Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2009 | Page 65

COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING life Frogs and Toads Swallows Sorrel Expect to see frog and toad spawn appearing in your ponds. Within four to five weeks they will start to hatch, the pond becoming alive with hundreds, often thousands of tadpoles wriggling around. They usually find plenty to eat in the pond, but you can give them a lettuce leaf as an inducement to stay in one place so as to watch them! Having over wintered in Africa, these agile birds fly north to Great Britain (and surrounding countries) in order to breed. There numbers have dropped dramatically in recent years, through loss of quality habitat. They require mud for their nest and open pasture with access to water. They feed on small invertebrates, often catching thousands of gnats a day whilst feeding their young. This is one of the earliest greens to appear, with the leaves being at their tastiest, when young and fresh in March. They have a lemony/fruity tang and can be used in salads. Common in grassland and woodland rides but also found along road verges, and on rough ground. The flowers are pollinated by the wind Rural Development Funding The Isle of Wight LEADER Local Action Group have funding available to help micro-business develop and expand. Through the Rural Development Fund for England aid is available to rural businesses that provide support to their local communities, add value to agricultural or forestry projects or encourage tourism activities through co-operative development and marketing. Aid rates vary between 40% and 50% and are for capital expenditure. The Isle of Wight Economic Partnership are particularly keen to hear from projects that can be delivered prior to the end of March. Contact Carole Flux on 01983 535836 or email: [email protected] New Chairman for NFU AT this years NFU AGM, Laurie Calloway took over as Chairman from David Brown. Hugh Milner, recently retired from the Forestry Commission received the NFU Conservation Award in recognition for all his hard work in improving and the planting of woodlands on the island. And Ian McDowell of Woodhouse Farm, Whippingham picked up the Outram Trophy for services to agriculture. [email protected] Forest School's Project The Isle of Wight Forest School Project is going from strength to strength. Groups of Year 4 children from Whippingham and Niton Primary Schools have just completed the programme and, in Niton’s case, this culminated in a Forest School Family Day in Parkhurst Forest where parents could witness their children’s newfound skills. For more information please contact Kathy Grogan on 01983 529199 or email [email protected]. The Island's new funky radio station www.wightFM.com 65