Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2012 | Page 85

COUNTRY LIFE Pond wa rdens Thanks to funding from Newport Parish Council and the Southern Housing Group 15 more people have been trained as local pond wardens. The training included the history of ponds in the landscape, control of invasive species and the protection of endangered flora and fauna. The new wardens were told of threats to traditional ponds through the illegal introduction of goldfish, terrapins and other non-native species. They also heard that moving native plants and species could introduce disease and pest plants – so is best avoided. Those present were informed of the harm done to ducks, swans and other waterfowl through eating bread, including nutrient deficiencies leading to disabling conditions. Speaking for the wardens, their tutor Ray Harrington-Vail said: “Pond Wardens have a passion for wildlife and heritage and give up some of their spare time to care for ponds. All members have been trained in the care of management of wildlife ponds.” Those interested can contact Ray at the Footprint Trust on [phone]. or email [email protected] Back to nature A cou ntry ma n's dia ry Spending nearly all of our time outside, primarily to protect against rabbit attack, at ground level to create a coppiced style it is hard not to discuss the weather on a assist in herbicide spraying and create plant, but more often than not the young daily basis. We are British after all! a warmer micro climate to encourage sapling is ring barked, only to die and then growth. Unfortunately, it also makes for a have to be replaced the next season. The dry, mild winter seems a long time ago and now everywhere we work, we nice warm and safe environment for mice seem to leave a muddy trail. Until recently and voles. Sounds harmless enough? woods, extracting the timber that we felled we were still lighting the fire in the evening, The trouble is the young sap wood last winter. But for long periods it was just in an effort to ward off the damp and cold, underneath the soft bark is like a candy not possible or practical to do so. Instead and dry out wet boots. shop to these rodents, so why pop out for we were kept busy with some gardening The mild winter and generally wet This time of the year we like to be in the dinner, and risk being eaten by a hungry work, hedge planting and the good old summer have intensified a minor niggle. owl, when you have this delicious meal ‘wet day’ equipment maintenance… All our new woodland planted trees growing in your front room? drinking tea, eating cake and kicking tyres! are shielded with green tubular guards, At best the tree or shrub is nibbled off www.visitislandlife.com 85