Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2013 | Page 64

COUNTRY LIFE Countryside news with Tony Ridd Dormice in Briddlesford Woods Join the ‘People Trust for Endangered Species’ on Saturday September 14 at Briddlesford for a rare chance to see dormice in their natural setting. September is a good month for plenty of sightings. You will help check some of the 400 nest boxes in the woods, and learn about this rare mammal and the management of the woodland. Keep an eye out for red squirrels too, which are particularly active at this time of year. The event will last approximately three hours. After the walk tea and cake will be served when you will have a chance to learn more about the work of PTES. There will also be a children’s event in the afternoon. For more details and to book please visit www.ptes.org/ events or call 020 7498 4533 What to look out for... Trust gains prestigious Queen’s Award The Island’s Footprint Trust charity has been named as a recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2013. The Trust is well known for its work with all sections of the Isle of Wight community, delivering practical projects and guidance. Carole Walker, the charity’s chairman said: “The Trust is honoured and delighted with this award. It will assist in promoting our work and help us to gain more help for the Isle of Wight.” The environment is improved through the Trust’s various wardening schemes, which involve over 100 people. Call 01983 822282 or visit www. footprint-trust.co.uk Shaggy Ink Cap One of our more common mushrooms often found growing in dense groups. Only the young specimens are edible and once picked must be used quickly otherwise they soon decay into an inky mass! Look for them on grassy banks, lawns or disturbed soil. Warning: take expert advice if you are unsure. Woody Nightshade Found growing in a variety of shady and damp habitats particularly woodlands and hedgerows. The violet/purple flowers have stamens forming a yellow cone in the centre that fruit to become, egg shaped scarlet berries. Although an attractive plant, as with all other nightshades the shiny berries are poisonous. 64 www.visitislandlife.com Common Blue The bright blue males are more showy, often flying in large numbers late in the evening or at sunset. The females tend to be more secretive in their behaviour and can be completely brown. They like a variety of grassy habitats especially where their food plants, trefoils and white clover, can be found in sheltered and sunny spots. Kidney-spot Ladybird Most ladybirds are predators, as are their larvae and feed primarily on aphids. They have very few enemies and their bold colouring warns that they do not taste good. Found on trunks of deciduous trees, ash, birch and willows.