TrailCam 26.3.14 (Outfoxed by Kingfishers)

The TrailCam was put out yesterday in the hope of getting images of Kingfishers, two strategically placed Hazel rods were put out a month ago as Kingfishers have been seen whizzing around the park.
However, as the photo shows a Fox was again spotted.

The TrailCam will again be put out to hopefully catch other wildlife. 

Pathway progress

Well, North Notts College have proved their worth again by knuckling down and getting the membrane laid and covering it in the first 2 inches of red shale.
They have had to dig out a lot of soil but it has been worth it. Here are some progression photos;

These photos show the amount of work and precision this group has put in to get the job done, and they still want to come back for more!!! 

Many thanks go out to the students of North Notts College (and their Instructor ) for their hard work and effort over the last few weeks.

Why a Volunteer's contribution is priceless (Part 2)

As per the previous post some of our work is aided by the help of volunteers.
With the hide recently given a new coat of paint the next task was the pathway.
Our Conservation Volunteers laid the first couple of shutterboards. Then handed over to North Notts College.
North Notts College students came in for some practical work experience and their task for the day was to lay shutterboards and dig out the middle of the path ready for a weed proofing membrane and some red shale.

As you can see they did a really great job and are hoping to come back in next week to complete it!! This group worked brilliantly and worked together as a team to get the job done........even the Instructor put in the effort! They also slashed bramble on the Wildflower island so plants can grow and attract insects in the Summer.

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The path has been dug out and the mounds to the side have been flattened so the path does not flood. The membrane has been measured out and is starting to being installed....

The membrane is attached to the shutterboard with fencing staples although the weight of the shale will hold it in place. North Notts College are back in again on Monday to carry on and make a real feature statement with the pathway.

Spring loving continued

No sooner than spotting cuddling amphibians I came across this.........

FROGSPAWN! Frogspawn forms in clumps like the picture whereas Toadspawn is in beaded ribbons of spawn. Keep an eye out for both.

Spring loving......

Whilst North Notts College worked on the path today a Newt species was spotted as well as Frog and a couple of cuddling Toads.........

Soon the Wetland and the Lake will be filling up with breeding amphibians so keep your eye out for Frogspawn and Toadspawn!

TrailCam 1.2.14

The TrailCam was put out last night in the hope to catch some wildlife in action. After the failed last attempt of catching nothing the camera notched up nearly 100 photos.
After some detective work these images were extracted..........

......can you spot the Heron, Moorhen, Rabbits, Pheasant and Fox? 

(Click on image to expand)

Whats on in April

Saturday 5^th April – Monday 21^st April 

Easter Hunt

The Easter Bunny has lost some Easter eggs around Rufford Park.  Can you find all of the eggs including the secret golden egg?  Trail leaflets on sale from Visitor Information for £1.00.  Return completed trails to receive a reward!

Wednesday 9^th April – 10-12.00pm

Mini Beast Hunt -  Come and join the Ranger Service on a mini beast hunt through the woodland and discover what lurks in the under growth of Rufford’s historic landscape. Explore under logs and around the trees and use simple identification keys to see what invertebrates call the woodland floor home.**

Saturday 12^th – Sunday 13^th April

Midland Kite Flyers 10am – 4pm

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly a kite? If so, why not join us on the Abbey Lawn and get some tips from the experts. Watch the display and have a go making your own kite for a small charge or buy one already made. Be aware that bad weather and light winds can ground kites, so flying displays will vary.

** £2.00 per child, all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Come dressed for outdoor play as you may get wet and muddy!

Meet in the Coach House Courtyard at the Abbey end of the park.

Places are limited, pre - booking essential. Ring the Ranger team on 01623 821335