


Robert Muston 


Acknowledgements 


The author would like to thank Dr David Hill of the School of Biological 
Science, Bristol University for his valuable assistance in the treatment of data 
used in the preparation of this article. 


The author would also like to thank the staff of Henleaze Library for their help 
and swift efficiency in obtaining many of the references used during this study 


References 


Ansell, R.,Baker, P. and Harris, S. (2001) The value of gardens for wildlife - 
lessons from mammals and herpatofauna. British Wildlife 13 77-84 


Bayly, I.A.E. and Williams, W.D. (1973) Inland Waters and their Ecology. 
Longman, Camberwell. 


Beebee, T. and Griffiths, R. (2000) Amphibians and Reptiles. New Naturalist 
Series No. 87. HarperCollins, London. 


Borradaile, Eastham, Potts and Saunders (1963) The Invertebrata Cambridge at 
the University Press 


Bronmark, C. and Hansson, L-A (1998) The Biology of Lakes and Ponds 
Biology of Habitats, Oxford 


Brooks, S. (1997) Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great 
Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing 


Carpenter, S.R. and Kitchell, J.F. (1985) Cascading trophic interactions and 
lake productivity. Bioscience 35 634-639. 


Croft, P.S. (1986) 4 key to the Major Groups of the British Freshwater 
Invertebrates. Field Studies Vol.6 No.3 


Cross, J.W. (2001). The Charms of Duckweed. 
http://www.mobot.org/jwcross/duckweed/ (May 19, 2002) 


Crumpton, W.G. and Wetzel, R.G. (1982) Effects of differential growth and 
mortality in the seasonal succession of phytoplankton populations in 
Lawrence Lake, Michigan. Ecology 63 1729-1739. 


Edmondson, W.T. (1959) The Rotifera. In Freshwater Biology, by H.B. Ward 
and G.P. Whipple, new ed. Edited by W.T. Edmondson (Wiley) 


Fitter, R. and Manuel, R. (1986) Collins Field Guide to Freshwater Life. 
London: Collins 


Garnett, W.J. (1965) Freshwater Microscopy London: Constable 
36 


A RECORD OF POND ORGANISMS 


Gauthier, G. (2002) Les Fleurs d’eau 
http://www.jardins. versicolors.ca/fleurdo/html/pond_ecology.html 


Hammond, C.O. (1983) The Dragonflies of Great Britain and Ireland Harley 
Books 


Lewis, J. (2001) Curriculum Units http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units 
Mackinnon, D.L. and Hawes, J. (1961) Protozoa The Oxford University Press 
Macan & Worthington (1974) Life in Lakes and Rivers Collins 


Moss, B. (2001) The Broads. New Naturalist Series No. 89. HarperCollins, 
London. 


Moss, B. (1988) Ecology of Fresh Waters (Man and medium) Blackwell 
Scientific Publications, Oxford 


O’Kelly, C. et al (2001) The protista gallery 
http://www.bch.vmontreal.ca/protista 


The Pond Conservation Trust (2003) Working together to Create a future for 
ponds. http://www.pondstrust.org.uk/ 


Pentecost, A. (1986) /ntroduction to Freshwater Algae Richmond, Surrey: 
Richmond Publishing Co. 


Rackham, O. (1986) The History of the Countryside. Dent, London 


Randolph, S. (1992) Dragonflies of the Bristol Region City of Bristol Museum 
and Art Gallery 


Rothhaupt, K.O. and Guide (1996) Influence of metazoan zooplankton on the 
microbial community before and after the onset of the spring clear 
water phase in Lake Constance (Bodensee). Archiv fur Hydrobiogie. 
Special Issues: Advances in Limnology 48 21-30. 


Smith, P. (2001) Can fish determine the conservation value of shallow lakes in 
the UK? British Wildlife 13 10-15 


Wetzel, R.G. (2001) Limnology: Lake and River Ecosystems. 3rd edition. 
Academic Press, San Diego and London. 


Robert Muston, 

20 Harcourt Hill, 

Redland, 

Bristol, 

BS6 7RB 

0117 9243352 All photographs by the author 


3] 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62 38-43 


The Bristol Avon Otter Survey 
Simon Reece 


Background: the decline to 1977 


fared during the severe decline of the ’60s and ’70s is not known and can 

be only guessed at. Routine survey work prior to that time was non- 
existent and any records of otter distribution are largely anecdotal. There is, 
however, a useful source of information provided by the hunt that operated in 
the area. Although data was not systematically collected, it does give some sort 
of picture of what happened. A privately published history of the pack indicates 
that they operated in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and a small part of eastern 
Somerset. In 1924, ‘the whole country was so well stocked with Otters’ that 
portions of it were lent to other hunts. The pack retained the Somerset Frome 
and certainly by the end of the war had recovered their access to the rest of the 
Bristol Avon, though they never went on any of the tributaries further 
downstream than Bath. In 1951 ‘otters were everywhere’. There is insufficient 
information to make specific references to our catchment, but in the whole of 
their country in 1953, 56 were found in 71 days, regarded as a very high 
proportion. Numbers found went on up, and peaked in 1955, when 64 were 
found in 62 days. In 1958 the first Mink was found, on the Midford Brook. By 
1960, the numbers of Otters found had dropped to 33 in 64 days and there were 
increasing references to Mink being found. By 1963, some of the most reliable 
streams were blank and in 1964 it was noted that ‘many of the rivers were being 
dredged, with consequent destruction of cover.’ The loss of places to hunt 
caused by these drainage works, amongst other reasons, led to an amalgamation 
with another hunt and an area at least twice the size became available, but the 
numbers of Otters found continued to decline. In 1967, the hunt records that it 
was very much worried by the numbers of Mink. 


Pisses how the population of Otters (Lutra lutra) on the Bristol Avon 


Concern for the declining population was so great by 1969 that the Mammal 
Society became involved. A policy was adopted to find as many but to kill as 
few Otters as possible in an attempt to monitor further changes in the 
population. At this time, there being no organised surveys, much of the 
monitoring was being done by hunts and the Mammal Society was sent the data 
at the end of each season. 


In 1971, the numbers found in the whole hunt country was down to 8, the lowest 
number to which it ever fell, and the hunt heard with dismay that two had been 
shot on the Marden Brook, a tributary of. the Upper Avon. Drainage and 


38 


Se ee ee ae 


THE BRISTOL AVON OTTER SURVEY 


abstraction continued to do damage and a number of streams started to show 
severe effects of low flow rates. 


There are only two records of Otters found in the Avon catchment after the 
decline had begun. One was on 9" August 1961 at the junction of the Norton 
St.Phillip Brook and the Wellow and the other was on 1” June 1964 above 
Weavern on the By Brook. The absence of any further finds may in part have 
been caused by the hunt ceasing to meet in the area, but it does tend towards the 
conclusion that to all intents and purposes there were exceptionally low numbers 
on the Avon, if any at all. 


Throughout the ’70s numbers found generally gradually rose again. 14 were 
found in 32 days in 1977, the last year of operation, as the Otter was then placed 
on the protected list. Throughout the whole of the ’70s the hunt only caught two. 


The reasons for this decline were probably multi-factorial, but the familiar role 
of pesticides is particularly implicated. Habitat destruction by dredging 
increased land drainage and water abstraction must all have contributed and the 
effect of an increasing number of Mink has remained a debating point. 
Improvements have been made in a number of areas over the years and a 
recovery in numbers has occurred throughout England, resulting in a flurry of 
press reports recently. 


The situation in the 1980s and ’90s 


It would appear that otters did not, in fact, become totally extinct on the Bristol 
Avon. In the ’80s there were a very small number of sightings either on Chew 
Valley Lake or nearby, but no evidence was found to suggest that these were 
anything other than itinerant individuals. There are a couple of other isolated 
reports elsewhere in the catchment, but nothing remotely representing a 
sustainable population. It seemed as though there were occasional animals 
passing through the region, nothing more. 


In 1990 a number were released on the By Brook, a stream that has particularly 
good habitat. Little seems known of where these Otters went or what became of 
them, but it might be possible that some of them survived to increase numbers 
locally. However, evidence was at last discovered on the Chew, Boyd and the 
main river in between, and also on the main river near Bath. In 1991, a 
decomposed corpse of an adult bitch was found on the Chew. She had bred, 
although was not then pregnant. Was she itinerant, or were her cubs living 
successfully on the stream undetected? Where was the dog that fathered the 
cubs? The members a local fishing club had nothing to report, other than 


39 


Simon Reece 


sightings of Mink, and as far as they were concerned there were no stories of 
Otter evidence at all. 


The start of the Bristol Avon Otter Survey 


In 1999, following discussions with the Somerset Otter Group, it seemed 
sensible that regular surveys should be undertaken north of the Mendips. 
Surveys had become positive on the south side sufficiently often to suggest that 
it would be worth looking more systematically in North Somerset, where there 
had also been sporadic evidence throughout the previous two decades. The 
Congresbury Yeo was found to be positive regularly along its whole length, 
evidence including the killing of an adult bitch by traffic on the A38 at Perry 
Bridge just before Christmas. When the North Somerset Otter Group formed in 
the autumn of 1999, attention turned to the Chew and positive evidence was 
found for the first time in early 2000. 


It then became clear that surveying one tributary of a large river was of limited 
value. The Avon’s course is roughly circular. It rises on the Cotswolds near 
Sherston and runs east, then south, finally swinging west to the Avon Gorge and 
its meeting with the Severn. Its neighbours include the Thames in the northeast, 
the Wylye and Salisbury Avon in the southeast and the Brue and on to the 
Somerset Levels in the southwest. It seemed much more appropriate that it 
should be approached in the same way as Otters do: with no regard for human 
boundaries. It was decided to attempt to look at the whole catchment and the 
Bristol Avon Otter Survey came into being in May 2000. It is attempting, by as 
close to ‘constant effort monitoring’ as possible, to address one simple question: 
are otters present or not, month by month? 


Methods and dilemmas 


How is it done? Otters are fairly straightforward to monitor on a simple 
presence or absence basis, provided one knows what to look for and where to 
search. Otters advertise their presence to others to indicate claim over ‘fishing 
rights’ and to keep in touch with each other for meeting or mutual avoidance. As 
their range may be many miles long, but only the width of a stream wide, laying 
claim to it poses problems as a great part of it is always going to be remote from 
the animal in question. Spraints (Otter faeces) contain scent that conveys 
information to other individuals. It is therefore in the Otters’ interest to place 
these in the same places and where they are likely to remain for several days, 
enabling the message to last through time and be easily found. Sprainting sites 
thus become traditional and are often sheltered from rain by overhanging tree 
roots or bridge arches. The survey technique involves monitoring likely 
sprainting sites every month, recording if any spraints are present, and if so, 


40 


THE BRISTOL AVON OTTER SURVEY 


making some sort of judgement 
about how long ago they were 
deposited. There are other signs as 
well, amongst which the 
characteristic, rounded, five-toed 
pad mark is the most likely to be 
found. Sightings are very rare, but 
some observers are lucky. Perhaps 
the most exciting was of a big 
Otter that went down the Avon 
almost to St Annes in early 2001, 
suggesting that it might not be 
long before Bristol itself can add 
this species to its list of fauna. 


Little more than presence or absence can be established. Spraint numbers raise 
as many questions as they answer. What is the correlation between numbers of 
spraints and numbers of Otters? Do Otters produce proportionately more or less 
spraint as the density of animals changes? Are there any seasonal variations? Is 
there any variation by sex, age or breeding condition? Does absence of spraints 
indicate no Otters? For example, a very regular site on the Chew was blank in 
November 2002 after a nearly consecutive 30 months of regular sprainting. This 
followed the death of an adult bitch on the road at the watershed upstream. The 
site was flooded in December, but in January there were pad marks in profusion 
and 7 spraints. In February 26 spraints were found, 3 times as many as the most 
ever found at the site. How can this be interpreted? The death of a resident 
followed by an incomer establishing itself? Cubs becoming independent? A dog 
exploring new territory? A chance variation? 


It is not the intention of the project to address these questions, although it is 
stimulating to think about them. The value of the work will emerge in the long 
term. It is exciting to think that if Otters spread through the catchment they can 
be monitored, but it also should provide an early warning system for any sudden 
disappearances that might occur, just as the otterhunters had done back in the 
"60s. As Otters feed at the top of food chains, if they are present, healthy, 
breeding and in good numbers, it implies that the food chains on which they 
depend are also in good order. This makes Otters a useful indicator of general 
environmental health adding another important dimension to the purpose of 
monitoring their presence. 


The first year was one of establishing as much surveyor cover as possible. 
Nearly all the tributaries downstream of Bath were covered, and many of those 
all the way to the source. The main river was covered patchily roughly down to 


4] 


Simon Reece 


Chippenham. This was followed by foot and mouth restrictions in 2001 when 
not much could be done. The group lost momentum and when surveys restarted 
in 2002 the area covered shrank markedly, almost entirely upstream of Bath. 
Cover at the lower end remained good. 


Results and discussion 


There seem to be three main concentrations of activity. The first is the three 
downstream tributaries of the Boyd, Chew and Corston Brook, the second (from 
pre Foot and Mouth surveys) is the By Brook and the third is the Mells Stream 
and upper Somerset Frome. But there are always occasional records. The 
Wellow and Cam have been positive occasionally, as has the Siston Stream, the 
Bradley Brook and Bathampton Oxbow. 


Being hit by traffic is a major mortality factor. When streams flood, Otters 
travel much more on land, and this includes crossing roads to avoid flooded 
bridges. Five otters were reported killed on the roads in 2002 in the catchment, 
but none before and none since. Three were in the northwest, one on the 
Markham Brook near Abbots Leigh and two on the A38 near the Barrow Tanks. 
The two, both adult, one dog, one bitch, on quite separate dates, suggest that the 
animals were crossing the watershed of the Avon with the Land Yeo. It may be 
that this is where Avon Otters link with the neighbouring catchment and spraints 
on the Barrow Gurney stream support this theory. The one at Abbots Leigh was 
a large dog and subsequent searches suggested that he had been on this tiny 
stream for a while, perhaps living on fish from various nearby lakes or going 
down into the Avon estuary to feed. 


Another adult bitch was killed on the watershed above the Mells, perhaps 
linking with the Brue. The fifth, a large dog, was near Chippenham. He was 
crossing overland between the Avon and the Marden and is the only definite 
evidence of an Otter upstream of Bathampton since the survey began. While all 
these losses are distressing, it does at least show that there are Otters about. 


To balance this, three litters in the last three years have been recorded, each of 
two cubs, two of which are almost certainly from the same bitch. This can be 
nothing like the level of recruitment needed to sustain losses at the rate 
represented by those road casualties. None have been run over in the floods of 
December and January and whereas this 1s obviously very good news, it could 
also suggest that the numbers in the Avon and its tributaries remains very low. 
Road kills could well prove to be a severe factor limiting recovery. 


Post foot and mouth, the surveys show a lot of surveyor distribution bias. It is 
hard to persuade people to survey regularly when all seems blank, but negative 


42 


THE BRISTOL AVON OTTER SURVEY 


data is very important. To be meaningful, the project needs to re-establish 
surveys upstream of Bath where very little evidence had been found and that is 
where future effort must be focused. 


In conclusion, the burning question: how many are there in the catchment? In 
January 2002 we could prove that there were at least six. Since then five have 
been run over without any real reduction in sprainting. There seem to be few 
grounds for predicting a number more than somewhere in the ’teens, but for the 
reasons discussed, this could out by some margin either way. It is a tantalising 
question, and this work will help to throw some sort of light on the answer as it 
proceeds through the years ahead. 


Simon Reece, 

Medlar House, 

The Square, 
Westbury-sub-Mendip, 
Wells, 

BAS 1HJ. 


01749 870618 
simon@medlarhouse.freeserve.co.uk 


Otter (Lutra lutra): photograph by Charlie Hamilton-James 


43 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:44-47 


Weather report for 2002 
R.L.Bland 
Annual Temperature 
The annual mean maximum temperature was 14.3° C, lower than 1995, 1997, 
1999, but above the long-term average since 1920 of 13.8°C 


Annual Mean Max temp 


OLLLLE 


12+ , t + 
92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 0 1 2 


Annual —e— Decade mean 


Chart 1. Annual mean maximum temperature for past decade. 


Monthly Temperature 
January and February in particular were very much warmer than usual, as was 
November. May, June and July were a little colder than average. 


Monthly temperature 2002 


% difference from average 


Chart 2 Monthly percentage differences between 2002 and the 1920-2001 average. 
44 


WEATHER REPORT FOR 2002 


Annual Rainfall 

Total rainfall at 1178mm was the third highest annual rainfall since 1920, and 
30% above the average since 1920. The decadal average for the past decade is 
998mm, well above the long term average of 910mm. 


Rainfall 1992-2002 


Annual total —*®— Decadal mean 


Chart 3. Annual rainfall 1992-2002, with the decadal average, 998mm, for comparison 


Monthly Rainfall 

January and February were spectacularly wet months, both being records, but 
the rest of the year saw average amounts. August and September were drier than 
normal. 


Monthly Rainfall 2002 


% difference from average 


Chart 4 The percentage difference between monthly rainfall and the average for 
each month since 1920. 


45 


Richard Bland 


Monthly summary 

For each month the average maximum temperature is given followed in brackets 
by the average since 1920, and the total rainfall in mm, followed by the monthly 
average since 1920 in brackets. 

January Temp 9.2°C (7.5°C), rain 115mm (88mm). There were just four frost 
nights. The month began with a very cold week, but a series of storms swept 
across the country, producing the wettest January since 1920. The cold of 
December at first delayed the onset of spring, but by the end of the month 
catkins were out and frogs in the pond. 

February. Temp 10.2°C (7.7°C), rain 151mm, (64mm), the same as 1950, but 
less than 1923 181mm. There were only two frost nights. A succession of 
depressions swept across the country. On February 11th 60mm of rain fell, the 
wettest day of the year. By the end of the month most spring events were up to 
two weeks early. 

March Temp 11.6°C (10.2°C), rain 51mm (60mm). Only one frost night. The 
temperature reached 16°C on 29th, with bright sunshine and light winds, and 
migrant birds were coming in. Lilac and bay were in flower before the end of 
the month. 

April. Temp 13.5°C (12.8°C), rain 53mm (58mm), almost all in last five days. 
There were three frost nights in the first two weeks. The month was dominated 
by high pressure and N winds until 20th, holding bird migration back markedly. 
Then low pressure came to dominate with a storm on 28th and 29th. Most spring 
events were a week early at the end. 

May. Temp 15.3°C (16.2°C), rain 98mm (64mm). The month began with 
northerly winds to 11th that held up late migrants like Swifts, then switched to 
westerly. High winds and cool temperatures created problems for early broods, 
and spring events were at normal dates by the end of the month. 

June. Temp 17.6°C, (19.2°C), the eleventh coldest June since 1920. Rain 67mm 
(60mm), but most fell on 6th and 7th. Dominated by weak lows until 23rd when 
a weak ridge gave clear skies, but kept temperature down to 19°C. 

July. Temp 19.7°C (20.8°C), rain 87mm (70mm), most in first week. Began 
with low pressure dominant but from 13th high pressure took over, though with 
comparatively little sunshine, and Blackberries were late ripening. 

August. Temp 21.0°C, (20.6°C), rain 39 mm, (84mm) Complex lows brought 
29mm of rain on 9th but there was no rain from 11th to 30th. 

September. Temp 19.2°C (18.2°C), rain 42mm (82mm), dominated by high 
pressure and N winds, which kept temperatures down. 

October. Temp 14.1°C (14.5°C) Rain 139mm (91mm) Dominated by high 
pressure until 10th, then a series of lows. They produced a good deal of rain 
from |1th-15th, breaking a long period from 10th September with almost none. 
Storms on 25th and 27th, which saw a few trees down locally. There were, 
unusually, two frost nights. 


46 


WEATHER REPORT FOR 2002 


November. Temp 11.4°C (10.4°C), rain 137mm (97mm). Dominated by 
westerly winds and Atlantic lows. By the end of the month daffodil bulbs were 
visible in turf. 

December. Temp 8.6°C (8.1°C), rain 95 (90mm). High pressure with easterly 
winds dominated until 20th, keeping temperatures down to around 6°C, though 
giving only two frost nights. Then Atlantic lows became dominant, the 
temperature rose sharply to around 12°C, and rain began to fall. 


Max | 1920-2001 | Difference | Total rain | 1920-2001 | Difference | 

C c % MM MM % 
January 9.2 7.5 23 115 88 3 
February 102 Ta 32 151 64 136 
March 11.6 10.2 14 51 60 -15 
April 13.5 12.8 5 53 58 -9 
May 15.3 16.2 6 98 64 53 
June 17.6 19.2 -8 67 60 12 
July 19.7 20.8 5 87 | 70 24 
August 2130 20.6 pi 39 84 -54 
September 19.2 18.2 5 42 -| 82 -49 
October ghsitte) 14.5 -5 125 92 34 
November 11.4 10.4 10 137, 97 41 
December 7.6 8.1 6 95 90 6 
Year 2002 14.2 13.8 3 1058 908 17 


Table 1 Monthly mean maximum and rainfall figures compared with the 
average monthly figures 1920-2001, and the percentage differences. 


2002 Some weather superlatives 


Wettest day 11 February 60mm 

Hottest day 29 July 26°C 

Coldest day 1, 3rd January 0°C 

Sunniest day 15 July 14.9 hrs 

Longest cold spell January 1-4th Four nights frost and ice 
Longest dry spell August 10-30th, twenty days. 

Longest wet spell 17-26 January, twelve days. 

Frost nights Total 14 nights 

Days snow lying None 


47 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:48-51 


Phenology 2002 
R.L.Bland 


The weather affects the whole of a plants life-cycle throughout the year. 
Particular events, such as buds breaking, flowers opening or fruit ripening can 
all be recorded, but weather also affects the length of the flowering period. 
Furthermore spring conditions influence the nature of the autumn harvest, and 
autumn conditions create the buds that will produce flowers in the spring. Thus 
there is a continuous time lag in the effects of weather on plant life, which may 
be six months or more. To study phenology it is not enough simply to record 
key events; it is more significant to note the whole pattern of each year. This 
pattern is complex, and different for each species. Annuals have a different 
pattern to biennials, and perennials and shrubs and trees are different again. In 
2002 I recorded every wild species that was in flower in every week of the year 
on a standard walk in Clifton in 1-km square 5673, and compared the record 
with 2001. The survey covered 53 species observed in both years. The results 
showed that 2002 was ahead of 2001 throughout the year. More plants were in 
flower earlier and flowered for longer than in 2001. The average flowering 
period for the 53 species was 15.0 weeks compared with 12.2 in 2001. Chart 1 
shows the difference in the number of species in flower each week of the year. 


5673, species in flower 
2002 cf 2001 


Percentage 


i t t ‘+t t= t+ ttt eal toate t itt Teeaateeath 
1 5 9.1413 47. 24. 25.29 33. 37 -4)deZeneee 
Weeks 
-e 2001 -* 2002 


48 


December 2001 was colder than average, but January and February 2002 were 
exceptionally warm months, 18% and 25% warmer than average respectively. 
This had the interesting consequence that early spring events were later than 
usual, and it was not until early March that events began to be earlier than the 
recent average. This is shown in Table | which compares 2002 dates with those 
of 1999-2001 and the average of 1998-2001. The twenty events chosen were on 
average two days earlier than normal, and three days earlier than 2001, but two 


PHENOLOGY 2002 


days later than 2000. 
1999 | 2000 , 2001 | 2002 Avg Difference 
1998-2001! Days 

Snowdrop flower 16/01 | 23/01 | 14/01 | 18/01 22/01 4 
Hazel catkins flower 2301 | 12/01 | 19/01 | 20/01 23/01 3 
Chaffinch full song 29/01 | 24/01 | 29/01 | 10/02 27/01 14 
Hawthom bud-break 07/02 | 16/02 | 09/01 | 17/02 31/01 17 
Frogspawn 06/02 | 02/02 | 0302 | 22/02 06/02 16 
Celandine flower 2301 | 14/02 | 11/01 | 08/02 09/02 4 
Horse Chestnut buctbreak 26/02 | 07/03 | 10/03 03/03 7 
Alexanders flower 06/02 | 04/03 | 25/03 | 17/02 06/03 “47 
Blackthom flower 27/02 | 19/02 | 01/04 | 10/03 08/03 2 
Ash Flower 28/03 | 11/03 | 25/03 | 17/03 25/03 8 
Wild cherry flower 22/03 | 07/04 | 24/03 30/03 4 
Bay flower 31/03 | 01/04 | 17/04 | 30/03 06/04 e 
Honesty flower 31/03 | 15/04 | 07/04 08/04 = 
Cow Parsley flower 08/04 | 27/03 | 18/04 | 07/04 12/04 5 
Horse chestnut flower 17/04 | 21/04 | 22/04 | 07/04 14/04 -7 
Hawthom flower 05/04 | 09/04 | 25/04 | 07/04 15/04 8 
Sycamore flower 23/04 | 11/04 | 07/04 17/04 -10 
Ash buctbreak 24/04 | 26/04 | 22/04 | 13/04 26/04 43 
Ox-eye daisy flower 02/05 | 01/05 | 13/05 | 04/05 05/05 e 
Elder flower 12/05 | 16/05 | 27/05 | 18/05 18/05 0 
Avg of 20 springevents | 10/03 | 14/03 | 19/03 | 16/03 18/03 -35 


Table 1 Dates of twenty spring events 199-2000 


Historic comparison 


It is also interesting to compare the dates recorded in 2002 with those for the 
Bristol region in the 1890s, recorded in the BNS proceedings at the time, and for 


49 


Richard Bland 


those in the area between 1930 and 1947 derived from the phenological report 
of the Royal Meteorological Society. The dates for the other two periods are 
averages of dates from a number of sites in the region, and cannot be regarded 
as exactly the same as the 2002 results from Clifton. Table 2 shows the results. 
The figures are Julian days- 1.e. the number of days after January 1 that the 
event occurs. There are only eight spring events that were recorded in all three 
periods, and they show a striking trend towards earlier springs. On average these 
eight events occurred two weeks earlier between 1890s and 1930-47, and 26 
days earlier again between 1930-47 and 2002. The rate of change in days a year 
almost doubled over the periods involved, and this might be regarded as 
evidence for global warming. The average maximum temperature of the winter, 
Dec-Feb, 1888-1893 was 6.4°C, the average for 1930-1946 was 7.6°C, and for 
2002 was 8.5°C, or roughly 1°C increase in each period. On the other hand the 
differences might simply be caused by the accuracy of the observers and 
differences between the very varied sites used for the observations. Furthermore 
comparison should be between the average of at least a decade. To be of real 
value records need to be of the same site by the same observer and preferably of 
the same plants. 


1890 | 1930 | 2002 Diff Diff 
1930-1890 | 2002-1930 
Days il Days 

Snowdrop flower 74 33 14 -41 -19 
Hazel catkins flower 45 25 12 -20 -13 
Celandine flower 2 68 11 -4 | -5/ 
Frogspawn 68 47 Ba Pel 4 -14 
Blackthorn flower 101 88 50 -13 SO 
Hawthorn flower 129:.). 123 95 -6 -28 
Horse chestnut flower | 124 | 119 97 | -5 =a -22 
Ox-eye daisy flower 439 139) 6 24 ie 0 -18 
Average 94 80 54 -14 -26 
Annual rate 0.28 TEP | 


Table 2 Differences in average dates for eight spring events between 2002 and 
1930-47 and 1890-1893 


50 


PHENOLOGY 2002 


Autumn events 


I list in Table 3 twelve selected autumn events comparing 2002 with 2001. The 
storm of Oct 27th took the leaves off many trees, and hence probably distorted 
the comparison. The point at which fruit ripen is also less easy to determine than 
the point at which flowers open, and last sightings are also less easy to record 
than first ones. However I hope that this record will become more precise in 
time. 


2001 | 2002 
Blackberry ripe | 07/07 | 21/07 
Elderberry ripe | | 05/08 | 11/08 
Yew berry ripe | 28/08 | 18/08 
lw flower 31/08 | 01/09 
Whitebeam ripe | 23/09 | 25/08 
Gorse flower 23/09 | 08/09 


Ash bare 11/11 | 27/10 
Lime bare 18/11 27/10 
Last wasp 24/11 14/11 
Beech bare _| 25/11 | 27/10 
lw ripe 09/12 | 24/11 
Oak bare 09/12 | 14/12 
Average 10/10 | 30/09 


Table 3 Twelve autumn events in 5673, comparing 2002 with 2001 


Richard Bland, 
11, Percival Road, 
Clifton, 

Bristol, 

BS8 3LN. 


0117 973 4828 
richardbland@blueyonder.co.uk 


Sl 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:52-60 


Bristol Botany In 2002 
Professor A.J. Willis 


some 22% higher than the long-term (1961-1990) average. February was 

the wettest month with 150.6 mm of rain and 23 days with more than 0.2 
mm rainfall. Other very wet months were January, October and November, but 
August and September were distinctly dry, totalling only 13 days with over 0.2 
mm of rain. Temperatures for the year were somewhat higher than normal; the 
mean maximum temperature was 14.2°C (0.5°C above average) and the mean 
minimum temperature 7.5°C (1.2°C above average). December was the coldest 
month of the year with mean maximum temperature 7.6°C and the mean 
minimum 4.0°C, having four of the total of the 12 frosts for the year. Sunshine 
hours were 1605 for the year, more than a hundred fewer than in 2001, with 
April the sunniest month while June and July were disappointingly less sunny at 
Long Ashton Research Station to which all the above meteorological records 
relate. 


ik year 2002 was distinctly wet, with total annual rainfall 1058.4 mm, 


Although January and February were warmer than average, but very wet, the 
vernal flora was not much advanced, with flowers of Helleborus foetidus 
Stinking Hellebore only barely out by the end of January. Snowdrops were 
starting to flower on the Chew at Coley and Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel in 
Cheddar Wood. However, by the start of March Helleborus viridis Green 
Hellebore was well open on Lyncombe Hill and in Mendip Lodge Wood, 
Daffodils were beginning to bloom at Shipham and Churchill Batch, Anemone 
nemorosa Wood Anemone was just flowering at Shipham, Lathraea squamaria 
Toothwort at Mendip Lodge Wood and Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury 
in several places on Mendip. 


In late March 34 plants of Gagea lutea Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem were 
flowering at Stoke St Michael, a large decline from 86 in 2001, with no 
flowering at Littleton Wood, Grandmother’s Rock or Murdercombe. This 
strangely contrasts with the behaviour of the plant in Dorset, where flowering 
was much better in 2002 than in 2001. At the end of March a few plants of 
Helianthemum nummularium Common Rock-rose were flowering on St 
Vincent’s Rocks, some five or six weeks earlier than previous records. 
Himantoglossum hircinum Lizard Orchid is thriving at Berrow, with about 
fifty flowering spikes in 2002, but at Mangotsfield is in decline (10 
inflorescences with 26 in 2001 and 39 in 2000) probably because of scrub 
encroachment. No plants of Cyperus fuscus Brown Galingale were seen on 
Walton Moor, where Juncus effusus Soft Rush is rampant and conservation 
work needed (all phenological records by RSC). 


52 


BRISTOL BOTANY REPORT 2002 


Records, particularly of ruderal plants, continue to be made, especially in the 
city of Bristol and its immediate environments, so enabling empty one kilometre 
grid squares in maps in The Flora of the Bristol Region (2000) to be filled. The 
persistence of some of the regions rarities such as the Adder’s-tongue 
Spearwort is to be welcomed, but the need for conservation measures for 
several of the rarities is evident. The discovery of a substantial colony of 
Round-leaved Wintergreen is a very notable addition to the flora of v.c. 6 and 
indeed it is new to Somerset. The arrival of Marsh Mallow this year at Sand 
Bay is of considerable interest and the record of Green-winged Orchid on the 
dunes at Berrow is especially notable for a species with distinctly declining 
distribution. Other outstanding records include the Rough Poppy at 
Hawkesbury, last seen in the Bristol region nearly a century ago, the Bithynian 
Vetch near Paulton, Whorled Clary at Marshfield and the scarce hybrid 
Bulrush found at a second site in North Somerset. The presence of a single 
plant of Rock Samphire at New Passage is a welcome appearance in a site 
where it was last seen in 1922 and where hopefully it may re-colonise. The 
import of a very substantial amount of sand for an amenity arena in Bristol 
Castle has led to the presence of a number of less common plants and notably 
the abundance there of Small Cudweed, a considerable rarity in the Bristol 
area. 


The publication in 2002 of the New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora edited by 
C.D. Preston, D.A. Pearman and T.D. Dines is a substantial achievement, being 
a very important reference work, which provides a wealth of information about 
the present and past distribution of both native and alien plants. An unfortunate 
slip here is to relate the 1991 record of Orchis purpurea Lady Orchid for Leigh 
Woods to W. Gloucestershire rather than to N. Somerset. 


In the revived Ecology in Somerset section of Somerset Archaeology and 
Natural History, Vol. 145 for 2001 (published 2003), there is a paper entitled 
The History of Sharpham Moor Plot by Graham M. Rix, pp. 195-199. This plot, 
believed to be the second oldest in Britain purchased as a Nature Reserve, and 
the site of the first British record of the hybrid sedge x Carex evoluta, has a 
substantial range of peat moor plants and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 


An obituary of Dr Elizabeth W. Woodward (née Davies), who died on 18 
February 2002, is given in Watsonia, 2003, Vol. 24, pp. 461-462. She is perhaps 
best known botanically for her work on the Carex flava agg., in which she 
described Carex scandinavica E. W. Davies new to the British Isles (this sedge 
is now called Carex viridula ssp. viridula var. pulchella). She collaborated in an 
account (A.J. Willis and E.W. Davies, Watsonia, 1960, Vol. 4, pp. 211-217) of 
the Somerset Rush Juncus subulatus described new to Britain on its discovery 
in the saltmarsh at Berrow in 1957. A keen and experienced equestrian, she was 


a3 


Arthur Willis 


most unfortunately confined to a wheel-chair since 1968 when her horse fell on 
her. 


Names of contributors of plant records are abbreviated thus: 


RLB R.L. Bland PM Pam Millman 
PJC P.J. Chadwick PJMN  P.J.M.Nethercott 
RSC R.S. Cropper EGMN  E.G.M.Niblett 
IPG I.P. Green PQ P.Quinn 

CK Clare Kitchen MJT M.J.Trotman 
MARK M.A.R. Kitchen BGW _ Barbara Wanford 
JM J. Maxwell 


The area covered by this report is essentially that defined by J.W. White for his 
Flora of Bristol (1912). The eastern boundary is taken as the old boundary of 
Wiltshire where it meets the old boundaries of both Gloucestershire and 
Somerset. The southern limit is taken as approximately the course of the River 
Brue along some of its length. The area comprises the northern part of the 
Watsonian vice-county of North Somerset (v.c.6) and the southern part of West 
Gloucestershire (v.c.34). In the following records these parts are designated S 
and G respectively. 


Plant names are in accordance with C. Stace New Flora of the British Isles, 2"? 
edition, 1997. 


Ranunculus ophioglossifolius Vill. Adder’s-tongue Spearwort. Flowering 
on Inglestone Common, G, MARK & CK, and also later MJT. 

R. trichophyllus Chaix Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot. Burnham-on-Sea, 
S, RSC. 

R. aquatilis L. Common Water-crowfoot. New pond on saltings, just north 
of Avonmouth; also R. sce/eratus L. (Celery-leaved Buttercup) in 
ditch nearby, G, RLB. 

R. penicillatus (Dumort.) Bab. Stream Water-crowfoot. In River Frome, 
near city centre, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Papaver hybridum L. Rough Poppy. Several in arable field, Hawkesbury, G, 
PQ. This poppy has not been recorded in the Bristol region since 1926, 
when it was noted as a garden weed at Sand Bay, Kewstoke, S (see 
Bristol Botany in 1926, p. 314). 

Meconopsis cambrica (L.) Vig. Welsh Poppy. Clay Hill, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Chelidonium majus L. Greater Celandine. Growing well in roadgrit box, 
near Cotham, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Fumaria officinalis L. Common Fumitory. Waste ground, Cribbs 
Causeway, Bristol, G, and also Bedminster, Bristol, S, RLB. 


54 


BRISTOL BOTANY REPORT 2002 


Diplotaxus tenuifolia (L.) DC. Perennial Wall-rocket. One plant in 2001 in 
shrub-bed, High Street, Nailsea, S; spreading since first noted in 2000 
in road verge at A38 junction with Barrow Gurney road, S, PM. 

Barbarea vulgaris W.T. Aiton Winter-cress. River Avon bank, Bristol, G, 
RLB. 

Viola reichenbachiana Jord. ex Boreau_ Early Dog-violet. An example of 
persistence (as also of a number of other species) over many years of a 
colony in a patch about 15 metres long of undisturbed raised ground, 
Sneyd Park, Bristol, G, PJMN. 

Cerastium diffusum Pers. Sea Mouse-ear. Several plants in sandy substrate 
between paviours in car park, Bramley Close, Kingswood, G, MJT. 

Spergularia rubra (L.) J. & C. Pres! Sand Spurrey. Abundant on introduced 
sandy area of amenity arena, Bristol Castle, Bristol,G, MARK & CK. 
Seen on Botanical Section meeting and known here by MARK for 
some years. Also on this sandy area three large plants of S. marina (L.) 
Griseb. (Lesser Sea-spurrey), MARK & CK. 

S. media (L.) C. Pres! Greater Sea-spurrey. In the stone wall joints of 
vertical walls of the New Cut, Clifton Wood eastwards in three one-km 
squares, where daily swept by the saline tide, Bristol, G, RLB. There is 
a distinct succession of plants in the joints. 

Malva sylvestris L. Common Mallow. Waste ground, Cribbs Causeway, 
Bristol, G, RLB. 

M. neglecta Wallr. Dwarf Mallow. A small patch of flowering plants by 
road to sewage works, West Huntspill, S, RSC. 

Althaea officinalis L. Marsh-mallow. Two fairly small flowering plants, top 
of saltmarsh, Sand Bay, S, RSC. A recent arrival at this site. 

Geranium pratense L. Meadow Crane’s-bill. Barton Hill, Bristol, G, and 
Arno’s Vale, Bristol, S, RLB. 

G. pusillum L. Small-flowered Crane’s-bill. A small patch in flower and 
fruit on grassy bank on shore, Severn Beach, G, RSC. 

G. robertianum L. Herb-Robert. Several white-flowered plants with normal 
ones, footpath, Sandford Hill, S, RSC. 

Erodium maritimum (L.) L’Hér. Sea Stork’s-bill. Plentiful in pavement 
cracks and gutter of urban cul-de-sac, Clifton Wood, by Ambra Vale, 
Bristol, G, RLB, conf. Tony Smith. 

FE. cicutarium (L.) L’Hér. Common Stork’s-bill. On footpath, Alveston, G, 
JM. 

Lotus glaber Mill. Narrow-leaved Bird’s-foot-trefoil. One very fine plant 
on shingle beach, Severn Beach, G, RSC. 

Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. Sainfoin. Five plants, Southmead Hospital, 
Bristol, G, Jonathan King. 

Vicia bithynica (L.) Bithynian Vetch. Three sites for this scarce plant are 
now known in the Cam Valley Wildlife Group area. It has long been 


55 


Arthur Willis 


recorded in good quantity on south-facing railway banks at Radstock, 
S, and on banks of the railway cutting at Kilmersdon, S. In June 2000 
a few plants were found by J. Neaves on a south-facing hedge-bank 
just outside Paulton, S, where it has persisted for three years, Helena 
Crouch. 

Lathyrus nissolia L. Grass Vetchling. Many plants in shrubbery, The Mall, 
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, G, BGW. 

Aphanes australis Rydb. Slender Parsley-piert. In good quantity on 
introduced sandy area of an amenity arena, Bristol Castle, Bristol, G, 
MARK & CK. Also here several plants of Chaenorhinum minus (L.) 
Lange (Small Toadflax), MARK & CK. Both species seen on BNS 
Botanical Section meeting. 

Rosa tomentosa Sm. Harsh Downy-rose. — Flowering in roadside hedge, 
Wotton-under-Edge, G, RSC. 

R. rubiginosa L. Sweet-briar. One large flowering bush in hedgerow, near 
boatyard, Uphill, S, RSC. 

R. micrantha Borrer ex Sm. Small-flowered Sweet-briar. Single bush on 
lower rock face, Great Quarry, Avon Gorge, G, RSC. 

Lythrum salicaria L. Purple-loosestrife. By River Frome, near City centre, 
Bristol, G, RLB. Also with Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. 
(Meadow-sweet), /ris pseudacorus L. (Yellow Iris) and Pulicaria 
dysenterica (L.) Bernh. (Common Fleabane) in new pond, The Mall, 
Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Eryngium maritimum L. Sea-holly. Although given in The Flora of the 
Bristol Region, ed. I.P. Green et al. (2000) as last recorded in the 
Bristol region in 1971, a single plant was noted at Uphill, S, RSC, in 
July 1975 and was also seen there in July 1983, the final record, RSC. 

Sison amomum L. Stone Parsley. A large patch on waste ground, Cribbs 
Causeway, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Berula erecta (Huds.) Coville. Lesser Water-parsnip. Scattered over 
several square metres in dried-up ditch, Blisham Farm Gate, 
Northwick, Pilning, G, BGW. 

Crithmum maritinum L. Rock Samphire. A single plant growing amongst 
Carboniferous Limestone blocks of sea-wall, New Passage, G, MARK 
& CK. This was last recorded here by E.M. Day (1910) and J.W. 
White (1922) and is one of only three extant sites for the plant in v.c. 
34. Seen with BNS Botanical Section. 

Polygonum arenastrum Boreau. Equal-leaved Knotgrass. Common along 
coastal path, west of Portishead, S, PM. 

Pyrola rotundifolia L. ssp. rotundifolia Round-leaved Wintergreen. A good 
size patch in old limestone quarry in Ham Woods, near Croscombe, S, 
Ann Cole. Specimen in Herb. IPG. This is a first record for Somerset. 


56 


BRISTOL BOTANY REPORT 2002 


Primula veris L. Cowslip. A very large number flowering along bank of M4 
slip road, Tormarton; two other colonies with more than a hundred 
flowers near Tormarton; also at Cadwell Hill, West Littleton; Tracy 
Park, Wick; and near Marshfield, all G, PJC. 

P. x polyantha Mill. (P. vulgaris Huds. x P. veris L.) False Oxlip. Near edge 
of plantation, Alveston, G, JM. 

Lysimachia vulgaris L. Yellow Loosestrife. A large clump in open area 
adjoining Weston Big Wood, S, EGMN. 

Samolus valerandi L. Brookweed. Several flowering plants along overgrown 
rhine, Tealham Moor, S, RSC. 

Myosotis discolor Pers. Changing Forget-me-not. In good quantity, damp 
meadow, Chilton Moor, S, RSC. 

Lithospermum officinale L. Common Gromwell. — A few flowering plants, 
field adjoining Cheddar Wood, S, RSC. 

Verbascum nigrum L. Dark Mullein. Between paving stone and wall, 
Nailsea Library, S, PM. 

Linaria repens (L.) Mill. Pale Toadflax. Flowering in some quantity on line 
at railway station, Severn Beach, G, RSC. 

Chaenorhinum minus (L.) Lange. Small Toadflax. In pavement crack, 
Ashton Vale, Bristol, S, RLB. This was the only site in which it was 
found in a survey of 75 one-km squares in Bristol, RLB. 

Orobanche minor Sm. Common Broomrape. _ A plant 60 cm tall, apparently 
on Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. (Spotted Medick), on wasteland 
adjoining Norton’s Wood, Clevedon, S, EGMN. 

O. hederae Duby Ivy Broomrape. Seen in small quantity on BNS Botanical 
Section meeting, Bristol Castle, Bristol, G, MARK & CK. 

Calamintha acinos (L.) Kuntze. Basil Thyme. Persistent, where first found 
in 1991, in old quarry, Compton Martin, S, RSC. 

Plantago coronopus L. Buck’s-horn Plantain. On introduced sandy area of 
amenity arena, Bristol Castle, Bristol, G, MARK & CK. Also good 
quantity of Rumex acetosella L. (Sheep’s Sorrel), MARK & CK. Both 
seen on BNS Botanical Section meeting and known to MARK for 
some years. 

Campanula latifolia L. Giant Bellflower. Over thirty plants, one in flower 
and several in bud in late June, in still thriving colony on the banks of 
the River Frome, Bromley Heath, G, MJT. 

Galium parisiense L. Wall Bedstraw. In 1999, on gravel path, garden of 
‘Beryl’, Wells, S, BGW, det. IPG. Specimen in Herb. IPG. This is the 
first confirmed record of this rare casual in v.c. 6. 

Sambucus ebulus L. Dwarf Elder. A fine flowering stand on hedgebank, 
extending into field, Banwell, S, RSC. 


a7 


Arthur Willis 


Adoxa moschatellina L. Moschatel. Hundred of plants along bank of the 
River Frome, Bromley Heath, G; also one small and two larger 
colonies, Winterbourne Down, G, MJT. 

Bidens cernua L. Nodding Bur-marigold. One plant flowering and fruiting 
on strandline, Berrow, S, RSC. 

Senecio sylvaticus L. Heath Groundsel. Street Heath, S, RSC. 

Filago minima (Sm.) Pers. Small Cudweed. Abundant on introduced sandy 
area of amenity arena, Bristol Castle, Bristol, G, MARK & CK, conf. 
T.C.G. Rich. Seen on Botanical Section meeting. 

Cichorium intybus L. Chicory. In hedge, Henbury, G, RLB. 

Ornithogalum angustifolium Boreau. Star-of-Bethlehem. — In two sites in 
grass verge, Upper Wraxall to North Wraxall road, G; also Ayford 
Lane, Marshfield, G, PJC. 

Colchicum autumnale L. Meadow Saffron. Seventeen flowers under 
sycamore, Chew Valley Lake, S, and thirteen in rough grass of field, 
Stowey Bottom, Chew Valley, S, David Warden. 

Paris quadrifolia L. Herb-Paris. Persistent in Prior’s Wood, near Clapton-in 
Gordano, S, EGMN. 

Ophrys apifera Huds. Bee Orchid. A large colony (49 spikes) on land 
adjoining Easton-in-Gordano Bypass, St George’s side, S, EGMN. 

Orchis morio L. Green-winged Orchid. One good flower spike, Berrow 
dunes, S, RSC. This is a first record for these dunes. 

Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) So6 Common Spotted-orchid. | One white- 
flowered spike among many normal coloured, Leigh Woods, Bristol, S, 
RSC. 

D. praetermissa (Druce) Sod Southern Marsh-orchid. Norton’s Wood, 
Clevedon; also adjoining Easton-in-Gordano By-Pass, with D. fuchsii 
and possible hybrids, S, EGMN. 

Typha latifolia L. Bulrush. With Carex pendula Huds. (Pendulous Sedge) 
in new pond, The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, G, RLB. 

T. x glauca Godr. (T. angustifolia L. xT. latifolia L.) In rhyne on south side 
of Claverham Drove, north of Yatton, S, IPG. This is a second record 
for v.c. 6. 

Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C. Gmel. Rat’s-tail Fescue. About twenty flowering 
spikes on side of dry track in Frome Valley, Bromley Heath, G, MJT. 
In good quantity, old railway sidings, Radstock, S, RSC. 

Puccinellia distans (Jacq.) Parl. Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass. New Passage, 
G, RSC. 

P. rupestris (With.) Fernald & Weath. Stiff Saltmarsh-grass. On dried mud 
patch on path through saltmarsh alongside River Avon, below Old 
Sneyd Park, Bristol, G, MARK & CK. 


58 


BRISTOL BOTANY REPORT 2002 


Parapholis incurva (L.) C.E. Hubb. Curved Hard-grass. A good patch in 
flower on mobile dunes, Berrow, S, RSC, also IPG. Not reported from 
this area for many years. 


ALIENS 


Papaver somniferum L. Opium Poppy. Near Chittening Warth, G, RLB. 

Eschscholzia californica Cham. Californian Poppy. Flowering in soil 
around tree, Sea Mills, G, RLB. 

Hesperis matronalis L. Dame’s-violet. Bank of River Avon, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Saponaria officinalis L. Soapwort. _Portway, Bristol, G, RLB. Many plants 
in 30 metre stretch of hedge and verge, Winford, S, PM. 

Impatiens glandulifera Royle. Indian Balsam. — Bank of River Frome, near 
City centre, Bristol, G, RLB. 

Aesculus hippocastanum L. Horse-chestnut. For the last three years the 
Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has seriously damaged these trees 
in gardens in Sneyd Park, Bristol, G, PJMN. This apparently recently 
acquired habit leads to the destruction of the flowering shoots before 
they open and they do not regenerate. The Grey Squirrel is also 
responsible in Sneyd Park, as elsewhere, for stripping bark from young 
trees of Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) leading to their death, 
PJMN. 

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Virginia-creeper. Top of Clarken 
Combe, where no dwellings close, north of Long Ashton, S, RLB. 

Medicago sativa L. ssp. sativa Lucerne. About twenty plants, near coast 
path west of Portishead, S, PM. 

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall. Ribbed Melilot. Bank of the River Avon, near 
the City centre, G, RLB. 

Trifolium hybridum L. Alsike Clover. Scattered plentifully along disturbed 
ground on north bank of Huntspill River, West Huntspill, S, RSC. 

Lathyrus latifolius L. Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea. Embankment of M32, 
near Frenchay, G; also Portway, Bristol, G, and near Chittening Warth, 
G, RLB. 

Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd. Wild Pear. In old hedge, north-east of 
Avonmouth, G, RLB. 

Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier and Levier Giant Hogweed. Bank of 
River Frome, near City centre, Bristol, G; also roadside, North Wick, 
near Dundry, S, RLB. 

Cyclamen hederifolium Aiton Sowbread. Durdham and Clifton Down and 
Mariners path, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, G, RLB. One clump in trimmed 
road verge, west of Moat House Farm, towards Clapton-in-Gordano, S, 
PM. 


a) 


Arthur Willis 


Lysimachia punctata L. Dotted Loosestrife. A strong colony, waste ground, 
Severn Beach, G, and also a small colony on railway track, Sea Mills, 
G, PJMN. 

Lycium barbarum L. Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant. West of St George, 
Bristol, G, RLB. 

Salvia verticillata L. Whorled Clary. A large clump (12 x 2 metres) of more 
than a hundred plants on border of track and field, Northfield Lane, 
Marshfield, G, PQ (conf. MARK & CK). This plant does not appear to 
have been recorded in the Bristol region since 1967. 


Leycesteria formosa Wall. Himalayan Honeysuckle. Stoke Bishop and 
Clifton, Bristol, G, RLB. 
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Ragweed. Three plants in flowerbed, garden, 


Tickenham Hill, S, Keith Giles. 

Solidago canadensis L. Canadian Goldenrod. Roadside, Dyrham, G, RLB. 

Cicerbita macrophylla (Willd.) Wallr. Common Blue-sow-thistle. A small 
flowering patch on dumped soil on Portway, Clifton, Bristol, G, RSC. 

Pilosella aurantiaca (L.) F.W. Schultz & Sch. Bip. (Hieracium aurantiacum L.) 
Fox-and-Cubs. Dotted about in grass, Sanctuary Gardens, Sneyd 
Park, Bristol, G, BGW. 

Acorus calamus L. Sweet-flag. A good patch, River Avon, below Bristol 
Castle, Bristol, G, MARK & CK. Seen on BNS Botanical Section 
meeting. This find represents a westerly extension along the Avon, 
being previously recorded at the western end of the Feeder Canal. 

Cortaderia richardii (Endl.) Zotov Early Pampas-grass. —Self-sown at base 
of wall, Wells, S, IPG. This is a first record for v.c. 6. 

Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub. Hungarian Brome. Well established on 
roadside bank, B4461, Aust, G, MARK & CK, det. T.C.G. Rich. 

Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf. Annual Beard-grass. Bank of River 
Avon, Bristol, G, and old rail track adjoining River Avon, G, RLB, det. 
A.G. Smith. 

P. viridis (Gouan) Breistr. Water Bent. Abundant along towpath, St Philip’s 
Bridge, opposite the former Georges Brewery, G, MARK & CK. Seen 
on BNS Botanical Section meeting. Reported last year by the Cornubia 
public house (Bristol Botany in 2001, p. 87) and is probably more 
widespread in this area. 


Acknowledgements: I thank everyone who has supplied plant records and 
helped with these, especially Mr R.L. Bland, Helena Crouch, Mr I.P. Green, 
Mrs C. & Mr M.A.R. Kitchen and Mr P.J.M. Nethercott. I am indebted to Dr 
D.J. Lovell of Long Ashton Research Station for meteorological records. 


Professor A.J. Willis 
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University, Sheffield S10 2TN 
60 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 61:82 


Bristol Mammal Report 2002 
Mary J. Trump and David P. C. Trump 


districts. Its intention is to be a wide-ranging review of the records and 

studies of mammals in and around the Bristol area and to report on 
significant issues and events affecting British mammals in 2002. The number of 
one-kilometre squares in which those species were recorded 1s given in brackets 
after the scientific name, followed by the number of one kilometre squares for 
2001 and 2000. The former county of Avon covers an area of approximately 
1300 square kilometres, and so the number of | km squares for which records 
have been received gives an indication of the abundance of each species. All 
grid references are for the 100 km grid square ST. The differences between the 
years is likely to be due to changes in numbers and locations of recorders rather 
than changes in mammal abundance or distribution. 
Highlights include the finding of a possible Natterer’s Bat nursery colony and 
the continued spread of Otters back into the area. 


r | Vhis is the thirteenth recent mammal report for Bristol and its surrounding 


Reports On Mammals 
INSECTIVORA (hedgehogs, shrews, and moles) 


Hedgehog Ervinaceus europaeus (45 squares in 2002, 38 in 2001, 97 in 2000) 
There were 47 road casualty records from 41 1-km squares:- 4070, 4170, 4364, 
4871, 5165, 5169, 5271, 5484, 5585(2), 5669, 5679, 5770, 5776, 5777 (A), 
5778, 5780, 5869, 5874, 5876, 5879, 5976, 5988, 6069, 6081, 6086(3), 6159, 
6186, 6257, 6275, 6388, 6476, 6480, 6690, 6754, 6784, 6888, 6893, 7083, 7092, 
7164, 7866. 

[Records from: RB, AMB, PC, AJM, JCR, BT, MT, DT] 


100 
90 12002 
80 P 

2001 
70 7% 
60 t 2000 
50 i 1999 
Ss 
A pam m 1998 
a i = ma 
od _|}+—_ a Sh hFCOsaGF/- 2 he 
a el S | i i (11996 
Cc Q — —~ > S ~ > oO 
Ss 2 38 @ § 8 Or. 2: tia 


Figure 1. Number of Hedgehog Road Casualty Records per Month 1996-2002 
61 


David and Mary Trump 


Seven years of data and 438 records of road casualty Hedgehogs show two main 
peaks (Figure 1): in May when most Hedgehogs have emerged from hibernation 
and in July/August when the young of the year disperse. Hedgehog road 
casualties have now been recorded in every month of the year except February. 


Other hedgehog records/sightings/observations: - 


Joan Marsh recorded two Hedgehogs in her garden in Ashton in November, a 
fully grown adult and a juvenile feeding on bird food (5771). 


John Martin reports a juvenile found asleep in his bin store in Pilning (5584) in 
the early autumn. It had departed by the following day. 


Richard Bland reports two dead Hedgehogs in Bedminster Down (5769) and 
Henleaze (5775). 


Mr J C Rawlinson reported a Hedgehog crossing a road in Pilning (5585) in 
August. He also reported from his Pilning garden (5585): droppings seen near 
feeding station from 3 April; first sighting of a Hedgehog (feeding on peanuts) 
on 19 April; two individuals seen feeding regularly between 27 April and 24 
May; one to two individuals seen emerging from his garage between 12 and 20 
June; 3 July — one feeding on lawn with 7 Foxes! One adult seen almost every 
night during August with two young; 20 October — tiny (undersized) Hedgehog 
seen in the garage, fed and watered with peanuts and cat food for almost three 
weeks; | November — second tiny Hedgehog seen; 14 November — one seen 
using garage; 19 November — last evidence in garage, ceased feeding. 


Mole Talpa europea (63, 69,151) 

Records of Mole hills from the following 1-km squares: 4372, 4373, 4569 (2), 
4571, 4671, 4875, 4876, 4970, 5269, 5281(2), 5374, 5377(2), 5382, 5470, 
5477(2), 5478, 5570; 5571, 5577, 5585, 5669, 5670, 5678, 6075(3), 6076, 
6176(3), 6186, 6187, 6276(3), 6277, 6278, 6371, 6372; 6376), 6377,.6382, 
6388, 6477, 6479, 6690, 6883, 6983, 7170, 7172, 7374, 7375, 7403, 7475, 7476, 
7576(3), 7675, 7677(3), 7771, 7776), 7777(2), 7784, 7876, 7878 (2)n7975, 
7976, 8074, 8075(2). The only other record was a Mole found dead on a road 
(4569) 

[Records from: RB, PC, JCR, MT, DT] 


Common Shrew Sorex araneus (4,3,1) 

Two were unfortunately found drowned in a bucket in August (5585) and 
another killed by a cat, also in August; 2 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor 
(4573); 5 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4673); 5 in Longworth traps at 


62 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


Royal Portbury Dock (5876). ({See sections on small mammals at Royal 
Portbury Dock and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 
[Records from: SE, JCR, DT] 


Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus (4,0,0) 

One found in a nest box on Walton Moor (4474) in February; 3 in Longworth 
traps at Clapton Moor (4573); 2 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4673); 2 
in Longworth traps at Royal Portbury Dock (5876). [See sections on small 
mammals at Royal Portbury Dock and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 

[Record from SE, LR, DT] 


Water Shrew Neomys fodiens (2,0,0) 

One record of a dead Water Shrew at Chew Valley Lake (5758) in June; 4 in 
Longworth traps at Royal Portbury Dock (5876). [See sections on small 
mammals at Royal Portbury Dock and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 

[Records from SE, DW] 


Studies of Water Shrews using baited tubes in the south east of England. The 
dung was then studied for identification purposes. It was found that habitats 
included rivers, streams, canals and ditches. There was no evidence to show 
human disturbance had a detrimental affect on their populations but they were 
absent from river catchments with poor water quality. Fast flowing shallow 
waters were favoured whereas low herbaceous vegetation and riverbanks with 
low inclines were avoided. (Wildlife Reports, British Wildlife 13 (6): 427-8.) 


Shrews and Habitat Fragmentation 

A study of shrews living on a golf course in Yorkshire has shown that during a 
year’s trapping only 8% of Common Shrews moved across fairways while 37% 
of Pygmy Shrews did move between patches of rough. This showed them to be 
similar to other small mammals such as the Common Dormouse and the Short- 
tailed Field Vole which have also been shown to be sensitive to habitat 
fragmentation. (Wildlife Reports, British Wildlife 13 (3): 199) 


CHIROPTERA (Bats) 


Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (1,0,1) 
140 were recorded at Brockley (4766) on 26 July (ABG). 


It was reported in the local press that surveys were being carried out on the late 
Lord Wraxall’s property, Tyntesfield, for Greater Horseshoe Bats. Surveyors 
have already discovered Lesser Horseshoe and Long-eared Bats on the estate 
and they think the habitat is good for Greater Horseshoes too. (Bristol Evening 
Post 28 June 2002). 


63 


David and Mary Trump 


Lesser Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus hipposideros (9,0,3) 

One seen at Abbots Pool (5373) on 18 July; two at Keynsham bat cave (6470) 
on 9 February; four recorded at Dolebury Warren (4558) on 25 January; thirty 
eight were seen at Blackdown (4758) on 25 January; one recorded at 
Rowberrow Common (4558) on 25 January; six were recorded at Chew Stoke 
(5561) on 18 August; 128 at Upper Langford (4559) on 3 June; more than 20 at 
Blagdon (5059) on 8 September; 15 at Pensford (6162) on 15 December. 
[Records from ABG, DT MT]. 


Whiskered Bat Myotis mystacinus (1,0,0) 
At least six recorded at Chew ton Keynsham (6565) on 25 July (ABG). 


Natterer’s Bat Myotis nattier (3,1,3) 

One was seen on 10 July emerging from the roost at Burnett (6665). Usually 
30+ are seen at this location but this particular night was very cold so the bats 
stayed in their roost. This roost is part of an ongoing study being made by Bob 
Howard. 


A dead bat found in the garden of a house in West End, Nailsea (4569) on 25 
July was later identified as a juvenile Natterer’s Bat (confirmed by Katie 
Parsons and Gareth Jones of Bristol University). It may be only the second 
location known in Avon as a summer roost for Natterer’s bats. Further studies 
are likely to be carried out at this location in 2003. 


One was recorded at Rowberrow Common (4558) on 25 January. 
[Records from ABG, DT & MT] 


Bechsteins Bat Myotis bechsteinii (1,0,0) 
Two found in bat boxes at Folly Farm (6060). 
[Record from JR] 


Daubenton’s Bat Myotis daubentoni (2,1,0) 

Several seen flying low over the water at Abbot’s Pool (5373) on 18 July. Six+ 
seen at Eastville Park Lake (6175) on 24 August. 

[Records from ABG, DT & MT]. 


Serotine Eptesicus serotinus (2,0,0) 

At least five recorded at Nordrach (5156) on 25 June. One was recorded at 
Burnett (6665) on 24 August. 

[Records from ABG] 


64 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


Noctule Nyctalus noctula (4,3,1) 

Two seen at Abbots Pool on 18 July (5373), at least two seen at Brockley on 13 
July (4866). One male found in a bat box at Folly Farm (6060). There were two 
records of a Noctule flying in Montpelier (5974) including one seen flying in 
bright sunshine at 13.30 hrs on 24 December. 

[Records from DB, JR, DT & MT] 


Leisler’s Bat Nyctalus leisleri (0, 1,0) 
No records for this year. 


Common Pipistrelle Pipistre/lus pipistrellus and Soprano  Pipistrelle 
Pipistrellus pygmaeus (12,4+, 3) 

Several pipistrelles were seen at Abbots Pool on 18 July (5373), at Brockley on 
13 July (4866) and at Burnett on 10 July (6665). At least two were recorded in a 
garden in Yatton (4364) on 25 August. Approximately 20 bats had been counted 
out of the roof a few nights earlier, although the species is not confirmed. There 
were also regular sightings of pipistrelles in a garden in Pilning (5585) between 
16 May and 30 September. A late sighting was made on 30 October in Henleaze 
(5776). 


Avon Bat Group recorded pipistrelles at the following locations: three at Folly 
Wood, Bishop Sutton (6060) on 27 January; one at Stowey (5959) on 28 June; 
sixty one at Ham Lane, Dundry (5567) on 2 June; 120 at Upper Weston, Bath 
(7267) on 9 June; more than 100 at Towerhouse Lane, Wraxall (4772) on 24 
June; more than 955 were recorded at Blind Lane, Chew Stoke (5662) on 18 
July. 

[Records from ABG, JCR, DT, MT] 


Nathusius’ Pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii (0, 1,0) 
No records this year but still thought to be present in the Blagdon and Chew 
Valley areas. 


Brown Long-Eared Bat Plecotus auritus (1,0,0) 
More than three recorded at Wraxall (4972) on 30 July. 
[Record from ABG] 


Bat Studies at Bristol University 


Professor Gareth Jones launched the Mammal Society’s Easter Conference with 
a lecture on the recent research into Greater Horseshoe Bats. Studies of the 
species have included the use of bat detectors, very small transmitters and aerial 
tracking from light aircraft. The research group found the Greater Horseshoe 


65 


David and Mary Trump 


Bats use ancient semi-natural woodland and cattle-grazed pasture where key 
food items such as the dung beetle can be found. The mean foraging range was 
2.23 km. 75% of the feeding areas lay within this radius for adults whereas 
juveniles remained within 1.5 km of the roost until they were at least 50 days 
old. 


Studies have also identified swarming behaviour among bats. In autumn 
thousands of bats, mainly males, appear at some hibernation sites after feeding. 
The species displaying this behaviour were mainly Natterer’s and Daubenton’s 
Bats. Some bats were travelling to these swarming sites from a great distance, 
which suggests that these swarming roosts could be important areas for 
outbreeding. 


Dr Carol Williams also reported on her research into Lesser Horseshoe Bats. 
She found that this species fed throughout the winter, depending on the 
temperature. They used grazed areas and damp woodland and fed selectively on 
dung-flies. They were tracked to a distance of 2.1 km with an average foraging 
distance of 1.2 km. (Wildlife Reports, British Wildlife 13 (5): 351.) 


LAGOMORPHA (Rabbits and Hares) 


Brown Hare Lepus europaeus (10, 11,34) 

Records from the following 1-km squares: two seen in new area of salt marsh on 
11 December on the Axe Estuary (3157), John Martin reports that Brown Hares 
used to be seen regularly in this location in the past; two seen in a field at Little 
River near Yatton (4066); one seen on Puxton Moor (4163); one seen on 
Clapton Moor (4573); one seen in a field at Stowey (5959); one seen in a field at 
Burnett (6665); one seen at Doynton (7374); one in a mixed arable area (7577); 
one seen on a road at Marshfield (7774); three seen at Marshfield (7974). 
[Records from: DB, PC, JPM, BT, DT, DW] 


Questionnaires were sent out by researchers at Bristol University to farmers to 
investigate why Hares are common in arable habitats but rare in pastoral and 
other habitats. Brown Hares were described as declining on 42% of farms and 
increasing on 22% of mainly arable farms. Hares were more likely to be seen on 
farms with wheat, beet or fallow land. Wheat and beet provide food and the 
fallow areas provide cover. Pastoral farmers reported more sightings of Hares if 
they had woodland or mainly improved grassland. 


There was little relationship between the numbers of Rabbits and Hares on 
farms. However, there were fewer Hares where Foxes were present as they are 
the major predators of Hares, especially leverets. The relationship between Hare 
numbers, habitat and predation was difficult to determine from the questionnaire 


66 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


but it was shown that higher numbers of Hares were recorded in larger fields 
with cover such as woodland and fallow. This habitat probably results in less 
predation. (Wildlife Reports, British Wildlife 14 (1): 46-47.) 


Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (36,19,105) 

Records from the following 1-km squares: 4469 five in field; 4569 (2 records) 
two seen in the hedgerow in April and 5+ seen in the field in June; 4871, 
5281(2), 5378 3 seen on two occasions, 5379 (2 records), 5380 9 seen, 5382(2), 
5383, 5467 one seen at Barrow Common, 5478, 5479 8 seen, 5480 2 seen, 5483, 
5484(2), 5485, 5579(2), 5584, 5585, 5669, 5679, 5687, 5769, several seen at 
5770 on the central reservation of the main road, 5781, 5880, 5881, 5988, 
6075(2), 6176(2), 6270, 6371, 6388, 6386, 6585, 6883. It is interesting to note 
that no myxomatosis was recorded this year. 


J C Rawlinson reports one or two adults seen regularly between | March and 30 
August in his garden (5585). A juvenile was seen feeding on clover on 3 June. 
Three or four individuals were seen up to 19 November. Droppings were 
recorded most days near bird feeding stations. 

[Records from: JM, JCR, DT] 


RODENTIA (rats, mice, voles and squirrels) 


Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus (13,6+,17) 

One record of up to 12 rats seen in a garden (4569) feeding on bird food; one 
seen dead at Ham Green (5376), 5556; several records from a rural garden in 
Pilning (5585) in May — up to 2 adults and 5 juveniles — one was seen climbing 
along a wire between two trees to reach a bird feeder; one seen on the tidal area 
of the River Avon (5972) and one seen in St Weburghs (5974); other records 
from 5770, 6169, 6170, 6485, 6891, 7288, 7692. 


The Bristol Evening Post reported that there was a rise in the number of rats due 
to the increase in fast food outlets and litter on the streets. Diane Shakespeare of 
Keep Britain Tidy stated that the amount of rubbish on our streets has risen by 
80% since the 1960s. (Bristol Evening Post | August 2002.) 

[Records from RB, DB, JCR, MT] 


Black Rat Rattus rattus 

A discovery by Roger Symes in the old Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and 
Food archives at Bristol of a map showing records of the presence of Black Rats 
in 1945 apparently by questionnaire survey of local authorities revealed the 
presence of 32 major infestations throughout England and Wales. These 
included ‘extensive infestations’ in Bristol and Gloucester. The records 
emphasised the largely coastal distribution of the species and its dependence on 


67 


David and Mary Trump 


shipping for its survival and recurrence. The authors conclude that the 
distribution map confirms the notion that the introduction of containerised 
transport of foodstuffs and their better storage was instrumental in reducing the 
species to near extinction in Britain (Symes and Yalden 2002). 


Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis (37,50,77) 

There were records from the following 1-km squares: 4169(2), 4269, 5274, 
5373(2), 5479, 5571, 5577(2), 5585 (regular sightings in a Pilning garden 
between | January 3 June), 5668, 5679, 5769, 5770-5 7729357 Avs), S779, 
5789, 5873(2), 5876 (seen regularly in a garden stealing bird food!), 5881, 5975, 
6060, 6075, 6172, 6176, 6184, 6270, 6272, 6376, 6377, 6381, 6390, 6477(2), 
6689, 6684, 7182. 


John Burton reports up to three Grey Squirrels were seen daily (5778) between 
April and May with 5 being seen in June. 


Richard Bland continued with his breeding bird survey in ST5673 every week. 
He counted 91 squirrels at a rate of 1.8 an hour, which was less than last year. 
Peak numbers were counted in the first two weeks of October, two weeks later 
than last year. 


The Bristol Evening Post reported how a Clevedon Bowls player was bitten by a 
squirrel. This was after the person in question had tried to stroke the squirrel. 
(Bristol Evening Post 7 May 2002.) 


More than 1500 homes in Nailsea and Backwell lost power in July due to a 
squirrel jumping onto overhead power lines. Power was lost for two and a half 
hours. (Clevedon Mercury 11 July 2002.) 

[Records from: RB, JB, PC, JCR, LR, JM, DT, MT] 


Water Vole Arvicola terrestris (2,2,0) 

One seen swimming across a rhyne in the Gordano valley in March 4573; a 
brief glimpse of a Water Vole at 5379 on 14 May (during a walk led by Phil 
Quinn of the Avon Wildlife Trust). 


Simon Eyre and colleagues at Bristol Zoo are involved in a Water Vole breeding 
and release scheme. 
[Records from DB, DT]. 


Bank Vole Clethrionomys glareolus (6,1,4) 

A bank vole was seen running across the road at Chelvey (4568) in June; one 
found dead on the road at Pilning (5585); one unfortunate was caught by a cat 
(5974) in Montpelier; 18 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4573); 4 in 


68 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4673); 16 in Longworth traps at Royal 
Portbury Dock (5876). [See sections on small mammals at Royal Portbury Dock 
and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 

[Records from DB, SE, JCR, DT, MT| 


Short-tailed Field Vole Microtus agrestis (7,2,2) 

Five sleeping Short-tailed Field Voles were found in December in a feeder on 
Walton Moor (4473?); 2 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4573); 6 in 
Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4673); 8 in Longworth traps at Royal 
Portbury Dock (5876). Others seen at 5584, 5585, 6189. [See sections on small 
mammals at Royal Portbury Dock and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 

[Records from SE, JCR, LR, DT]. 


Harvest Mouse Micromys minutus (0,1,0) 
No records for this year. 


Common Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius (1,0,) 
A Dormouse was seen in Brockley (4866) in September running up the trunk of 
a tree from a nest box (C Parsons pers comm). 


The Mammal Society is marketing Dormouse Nest Tubes, developed by Pat 
Morris and Paul Bright. These are used as an alternative to dormouse nest boxes 
and are particularly useful in non-traditional dormouse habitat such as 
hedgerows or areas of scrub. The tubes give an indication of Dormouse activity 
due to the presence or absence of Dormouse nests. 


Wood Mouse (Long-tailed Field Mouse) Apodemus sylvaticus (5,7,6) 

Brian Tizard reports a family of 2 adults and 3 young resident at his house 
(5873) where they regularly feed from the bird seed dispenser; several records 
from a garden in Pilning between April and November (5585); 75 in Longworth 
traps at Clapton Moor (4573); 43 in Longworth traps at Clapton Moor (4673); 
13 in Longworth traps at Royal Portbury Dock (5876). [See sections on small 
mammals at Royal Portbury Dock and Clapton Moor Nature Reserve]. 

[Records from SE, JCR, BT, DT] 


House Mouse Mus domesticus (1,4,3) 
Regular activity, bait takes and sightings during the year in a closed shop in 
Pilning (5585)[JCR]. 


Yellow-Necked Mouse Apodemus flavicollis (1,0,0) 


One found in a nest box in Walton Moor in February (4463). 
[Record from LR] 


69 


David and Mary Trump 
Small Mammal Trapping 


1) Royal Portbury Dock 


Simon Eyre of Bristol Zoo carried out a small mammal survey at the Royal 
Portbury Dock (4876, 4877, 4976, 4977) between 17 and 19 October. Six 
species of mammal were caught in Longworth live-capture traps and the results 
were as follows: 


Woodmouse _ 13 plus 4 recaptures 
Bank Vole 16 and 12 recaptures 
Field Vole 8 and 2 recaptures 
Water Shrew 4 

Common Shrew 5 

Pygmy Shrew 2 


Fifty traps were used along three transects, two in grassland, one in more dense 
marginal foliage. 11 animals were caught in the grassland and 56 caught in the 
denser foliage, showing the importance of marginal vegetation. It 1s hoped that 
the trapping will be repeated in 2003. 


2) Clapton Moor Nature Reserve 


David Trump began a twelve month study of the small mammals of the Avon 
Wildlife Trust’s Clapton Moor Nature Reserve (4573, 4673) in October. 120 
Longworth live-capture traps were set along six field margins (10 pairs of traps 
at 10 metre intervals). Traps were set for three consecutive nights in each of the 
six field margins (Trap lines 1 and 2 were set in mature hedges with 6 metre 
grass margins/owl corridors — one with a ditch; trap lines 3 and 4 were set in 
newly planted hedges with 6 metre grass margins/owl corridors; trap lines 5 and 
6 were set along ditches with associated bramble scrub with no grass margins). 
Trapping sessions will be undertaken every two months until August 2003. Five 
species of small mammal were trapped during the first two sessions (20-22 
October and 14-16 December). 


70 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


Bank Vole | 
Field Vole | 
Common 


Woodmouse | 


Figure 2. Small mammals at Clapton Moor Nature Reserve. 


Woodmice dominate the catch with 71% in October and 76% in December. 
Bank Voles were the next most frequently trapped with 11% in October and 
17% in December (Figure 2). 


Figure 3. Total small mammal catch at each trap line. 


71 


David and Mary Trump 


There appear to be significant differences between capture rates in the six trap 
lines with, for example, trap line 2 (mature hedge/ditch/grass margin — with 
grass fields both sides) having twice the number of small mammals as trap line 
| (mature hedge/grass margin — next to road) (Figure.3). It is interesting to note 
that no Short-tailed Field Voles were caught in either trap line 1 or 2. The full 
results of the survey will be written up for the 2003 Mammal report and 
comparisons will be made with the trapping work at Royal Portbury Dock and 
with that undertaken in the Gordano Valley National Nature Reserve between 
1994 and 1997 (Trump 1999). 


The National Owl Pellet Survey 


This is an ongoing survey co-ordinated by the Mammal Society and has been 
running since 1993. The results to the end of April 2002 show that the three 
main prey species were Short-tailed Fieid Vole, Wood Mouse and Common 
Shrew. These species made up 78.7% of the prey items. A further 18.5% 
consisted of Bank Vole, Harvest Mouse, House Mouse and Pygmy Shrew. 
Small mammals therefore made up 97.2% of the owls’ prey with other species 
such as birds, reptiles and amphibians comprising the remainder. (Mammal 
News 131 Autumn 2002.) 


CETACEA (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and PINNIPEDIA (seals) 


Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus (1,0,0) 

No ‘official’ records noted this year but it was reported that one or two were 
seen on Severnside during the year, although precise locations and dates were 
not recorded. 

[Records from PB, RR] 


CARNIVORA (carnivores) 


American Mink Mustela vison (2,0,3) 

Dick Reader reports four Mink at New Passage (5483) on 18 July. These have 
also been seen by Paul Bowerman who regularly visits this area. Richard Bland 
reports two sightings of Mink swimming across the river Avon at 6371 in May 
and June. 


Stoat Mustela ermina (3,4,10) 

Two were seen at Walton Moor, both in April (4475), one was seen at Stowey 
(6060) and one seen hunting at Marshfield (7974). 

[Records from PC, LR, DW] 


IP 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


Weasel Mustela nivalis (7,3,10) 

One seen at Winford on 11 August and a road kill seen the next day in the same 
kilometre square (5563). Could this be the same animal? Other records of a 
Weasel on the coast path in Walton-in-Gordano (4374) and one dead on the road 
at Stowey (5960). One was seen crossing the road at Marshfield (7875) and one 
crossing the road at Pilning (5684). A family of young Weasels were recorded 
on a stone wall near Chewton Mendip (5652) on 25 April. A Weasel was seen 
killing and feeding on a Rabbit in Harptree Woods (5554) in May. 

[Records from RH, JCR, LR, BT, DW] 


European Polecat Mustela putorius (2,2,) 

One possible sighting of a Polecat near West Harptree (5657) dead on the road 
in October. The recorder was unable to stop because of traffic. This is an 
interesting record, as Polecats are known to be spreading into Avon from the 
north. There was another record from Pilning (5585) in May of a Polecat on the 
side of the road. 

[Records from JCR, DW] 


Otter Lutra lutra (25,2+,24) 

Simon Reece still co-ordinates the Bristol Avon Otter Survey, although the 
number of surveyors have decreased this year (Reece 2003). Records for 2002 
are as follows: - 


River Avon — records from 6569, 6868, 7867; River Boyd — records from 6871 
(a sighting in January); Corston Brook — records from 6964, 6965, 7065; 
Wellow Brook — records from 7357 and 7559; Cam Brook — records from 
7194; River Chew — records from 5756, 5757, 5761, 5860, 5960, 5963, 6163, 
6264, 6364, 6464. Apart from the River Boyd record all other records are of 
spraints, padding or digging. 


Road traffic casualties were reported from Markham Brook (5274) on 15 
February, Barrow Tanks (5367) on 27 February and the A38 (5568) on 2 
November. Further afield there were road kills reported from near Chippenham 
(5 February) and Oakhill near the Mells Stream on 5 July. The three February 
kills were likely to be as a result of Otters travelling overland during periods of 
high river levels. 


A sighting of an Otter on the Avon at Keynsham where another litter of cubs 
was produced and a further sighting in Bath 7264 on 19 October. 


Elaine Weller writes: 

“My role as the Biodiversity Officer for the North Somerset Levels and Moors 

Project involves the protection and enhancement of habitats and species 
a3 


David and Mary Trump 


populations relying on the Levels and Moors environment, as well as assisting 
local people with wildlife projects and promoting interest about this important 
wildlife resource. One of the success stories in North Somerset and nationally is 
the return of the Otter to local water courses. 


Otters became extinct in Avon in the 1960s due to heavy pollution of 
watercourses and habitat loss. Otters like wild, scrubby river-banks with thick 
grass or reeds for resting during the day, holts well hidden under tree roots or 
river-banks, and areas of clean, open water for fishing. These are in especially 
short supply where intensive agriculture and industrial, housing or road 
developments are a threat. 


In the 1990s evidence of Otter was found on the Congresbury Yeo. In December 
1999 a road kill was picked up from the bridge over the Congresbury Yeo. This 
activity prompted the formation of the North Somerset Otter Group (NoSOG) to 
survey and monitor the local population. The group now has over 30 surveyors 
and evidence of otter activity has been found on all major rivers and many 
smaller tributaries across the county. The NoSOG carry out surveys every three 
months during the year. Since its initial survey in Spring 2000, results have 
shown the presence of otters on many North Somerset watercourses. Before the 
Otter Group was formed there were few records of Otters in North Somerset 
with the only otter activity recorded in the area on the Congresbury Yeo. This 
area is at the northern boundary of Otter expansion from the south and so it is 
an extremely important area to be surveyed in the future. 

The return of the Otter has been aided by a ban on organochlorine chemicals 
and improved water quality. Improvements have also been made to habitat with 
the creation of artificial Otter holts and planting of clumps of bank side trees 
under agri-environment schemes. There is still room for improvement and work 
continues to educate individuals and organisations in sensitive riparian 
management. ”’. 


Further information is available from: 

Elaine Weller, 

North Somerset Levels and Moors Project Biodiversity Officer, 
c/o Avon Wildlife Trust, 

32 Jacobs Wells Road, 

Bristol BS8 IDR. 

0117 917 7278 

elaineweller@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk. 


The North Somerset Levels and Moors Project is a Partnership between North 
Somerset Council, English Nature, the Environment Agency, Avon Wildlife 
Trust and the Bristol and Regional Environmental Records Centre. 


74 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


There were regular signs of Otters on Tickenham Moor (4571, 4671) recorded 
during the NoSOG surveys. 
[Records from SR, DT, MT] 


Charlie Hamilton-James made a film about the Otters on the River Avon near to 
his house. He studied and filmed the otters for eighteen months and said, “This 
is the new face of our modern otter. It seems that garden ponds and breakers’ 
yards are serving as replacements for the otters’ more recognised habitats. It has 
adapted to us and is thriving.” (Bristol Evening Post 21 November 2002.) 


As Otters become more common across the country and increasingly inhabit 
urban areas, they are causing severe problems for some fishery owners. Otters 
have become more tolerant of humans and urban lifestyles and this has led to 
mixed feelings about them. Many Otters concentrate almost entirely on stocked 
fish in the winter, travelling from one fishing lake to another. Some owners are 
willing to spend money on proofing their lakes but others are not. 
Northumberland Wildlife Trust reports that otters are systematically fishing 
from garden ponds. Once woman had even bought goldfish specifically for the 
Otters! (BBC Wildlife December 2002.) 


Badger Meles meles (50,42,77) 

Records of road casualty Badgers from the following 1-km squares: 4170, 
4271(2), 4369, 4569, 4761, 4874, 5069, 5070, 5072, 5175, 5265, 5370, 5471, 
5472, 5473, 5481, 5484, 5485, 5563(2), 5570(2), 5571, 5586, 5587, 5655, 5671, 
5778, 5888, 5986, 5987, 6258, 6356, 6668, 6678, 6784, 7177, 7272, 7470. 
[Records from JB, PC, DD, JM, JCR, DT and MT] 


[2002 
2001 
— 2000 
1999 


m 1998 
[a 1997 
0 1996 


Apr |__] 


Figure 4. Number of Badger Road Casualty Records 1996-2002 
is 


David and Mary Trump 


Seven years of Badger road casualty figures with 259 records to date show a 
large peak around March/April (peak breeding season) with a smaller peak in 
August (dispersal of young) (Figure 4). It is interesting to note the first 
December road casualty badger record sent to Bristol Naturalists’ was for a 
Badger run over in Frenchay (6678) on 12 December. There are also few 
records for November and January. This is the time of year when Badgers are at 
their least active with the pregnant females underground in their setts prior to 
giving birth to cubs between January and March. 


Other records were of Badger setts at 4473, 5970 and 7267. Badgers were 
reported to be on a farm with a TB outbreak in Cromhall (6991). Lyndon 
Roberts and John Martin reported seeing Badgers crossing roads (5662 and 
5785 respectively). There was one record of a Badger at 4673, details unknown 
and a record of a dead Badger at 5560. There were between one and three 
individuals seen regularly in a large, rural garden in Pilning (5585) between 3 
June and 17 November. This includes one feeding with three Foxes from the 
same food tray. Two individuals were seen at Arnos Vale in May (6071). 
Latrines were found at 7572 and 8074 and a tuft of Badger hair was seen at 
7476. David Warden reports that of the 5 subterranean wasp nests found during 
the summer at Chew Valley Lake, 3 were destroyed by Badgers. 

[Records from DB, PC, LR, JPM, JCR, MT, DW, LW] 


A research paper by David Macdonald and C Newman describes how the 
Badger population had increased in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire, threefold 
between 1987 and 1996. The national Badger population is thought to have 
increased in parallel with these figures. The authors don’t believe this is due to 
increased protection of the Badger but is due to changing weather patterns. They 
suggest that there is a correlation between mild winters and heavier body 
weights of Badgers in January. Earthworms, their staple diet, come to the 
surface and are more available to foraging Badgers. (Wildlife Reports, British 
Wildlife 13 (5): 352.) 


Fox Vulpes vulpes (39,35,71) 

Records from the following 1-km squares: 4264, 4571 (road kill), 4674, 4872 
(road kill), 4970, 5069, 5070, 5072 (road kill), 5172, 5271, 5369, 5382*, 5383, 
5469, 5472, 5479, 5563 (road kill), 5571*, 5584, 5585, 5657 (at least two cubs 
seen), 5658, 5666, 5673*, 5680, 5684, 5685, 5778*, 5770*, 5776*, 5781, 5859, 
6086, 6177*, 6185, 6276, 6386, 7587, 7773. 

(* = ‘Bristol’ Foxes) 


There is an interesting series of records from a large, rural garden in Pilning 
(5585). J. C. Rawlinson reported evidence (droppings) of Foxes in his garden 
between 11 January and 8 April. The first sighting was made on 13 April, two 


76 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


adults were seen on 19 April, female with a Rabbit-sized cub was recorded on 
29 May and also three adults seen on this date. A female with 2 juveniles were 
seen feeding on 31 May; four juveniles and one adult were seen on 10 June; 
seven individuals were seen on |1 June; female and a cub and another adult and 
3 juveniles were seen on 12 June; three adults plus five juveniles were seen on 
18 June; up to six were seen daily up until 24 July; three were seen feeding with 
three Badgers on 23 August; two were feeding with four Badgers on 13 
September; two were heard fighting in the garden on 19 November; there were 
regular signs of the Foxes up to 31 December. 


The only Foxes recorded in 2002 within the Bristol City boundary were as 
follows: - 

1) One seen at 5382, no details (RB). 

2) One RTA in Bower Ashton (5571)(JM). 

3) Fox seen hunting across the cliffs by the Suspension Bridge (5673)(RB). 

4) One healthy adult seen in the evening in Westbury-on-Trym (5778)(JB). 

5) A Fox seen several times (same Fox?) by a milkman in Ashton (5770)(JM). 
6) Fox seen in broad daylight at Grange Road (5776)(RB). 

7) One seen in September in Stoke Park (6177)(DB). 


[Records from: RB, DB, JB, DM, JM, JCR, LR, AS, DT, MT, DW]. 


The letters section of the Bristol Evening Post in July included a correspondent 
from Speedwell in Bristol reporting that she saw a Fox running down the road in 
the early morning. (Bristol Evening Post 31 July 2002.) Following this letter, 
another reader replied to say that he sees what he thinks is the same Fox most 
days as well as a Badger family. Their main habitat 1s some nearby 
wasteground. (Bristol Evening Post 12 August 2002.) 


Jackie Sharman of the RSPCA appealed for sites for the release of orphaned Fox 
and Badger cubs following their stay at West Hatch Wildlife Hospital near 
Taunton. The landowner has a pen on his or her land where the cubs are kept for 
a month then the doors of the pen are left open with food still being placed in 
the pen. The pen is removed after a further month. Ms Sharman also emphasised 
that the RSPCA do not take mangy town Foxes out to the countryside to release 
them. Adult Foxes are released in the same location they were found following 
treatment for mange. (Bristol Evening Post 23 November 2002.) 


There has been a recent press campaign in London demanding that urban Foxes 
are culled. Many Foxes are born in gardens, often under sheds. The young stay 
in the local gardens for the next few weeks then use a larger territory. A survey 
by the Mammal Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species showed 
that most residents enjoy (80%) or tolerate (16%) the Foxes in their gardens. 


qd 


David and Mary Trump 


This is a dramatic increase from a survey of Bristol residents in the late 1970s 
that showed that only 27% of residents welcomed Foxes in their gardens. 
However, there are a small number of people who were willing to kill or catch 
Foxes for up to £200 per Fox. Newspaper articles stated that Foxes were killing 
pets, transmitting diseases and fouling the area. Many of the allegations made 
have been disproved 20 years previously by other studies. This campaign 
follows the cessation of a culling programme in London in the 1980s, which 
proved to be unsuccessful as reproduction rates rose where mortality rates were 
high. It is yet to be seen whether this campaign in London will continue, 
however it has been shown that it is far better to move the Foxes on using 
repellents and other methods. Studies of Bristol Foxes over the decades have 
shown that Bristol residents, in direct contrast to the London campaign, are now 
keen to see more Foxes in the area, following the dramatic drop in numbers 
following the mange outbreak. (BBC Wildlife May 2002.) 


The Myths and Realities of Mustela 


Robbie McDonald gives an insight into these secretive creatures in a paper in 
British Wildlife (McDonald 2002). 


Many countries revere Weasels and Stoats for their dedicated parenting and 
fearless defence of their young but the British treat these animals with suspicion. 
Recent conservation concern and gamekeepers’ interest in managing their 
populations have led to recent research into their biology and ecology. 


Weasels are the world’s smallest carnivores being between 50 and 200g in 
weight and 20-30 cm long. Stoats are larger and weigh between 120 and 500 g 
and are 25-45 cm in length. 


Stoats have year-long delayed implantation of fertilised eggs. This has led to 
young female Stoats mating when they are only a few days old with a male that 
visits the nest to mate with their mother. They then give birth the following 
spring to litters of up to 13 kits. Weasels, in contrast have no delayed 
implantation but females are capable of breeding in their first year of life and 
can have two litters a year when food is plentiful. They have an average of six 
kits. This high reproductive output is unusual in carnivores but means that they 
can react rapidly to fluctuations in food supply. However, few Weasels or Stoats 
survive more than two years in the wild. 


Weasels and Stoats are always searching for food. They are ambitious and 
aggressive hunters. They can kill more than they need in response to times of 
food shortage. Approximately two thirds of the Stoat’s diet consists of Rabbits 
(although they weigh five times as much as a stoat), the remainder being birds 


78 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


and small rodents. Weasels’ diet consists of approximately two thirds of mice 
and voles but they also kill Rabbits, birds and other prey. Birds now make up a 
smaller proportion of the Stoats’ and Weasels’ diets since the decline of 
myxomatosis and the subsequent increase in Rabbit numbers. 


Gamekeepers spend a great deal of time in reducing the risk of predation by 
Stoats and Weasels. They shoot them and use traps to kill them. Records have 
shown a decline in numbers of trapped Stoats and Weasels since the mid-1970’s 
and some suggest that they may be declining in numbers. A possible reason for 
this is the result of secondary poisoning of stoats and weasels by rodenticides. 
More research is taking place into this and the uptake of bait by non-target 
species such as mice and voles that are then eaten by Stoats and Weasels. 


Due to the fact that Stoats and Weasels are difficult to study, scientists are only 
now finding out more details about their ecology. Investigations are continuing 
into their population trends but there is a long way to go before they are as well 
understood as other mustelids. 


ARTIODACTYLA (deer) 


Red Deer Cervus elaphus (1,0,1) 

Mr J C Rawlinson reported seeing “two deer crossing from the Imperial ground, 
Hengrove (6178) (from the golf course) to the derelict allotments area at 
5.15 am on 25 April. One had large antlers and stood at over four feet at the 
shoulder. The second individual was slightly smaller with no antlers. Both 
moved calmly to cover. Their large size appears to rule out other species of 
deer”. 


Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus (27,20+,51) 

Records of Roe Deer from the following |-km squares: 4272 (2 fawns), 4373, 
4374 (3 on Walton Down), 4475 (3 records), 4476, 4673, 4767, 4873, 5073, 
5479, 5559, 5579, 5658, 5670(2), 5674, 6160, 6276, 6363, 6386 (2 seen at 
Rudgeway), 6470, 6571, 6562, 7575, 7676, 7774 (2 seen in pasture), 7863 (3 
seen in a field), 7964 (2 seen in a field). 

[Records from RB, DB, PC, RH, EN, SP, JCR, LR, BT, DT, MT] 


Fallow Deer Dama dama (0,0,0) 
No records for this year outside deer parks. 


Chinese Muntjac Deer Muntiacus reevesi (1,1,0) 

Bob Howard reports, “The first clear evidence near Keynsham. I have been 
looking for years. Very definite slot on the left bank of the River Avon near the 
ring road (6470) on 6 December. There was also a Roe Deer slot nearby.” 


79 


David and Mary Trump 


Chinese Water Deer Hydropotes inermis 
No records for this year. 


EXOTICS 


There was a report of a large puma-like creature near Winscombe in April. 
Danny Nineham who has studied these reports said he doubted whether it was a 
puma. He believed it could have been a panther living in the countryside. 
Similar large cat sightings have occurred over the last few years in Churchill 
and Wrington but all have proved inconclusive. (Bristol Evening Post 11 April 
2002.) 


A survey of the responses of the national and regional press to the existence of 
two populations of free-living Wild Boar Sus scrofa that became established in 
southern England (Dorset and Kent/Sussex) in the 1990s revealed some 
interesting attitudes to large mammals (Goulding and Roper 2002). They 
reviewed 107 articles from 46 different titles and found that the press was 
predominantly negative highlighting the ‘danger to the public’, ‘damage to 
crops’, ‘predation of livestock’ and ‘transmission of disease’. A minority of the 
articles said that Wild Boar should be conserved mainly on the ground that they 
could be hunted for meat. There was relatively little coverage of environmental 
issues and what there was focussed on the detrimental effects on the native 
fauna and flora. They concluded that management and _ conservation 
programmes involving large allegedly dangerous mammals are likely to 
encounter an adverse press reaction. 


Gardens And Mammals 
The Importance of Gardens for Mammals 


Rachel Ansell of Bristol University reported on The Garden Mammals Survey, a 
joint project of The Mammal Society and the People’s Trust for Endangered 
Species which aimed to find how important garden areas are for mammals. 


Gardens represent approximately 3% of the total land area of England and 
Wales and this figure is likely to increase in the future. They set up a survey and 
collected almost 20,000 mammals records in almost 4,000 gardens. The results 
showed a total of 43 mammal species using gardens including rarities such as 
the Wildcat, Pine Marten and Otter. 79% of householders recorded mice species 
which made them the most common mammal, closely followed by Grey 
Squirrel. Larger, older gardens supported a wider range of species. Food and 
shelter features proved to be of benefit to mammals. 


80 


MAMMAL REPORT 2002 


The increase in wildlife friendly gardening has improved some gardens for 
small mammals but unfortunately this practice is not widespread. Small 
mammals therefore have to contend with applications of chemicals, fragmented 
habitats and a high density of predators. It was estimated that in one area of 
Bristol the density of domestic cats was approximately 160 per square 
kilometre. A survey of small mammals in gardens was carried out in north west 
Bristol. Hair tubes were used to find which species used the gardens, as this was 
more successful than live trapping due to theft and vandalism of traps. Five 
species of mammals were found — Wood Mouse, Short-tailed Field Vole, Bank 
Vole, shrews and Brown Rat. Wood mice were found to be the most widely 
distributed species although there was a low diversity of small mammals in 
gardens overall. 


It was found that Fox and Badger presence might influence the presence of 
Hedgehogs, possibly as a result of predation or avoidance of these gardens by 
Hedgehogs. 


Badgers illustrated the typical problems faced by many mammals. Although 
they visit gardens to feed, their setts are rare in built-up areas. Badgers therefore 
tended to visit gardens on the edge of built-up areas that provided easy access 
and food. This highlights some key problems for mammals: most are not very 
mobile and they are generally territorial throughout the year and so do not move 
around over large distances to find food. 


Bats however show many of the characteristics of birds: they are more mobile 
than other mammals and do not defend a territory throughout the year. They still 
do not use gardens frequently. Radio tracking of Leisier’s bats in Bristol showed 
that they lived in the city but foraged over farmland to the south of the city. 


Surrounding habitat played an important part in determining the range of species 
in a garden. Surrounding woodland or farmland increased species diversity 
rather than being surrounded by urban habitat. Despite gardening for wildlife in 
an individual garden, it was shown that the surrounding habitat had a greater 
influence on what species used the gardens. Scattered brownfield sites within 
urban areas are of important conservation value and increased the diversity of 
species recorded in the area. 

(Mammal News 129 & 131, Spring and Autumn 2002; BBC Wildlife January 
2002) 


81 


David and Mary Trump 


Acknowledgements 


Our thanks to all those who provided records and information for this years 
report: 


Avon Bat Group (ABG — David Clarke, David Cottle, Bob Howard, Tessa and 
John Knight), Richard Bland (RB), Paul Bowerman (PB), Des Bowring (DB), 
Alan Britton (AB), John Burton (JB), Paul Chadwick (PC), David Davies (DD), 
Simon Eyre, Bob Howard (RH), Gareth Jones, Ashley Matthews (AJM), Dennis 
Marsh (DM), Joan Marsh (JM), John Martin (JPM), Edward Niblett (EN), 
Caroline Parsons, Katie Parsons, Sarah Phipps (SP), J.C.Rawlinson (JCR), Jon 
Russ (JR), Dick Reader (RR), Simon Reece (SR), Lyndon Roberts (LR), 
Andrew Shand (AS), Brian Tizard (BT), David Trump (DT), Mary Trump 
(MT), David Warden (DW), Elaine Weller, Len Wyatt (LW). 


References 


Goulding, M.J. and Roper, T.J. (2002) Press responses to free-living Wild Boar 
(Sus scrofa). Mammal Review 32 (4) 272-282 


McDonald, R (2002) The perfect disciple — the perfect hunter. The myths and 
realities of Mustela. British Wildlife 13 (6) 419-426. 


Reece, S (2003) Bristol Avon Otter Survey 2002. Unpublished report. 


Symes, R. and Yalden, D.W. (2002) The former status of the Black Rat (Rattus 
rattus) in England and Wales. Mammal Review 32 (4) 315-316. 


Trump, D.P.C. (1999) Bristol Mammal Report for 1997. Nature in Avon. 
Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society 57 29-41. 


David and Mary Trump, 

Windrush, 

West End Lane, 

Nailsea, 

Bristol 

BS48 4DB 

e-mail: d.m.trump@tinyworld.co.uk 


82 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:83-86 


Amphibians in the Bristol Area 
Mary Wood 


Great Crested Newt 7riturus cristatus 


Great Britain is the European stronghold for this species, which has suffered 
such severe declines that it is now protected under the European Habitat 
Regulations (Conservation Regulations 1994 in English law) as well as the 
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1982. It is also the subject of a UK Biodiversity 
Action Plan. 

There are several recorded sites in the Bristol region but many of these need 
confirming, as they are 1980s records. 


Great Crested Newts have more specialised needs compared with other 
amphibians. They have evolved to live in metapopulations, which means one 
community depends on several clustered ponds in order to survive the vagaries 
of pond viability. In the 18" century there was an English average of 17-20 
ponds per square kilometre. Now, due to maximised arable areas and piped 
animal drinking water, we are lucky to find one or two. Of those that remain 
many may be unsuitable due to shading or pollution. The popularity of garden 
ponds has buffered frogs and the other newts to some extent, but they are 
usually too small to act as substitute habitat for Great Crested Newts, and the 
larvae are particularly vulnerable to the omnipresent goldfish, being forced by 
parental cannibalism to swim in the open water to avoid the pond edges where 
the adults hunt. In addition to all these disadvantages, only 50% of Great 
Crested Newt eggs (larger and more yellow than those of other newts) ever 
actually hatch due to a genetic mutation! 


A potentially important local site, and one of great challenge to conservationists, 
is around the now extinct village of Charlton, north of Bristol. Old maps reveal 
that there used to be many village ponds in this beef producing region, and 
rumour has it that there were many Great Crested Newts. Housing development 
across the area must have greatly reduced their numbers, and in the 1940s the 
new runway for the Brabazon aeroplane was constructed, squeezing out both the 
village and the newt population. During that period, under the auspices of Rolls 
Royce, the large overspill pond, known as the Blue Lagoon, was built. Now it is 
owned by BAe and lies hidden from view beside the A38. Large and shallow, 
with steep sides and much native scrub and grassland planting, it has the 
appearance of a wildlife-rich rural lake, but its purpose is to act as a holding 
area for runway spillages (aviation fuel, firefighting foam and oil) from the BAe 
site. Water is piped under the A38 into a stone-sided trench and then into small 
sheer-sided settling tanks, with overflow when necessary into the Blue Lagoon. 
The gradually filtered water then passes on into Stoke Brook. 


83 


Mary Wood 


In the mid-90s it was suggested that the Blue Lagoon contained "thousands" of 
Great Crested Newts. This was probably an enthusiastic overestimate, but it 
does seem possible that this lake is acting as a refuge for the residual Charlton 
area population. 


Historic documents at Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre 
(BRERC) revealed that in 1986 a young couple who worked for Rolls Royce 
spent many lunch hours rescuing and washing newts (and other animals) from 
the oil tanks. Their largest count was Sep/Oct with 201 Great Crested Newt 
juveniles (and over 800 Smooth Newts in Aug) in the tanks. These animals were 
often in a poor state of health. They also found 32 adults and 32 larvae in the 
lake, with Great Crested Newts outnumbering Smooth. They estimated the total 
Great Crested Newt population as over 300 minimum. Movement could be quite 
early in the season, with the first newts seen in the tanks on Feb 10". 


In 2000 Avon Reptile and Amphibian Group (ARAG) decided to investigate 
(under licence from English Nature), and found several Great Crested Newts, 
with at least 4 dead, in the tanks on the 2™ June. Bottle trapping (42) caught 4 
males and 2 females (and 3 Smooth Newts) in the lake on the 3™ June. On July 
19" 2001 there were 11 Great Crested Newt adults (and 81 Smooth) in the 
tanks. On July 19'" 2002 a tank search revealed no newts present. 


Courtship behaviour has actually been observed in this polluted, vegetation-free 
environment (Great Crested Newt males perform an extraordinary series of 
wiggles and tail-waving). It seems unlikely that they could successfully breed in 
the tanks (perhaps the 1986 juveniles had found their way in having developed 
elsewhere), because of the oil pollution. The mystery is to try and understand 
how the newts get into the tanks, and whether they can get out again due to gaps 
in the valve system. It is assumed they inadvertently enter through the valves or 
by falling in, rather than selecting the filthy tanks as suitable habitat. 


ARAG is attempting to get BAe through their contractors to put up mesh 
fencing around the top of the tanks, which would not only prevent newts from 
entering but also Bank Voles and other animals (birds, fox, cat, water vole and 
dog have all been found in the past). It is very important that a search is carried 
out of other ponds in the area and an attempt made to assess, and protect, what 
remains of the local population. 


Hopefully other Great Crested Newt populations in the Bristol region are 
surviving in much less traumatic conditions. 


84 


AMPHIBIANS IN THE BRISTOL AREA 


Smooth and Palmate Newts Triturus vulgaris and Triturus helveticus 


Smooth Newts (which differ from the Great Crested by their smaller size and 
continuous crest along the back and tail of the males in the breeding season) 
seem to be the most common in this area, with records concentrated around 
Bristol and fewest in B&NES. They seem to have been fairly successful in 
adapting to garden ponds. Palmate Newt records are particularly concentrated 
around the Bristol area, with just a scattering of records elsewhere. They are 
smaller than Smooth Newts, and the males have black expanded rear feet and a 
thread extending from the end of the tail in the breeding season. Reputed to 
prefer more acidic sites, they do seem to have a broader distribution than this 
would suggest. 


Common Toad Bufo bufo 


Toads seem to be dependent on their natal ponds, and will continue to return to 
the same site. If roads have been built so that the traditional route is interrupted, 
this can lead to mass slaughter, recognised in the mid-80s by the Highways 
Authority as a traffic hazard, serious enough to warrant the production of 
official signs. 


Though it is to be hoped that many local Toad populations have not been thus 
afflicted, urban Toad crossings in the Bristol region have declined dramatically 
from 20 to 10 in just a decade. There are two sites in North Somerset (Clevedon 
and Yatton), two in Bristol (Fishponds and Shirehampton) and six in B&NES (3 
in Bath, Temple Cloud, Norton Malreward and Paulton). (None are recorded in 
South Gloucestershire). Of these sites, only Clevedon, Charlcombe Lane in 
Bath, Fishponds and Temple Cloud remain substantial with numbers around 
400. The reasons for declines seem to be a loss of feeding and hibernation 
habitats due to urbanisation and intensification of farming plus the loss or 
pollution of remaining ponds. Even if Toads do successfully make it to the 
breeding site, if that pond is also favoured by a fishing club, Toad spawn is 
often removed in the spring with vegetation clear-outs. Roadkills must also 
contribute to declines. Toad records are concentrated around Bristol, with only 
a scattering elsewhere. 


This year Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT), in partnership with B&NES and the 
local community, has successfully campaigned to have Charlcombe Lane closed 
for the season, to avoid the annual decimation that claims at least a third of the 
Toads. This Toad road triumph is only the second time it has happened in the 
country, people in Oxton, Nottinghamshire being the pioneers 2 years ago. 


85 


Mary Wood 
Frogs 


Frogs don't seem to have the same loyalty to their birthsites, and will quickly 
colonise suitable new ponds. Consequently garden ponds have helped to slow 
down the national decline, although losses continue. There is a frequent concern 
voiced to AWT and BRERC about ponds having too much spawn. It seems 
there is no such thing; only one egg in two thousand develops to an adult and 
competition and predation will reduce numbers to a pond's carrying capacity. A 
couple of decades ago there was great enthusiasm for spawn swapping, but the 
current advice is to leave well alone. As well as interfering with Frog 
populations, moving it carries the risk of transferring disease. This has spread 
from the south east of England and is currently thought to have been introduced 
with goldfish from the US as the bacteria are also found in bullfrogs. The Frog 
Mortality Unit is keen to record any occurrence of disease and can be contacted 
on 01986 873733. In addition, there is the risk of transferring fragments of alien 
aquatic plants, especially parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum), floating 
pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), water fern (Azolla filiculoides) and 
Australian swamp stonecrop (Crassula helmsii). These will grow rapidly and 
choke out native vegetation. 


Again, records for this area seem to occur mostly in Bristol. There seem to be 
only 13 sites in B&NES! As so often happens, records probably reflect the 
distribution of recorders rather than the animals. Any records will always be 
welcomed by BRERC. 


Mary Wood 

Conservation Officer, 

Avon Wildlife Trust, 

32, Jacobs Wells Road, 

Bristol BS8 IDR. 
marywood@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk 
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk 


Drawing by Paul Stevenson Natterjack Toad (Bufo calamita) 
86 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:87-90 


Bristol Invertebrate Report, 2002 
R. J. Barnett 


Introduction 


around Keynsham by Barbara Price, including Brimstone, Comma and 

Peacock. By the 6" and 7" April, Orange-tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Green- 
veined White and Speckled Wood were also on the wing in the district. Holly 
Blue was first noted by Faith and Tony Moulin on 8" April and Grizzled 
Skipper by Paul Fletcher on 21“ of that month at Thurlbear and on the 24" 
Wall Brown at Crook Peak. The first Large Red Damselflies to be reported 
were on the 21" April, at Yatton (Faith and Tony Moulin) and on the Somerset 
Levels (Julian Thomas). 


| ek activity stirred in March 2002 with butterflies seen on the wing 


Other highlights, in a largely quiet year, were another record of the scarce 
immigrant Lesser Emperor Dragonfly observed by John Aldridge near 
Parkway Railway Station and reports from Jeff Holmes of the Long-winged 
Conehead Cricket at Compton Dando Reservoir and Stockwood Open Space. 
The latter is still increasing its range and expanding into our district. 


Migrants were relatively few with a handful of Clouded Yellows and Painted 
Ladies in mid-summer and a Humming-bird Hawkmoth in Abbots Leigh on 
14" September seen by Trevor Silcocks. 


Publications relating to invertebrates in the district included a comprehensive 
list of the rare diptera found by David Gibbs in recent years and the occurrence 
of the flies Xylophagus ater and Carcelia bombylans \ocally (Keith Alexander 
and David Gibbs, respectively) in volume 9 of the Dipterist’s Digest journal. 


On the beetle front, the Lily Beetle seems to now be well established in and 
around Bristol, and is not proving popular with gardeners who grow lilies or 
fritillaries! 


The Avon Butterfly Group activity was largely confined to work on the 
manuscript for the Butterflies of the Bristol Region, due to be published in 2003. 
Concerns were expressed over the lack of sightings of the Duke of Burgundy, 
Marsh Fritillary and (the introduced) Glanville Fritillary which have all 
probably become extinct in Avon over the last five years or so. The Small Blue 
was also a species of concern with no sightings at the previous stronghold of 
Dolebury Warren and the possibility that it may no longer occur there. 


87 


Ray Barnett 


The Bristol & District Moth Group continued their regular field meetings 
including the National Moth Night on 15" June. John Martin and Martin Evans 
also regularly trapped on Tickenham Hill courtesy of Keith Giles, an excellent 
site. Perhaps the most interesting new record was the single Double-line Moth 
that appeared on 23" June in John Martin’s garden in Pilning, presumably a 
wandering individual. 


Sad news during 2002 was the death at the age of 80 of Edwin Arthur Frederick 
Dean, known to one and all as ‘Dixie’. Dixie had been an active member of the 
Entomology Section of the Society particularly in the 1980s. He developed a 
very strong and knowledgeable interest in moths and light trapping from the late 
1970s, visiting sites around Weston-super-Mare and especially on the Somerset 
Levels, often accompanied by other local experts such as Ken Poole and Martin 
Evans. In the last decade, Dixie was a stalwart of the meetings arranged by both 
the Somerset and Bristol & District Moth Groups respectively and he continued 
to be an active recorder up to and including the 2001 season. In addition to 
recording moths, Dixie also was an excellent exponent of macro-photography, 
some of his work can be seen for example in the Collins Checkbook British 
Butterflies & Moths published in 1995. Dixie is greatly missed for his 
enthusiasm for moths and his characterful contribution to field meetings. 


My thanks, particularly to John Martin, but also to those who submitted records 
which do not appear in this report, such as records from Paul Chadwick and 
John Burton, which help significantly to build up a picture of our invertebrate 
fauna. Thanks also to the Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre 
(BRERC) and contributors to the Bristol Wildlife e-group for supplying other 
data. 


Scientific nomenclature follows the names given in Bradley (2000), Brooks 
(1997), Duff (1993) and Potts (1964). 


Species Of Note In 2002 
INSECTA 


ORTHOPTERA 

Conocephalus discolor (Thunb.) Long-winged Conehead Compton Dando 
Reservoir ST 64 64 (vc6) and Stockwood Open Space ST6 6 (vc6) Jeff 
Holmes. Continued expansion of this species across southern England. 


88 


BRISTOL INVERTEBRATE REPORT 2002 


ODONATA 

Anax parthenope Selys Lesser Emperor Parkway Railway Station ST62 79 
(vc34) 15 July 2002 John Aldridge. See last years report for previous record of 
this rare migrant. 


HEMIPTERA 

Sehirus luctuosus (Muls. & Rey.) 85 Cornwall Road, Bishopston, Bristol 
ST585 757 (vc34) 10 May 2002 Ray Barnett. A species that needs to be hunted 
for at the base of plants, consequently few local records. 


LEPIDOPTERA (butterflies) 

Boloria selene (D. & S.) Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Sandford Quarry 
ST42 59 30 May 2002 Kurt Vickery. A very rare species in Avon and of 
concern with regard to its future status. 


LEPIDOPTERA (macro-moths) 

Synanthedon andrenaeformis (Lasp.) Orange-tailed Clearwing Tickenham 
ST442 724 (vc6) 13 July 2002 J. and M. Evans. A local diurnal moth whose 
larvae feed internally on Viburnum stems. 

Tetheella fluctuosa (Hb.) Satin Lutestring Tickenham ST442 724 (vc6) 

13 July 2002 John Martin. A species which is not common nationally, appears 
to be present in a number of woods locally. 

Rhodometra sacraria (L.) Vestal Severn Beach ST5 8 (vc34) 27 July 2002 
Paul Bowerman. A regular migrant to our area. 

Euphyia unangulata (Haw.) Sharp-angled Carpet Chew Valley Lake ST56 
58 (vc6) 27 July 2002 Mike Bailey. Very few records in the Avon area. 
Mythimna turca (L.) Double-line Pilning ST556 849 (vc34) 23 June 2002 
John Martin. Apart from a dubious record from Bath in the 19" century, this is 
the only known record for Avon. Presumably a wanderer from colonies further 
south or west. 

Mythimna obsoleta (Hb.) Obscure Wainscot Pilning ST556 849 (vc34) 19 
June 2002 John Martin. Of very local occurrence in the district. 

Lygephila pastinum (Treits.) Blackneck Wapley Bushes ST710 803 (vc34) 
5 July 2002 Ray Barnett; Pilning ST556 849 (vc34) 11 July 2002 John Martin. 
Schrankia taenialis (Hb.) White-line Snout Tickenham ST442 724 (vc6) 12 
August 2002 John Martin. As with the Satin Lutestring this moth is not 
common nationally but occurs in a number of woodlands in our area. 


LEPIDOPTERA (micro-moths) 

Acrolepiopsis assectella (Zell.) Leek Moth Pilning ST556 849 (vc34) 14 
August & 17 September 2002 John Martin. Reported last year from two other 
localities. 


89 


Ray Barnett 


Ethmia dodecea (Haw.) Tickenham ST442 724 (vc6) 19 July 2002 John 
Martin. A very attractive and very local species. 

Recurvaria leucatella (Cl.) Pilning ST556 849 19 July & 1 August 2002 John 
Martin. Apparently common in the 19" century but much less so since. 

Olindia schumacherana (Fabr.) Wapley Bushes ST710 803 (vc34) 5 July 2002 
Ray Barnett. Never common, but an occasional species in woodland. 


COLEOPTERA (beetles) 

Aromia moschata Musk Beetle Walton Moor ST43 72 (vc6) 24 August 2002 
Lyndon Roberts. An individual found (and released from) mist nets confirms 
the continued existence of a population at this site. 

Cetonia aurata Rose Chafer Dryleaze Road, Stapleton ST626 769 (vc34) 

8 June 2002 Andrew Shand. The Rose Chafer is probably widespread in 
Bristol and this record adds another dot to the distribution map for the city. 
Liliocerus lillii Lily Beetle Clifton ST56 73 2 June 2002 Richard Bland (first 
seen at this site in 2001); Bristol ST607 676 June 2002 Rich Andrews. 


DIPTERA (flies) 

Volucella zonaria Kingsdown Bristol ST5 7 22 August 2002 Des Bowring. 
This magnificent large hoverfly is, like the Rose Chafer beetle, found 
throughout the city of Bristol. Its larvae live inside wasp nests. 


References 


Bradley, J.D. (2000) Checklist of lepidoptera recorded from the British Isles. 
(2nd edition, revised). D.J & M.J.Bradley, Hants. 


Brooks, S. (1997) Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Great 
Britain and Ireland. British Wildlife Publishing, Hants. 


Duff, A. (1993) Beetles of Somerset. Somerset Archaeological & Natural 
History Society, Taunton. 


Potts, W.H. (1964) Kloet & Hincks, a checklist of British insects, part 1. Small 
Orders and Hemiptera (2nd edition, revised). London, Royal 
Entomological Society. 


Ray Barnett 

City Museum & Art Gallery, 

Queen’s Road, 

Bristol BS8 IRL. 

Email: ray_barnett@bristol-city.gov.uk 


90 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:91-96 
~ Report of Council 2002 


l. The aims of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society for 2002 were “the 
promotion of education and research into Natural History, including geology, 
with special reference to the Bristol district; and the promotion and 
conservation of the British fauna and flora, and protection of geological and 
physiographical sites ”’. 


2 The Society’s activities consisted of sectional and general, indoor and 
field meetings. The Society’s specialist Sections covered Botany, Geology, 
Invertebrates and Ornithology and there was an informal Mammal group. The 
preparation and distribution of the Society’s publications, and the maintenance 
and development of its Library, consumed the greater part of the Society’s 
income, and those activities were managed by committees that worked to plans 
and budgets agreed by Council (the Trustees). 


Education 


3. An extensive programme of interesting and stimulating meetings, both 
indoors and in the field, was offered to members during 2002, concentrating 
particularly, but not exclusively, on the Bristol district. There were 6 General 
talks, 7 General field meetings, 18 Sectional talks and 44 Sectional field 
meetings. Widespread advertising of these meetings by posters, and on the Web 
site, promoted their availability to visitors also. Attendances were good, 
reaching up to 60 at some meetings. New members were especially encouraged 
to attend, and to visit the library. A multi-media projector was purchased using 
monies from the Memorial Fund to allow computer and video images to be 
shown at meetings and to promote the Society’s aims. 


4. The Publications Committee was responsible for the production and 
distribution of the Society’s ‘monthly’ Bulletin, and annual Proceedings (under 
the name of ‘Nature in Avon’), and jointly with the Bristol Ornithologists’ Club 
(as the Avon Ornithological Group) for the production of the Avon Bird Report. 
It was also responsible for the Society’s website (www.bristolnats.org.uk). A 
special meeting of the Society in February warmly supported progress with the 
Society’s publications, particularly changes made by the Editor in volume 60 of 
the Society’s Proceedings. Council agreed with these views and confirmed its 
wish that the Proceedings continues as a refereed journal. 


oy Nature in Avon volume 61 for 2001, a 128 page special issue on 
Ancient Woodland and Veteran trees in the Bristol Region, and their ecology, 
was published in October, and was well received by members and other 
organisations. This was the last volume edited by Dr.Terry Smith, and the 


91 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:91-96 


Council expressed its thanks for his inspiration and unstinting efforts. The 
volume was enhanced by additional coloured plates, funded from the Memorial 
Fund using part of a bequest from the estate of the late Mr. J.W. Redmond. 


6. The 2001 issue of the Avon Bird Report was slightly shorter than in the 
previous two years because of the impact of foot and mouth disease on 
ornithological fieldwork. However, it included a history of the BTO Common 
Bird Census in the region since 1962, and a breeding season study of over half 
the area of Bristol. 


7: Ten issues of the ‘monthly’ Bulletin, the Society’s newsletter, were 
sent to members, and published on the web site. This important link with the 
membership continued to develop in character, resulting in a very positive 
response from members. 


8. The Society’s website, with the new domain name 
www.bristolnats.org, has a regularly updated news page, and held the current 
monthly bulletin. It was linked to other natural history sites in the region, and 
provided a key information service to members and others. By the end of 2002 
there had been 2622 ‘hits’. 


2 The Library Committee managed the Society’s Library, which was 
housed in the Bristol City Museum. The Committee ensured regular and 
frequent opening of the Library (on 100 days) for the benefit of members, 
maintained the existing stocks, and acquired new publications. Subject to 
security needs, arrangements were made for access to the collections by non- 
members, such as Museum and University personnel. The Library was used by 
51 members who borrowed 272 items. A special Library event was staged 
successfully in October, aimed particularly at new members, but also at 
encouraging established members to make a first visit. This was held in 
conjunction with the Bristol Magpies’ art event, and fine illustrations from the 
Society’s Library collection were displayed. A new computer was installed in 
the Library, donated by Mr S.M. Taylor. Good progress was made on producing 
a database of journals. 


Research and Conservation 


10. Records of observations made by members as part of both local and 
national recording schemes were submitted to Bristol Regional Environmental 
Records Centre, and formed the basis of the biota sections of Nature in Avon. 
Surveys included botanical, mammal, invertebrate and ornithological recording 
schemes. Members of the Society assisted with data entry at BRERC. Council 
donated to BRERC as complete a set as was possible of Society Proceedings. 


2s 


a 


REPORT OF COUNCIL 


leh: The Society also had close local links with The City Museum, which 
housed its Library, with Bristol University (especially the Geology Dept.), with 
both Avon Wildlife Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust, and with the Bristol City 
Council. Regionally it linked with the South West Naturalists’ Union, and 
nationally it was involved with the British Trust for Ornithology, Botanical 
Society of the British Isles, the Woodland Trust, and Royal Entomological 
Society. Council donated to the R.E.S. two reports of the 1912 Congress of 
Entomology, thus completing that society’s holdings of this important series. 


12: Members were involved with the Bristol City Council Local Agenda 21 
Action Plan Biodiversity Group, which supported a local winter garden bird- 
watch scheme organised by AWT, and which involved some 1600 local 
residents. A member of the Society analysed the results, which provided Bristol 
with a more detailed understanding of the density of species’ use of gardens in 
winter than existed anywhere else. Information from this survey was used by the 
BTO in its report to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs on 
the decline of the Starling and House Sparrow. Members took part in initiatives 
of the Frome Forum, hosted by the Forest of Avon, designed to raise public 
awareness of the wildlife value of the River Frome flowing into the centre of 
Bristol. The Mammal Group worked with the River Avon Catchment Otter 
Group to monitor the status of the Otter population. 


1 Members of the Society assisted in the preparation of the “Butterflies of 
the Bristol Region’, a companion volume to the ‘Flora of the Bristol Region’, 
and a second grant was made to Bristol City Council from the Hector Hockey 
Fund, supported as necessary from the Milton Fund, towards its production. The 
Society was grateful to the AOG for funding new bird recording cards, of which 
some 10,000 a year are used, and met a request for a grant from the 
Conservation Fund towards their cost. Another grant was awarded from the 
Hockey/Milton Fund for attendance at a bryophyte identification training 
course. 


14. The Geological Section was active in carrying out practical 
conservation work on key geological exposures in collaboration with Bath 
geologists. A grant from the Hockey/Milton Fund was agreed towards the re- 
erection of a geological interpretation board on the new ring road. 


Promotion and Publicity 


15. In an endeavour to attract a broader diversity of members, the 
Memorial Fund was used to support translation of the membership leaflet into 6 
foreign languages. The new leaflet was distributed widely, particularly through 
Libraries, which continued to be the most successful recruitment avenue. The 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:91-96 


cost of membership to students was kept at a lower level to encourage their 
involvement. 


16. Posters announcing forthcoming meetings were produced frequently. In 
order to promote the objects of the Society, and to attract new members, stands 
were taken at the University of Bristol Freshers’ event, at Bristol Water’s Chew 
Valley Environment Day, and at Avon Wildlife Trust on Brandon Hill. New 
promotional material, including a banner and a large poster display, attracted 
attention at these events. One Council member attended a Media Radio Training 
Course, with a view to enhancing the ways in which the Society’s objectives are 
promoted. 


Le: Publications produced by the Society were offered for sale at events. 
The revenue from these was small, and the main benefit of attending was to 
promote the aims of the Society. 


18. A dinner, held to celebrate the 140" anniversary of the Society, was 
well supported and a great success. Raffle prizes were donated generously by @ 
Bristol, Bristol Zoo Gardens, London Camera Exchange, and Wildfowl and 
Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge. 


19: The President represented the Society at a Millennium Award 
Ceremony at the Bristol Zoo. The Society was consulted over the bid from 
Bristol City Council to become European City of Culture 2008, and a report was 
written in support, emphasising the geological importance of the Avon Gorge, 
its extant species, the hundreds of years of their study and their intrinsic 
importance. Views were sought by the University of Bristol on the future of 
their Botanic Gardens, and a comprehensive response from the Society was 
welcomed. 


24): Individual members who were involved in activities such as making 
and selling of bird boxes, and growing plants, gave donations, amounting to 
over £100, to the Society’s funds from their sales. Other members generously 
gave donations, ranging from 50p to £86, particularly when paying their 
subscriptions. 


Organisation and Membership 


Zl The Bristol Naturalists’ Society is an unincorporated association, 
registered charity no.235494. The Society’s activities are governed by the Rules, 
adopted in 1971, and amended in 1993 and 1999. All involved with the running 
of the charity were volunteers. There were no paid officials. The time provided 


94 


REPORT OF COUNCIL 


by volunteers was considerable, and was crucial in the success of the Society. It 
was necessary to employ the services of an accountant to help with the backlog 
of accounts. It proved very difficult to find a company prepared to handle 
charity accounts. The officers and members of Council were elected by 
members of the Society at an Annual General Meeting, held on 19" January 
2002. The names of those proposed by the previous Council had been circulated 
to all members in the December 2001 issue of the Society’s Bulletin and 
members proposed no further names. Those elected, together with the officers of 
Sections, served as the Trustees of the Society for 2002. Members were also 
elected to the Publications, Library, and Hector Hockey Fund Committees. 
Council and Library Committee meetings continued to be held at Clifton 
College. 


22) At the end of 2002 membership of the Society was 640, an increase of 
14 on the previous year. Amongst new members the Society was delighted to 
welcome the serving Lord Mayor of Bristol and his wife. The deaths were 
reported of Professor P.G. Drazin, Miss E.M.S. Langford, Mrs J. Morgan, 

Mrs P. Naish, Mrs M.I. Owen, Mr F.H. Rawlings, Mr J.A. Roberts, 

Mrs W. Wigmore and Miss B. Winter. 


2K The Society’s official address was Bristol Naturalists’ Society, c/o The 
City Museum, Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 IRL. The Society’s main 
bankers were Lloyds TSB, 58 Queen’s Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1RQ. 


24. The Trustees’ powers regarding investment etc. are prescribed in the 
Society’s Rules, Council agreed to transfer from the Treasurer’s Account 
monies representing the Memorial Conservation and Library Funds to a new 
Charities Aid Foundation account, which should pay higher interest without 
risk. These funds were used to support projects as decided by Council, The 
Hector Hockey and Milton Funds, and an Ornithological Section Special Fund, 
were held in Income Bonds and a National Savings Account. Grants from the 
Hockey Fund were governed by the Rules of that Fund. Council had agreed 
previously that the monies designated as the Milton Fund would be used to 
support “Hockey” applications also, and both funds were involved in 2002. 
Sections had individual bank and building society accounts holding sufficient 
funds to cover running costs. 


Zo. Insurance cover presented difficulties during the year and exposed the 
Society temporarily to risks. Cover formally provided through British Trust for 
Conservation Volunteers was discontinued suddenly, and after considerable 
time and effort had gone into looking for alternative cover, BTCV came back 
with a new provider, albeit far more expensive. 

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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:91-96 
Thanks 


26. Grateful thanks are due to members who have volunteered their time in 
many ways, and have given generously to BNS funds, in helping the Society to 
meet its objectives. Special mention must be made of the sterling efforts of the 
team of publications distributors, who continued to save the Society substantial 
postal charges. The Society acknowledges with gratitude the facilities and 
support given by the Headmaster of Clifton College, and the Head of Museums, 
Bristol City Museum. 


Plans for the Future 


Zi The Council of the Society for 2003 will be appointed on 18" January 
and those Trustees will be responsible for that year’s strategic planning. A Rules 
sub-committee will need to continue its work and to report back to Council on 
any proposals for change. It is hoped that a higher level of publicity of the 
Society’s objectives may be attained. On completion of the Library journals 
catalogue, work will start on cataloguing the books, separates, videos etc. 


Appendix 1. Council 2002 


Mr R. Barnett Mr P. Belcher 
Mr R.L. Bland Mrs W.J. Budd 
Mr S. Carpenter Mr D. Cope 

Mr D.B. Davies Dr W. Dixon 
Mr D.B. Frost Miss S. Garden 
Dr M.J. Hill Mrs A.F. Hollowell 
Ms M. Leivers Mr J. Martin 
Miss S. McCarthy Mrs P. Millman 
Mr W. Morris Dr H. Rose 

Mr A.G. Smith Dr T.A. Smith 
Mr P. Stevenson Mr D. Strawford 
Mr R.G. Symes Mr S.M. Taylor 
Mr D.P.C. Trump Mrs M. Trump 
Mrs H. Wilmott Mrs A. Wookey 
Mr N. Wray 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:97 


Bristol Naturalists’ Society Geological Section 
Field Secretary’s Report 2002 


The following excursions and activities were organised for the 2002 period 


Saturday 23 March The Miners Trail, Midsomer Norton & Radstock 
Joint event with Bath Geological Society 
Leader: Elizabeth Devon 


Saturday 13 April The Vale of Wardour 
Joint event with Bath Geological Society 
Leader: Isobel Geddes 


Sunday 26 May Geological site clearance project: Cherry Garden 
Railway Cutting, Willsbridge, 
South Gloucestershire 
Leader: Simon Carpenter 


Monday 26 August Rock & Fossil event 
Bristol & Bath Railway Path, Saltford 
Joint event with Bath Geological Society 
Leader: Elizabeth Devon & Simon Carpenter 


Saturday 12 October The Upper Triassic rocks of Manor Farm, Aust, 
South Gloucestershire 
Joint event with Bath Geological Society 
Leader: Simon Carpenter 


The 2002 season of excursions and activities followed a similar pattern to 
previous years with a mix of field trips to sites of geological interest, geological 
site clearance projects and a promotional event. 


The ‘Rock and Fossil’ event on the August Bank Holiday Monday was 
particularly successful with a large number of people (many hundreds) stopping 
on the Railway Path at Saltford to find out more about the local geology and the 
societies that promote it. Volunteers from the BNS, Bath Geological Society and 
the West of England Geologists Association are thanked for their time and 
support. The event received substantial press coverage in the local papers and 
Simon Carpenter was invited to talk about the event on BBC Radio Bristol. 


Of the two site clearance projects, the Manor Farm, Aust day attracted the most 
volunteers and considerable effort was expended to clear part of the quarry face. 
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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:98 


This kind of work is essential if we are going to keep our geological sites clear 
and accessible for future visits. All volunteers are thanked for their help and 
reminded that they are always welcome at future site clearance days. 


The Bristol Naturalists’ Society Geological Section combined with Bath 
Geological Society for a number of excursions — so thanks are due to their 
members and leaders as well as ours for making the 2002 season so successful. 


Simon Carpenter Field Secretary 


Geological Section Secretary’s Report 2002 
The following meetings were held throughout the year. 
16" January Dr Eric Robinson Geology on the Doorstep 


A variety of metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks can be found in our 
immediate environment; grottoes and graveyards in the West Country and 
elsewhere can yield much, as explained by our distinguished speaker. 


13" February — Dr Simon Braddy 
Eurypterids-Palaeobiology: Breathing life into Fossil Sea Scorpions 


Scotland, Sweden, Vietnam and the Bristol region were home to marine 
scorpions the size of a small car during Palaeozoic times, so the audience 
discovered in this richly illustrated talk. 


13" March Mr Chris Richards Mining in West Mendip 


The ores of lead, zinc, cadmium, copper plus the ochres and ores of iron were 
mined in West Mendip from early times, so the audience learnt in this enjoyable 
presentation, embracing metallurgy, social history and industrial archaeology. 


9"" October Mr Paul Stevenson Trace Fossils from Aust Cliff 


Trace fossils of ophiuroids, horseshoe crabs, crustaceans and ‘worms’ of 
Westbury Formation provenance can all be easily found on the beach at Aust. 


13" November Dr Richard Twitchet 

Recovery of Biodiversity after Mass Extinction 

The benthic marine and ichnologic fossil records of basal Triassic rocks of 
Oman and the United States record a strong, swift rebound of diversity after the 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:99 


mass extinction. Lilliput and Lazarus taxa plus frankincense were also on offer! 
11" December Member’s Evening 


Short talks were presented by Howell Peregrine, Mike T. Curtis, Remmert 
Schouten and Paul Stevenson. 


The Earth Sciences Department of Bristol University is thanked whole-heartedly 
for allowing the use of its lecture facilities again during the year. 


Paul Stevenson — Secretary. 
Report of the Mammal Group for 2002 
Several field trips were held this year concentrating on Water Voles and bats. 


On May 14™ Phil Quinn of the Avon Wildlife Trust led a Water Vole walk at 
Lawrence Weston. There were plenty of old Water Vole signs, old droppings, 
feeding platforms etc. but despite rumours that Mink had recently re-invaded the 
area, some of the group were lucky to catch a glimpse of the rear end of a Water 
Vole disappearing into the undergrowth next to the old incinerator site! 


On July 10" there was a field trip (with the Avon Bat Group) to see the 
Natterer’s Bat maternity roost at Elm Farm, Burnett. One bat emerged shortly 
before dark but as it was a particularly cold evening the expected 30+ bats 
decided to stay ‘in doors’. 


On July 18" there was a field trip to Abbot’s Pool, Abbot’s Leigh. It was a very 
warm evening with plenty of insects flying and the Pipistrelles, Noctules and 
Daubenton’s Bats put on an excellent display. There was even a Lesser 
Horseshoe Bat hanging up in the cave at the end of the pool. 


David Trump gave an illustrated lecture on the Wildlife of East Africa on 
October 17™ at the Westmoreland Hall as part of the General Lecture series. 


Bi-monthly Otter surveys continued with the North Somerset Otter Group. Otter 
signs were seen regularly in the Tickenham area. Regular contributions continue 
to be made to the Society’s Bulletin and mammal records are collected from 
members and are deposited at the Bristol Regional Environmental Records 
Centre. 


David Trump _ Secretary 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:100 
Ornithology Section Report 


At the AGM on 18" January 2002 no President was elected — the Committee 
had, yet again, been unable to find a candidate who was willing to stand. 
Richard Bland agreed to continue, as Acting President, whilst a new President 
was actively sought. Mary Hill was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Joyce 
Callard, Alison Levinson and Mike Taylor (MT was previously co-opted, not 
elected) were elected to the committee, where they joined the re-elected 
members, Paul Farmer, Matthew Rogers and Brian Tizard. 


Lecture meetings 


The talks were interesting, informative, well illustrated and very well attended, 
particularly in the autumn session when the highest attendance in recent years, 
76, was recorded. The average attendance was 47.33. 


There were 6 indoor meetings in 2002 


18" January AGM + H.Rose ‘A celebration of the wader’ 


1“ February John Tully ‘Feral pigeons of Bristol, 10 years on’ 
15" March P.Chadwick ‘Birding in Namibia’ 
9" October Barry Gray ‘Watching Birds of Prey around Bristol — 


ever decreasing circles.’ 

6" November Helen Williams ‘Natural History of the Western Isles of 
Scotland.’ 

4" December Prof.Pennycuick ‘How far can a migrating bird fly, and how 
long does it take?’ 


There were 18 field meetings, average attendance 12.46 


First winter session (3 walks) 
Average attendance, first winter, 15.67 


23" January Slimbridge Trevor Evans and Dave Paynter 
3" March Uphill Don Cullen 
24" March Brean Barry Gray 


Summer 2002 (12 walks) 
Average attendance, summer, 11.67 


24" March Brean Barry Gray 
10" April Leigh Woods Richard Bland 
20" April Sand Point Paul Farmer 
27" April Forest of Dean Tim Fretter 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:101 


4" May Puxton Moor Brian Tizard 

15 May Frome Valley Richard Bland 

25" May Blaise Woods John Tully 

6" June Eastwood Farm Barry Gray 

22" June Wentwood Sheila McCarthy 

4" July Marshfield P.Chadwick & Paul Farmer 
24" August Slimbridge Trevor Evans 


31° August GVRG ringing demo Lyndon Roberts 


Second winter session (3 walks) 
Average attendance, second winter, 12.67 


12" October Frampton on Severn Richard Bland 
9" November — Severn Beach Brian Lancastle 
27" December Chew Paul Farmer 
Field Work 2002 


National Surveys. 


BTO Heronry survey, 

BTO Breeding Bird survey, 

WWT, 

WeBs survey, and Breeding Waders of Wet Meadows survey, 
Nest record Card scheme, 

National Peregrine survey, 

The BTO Ringing scheme, 

BTO Garden BirdWatch. 


Local surveys. 


Winter Bird Counts, Over wintering Warblers, Bristol Birdwatch, Winter garden 
survey, Peregrine watch. 


Involvement with local authorities. Members have been involved with the 
work of the LA21 Biodiversity committee in Bristol and N.Somerset. Bristol 
Birdwatch is a scheme funded by Bristol City Council administered by Avon 
Wildlife Trust and analysed by a member of the BNS. Its records are used by 
the Quality of Life survey, and the work on Sparrow density in Bristol (based on 
Bristol Birdwatch) was quoted in the BTO report to DEFRA on Sparrow and 
Starling decline. The results of the BBS surveys are used by the Environmental 
Departments of the four local unitary authorities, and all records are sent to the 
Bristol Environmental Record Centre. Members have also been involved in the 
work of the Zoo Gorge and Downs Trust. 


101 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:102 
Ornithology Section AGM 


The meeting was held at 7p.m. on Friday, 18" January 2002 in the 
Westmoreland Hall. 


The Acting President, Mr.Richard Bland took the chair, 31 members were 
present. 


i; The Acting President, Richard Bland, welcomed members to the 
meeting. Apologies were received from R.Symes, H.New and H.Rose (who 
would be late in arriving). 


2, Minutes The minutes of the 77" AGM were read. The minutes 
were agreed by all who had been present (proposed P.Chadwick, seconded by 
S.M.Taylor) and were signed by the Acting President. 


3. Matters from minutes The unwanted books from the library had 
been sold, through the BTO, for £100. The money went to library funds. 


4. Secretary’s report The secretary, Mary Hill, read her 
report concerning the year’s activities. A copy is attached. Acceptance was 
proposed by D.Cullen, seconded by S.McCarthy and carried nem con. 


>: Treasurer’s report The treasurer, Mary Hill, presented 
a summary of the Current Account which had been audited by Trevor Silcocks. 
A copy is attached. Acceptance of the accounts was proposed by A.Donnell, 
seconded by P.Chadwick and carried nem con. 


Mary Hill said that the money in the ‘special fund’ was still held by the Society 
Treasurer in the National Savings Account. She had not yet obtained an up to 
date valuation, but it would have increased only slightly because of the low rate 
of interest. 


6. Election of officers The Acting President, Richard Bland, 
explained that once again there was no candidate for the presidency although he 
had made efforts to obtain one. This situation was very unsatisfactory. He said 
that he would, again, continue as acting president, but that he and the committee 
would urgently seek a replacement; he appealed to the meeting for help in this 
search. 


Mary Hill was happy to continue as Secretary and Treasurer. 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:103 


7. Election of committee The Acting President thanked all the 
members of the committee for their hard work during the past year. Don Cullen 
and Alan Kelly were retiring, having contributed a great deal over the last 4 
years. 


Present committee members happy to be re-elected were: Paul Farmer, Brian 
Tizard and Matthew Rogers. Mike Taylor, who was co-opted last year, was also 
happy to continue. The committee proposed two new members, Joyce Callard 
and Alison Levinson, who had agreed to serve. There could be room for four 
other members of the committee, but nobody else was nominated from the floor. 


The committee’s suggestion for membership in 2002 was proposed by A.Kelly, 
seconded by S.McCarthy and carried nem.con. 


The Acting President said that the committee would welcome ideas for future 
lectures or walks. 


8. AOB 


The membership secretary, Ann Wookey, urged those who had not paid their 
subscriptions to do so, she mentioned that people should check that the sum on 
their standing orders was correct and urged all tax payers to sign gift aid forms. 


As Society President, Ann Wookey thanked the committee and officers for their 
hard work — essential to keep the section running smoothly. Thanks were 
particularly due to Richard Bland for his long-standing role in the section, and 
for all the other work that he does for the society. 


Forthcoming events The Acting Section President reminded the section of 
forthcoming field meetings and lectures. 


There being no further business, the AGM was closed at 7.19 p.m. and was 
followed by a talk by Harvey Rose - ‘In Celebration of the Wader’ 


Dr. Mary Hill, 

Ornithological Section Secretary, 
15, Montrose Avenue, 

Bristol BS6 6EH. 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:104 


General Field Meetings 
30™ March Miss Mary Morris Betty Daw’s Wood, Nr. Newent 


The day started with a guided tour of this SSSI, which is owned by 
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and continued with walks into nearby woods. 
Betty Daw’s was a mass of Daffodils, Wood Anemones, Primroses and Wood 
Violets. Many birds seen, including Lesser Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, 
Mistle Thrush and Buzzards. 


27° April Miss Sheila McCarthy §_Mordiford, Nr.Hereford 


A small group followed this loop of the Wye Valley Walk on a cool and 
sometimes damp day. We followed the wooded slopes of Backbury Hill, with 
meadows of cowslips in abandoned smallholdings on the lower slopes. The 
walk continued along quiet lanes then into woods along the Pentaloe Brook. 
Many birds seen, including a fine view of a Red-leggged Partridge. 


18"" May Miss Rachel Lee Wylye Valley 


A wet day which did not deter the small enthusiastic group. The walk started 
along a broad track towards the chalk pit and a total of seven Roman snails were 
found in the ruts. Among birds seen or heard were Willow Warbler, Blackcap, 
Chiffchaff and Yellowhammer. Numerous plants included Cowslip, Woodruff, 
Lady’s Smock and Bluebells. 


8" June Miss Mary Morris Penallt, Monmouthshire 


In the morning a visit to Pentwyn Farm owned by Gwent Wildlife Trust, where 
we had a guided tour. Meadows were a mass of wild flowers including Green 
Veined and Spotted Orchids. In the afternoon we followed the Ninewells 
circular walk — many wild flowers including Climbing Corydalis. Several 
butterflies and many birds, including at Pentwyn a Grasshopper Warbler heard. 


13" July Miss Sheila McCarthy Wetland Centre, London 


This was a return visit to see the full effect of specialised plantings in the 
different wetland habitats. There were a variety of reeds and grasses, massed 
Purple Loosestrife and Filipendula and an interesting turf roof covered in 
various sedums. Sedge and Reed Warblers seen and, among others, Emperor 
Dragonfly and Elephant Hawkmoth. Marsh frogs very visible. 


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Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:105 


7" September Don Cullen Pennington Marshes 


A windy day and a total of over 45 species, which started with Kingfisher, 
Hobby, Snipe and a variety of Gulls as soon as we left the car park. Numbers of 
Redshank and Blacktailed Godwit were seen at lunchtime. Later we had good 
views of Yellow Wagtail and a Marsh Harrier was briefly seen. 


19" October Miss Rachel Lee Savernake Forest 


A sunny but cold day. We had two circular walks; in the morning we went via 
Savernake Lodge and in the afternoon we started along Sawpit Drive. Lovely 
old Sweet Chestnut and Oak trees. Fifty-five species of fungi identified 
including Black Bulgar, Cauliflower and Magpie fungi. Birds seen or heard 
included Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. 


Sheila McCarthy, 
General Field Secretary, 
16 Rysdale Road, 
Westbury-on-Trym, 
Bristol BS9 3QU. 


Larva of Privet Hawk Moth (Sphinx ligustri) 
Drawing by Paul Stevenson 


105 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:106-112 
“It was on a Cold Dark Winter’s Night.” 


Mrs. Ann Wookey, President 2001 — 2002, gave her Presidential Address to the 
Annual General Meeting in January 2003. The following is a concise version of 
that address, which when given was illustrated fully using the Society’s new 
multi-media projector. 


representatives of other organisations, and a common reaction from 

them was astonishment that the Bristol Naturalists’ Society had been 
active for 140 years! I began to think about the origins of the Society, the people 
involved, and about what life had been like in those days. 


[== my two years as President I was fortunate enough to meet many 


This took me back to 1862. That was the year when Abraham Lincoln had 
declared that all slaves would be freed from the following January, and the year 
that the American Civil War was raging at Shiloh, where more lives were lost 
than at the Battle of Waterloo. 1862 was just 8 years after the Charge of the 
Light Brigade, and 6 years after Dr. Livingstone discovered the Victoria Falls. 


In January 1862, on a cold dark winter’s night, Adolph Leipner, together with 6 
other citizens of Bristol, arranged to meet to explore common interests. They 
formed themselves into a Provisional Committee to investigate potential support 
for the formation of a Society — “to be devoted to the investigation of every 
branch of science that finds culture amongst us.” 


These 7 inspired Gentlemen laid the foundations of the society we know today, 
140 years later. Adolph Leipner was born in 1827 in Saxony, (now Germany). 
He came to this country at the age of 21, and became a naturalised Englishman. 
He and his wife had 4 children, all born in Clifton. He was a founder teacher at 
the newly formed Clifton College, before moving to University College, Bristol. 
He is particularly remembered for founding the first Botanic Garden of the 
University. For this purpose he was given a grant of £15 from the University, 
and together with other funding of about £90, he planted 509 plants, and 
purchased 247 packets of seeds (Delany and Winn 2002). 


Henry E. Fripp occupied the Chair of Physiology in the Bristol Medical School 
— he was interested in the eye, and the optics of vision. He became the 2nd 
President of the Society, but sadly died in office in 1880. 


John Beddoe was a practising physician in Clifton, and an ethnologist. He 
became the 4th President of the Society and was later made a Fellow of the 
Royal Society. 


106 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 2003 


Stephen Barton was a businessman and an amateur entomologist. He became 
President of the Entomological Section, a position he held for 35 years! 


W.J. Fedden was interested in entomology and microscopy. 


C.T. Hudson became widely known as an authority on the microscopical 
rotifera. 


Finally, W.W. Stoddart was a public analyst, and an amateur geologist with 
wide scientific interests. 


This Committee attracted 162 promises of support — and 11 established 
scientists agreed to become corresponding members. Adolph Leipner — as 
provisional Secretary, issued invitations in April 1862 to attend the inaugural 
meeting. On 8" May of that year, 79 gentlemen met at the Bristol Philosophical 
Institution, and agreed to form the Bristol Naturalists’ Society. (J was delighted 
to learn that my Grandmother’s close friend had been housekeeper in Clifton to 
the son of one of these founder members, Joseph Wethered.) 


That initial meeting of the Society proposed rules, which included “That this 
Society be called the Bristol Naturalists’ Society’; and that its object be “the 
communication of new and interesting information on subjects connected with 
Natural Science.” 


The first President to be elected was William 
Sanders, a corn merchant, and he held this post 
for 13 years, until his death in 1875. He was a 
renowned geologist, and amongst other 
achievements was commissioned by Isambard 
Kingdom Brunel to place 2 large boulders of 
Pennant sandstone on plinths at the entrance to 
his railway tunnel at St Anne’s, Bristol. These 
boulders had been dug out during the 
excavations of the tunnel, and although only 
one now remains in situ, the second is now sited 
in the University grounds in Woodlands Road, 
having been presented to the University of 
Bristol by British Rail Western Region in April 
1983; 


The first Vice Presidents were the Rev. Canon Guthrie and Dr. Day. W. 
Stoddart was elected as Treasurer, and Adolph Leipner as Secretary. The 
Centenary History booklet (Phillips, 1962) reflects “to no other single member 


107 


Ann Wookey 


does the Society owe as much as to the first Secretary”. Sadly, Adolph Leipner 
died in office in 1894 only a year after he had finally yielded to pressure to 
become President. 


The Society met originally at the bottom of Park Street in the Philosophical 
Institution, on the site of the present Freemasons’ Hall, where our very 
successful 140" Anniversary Dinner took place on 8" May 2002. The first 
indoor meeting was held there on Thursday 5th June 1862. William Sanders 
gave an account of the Geology of Portishead; there was a paper on The 
Structure of Cartilage, and another on The Natural History of the Burrowing 
Slug. During the rest of that first year papers were read on such diverse topics as 
characteristics of natives of this district, starfish, fossil plant beds, the cotton 
plant and predicting tides. These meetings were reported at length in the 
newspapers, such as the Bristol Daily Post. 


It is interesting to note that in 1884 the Society then met in the City Museum, in 
the building to the left of the current Museum we know today. Archived 
correspondence shows a sharp exchange of letters over ‘experiments’ being 
carried out at meetings. A letter from City Museum states: - “Gentlemen, We 
wish to state that we decline for the future to permit any Physical or Chemical 
experiment to take place in the inner Library room, unless a detailed notice of 
the proposed experiments be formally communicated to us for approval” 


The Society’s response was to express regret “that any unpleasantness should 
again have arisen, that is not of my seeking. I did not give notice of the 
Experiments, because I did not consider that the exhibition of a Dynamo — 
Electric Machine and the demonstration of the deflection of the needle of a 
Galvanometer came within the spirit of the Rules” 


The first field excursion, held on 8" July 1862, was to Bath and Claverton. 
Interestingly, at our Centenary celebration, in 1962, that excursion was re- 
created, covering much of the same ground. Two more excursions occurred in 
1862, one to Dursley, and the other, to which ladies were invited for the first 
time, was to Portishead from Bristol on the steamer the Fairy Queen. 


Two years later, that same steamer disgraced herself in the eyes of the Society, 
when having already walked from Bristol to Shirehampton, the tired members 
awaited the return trip by boat. The excitement of seeing the Fairy Queen 
coming up the river was rapidly dampened as it blithely sailed past and away, 
leaving them no alternative but to walk back all the way to Bristol. The only 
available horse carriage was given to the most fatigued of the ladies! 


108 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 2003 


There is a nice report that at a field meeting in August 1865 about 40 members 
and their friends availed themselves of the opportunity of visiting Cheddar. On 
that occasion they were conveyed in two large breaks, furnished by Mr. 
Wakeham, of Kings Square, “and the manner in which his horses performed 
their work gave great satisfaction.” 


Ladies appeared as visitors at indoor meetings in 1863 “whenever the subjects 
are likely to be of a nature to interest a female audience”. Five years later it was 
agreed to admit ladies as Associate members. Soon afterwards, the first paper by 
a lady member (who in this instance remained anonymous), was read for her by 
the Secretary, and intriguingly was entitled ‘Notes on a Novel Application of 
Tea leaves!’. 


By 1865 five sections had been formed — these were Botanical, Chemical and 
Photographic, Entomological, Geological, and Zoological. Subscriptions to the 
Society were originally 5s.0d. (25 pence in current money), and a further 2s.6d. 
(12.5 pence in current money) was paid for each Section attended. These 
individual Sectional membership fees were not abolished until 80 years later, in 
1946. It should be noted that, even as long ago as 1867, the Treasurer had 
already reported difficulties in collecting subscriptions. Despite using a 
professional collector he needed to make almost 1600 visits in a year to collect 
what amounted to no more than 300 subscriptions. 


As already mentioned, the early meetings of the Society were reported 
extensively in the local newspapers, but in 1873 it was resolved that after the 
close of the current year ‘the Proceedings of the Society be published annually’ 
—and that has continued to the present day. 


Our publications have developed throughout our history. The Logo used on the 
earliest Proceedings was designed by two members of the Society in the early 
1870’s, and is still in use today. It is beautifully replicated on the Presidential 
badge, about which very little seems to be known, apart from it being made 
from silver gilt, the emblem is hand painted and then enamelled. The badge was 
presented to the Society by Mr G. McMurtrie, who was President in 1935. 


When the Society was founded in 1862, Queen Victoria was still on throne, 
Prince Albert having died in the previous year. Bristol was still 2 years away 
from seeing the completion of Brunel’s Suspension Bridge, and 10 years away 
from the topping out of the spire of St Mary Redcliffe. In 1862 Adolf Leipner 
had become one of the founder masters of the newly opened Clifton College. 
Water supplies, which clearly were most important in influencing the health of 
the city, were still very limited. Taylor (1986) described progress made with 
supplies, and reported that in the great drought of 1864 the Mendip Springs 


109 


Ann Wookey 


almost dried up. As water supplies improved then of course the need to dispose 
effectively of waste increased also and a further paper (Gray 1986), in the same 
issue of our Proceedings, said that between 1855 and 1875 over 40 miles of 
sewer systems were constructed. 


At that time Mathews’ Bristol Directory showed that pillar boxes were already 
being cleared 4 times a day, and 10 trains a day were leaving Bristol for 
London. A warm first class bath was available for 6d., a cold first class bath for 
3d.! There were 9 Bristol newspapers in print, including the Western Daily 
Press. 


Natural History Societies (or Field Clubs) emerged in the 1800’s from Literary 
and Philosophical Societies. The very first, which is still going strong, seems to 
have been the Ashmolean, founded as long ago as 1828. Others included those 
quaintly named after the inns where they met, such as the Independent 
Oddfellows Arms Botanical Society, and the Black Cow Botanical Society. In 
this area the Cotteswold Field Club and Bath Society were possibly the earliest. 


By the 1860’s the concept of a field club had changed from the original, and 
another distinctive type of society emerged, peculiar to large towns and cities. In 
Liverpool, Manchester and Bristol, almost simultaneously, societies were 
founded which differed at.once in the enormous size of their membership and 
the correspondingly lavish scale on which they were conducted. The Manchester 
Field-Naturalists Club recorded an attendance of no fewer than 550 on one of its 
outings! 


Charles Darwin had in 1859 published his Origin of Species, and along with 
Wallace’s views this had caused enormous consternation throughout the world. 
In 1860 a witty bit of repartee at a meeting, at Oxford, of the British Association 
for the Advancement of Science was ‘destined to be blown out of all 
proportions to become the best known ‘victory’ of the 19th century, save 
Waterloo.’ This was of course the ‘battle’ between Bishop Wilberforce and 
Thomas Huxley. When Wilberforce asked Huxley “whether it was through his 
grandfather or his grandmother that he claimed descent from a monkey” Huxley 
replied along the lines that “if he had to choose between a poor ape for an 
ancestor and a man of great influence, who ridiculed scientific discussion, he 
would affirm his preference for the ape\” 


Our Proceedings have changed over many years, and of course we now expect 
colour illustrations, and we use digital cameras. The early Proceedings had 
illustrations which were produced on blocks — many of which we still have in 
the Library. In books published at that time woodcuts and engravings were used. 
In his ‘/nsects at Home’ (1872) the Rev Wood invites readers to colour in the 


110 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS 2003 


illustrations by hand. For the full-page engravings he recommended first of all a 
liberal use of ox gall in mixing the colours so as to neutralise the oily lines of 
the printer’s ink. It really is quite difficult to imagine the complexity of 
producing illustrations in the 19th Century. 


The approach to collecting, recording, and conservation was somewhat different 
in those days too, as typified by a report of a meeting in February 1865. ‘Mr. H. 
Ferris exhibited a specimen of a green woodpecker, shot near Yatton, which he 
stated was one of many birds which were rapidly becoming rare from no 
assignable cause!’ 


So having explored the origins and early establishment of the BNS — 
where does the most recent President fit in amongst all these illustrious 
predecessors? 


William Sanders, our first President, will be remembered as a world famous 
geologist. He was a founder of the Microscopical Society — he had established a 
national reputation for his geological work. He began mapping the Bristol 
district in 1835, specialising in large scale maps (4in. to | mile), which he 
completed in 1862, and in recognition he was elected a Fellow of the Royal 
Society. In 1874 our minutes record that “Mr. Pass proposed and Mr. Leipner 
seconded the purchase of Mr. Wm. Sanders’ large Geological Maps of the 
Bristol Coalfields, mounted on canvas and folded”. These original maps are 
held in the Society’s archives. 


As President, Sanders was a daunting role model — but that status should not be 
seen as essential to lead the Society. I offer myself in total comparison, as the 

— most recent President, and 
only the fifth lady to 
occupy this post in our 
history. I recall that my 
‘introduction’ to natural 
history was at the age of 
16, when an _ unfortunate 
earthworm became _ the 
subject of a dissection 
class, and then remained 
pinned to a piece of cork 
on my _ bedroom notice 
board for many years, 
offering homes to 


11] 


Ann Wookey 


multitudes of micro-organisms! My interest in natural history is very broad, as 
an amateur, and really my claims to fame are as a former England trampoline 
International, and as a company director! 


I am trying to show, that it is not essential to be an exceptional naturalist, or 
scientist, to hold any office within this Society. The Bristol Naturalists’ Society 
is run by teams of enthusiastic and willing volunteers, who are involved in 
Council, Section and other Committees. 


This is a Society in which everyone can make a contribution. Individual 
interests may be in recording birds, mammals, invertebrates, or plants, - and 
sending in records for the biota reports in the Proceedings is a target. The 
Publications Committee always welcomes comments, advice and ideas on the 
content and quality of our publications, and the Library Committee 1s constantly 
looking to improve our library facilities. Help is always welcomed in the 
Society, ranging from quite simple, but important ways, such as offering to 
make the tea at the next meeting, to proposing talks or locations for field trips. 


The sun has set on my Presidency, and I will always have happy memories of 
two thoroughly enjoyable years. But the dawn of Simon Carpenter’s Presidency 
is just breaking and I would like to assure him of my full support, and wish him 
every success in his new role. 


References 


Gray, B.M.J. (1986). Bristol’s Sewage and the Birdlife of the Tidal River Avon. 
Proc. Bristol Nat. Soc. 46, pp 19 — 24. 


Phillips, F. Coles (1962). A Centenary History of the Bristol Naturalists’ 
Society 1862 — 1962. Proc. Bristol Nat. Soc. 30, (3A), pp181 — 214. 


Taylor, S.M. (1986). Bristol’s Water Supply — History and Environmental 
Aspects. Proc. Bristol Nat. Soc. 46, pp 11 — 18. 


Delany, R. and Winn, G. (2002). How Did this Garden Grow? The History of 


the Botanic Gardens of the University of Bristol. Pub. The Friends of 
Bristol University Botanic Garden. 


12 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:113 


Bristol Naturalists’ Society 
Library Report For 2002 


‘Magpies’), introduced them to the contents of the Library, to archive 

material, and a supporting display in the Entrance Hall of the Museum 
attracted public attention. Regular reports in the Bulletin of new accessions and 
topical items proved of interest to members. Library maintenance activities 
included some notable progress with sorting and removing surplus materials. All 
journals held were entered onto a computer database; it now remains to make 
that more user-friendly. Progress was made towards binding long runs of back 
numbers of our Proceedings. 


A n ‘Open Day’, attended by 10 new and existing members (and 4 


51 (59 in 2001) members made 341 (374) visits to the Library and borrowed 
272 (272) items. 11 (8) of these visits were made by new members. 34 journals 
were received by subscription, 34 by exchange and 13 journal runs were 
received as gifts. 9 books were purchased, and 11 books, 43 issues of journals, 
and 8 pamphlets/offprints and reports, and | videotape, which had been donated, 
were accepted into the library stock. 


Special nameplates were added to items given by members and others. For 
donations we were indebted to Bath Natural History Society, Biodiversity U.K., 
The Barn Owl Trust, Dr. R. Bradshaw, Ms. R. Delany, Department for Food and 
Rural Affairs, Ms. G.M. Dyche, Mrs A.F. Hollowell, Mr. M. Rogers, Mr. R. 
Rowe, Mr. B. Tizard, Mr. D. Warden, Mr. D.A. Wilson, and Mr. M.A.B. 
Wordsworth. 


Mrs A.F. Hollowell was re-elected as Honorary Librarian. The Library 
Committee met on 4 occasions. Members were Mr. R.G. Symes (Chairman), 
Mr. R.L. Bland, Ms. S. Hawkins, Mr. P.J.M. Nethercott, Mr. B. Tizard, Mr. 
D.P.C. Trump, Mr. D.A. Wilson, Mrs. A.M. Wookey, and a welcome new 
member, Mr. M.A.B. Wordsworth. The Society’s Archivist attended meetings 
ex officio. Members continued to staff the Library from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on 
Wednesdays, and from 10.15am to 12.00pm on Saturdays. The Committee 
completed the year’s work within the budget agreed by Council. 


In accordance with the charitable status of the Society, but subject to appropriate 
security considerations, access to the Library was made available to others, 
particularly by arrangement with the University of Bristol. 8 visits were made 
by members on the staff of the City Museum, | by non-member Museum staff. 


All members of the Committee are thanked for their contributions during 2002. 
The Society also thanks Mr Stephen Price, Head of Museum Services, Bristol 


i ie) 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:114 


City Council, for use of the Library room, and for the assistance given to 
members during the year by Museum staff, and welcomes the continued use 
made by the Library by Museum staff 


Roger G. Symes 
Chairman, BNS Library Committee. 


Redpoll (Acanthus flammea) 
Drawing by Paul Stevenson 


114 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:120 
BRISTOL NATURALISTS' SOCIETY ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 


STATEMENT FROM THE HON. TREASURER 


Members will be aware that there have been unfortunate delays in publication of the annual accounts 
of the Society. 


I apologise for the extent to which that has been my own responsibility. The Trustees (Council) 
have been kept informed of the progress made and difficulties faced. The Trustees agreed that 
professional accountants and auditors should be employed to speed up processing of delayed 
financial statements and the first of those reports is presented here. 


The report is a slightly shortened version of that which has been agreed by the Trustees and sent to 
the Charity Commission. 


Copies of the full report are available for consultation by any member of the Society. 
It must be reported that a member of the Society has raised an objection to the treatment in these 
accounts of the Hector Hockey Fund as an endowment fund, which so imposes limitations on 


Council's use of that fund. Clarification of the status of this Fund is being sought. 


Roger G. Symes 
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1998 


TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1998 


The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 
31 December 1998. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting 
policies and comply with the charity's trust deed and applicable law. 


The Trustees consider that the performance of the charity has been most satisfactory. 


There was a noticeable increase in voluntary income this year from £5,533 (1997) to £8,887. This 
increase is attributed to income received from various Bequests. Investment income has also nearly 
doubled from £1,073 in 1997 to £2,034 in the current year. 

The Trustees are pleased to report a surplus for the year of £6,243 (1997 deficit of £1,730). 


Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting record which disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud 


and other irregularities. 


Approval 
This report was approved by the Trustees on 3 December 2002 and signed on their behalf. 


R Symes Trustee 


115 


Roger Symes 
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRISTOL NATURALISTS' SOCIETY 


We have audited the financial statements, which have been prepared under historical cost 
convention and the accounting policies. 


The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards. Our responsibility is to audit the 
financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards. 


We have been appointed as auditors under section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 and report in 
accordance with Regulations made under Section44 of that Act. 


We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are 
properly prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 1993. We also report to you if, in our 
opinion, the Report of the Trustees is not consistent with the financial statements, if the charity has 
not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we 
require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding trustees' remuneration and 
transactions with the charity is not disclosed. 


We read the Report of the Trustees and consider the implications for our report if we become aware 
of any apparent misstatements within it. 


Basis of opinion 


We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices 
Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts 
disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of significant estimates and 
judgements made by the trustees in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the 
accounting policies are appropriate to the charity's circumstances, consistently applied and 
adequately disclosed. 


We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we 
considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance 
that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other 
irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the 
presentation of information in the financial statements. 


Opinion 

In our opinion, the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as 
at 31 December 1998 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its 
income and expenditure, in the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with 
the provisions of the Charities Act 1993. 


Harwood, Lane & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 
Hayward House, 140 Hayward Road, Redfield, Bristol. BSS 9QA 


3 December 2002 
116 


ACCOUNTS 1998 


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1998 


| 
| Restricted General 1998 1997 
| Notes Funds Funds Total Total 
| Incoming Resources 
Voluntary Sources 2 3,188 8,887 5,933 
Trading Activities 3 0 2,468 2,468 51 
4 


Investment Income 1,593 


Sections Income 


Miscellaneous 5) 


| Total Income 


a a 


Resources Expended 


Direct Charitable Expenditure [ 6 5,678 

Fundraising Costs 0 0 Ol 0 
Management and 7 0 4,500 4,500 1,080 
Administration 

Total Resources = a 8 1,210 8,968 10,178 8,607 
Net Incoming/(Outgoing) 

Resources for the year 14 3,571 2,672 6,243 -1,730 
Transfer between Funds 844 -844 0 0 


Balances brought forward 


at 1 January 1998 14 29,917 8,448 38,365 10,178 


carried forward 14 £34,332 £10,276 £44,608 £8,448 


Balances 


Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses 


There were no recognised gains or losses other than those disclosed in the two reported financial years. 


ee |e | ee wee | 
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1998 


| Notes 1998 1997 
CURRENT ASSETS 
Debtors 
Investment Accounts ie 10 
Cash at bank and in hand 


CREDITORS; amounts falling 


Due within one year 


Net current liabilities 


Total Assets less Total Liabilities 


Capital 
Restricted Funds 12/14 34,332 29,917 
General Funds 14 10,276 8,448 


£44,608] | £38,365 


Approved by the Trustees on 3 December 2002 and signed on their behalf. 


Name: A. Wookey (President) Trustee 


NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1998 


l ACCOUNTING POLICIES 


_ 


1.1 | Basis of preparation of accounts 


The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounts have been prepared in compliance with 
Statement of Recommended practice on Charity Accounts. 


In preparing the financial statements the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended 
Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (SORP 2000) issued in October 2000. 


| | | | 


iS) Income | | | 


Voluntary income and donations are accounted for as received by the charity. The charity also receives income from 
member subscriptions, which are accounted for in the relevant period of membership. Income from trading activities is 
accounted for as received by the charity. 


| ES | | 


hi? 


Roger Symes 


Expenditure on management and administration of the charity 


includes the auditor’s fees. 


Administration expenditure includes all expenditure not directly related to the charitable activity or fundraising ventures. : 
This includes the related costs of the day-to-day running of the charity such as printing, postage and stationery, and it also 


Voluntary Sources 


Subscriptions le 


Bequests 


Donations [ 


Trading Activities 


Library Sales | 


Proceedings Sales 


Plant sales 


Investment Income 


Interest on Deposit Accounts 


Miscellaneous Receipts 


Field Committee Surplus 


Social Evening Income 


Miscellaneous Income 


Direct charitable expenditure 


| Meetings | 


Library | 


Proceedings and Avon Bird Report 


Bulletin Printing (and Distribution in 1998) 


Publications Distribution 


Donations and Grants to other Organisations 


Sections Expenditure 


Subscriptions to other Organisations 


Publicity | 


Management and administration 


General Printing and Stationery 


General Postage and Telephone 


Bank Charges 


Subscription Refund 


Miscellaneous (Inc Social Evening) 


Second Hand Computers 


Public Liability Insurance 


Audit Fee 


Sections Expenditure 


Outstanding Cheques 1997 not cleared 


Surplus Resources Expended 


The surplus of income over expenditure is stated 


After charging: 


- Audit fees (inclusive of VAT) 


Debtors 


Prepayments 


4 


Investments 


National Savings Income Bonds 


National Savings Investment Account 


CREDITORS: amounts falling due within 


ml 


one year 


ACCOUNTS 1998 


LES 


Subscriptions in Advance 827 71 
Proceedings 0} 280 
Accruals 470 0 
c | a res) 
| | 
12 Funds of the Charity 
General Fund 
The general fund of the charity is the charity's operational fund used for its day-to-day activities. 
Memorial Fund 
This fund combines the former Williams Fund money with a legacy from Mrs. Milton, 
and with the small amounts in the Harry Savory Illustrations Fund, and substantial bequests 
from others. The Memorial Fund receives legacies, and donations from friends in memory of 
past members. Grants are paid at the discretion of the Council, there being no specific aim 
for this fund. 
Conservation Fund 
This is the name accepted as that of the former Conservation Appeal. It receives ad hoc 
donations and the Council makes occasional awards from this fund. 
Library Fund 
This was initially the balance from a previous sale of surplus books from the Library which 
realised £3,300 - included in the 1995 accounts. Payments from the fund are at the 
authorisation of the Council. il 
Hector Hockey Fund 
This is treated as an endowment fund which supports projects and has a set of rules under 
which the HHF Trustees work and recommended to Council any grants to be made. 
It is represented by the National Savings Income Bonds and is part of the National Savings 
Ordinary Account. 
Milton Fund | | 
Because the Hockey Fund attracted only small amounts of income as interest, and so only 
relatively small grants could be made, Council decided that £5,000 of the bequest from 
Mrs. Milton would also be put into Income Bonds and that income used to back up the 
Hockey Fund, working to the same rules as that fund. The Milton Fund is not an endowment 
fund. | | | 
Ornithology Section Fund 
Monies in the Ornithology Section Special Fund are reserved by the Section as seed-corn 
funding should publication of an avifauna of the county become feasible. 
13 Analysis of net assets between funds 
General Permanent Special 
Fund Endowment Funds Total 
Current Assets 11,573 5,839 28,493 45,905 
Current Liabilities -1,297 0 0 -1,297 
Income December 
14 Statement of funds At 01.01.1998 | & Transfers | Expenditure At 1997 
31.12.1998 
General a 8,448 10,796 -8,968 10,276 8,448 
Permanent Endowment 
- The uae Hockey Fund 6,661 388 -1,210 5,839 6,661 
Special Funds 
- Memorial Fund 14,889 3,796 0 18,685 14,889 
- Conservation Fund 75 62 0 137 iD 
- The Library Fund 2,886 113 0 2,999 2,886 
- Ornithology Section Fund 0 879 0 879 0 
} - Milton Fund 5,406 387 0 5,793 5,406 
Total Restricted Funds 23,256 5,237 0 28,493 23,256 
Total Funds £38,365 £16,421 (£10,178) £44 608 £38,365 


Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society (2002) 62:120 


Chew Valle Lake 


OPTICS DAY _ 
sooneared by Bath branch of 


A fantastic chance to view and purchase 
many leading binoculars and scopes including 
digiscoping (digital photography irom your aor 


OPTICRON * LEICA 
SWAROVSKI * NIKON 
RSPB BINOCULARS 


> Parking, food and drink available on site. 


> Staff from Leica & Swarovski often in attendance 
- phone for details 


ON THE 1ST SATURDAY 
OF EACH MONTH 


10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 


ON THE LAWN AT Chet Stoke sae 
CHEW VALLEY 
LAKE TEA SHOP 


For more details, phone 


01225 447 622 


120 


INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUTHORS 


The editor welcomes original papers on the natural history of Avon and surrounding areas 
for consideration for publication in the Proceedings. Inexperienced authors may obtain 
advice from members of the Publications Committee. Authors should remember that their 
readers may not be specialists in the particular subject, and that unnecessarily technical 
language can be a barrier to understanding. 


All papers for consideration should reach the editor by the end of November for 
publication in the following year. If there is likely to be a problem with this, the author 
should contact the editor in advance. All Society Reports and Biota should reach the 
editor by the end of January in the year of publication. 


Whenever possible, text should be submitted on a disk as a file produced using a recent 
word-processor program (preferably Word 2000). Please specify the software and version 
used. The disk and a final hard copy version of the manuscript, 1f submitted, should match 
exactly. The wording should follow the style and format of the Proceedings, 1.e. Titles in 
10pt Arial Bold and body text in 10pt Times New Roman on an AS page. An abstract 
should be supplied, and the text should be organised with appropriate headings and sub- 
headings. Submitted manuscripts should be double-spaced with wide margins and printed 
on one side of the paper only. Authors should retain a copy. Captions to illustrations 
should be given separately at the end of the text. Abbreviations should be defined on first 
use, but these should be avoided in the abstract. 


Originals, not copies, of photographs, slides, line drawings, diagrams and maps should be 
submitted, returnable on request. Drawings and other diagrams should not be more than 
twice final size and made in monochrome. Photographs may be submitted as prints in 
colour or monochrome. These will normally be reproduced in monochrome, though 
consideration will be given to their publication in colour. Graphs, charts and simple 
diagrams should be produced by computer graphics: advice and help with this are 
available. Permission to reproduce copyright material is the responsibility of the author. 


References should be listed at the end of the text, in alphabetical order of the first author's 

name, and should take the following form. (with book and journal title in italics and first 

line hanging). 

Book: Author (Date). Title. Place of publication: Publisher. - e.g. 

Rackham, O. (1986). The history of the countryside. London: J.M. Dent. 

Clapham, A.R., Tutin, T.G. and Warburg, E.F. (1952) Flora of the British Isles. 
Cambridge at the University Press. 

Paper: Author (Date). Title. Journal Name, volume (part), page nos. - e.g. 


Ross, S.M. and Heathwaite, A. L. (1986). West Sedgemoor: its peat stratigraphy and peat 
chemistry. Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society, 44, 19-25. 


The copyright of all newly published material will belong to the Bristol Naturalists' 
Society, whose Council may authorise reproduction. 


SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES 
WAM 
3 9088 01308 9214 
VOLUME 62 (2002) 
CONTENTS 
2 Editorial 
3 Rerum cognoscere causas - Richard Bland 
8 Reflections - Mary Taylor 
12 The Natural History of Ten Acres - Faith and Tony Moulin 
24 A Record of Pond Organisms - Robert Muston 
38 The Bristol Avon Otter Survey - Simon Reece 
44 Weather Report 2002 - Richard Bland 
48 Phenology 2002 - Richard Bland 


52 Bristol Botany 2002 - Professor A.J. Willis 


Page 87m 61 Bristol Mammal Report 2002 - David and Mary Trump 
| 83 Amphibians in the Bristol Area - Mary Wood 

87 Bristol Invertebrate Report 2002 - Ray Barnett 

91 Report of Council 


106 Presidential Address 2003 - Ann Wookey 


Inside back cover - Instructions for Authors 


Rerum cognoscere causas - Virgil 


Front Cover Otter (Lutra lutra) 
Photograph: Charlie Hamilton-James.