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.