OXFORD WILDLIFENUMBER 94 NEWS SUMMER 2012

NEWS FROM BOUNDARY BROOK NATURE PARK In March, three buzzards were seen circling overhead at Boundary Brook. I don’t know if this reflects the increase in their numbers nationally but we certainly seem to see them more often both in town and in the country. Apparently the 2010 British Breeding Bird Survey showed the breeding population of buzzards rose by 146% from 1995-2009. You may have seen the plans to trap buzzards and destroy their nests in order to stop

them taking the young pheasants being reared for shooting. This plan was then abandoned by the government as a result of objections by conservationists.

We have had a lovely show of spring flowers: the usual snowdrops in the wood, the primroses, the wild daffodils and wood anemones in the bird orchard, and a colourful display of cowslips on the back of the mound by the pond and in other places as well.

The bird boxes are again being used and the one on the front of the visitor centre has some young blue tits in it. We had a group of young school children from Comper School who were intrigued when Alan suggested that the teacher could tap gently on the side of the box which would make the birds think a parent had come back with some food. The quiet was suddenly interrupted by eager squawks from inside the box. We didn’t repeat it to prevent them being too disappointed when no food then appeared! We also have some fox cubs again and there is now a brand new entrance leading onto the central path complete with fox prints in the freshly extracted soil.

The Comper children had an enjoyable day at Boundary Brook doing pond dipping, and other activities. They explored, hunted for different sorts of wild flowers, and looked under stones and logs for wildlife. As well as

centipedes, woodlice and the other usual fauna, in the wood, under a plank, they found a minute animal which looked like a young lizard with a dry scaly-looking skin. However, an expert who looked at the photo of it said it was a young smooth newt. It was only a few centimetres long so it must have been a very long walk from the pond where it was born to its new home in the wood.

EVENTS

Past . . .Some of our members once more took part in the snake’s-head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) survey of Osney Mead. This open area belongs to the Oxford Preservation Trust and is low-lying MG4 flood meadow between the Botley Road and North Hinksey Lane. Surveys have been done here each year since 2003 when 58 flowers were recorded. There has been a steady increase in the numbers of fritillaries counted and this year we found four small extra patches of plants. A total of 245 flowers were counted and also 132 vegetative plants so the prospects look good for this rare plant. As you may know, a decade ago it was the flower chosen to be the Oxfordshire County flower, as well as many years previously being chosen by us as the logo for OUWG.

Oxfordshire Goes Wild, in the Natural History Museum, was once more a fun occasion and our mini pond-dipping activity was again popular with the children. At the time of writing the Summer Open Day is yet to come – will this ‘drought’ continue or may we have some more seasonal sunshine?

We are being shown around the FAI Farm at Wytham on 28 June. If you get this in time we will meet at the University Farm at 6.30pm. If you want to come, contact Janet Keene on 01865 820522 to check there is room as numbers are limited. Lifts can probably be arranged.

Thank you WaitroseWaitrose support of local good causes through its Community Matters scheme had Oxford Urban Wildlife Group as one of its three local causes over the Christmas period. Our portion amounted to £267 so thanks to any of you who contributed their tokens to our cause.

Front cover: Do you have a squirrel problem? I hate to be prejudiced but when I put out food for wild birds I don’t like squirrels (the non-native grey ones that is) pinching it all first, and - in the process - nibbling the plastic, and even managing to pull the wire mesh apart to get at the nuts. They have a copious supply of acorns, hazel nuts and walnuts nearby as demonstrated by the burial holes in the lawn and seedlings from the missed ones in spring. We cracked the problem by threading an upturned flowerpot saucer on the pole and also a coating of slippery lard below. So far so good. Photos: Peter Keene

2

Future events. . .The Lye Valley

Judy Webb - a prime mover in the bid to prevent the erosion of the stream bed and its banks in the Lye Valley - has offered to take us on a guided walk there on July 14th. The erosion problem has been exacerbated by the increasing development of the area. As more land is covered by housing, impermeable drives, and paved front gardens, it decreases the area for rain to be absorbed in the ground. This means that after rain the run-off forms a sudden deluge in the neighbouring streams and the banks are scoured by the force of the water. This is threatening the future of wonderful Hogley Bog (mis-named as it is really a fen with its unique rare fen flora). Judy and many associates are working to protect the future of this environment. To see the valley and hear more about its protection, meet us on Saturday 14 July - booking essential as tickets are limited to 20 people. See back cover for details.

Judy has just reported, “We are still waiting for a reply from Thames Water on the hydrological study they did. They are working out their legal responsibility and a mitigation package, I think. In the meantime more bank collapses are occurring and one of the bridges is being undercut at one end. The recent rain is doing wonders for the fen plants in stopping them dying, but what they need is ground water, rather than rain water – the fen surface

is still too dry and pools are low. The ground water has the essential calcium, rain water does not.” See also her excellent article in the recent OCV newsletter “The Weasel” with map and coloured photos: http://www.ocv.org.uk/weasel.php?n=TheLyeValley&t=1r

Please note in “Events for other organisations” on page 10 that there is a conservation task in the Lye Valley the day after our visit – July 15th Reed raking with the Oxford Conservation Volunteers  from 10am. Why not follow-up our walk with some practical help.

AGM and Picnic

On Monday 23 July we will reconvene for a short AGM before the annual Picnic. Under the terms of our constitution we need to appoint a new Trustee as Ruth Jordan has retired from the Committee at least for the present. We also need to vote in the officers for the year. Please come along at 6.30pm and we hope to start the picnic with a barbecue at 7pm.

Autumn Open Day On September 9th we will have our Autumn Open Day with the usual book and plant stalls, pond-dipping, activities for children and probably some craft activities. See rear cover for details.

GIFT AID and STANDING ORDERSDid you know that we can claim back 25% of people’s subscriptions and donations (including, retrospectively, what you’ve contributed in the past 4 years if you have paid tax on it).  At present the £5.00 membership barely covers the cost of the newsletter and its postage. 

In spite of the increase in postage, we are reluctant to put up our membership and subscription which might discourage some younger people and unemployed.    However, if we claim Gift Aid, this is a great addition to our funds, as you can see from our Annual Report. All

you have to do is to fill in the enclosed form and let us have it back. 

So far only a small proportion of our members have done this so please help us by filling it in.  Another thing which helps to simplify things is to take out a standing order for your subscription (and additional donation if you are willing).  For a start it saves you having to post your annual contribution.  Again if you haven’t got a standing order we have enclosed the relevant form. 

COME - VOLUNTEER AT BOUNDARY BROOK NATURE PARKBOUNDARY BROOK NEEDS YOU

Enjoy yourself - get fit - learn about gardening and conservationWe are a charity and we need your help and support to maintain our lovely nature park.

If you have an interest in gardening, conservation or nature please come and help us. Work parties are held each Sunday from 10m to 1pm. Hot drinks and biscuits are provided. Ring Alan Hart on 0797960813 for details. A selection of jobs will be available.

We provide all tools and equipment but wear sensible/stout shoes.

Ring Alan Hart on 07979608013 for further details of work parties which normally are held each Sunday from 10am - 1pm and often at different times during the week as well. NB: No work party on July 1, 8 or 15.

Springtime

Looking around the garden, I ventured between the bushes and was startled as a small bird suddenly flew past my ear out of the bush next to me. There was no time to see what it was. I had blinked and it was gone. I wondered why it had held on for so long before deciding to avoid me and, looking into the bush, I could see a neat little nest with 3-4 tiny bright blue eggs inside. Looking in the bird book I systematically ruled out all the small birds I had seen recently on the bird-table as they had mainly brown or white eggs. At last Greenfinch eggs matched my description and I hoped the brooding parents were not put off their job by my unexpected visit.

A few weeks later I was overcome by curiosity and had another quick peak in the bush. Everything was silent and I feared the worst but then in the gloom I could see four beady eyes watching me and two, wide, determinedly clamped-shut beaks beneath. They must have been briefed not to squawk unless they were sure food was on offer.

As a result our conservatory is now well stocked with a sack of sunflower seeds and the birdfeeder regularly topped up with scoops. At least two pairs of grown up greenfinches are frequent visitors and after a while my husband spotted the young fledglings fluttering clumsily above their feeding parents trying to work out how to perch on the feeder to speed up the feeding process.

Despite dangling ornaments on the inside of the conservatory windows, young fliers are still confused and there has been a greenfinch incident. Its rich colours left me

hoping it was a member of an older generation. The blackbird fledgling however knocked itself out recovered and then later crashed into the window a second time making a desperate attempt to fly away but doing three or four summersaults until it was too exhausted to even move. A long rest and it hopped away to live another day.

Nicola Warnock

Members’ observationsPlease continue to let us have some of your wildlife observations for the next issue, giving place and date.

Please continue to let us have some of your wildlife observations for the next issue, giving place and date.30 April 2012 Delia Twamley (North Oxford)We were told to “share a bath with a friend” in an earlier drought and I’ve seen it enacted recently in the bird bath in my front garden.

I saw the blue tit splashing in my shallow bird bath several times lately and I also saw a male chaffinch enjoying the water and one day he was joined by the blue tit. The diminutive blue tit did not seem to mind the more violent splashes caused by his companion – they ignored each other and apparently just enjoyed the water, but the blue tit did seem to be almost submerged at times.

31 May 2012 Kathy Chicken (Cowley)I have 4 squirrels in the garden, two grown ups and two babies.  The babies are a delight to watch chasing each other up and down the fence.  I can get quite close to them but not the larger ones they are much more wary. The squirrels are eating nuts and seeds.  No sign of any nest though. 

Another funny thing, my holly still has a few red berries on it but just noticed a lot of new green berries forming - is this usual at this time of the year?

1 June 2012 Janet Keene (around Oxford)It has been a really good year for cowslips. Apart from the usual large area on the roadside at the top of the Cumnor bypass, (once studied for her doctorate by Sue Antrobus, who was instrumental in starting OUWG) there have been many new patches along the roadsides that I have not seen before. Another plant which has appeared in many new places this year is green alkanet (described by a friend as looking like a giant forget-me-not). It is a native of Western Europe but was introduced into the UK and the puzzling name “green” reflects its Latin name Pentaglottis sempervirens  meaning it is evergreen. It is also known as evergreen bugloss. Ox-eye daisies and herb bennet are also having a good year.

In my compost heap I discovered a big nest of bumblebees which emerged rather furiously as I started to shovel out the compost. Ivan Wright the bee expert reassured me that they were unlikely to sting unless provoked (does threatening their home amount to provocation/) and from a rather poor photo I sent he thinks they are: “Probably Bombus lucorum (the White-tail) or quite possibly Bombus terrestris (the Buff-tail, workers' tails often bleach white). The absence of any yellow hair at the back of the thorax narrows it down a lot. However, separating lucorum from a bleached terrestris usually needs close inspection, even beyond photography.”

7 June 2012 Peter Keene (Southmoor)In our back garden a robin picked up a large bit of crust off the bird table and, after unsuccessfully trying to break off a piece, he flew into the air and dropped it onto the concrete path. Was this a deliberate attempt to break it up or was he just fed up with trying to swallow it?

11 June 2012 Sister Helen Mary (All Saints Convent, St Mary's Road)Apart from most things being late this year in the garden, two things that are most noticeable are: We have not seen the green-winged orchids though there are plenty of common spotted orchids. I hope that the plants are still there and we shall see them again next year.We have had a pair of starlings nesting in a ventilation hole in the wall for many years, this year this hasn't happened. I saw one starling on the lawn in early June and someone else saw several a day or two ago also feeding on the lawn.

Shotover Wildlife Atlas Project After many years of recording plants at a site, when you think you have a good grasp of the site's flora, there’s nothing like a project that makes you visit every nook and cranny to see how much more there might be. Systematic surveying of this kind so often reveals wonderful surprises ... and this has certainly been the case with the new Shotover Wildlife Atlas Project.

The project was launched in 2010 with the objective of mapping the distribution of the flora across the whole SSSI, including Shotover Hill, Brasenose Wood, Magdalen Woods and many of the lower fields. The uses for the developing database and atlas maps are many and various. For example, it advances the understanding and appreciation of species and habitats, will feed into Shotover Wildlife publications, and also help with the planning of project work such as invertebrate studies. Already, a provisional distribution map for Horse-chestnut has contributed to Oxford University research into the moth-induced sickening of the chestnuts.

Clearly, the fieldwork will take some time to complete, but along the way the plant survey sessions are proving to be a useful teaching resource, and an opportunity for anyone to consolidate skills in fieldwork and plant identification.

Early results, productivity and surprisesThe map. One of the first tasks of the project has been to produce an accurate foundation map. Using a multiple Global Positioning System (GPS) technique, we have mapped the paths, boundaries and other features such as water courses and old banks, and superimposed these onto a survey grid of 50m x 50m squares. By placing the plant locations onto this unified grid, the resultant distribution maps are accurate to 2-3 metres. The total number of squares is 604 (=151 hectares).

The dataRecords for the Atlas database are accumulating at great speed, and a substantial amount of groundwork has already been achieved. Also, through good record-keeping over the past 16 years, it has been possible to transfer much data from previous surveys, including the flora from Shotover Wildlife’s popular Adopt-a-Sector survey scheme. Consequently and most surprisingly, after just one year the Atlas database already holds over 12,000 records, and represents most of the 420 known plant species in and around the SSSI.

The floraVisiting every 50m square in the Atlas area is inevitably going to throw up many new and interesting records, but we weren’t expecting such surprising results so soon. Important new finds for Shotover include rare Shield-ferns that have not been recorded on Shotover since Henry Boswell jotted them down in 1884. Also, a number of the scarcer plants, such as Violet Helleborine (Epipactis purpurata) are more widely distributed than we realised and a few habitat-specific species have turned up in the most unconventional places.

Do get in touch if you are interested in joining us in this fascinating work!

Jacqueline Wright Tel: 01865 874423 email: enquiries@shotover-wildlife.org.uk

Will the hosepipe ban make us water wise?

Hosepipe bans are now in force across the South East of England. This follows the fifth driest March recorded since 1910. There is a risk of even greater restrictions this summer, but will this make us water wise?

If you are a keen gardener you’ll understand the value of water. You may have connected a water butt to your roof guttering down pipe to collect rainwater. Perhaps you routinely water your garden in the evening and water plants at their base so less of the water evaporates. But when was the last time you thought to water your household plants with your used bath water?

The Energy Saving Trust estimates UK households use on average 350 litres of water a day. Most of us could use less. We could, for example:

Avoid leaving taps running when washing vegetables and dishes

Install an aerating shower head (replacing ½ the water with air bubbles)

Fit a graduated flush device to toilets (to stop flushing 7 litres each use)

Fix a dripping tap and save up to 5500 litres of water a year

Some homeowners take even more radical steps. This includes storing rainwater in 3500 litre underground tanks and using rainwater to feed loos and washing machines. They say that clothes washed in rainwater actually come out cleaner. You can quiz these eco pioneers to find out more at annual open home events in spring and September.

See www.superhomes.org.uk for details.

Rainwater can provide for more than just plants SuperHomer Donnachadh McCarthy uses rainwater to flush the toilet. Photo

courtesy of www.superhomes.org.uk

John Gorrill

(as printed in OUWG news Winter 2006)

See also John Gorrill’s account in back copies of our newsletters in Winter 2006 and an update in Winter 2007. Above right is his illustration of how he diverted his rainwater to flush his loo. In case you no longer have these back copies to hand I can email you the two articles or post if you haven’t got email. My contact details are at bottom of page 12. Janet Keene

The FritillaryYou may already have heard of the journal, Fritillary, published jointly by the Ashmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire and BBOWT. Volume 5 is now finished and can be downloaded from the website, www.fritillary.org.uk, where you can also find details of how to order a paper copy. The website is worth a visit as you can see several other interesting publications, including the work-in-progress on volume 6.

Changes in bird populationsFollowing the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch in January this year, it is reported that the number of starlings in Oxfordshire’s gardens has gone down by nearly 85% since 1979. More than 10,000 people in the county took part and whereas, on average, in 1979 people would have seen 15 starlings in their garden in an hour this year people reported an average of 2.2. The most common bird seen was the house sparrow 4.1 per garden then blue tit – 2.8 and third was blackbird 2.3.

The increase in buzzards has already been noted when a group of three were seen circling over Boundary Brook (see page 2) and of course in this area the red kite continues to increase as they become established and slowly they are spreading away from their release area in the Chiltons. Recently, travelling to High Wycombe along the motorway we counted 21 flying in a distance of about 3 miles.

I am sad not to have heard a cuckoo for years. Has anyone heard one in Oxford this year?

INVERTEBRATE IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOPS 2012

At Hill End Field Study Centre, near Eynsham

Sunday 22nd July – Hoverflies and Soldierflies 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Steve Gregory (Northmoor Trust) Cost £40.00

Sunday Sept. 23th – Plant Galls 9.30am – 3.30pm. Tutor: Lawrence Bee (Hill End Centre) Cost £40.00

Saturday 17th, Sunday 18th and Saturday 24th November - Mosses Identification Course. Oxford 9-4.30pm Cost £95 waged. Pre-booking only. Contact jawright@shotover-wildlife.org.uk

Each day will run from 9.30am – 3.30 pm and will be a combination of classroom/lab work and fieldwork at Hill End.

The workshops are aimed at enthusiastic, adult beginners and will provide a basic introduction to the identification of the different invertebrate groups. Microscopes will be used where appropriate, but experience in microscope use is NOT ESSENTIAL. Equipment will be supplied but, if possible, please bring a hand lens.

Please bring your own packed lunch - coffee and tea are provided.

For further information or to make a booking please contact Lawrence Bee or Kathy Smith at:Hill End Centre, Eynsham Road, Farmoor, Oxford OX2 9NJ Tel: 01865 863510Email: lawrence.bee@oxfordshire.gov.uk or hill.end@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Identification courses 2012 www.anhso.org.ukHow Plants Work13th and 27th October , 10.00 am to 4.00 pmHill End Field Studies Centre, Farmoor, Eynsham, Near Oxford. Grid reference SP465066, postcode OX2 9NJCost £80.

For further information on all courses phone Frances Watkins on 01865 863660 or emaileducationgroup@anhso.org.uk.

 EVENTS FOR OT HER ORGANISATIONS (For contacts see next page unless otherwise listed)

JULY

Tuesday 3: Pox and 'Bad Air': Studies of the Natural History of Disease in Native Birds a talk by Prof Ben Sheldon (Edward Grey Institute, Dept. Zoology, Oxford) at 7.45pm. The Old School Room, behind St. Peter's Church, First Turn, Wolvercote, OX2 8AQ. Parking in school grounds opposite Admission £2 for non-members, members free. (ANHSO)

Sunday 8: Wroxton Oxon – Undulating farmland. Details from Steve Alley Tel. 01608 659628. (OOS)

Sunday 15: -Work Sessions in the Lye Valley (entrance is off the Slade, between the junction with Girdlestone Road and Peat Moors). Reed raking with the Oxford Conservation Volunteers  from 10am N. fen in the morning, moving down to S. fen in the afternoon after lunch.  There should be fewer golfers at the south fen area in the afternoon.  This is vital work for the flowering success of the smaller rare plant species and the rare invertebrates of the fen. Lots to do, so we need all the hands that can be mustered. Even if you could manage only an hour or so on raking day, that would be great.

Monday 23: Open Wildlife Garden – 11am-1pm nr Didcot, Oxon Are you interested in learning more about wildlife gardening? Come and see our established wildlife garden, talk to our experienced volunteer gardening group and discover ways you can help wildlife in your own backyard. Just drop in for a friendly chat. Suitable for people with limited mobility. Admission: £3 donation. Meet: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre OX14 4TE. Contact: Rachel Strachan 01235 862024. Email: rachelstrachan@bbowt.org.uk  No dogs please. (BBOWT)  

Thursday 26: NATURE TOTS 9.30-11.30am nr Didcot, Oxon. A great new opportunity for your little ones to interact with and learn from nature. Come along for outdoor nature play, games, stories and craft on our wild and wonderful nature reserve. Please dress for the weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tea, biscuits and mud provided! BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Suitable for people with limited mobility. Admission: £2.50 per family. Meet: Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre OX14 4TE. Contact: Christine Donaldson: christinedonaldson@bbowt.org.uk Tel: 01235 862024. No dogs please. (BBOWT)  

AUGUSTSunday 5: Wye Forest, Worcs. Ancient Woodland. Details from Steve Alley Tel. 01608 659628. (OOS)

Thursday 23: Buckland Lakes, Buckland, Oxon, SN7 8QX. The grounds of Buckland House were designed around 1757 by Richard Woods for Sir Robert Throckmorton as a shooting lodge and weekend retreat. There are fine trees, shrubs, a Norman church, a C18 icehouse and a thatched boat house set in parkland and lakes. Meet at 2pm, follow signs after entering village from the south. Map ref. SU 338981. The Tree Club welcomes anyone interested in Oxfordshire trees, to join in its meetings. Annual subscription £10 single attendance £3. Further information, contact Bruce 01865 331289 or Ian 01865 245864. (OTC)

SEPTEMBER Monday 3-Saturday 8: Lost Landscapes, an art exhibition featuring work relating to the green spaces within the City which are under imminent threat of development. Bartlemas Chapel, Cowley Road. CPRE

Thursday 13: A Wild Goose Chase. Illustrated talk by Nicholas Watts of Vine House Farm. He looks at the various breeding grounds of geese and the different migration routes taken to overwinter in the UK. Sandhills Primary School, Terrett Avenue, Headington, at 7.45pm.  Members free. Non-members welcome - £3. Tel: 01491 612600. (RSPB)

Sunday 16: Oxford Canal – Thrupp to Shipton-on-Cherwell. A short circular walk with diversion to Hampton Gay. Meet at The Boat Inn, Thrupp SP481157 (Botanical, ornithological and general interest). West Oxfordshire Field Club. Leader Mary Elford 01993 851862.

Sunday 23: Coach Trip - Pagham Harbour RSPB, West Sussex. Coach leaves Headington Hill Hall (Brookes University) at 7.30am. This large expanse of shallow saline water, plus Ferry Pool and Church Norton attracts a variety of migrants. Regular species seen are wheatear, redstart and flycatcher. The wader migration often contains unusual birds such as little stint, curlew, sandpiper and ruff. At this time of year anything can turn up. There is a small visitor centre and toilets on site. Price: about £20 depending on numbers attending. Booking essential Tel: 01865 723868 E-mail: anne@anclark.force9.co.uk (RSPB)

NEXT NEWSLETTER Please send your copy for the next newsletter as soon as possible to: Janet Keene, 7 Norwood Avenue, Southmoor, Abingdon, OX13 5AD or if possible email: keene@ouwg.org.uk. The final deadline is by the end of August.

OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP Website: www.ouwg.org.ukDon't forget that we are here to help. Please contact any member of the committee for help or advice on wildlife matters and we will attempt to help or to put you in touch with someone who can answer.

Kathy Chicken: Boundary Brook Nature Park Information Oxford 770742and Alan Hart (Warden) 07979608013Janet Keene: Newsletter Oxford 820522Delia Twamley: Planning Oxford 554636

CONTACTS FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONSAshmolean Natural History Society of Oxfordshire (ANHSO): Alison McDonald 556651Botanic Garden: Oxford 286690British Trust for Conservation Volunteers 01296 330033Butterfly Conservation: David Redhead Oxford 772520 Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE)

Christopher Gowers Oxford 512047City's Countryside Sites or Biodiversity in Parks Oxford 252240

email: parks@oxford.gov.uk Forest of Oxford: John Thompson Oxford 513528Friends of Aston’s Eyot (FAE) Ruth Ashcroft 01865 248344Friends of CS Lewis Reserve (FoCSL)

Helen d'Ayala Oxford 775476Friends of Oxpens Meadow (FOM) Margaret Maden Oxford 721372Friends of the Earth (Oxford): Jackie Walkden 07981 572629Friends of the Trap Grounds (FoTG) Catherine Robinson Oxford 511307Friends of Warneford Meadow (FoWM) Sietske Boeles

Oxford728153Local Wildlife Trust (BBOWT): Oxford 775476New Marston Wildlife Group: Curt Lamberth 07763-191072Oxford Conservation Volunteers www.ocv.org.uk (OCV):

Jo 07887 928115

Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum (ONCF): Oxford 407034Oxford Ornithological Soc. (OOS): Barry Hudson 01993 852028Oxford Tree Club (OTC): Ian Gourlay Oxford 245864Oxfordshire Badger Group: Julia Hammett Oxford 864107Oxfordshire Bat Group: David Endacott 01235 764832Rare Plants Group (RPG): Sue Helm 07774205972Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB): Peter Wilkinson Oxford 452579Science Oxford Live (SOL) St Clements: Oxford 728953 Shotover Wildlife (SW): Chair: Ivan Wright Oxford 874423Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC) Gavin Bird Oxford 815411

UNIVERSITY of OXFORD – Department for Continuing EducationDAY COURSESHuman Memory and the Brain Oxford Wed. 03 Oct 2012. Every human activity requires memory. Our memory extends not only to events, but also to movements, emotions, sequence of activity, places, people, and language. This course looks at how the brain achieves this and what happens when it fails.

New Economics and Living Sustainably in the Twenty First Century Ewert House on Saturday 02 Mar 2013 This day school will introduce and review new approaches in economic thinking, policy and practical action and how they can help us in the transition to a new kind of economy and a more sustainable future.

Malaria and genetic disorders: an insight into human evolution Saturday 03 Nov 2012. Oxford. Learn from recognised experts how malaria has affected the human genome. Hear the fascinating story of how gene mutations causing severe disease simultaneously offer protection to malaria.

Bugs in your home and garden Saturday 22 June 2013. Rewley House. Fees from £60. Invertebrates or bugs (i.e. animals without a backbone) account for more than 95% of all animal species. Although the majority are found in the tropics and in oceans, members of these hugely successful groups can be found in all habitats ranging from Antarctica to the Sahara desert. Even our houses and gardens are home to an impressive range and diversity of invertebrates. During this day school we will uncover some of their many secrets.WEEKLY MEETINGS Evolution of Cooperation and Cheating: From Microbes to Humans. Ewert House. 10 weekly classes on Thursdays from 4 Oct to 6 Dec. 2012 7-9 pm. Fees from £165. Cooperation is one of the greatest achievements of evolution. In this course we will learn how organisms as diverse as bacteria and humans live in groups, despite being constantly challenged by selfish individuals.

An Introduction to Genetics: 10 weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 15 Jan to 19 March 2013 at Ewert House 7-9 pm. Fees From £165. In this introduction to genetics course we look at the science of genes, inheritance and variation in living organisms. We use examples ranging from plant pigments to human diseases to illustrate these principles.

Animal behaviour 10 meetings on Tuesdays. 16 Apr to 18 Jun 2013 at Ewert House. 10.30am-12.30pm. Fees From £165. Why do animals behave the way they do? In this course we will look at the full range of behaviours found in the animal kingdom from simple escape behaviours to complex tool use and their evolution.

Landform Ecology 10 weekly meetings on Thursdays. 18 Apr – 20 June 2013 at Ewert House 7-9 pm. Fees From £165. The multiple interactions that give rise to landforms and their ecology are explored holistically in a practical way allowing a more in-depth interpretation of how eco-, hydro- and geological processes shape our environment.

There are so many excellent courses coming up, these are just a few of the details so visit Rewley House for leaflets orfor more information contact the Administrator, Day & Weekend Schools, OUDCE, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA.

Tel 01865 - 270380 or by email: pp@conted.ox.ac.uk. Website: www.conted.ox.ac.uk.

OUWG EVENTS www.ouwg.org.uk

JULYJULY WORK PARTIES Sunday 22, 29. (note no work parties in first 3 weeks of July) Boundary

Brook Nature Park: work party between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Saturday 14: Guided walk through the Lye Valley. Judy Webb will take us around this unique site to see some of the rare and unusual plant and animal life and hear about the crucial management that is necessary. Booking essential as tickets limited to 20 people. Entrance free but there will be donations specifically towards helping Lye valley species. Meet at 2pm at the entrance off the Slade (near junction with Girdlestone Road, just below Town Furze allotments). To book, contact Janet Keene: 01865 820522. or email keene@ouwg.org.uk

Monday 23: Brief AGM at Boundary Brook Nature Park 6.30pm followed by

Picnic at 7pm All Welcome. Bring food, explore the Nature Park. Barbecue will be available.

AUGUSTAUGUST WORK PARTIES Sunday 5, 12, 19, 26. Boundary Brook Nature Park: work party

between 10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

SEPTEMBERWORK PARTIES Sunday 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Boundary Brook Nature Park: work party between

10am and 1pm. Refreshments provided.

Sunday 9: Open Day at Boundary Brook in conjunction with the Oxford Open Doors weekend. Open 2-5pm. There will be the usual guided walks, pond-dipping, book and plant stalls and activities for children.

BOUNDARY BROOK NATURE PARK. Come and help us to manage the Nature Park. You can choose your task from a variety of jobs. A warm welcome guaranteed. You need not come for the

whole time. Please ring on the day of the work party to ensure it has not been cancelled through bad weather etc. Contact: Alan Hart 07979608013 or Kathy Chicken 01865 770742. There is usually someone working at Boundary Brook most days so, if you want to come at other times, find out who will be there and when by ringing Alan Hart 07979608013. We plan to have work parties every Sunday (except early July) but check if doubtful weather before arrival. Bus route: Stagecoach Route 3. OXFORD URBAN WILDLIFE GROUP If you wish to contact OUWG or would like to become a member write to the editor:

Janet Keene, 7 Norwood Ave, Southmoor, Abingdon OX13 5AD or Tel: Oxford 820522. E-mail: keene@ouwg.org.uk Registered charity no 1101126 Printed on paper from sustainable forests.