Foxes have been seen and occasionally heard throughout the year. Bats have been seen at dusk on many evenings between May and October. Other mammals have included Wood Mouse, Short-tailed Vole and Badger.
Despite a poor summer, Damsel and Dragonflies were seen regularly around the Whins and Large Red Damselfly bred in a nearby pond for the first time in 5 years.
Other new species recorded this year included Azure Damselfly, Broad-bodied Chaser and Common Hawker. Other species noted included Brown Hawker, Southern Hawker and Common Darter.
By the time you read this article further habitat management work will have taken place on the Whins. This has included shrub and tree clearance, to open up some of the grassy slopes. Also further seeding of the meadow plots with locally collected Heather seed and some native wildflowers.
Thanks to everybody involved in managing both sites for the benefit of the wildlife and local residents.
Steve Graham
Wildlife Advisor Shelley Conservation Group,
Shelley Village Magazine, January 2009.
