Mist Nets, Meadows, Moths and More

What a cracking summer season! Plenty has been going on in the Glen and further afield. For example, we had another successful drop in bird ringing event at the Glen Nevis visitor centre led by BTO ringer John Owen who was aided by two trainees (including FoN stalwart Kirstie) and Trainee Volunteer Ranger Jake who holds a 'C' permit. 154 new birds were ringed along with several retraps and controls recorded. Birds included Siskins, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Wood Pigeon, Blackcap, Blackbird, Coal Tit and Robin. The ongoing effort at this site is starting to produce some good data. The next event is on Sunday 26th August, hopefully the weather gods will be kind!

Local Botanist Dr Ian Strachan led a well attended botanical foray to Bohuntine to visit the hay meadows. We learned how traditionally managed hay meadows support a rich flora but have suffered a massive decline due to modern meadow management and silage production. Over 50 plant species were identified in the field including some fine orchid examples such as Heath Spotted, Heath Fragrant, Greater and Lesser Butterfly, Northern Marsh Orchid and some suspected Dactylorhiza hybrids. 

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Back at An Drochaid we were treated to a bumper Moth Morning in July by Tom Prescott from Butterfly Conservation. About 100 species were identified including Burnished Brass, Antler Moth, True Lovers Knot, Large Emerald and Drinker (shown below) 

Up the Ben and  in the Glen pathwork, bracken bashing and tree planting have been happening, led by Dougie and Rowan from Nevis Landscape Partnership and ably assisted by summer Trainee Volunteer Rangers Jake, Chris, Scott, Dave, Andy and Cameron. To date almost 9,000 trees have been planted and 11 kilometres of pathwork completed by Nevis Landscape Partnership and Friends of Nevis work parties. We still have in the region of 4,000 trees to plant and plenty more work to do on the Ben paths so come along and sign up for one of our conservation or footpath work parties to do your bit! As always the craic is great, plentiful chocolate biscuits and tea provided. 

Friends of Nevis member Ali Stewart shows how its done below!

Photos and post by Rory Stewart, Friends of Nevis & Nevis Landscape Partnership Volunteer Coordinator.