ASHFORD PARISH COUNCIL WILDLIFE WARDEN IS COUNCILLOR MICHAEL MOSS, West Winds, Higher Newclose Lane, Ashford, Barnstaple, EX31 4BT.
Tel: 01271 379436. Email: michaelmoss593@btinternet.com
His role is outlined HERE
Tel: 01271 379436. Email: michaelmoss593@btinternet.com
His role is outlined HERE
Ashford Parish Paths
See the Link below to the Devon County Council rights of Way and Footpath Interactive Map
I have long been a fan of not over tidying the autumn flowerbeds. a) It saves a job and b) not only does it look pretty in the frost, but it also provides shelter for insects and thus food for birds like Wrens, Dunnocks and Tits.
The coldest winter months will bring more birds visiting your garden. If you are feeding them this will give them a good chance to stock up on energy-rich foods to help them through the long winter nights. It’s a good time to try some different foods for feeders. For example, if you would like to see Goldfinches and possibly Siskins, try putting out some sunflower or nyger seed. To attract Blackcaps, try some fat blocks or balls, which may also attract Long Tailed Tits. Remember the ground feeders as well, a scattering of seed, mealworms or fruit on the ground may attract species like Blackbird, Starling, Robin and Dunnock.
If you do use seed and fatball feeders, do remember to clean them every couple of weeks to help prevent the spread of disease. Some hot soapy water in a bucket (not the kitchen sink!) will do the job. Also, try to move the feeding site from time to time to prevent the build-up of unhealthy mess under the feeders.
If you have nesting boxes in your garden, don’t be surprised to see some early interest. Small birds will use boxes to roost in during cold nights, but several species will be pairing up already and some, like Blue Tits, will be scouting for potential homes.
If you have nest boxes that you know were used last year, it’s a good idea to give them a clean out to get rid of any tics or other parasites. Do this if possible before the end of January.
The coldest winter months will bring more birds visiting your garden. If you are feeding them this will give them a good chance to stock up on energy-rich foods to help them through the long winter nights. It’s a good time to try some different foods for feeders. For example, if you would like to see Goldfinches and possibly Siskins, try putting out some sunflower or nyger seed. To attract Blackcaps, try some fat blocks or balls, which may also attract Long Tailed Tits. Remember the ground feeders as well, a scattering of seed, mealworms or fruit on the ground may attract species like Blackbird, Starling, Robin and Dunnock.
If you do use seed and fatball feeders, do remember to clean them every couple of weeks to help prevent the spread of disease. Some hot soapy water in a bucket (not the kitchen sink!) will do the job. Also, try to move the feeding site from time to time to prevent the build-up of unhealthy mess under the feeders.
If you have nesting boxes in your garden, don’t be surprised to see some early interest. Small birds will use boxes to roost in during cold nights, but several species will be pairing up already and some, like Blue Tits, will be scouting for potential homes.
If you have nest boxes that you know were used last year, it’s a good idea to give them a clean out to get rid of any tics or other parasites. Do this if possible before the end of January.
Read about Overwintering Birds on the Taw/Torridge Click here
August 2019 Newsletter # 1 Click herewildlife_newsletter_1_august_2019.pdf
November 2019 Wildlife Newsletter #2 Click here
February 2020 Newsletter #3 Click here
April 2020 Newsletter #4 Click here
June 2020 Wildlife Newsletter 5 Click here
September 2020 Wildlife Newsletter 6 Click here
November 2020 Newsletter 7 Click Here
Wildlife Newsletter # 8
Report from Mike Moss following the Devon Community Action for Natural Wildlife - 'inspire, challenge, action' Conference 6.7.19 HERE
The Agenda also gives an interesting insight into the topics discussed
August 2019 Newsletter # 1 Click herewildlife_newsletter_1_august_2019.pdf
November 2019 Wildlife Newsletter #2 Click here
February 2020 Newsletter #3 Click here
April 2020 Newsletter #4 Click here
June 2020 Wildlife Newsletter 5 Click here
September 2020 Wildlife Newsletter 6 Click here
November 2020 Newsletter 7 Click Here
Wildlife Newsletter # 8
Report from Mike Moss following the Devon Community Action for Natural Wildlife - 'inspire, challenge, action' Conference 6.7.19 HERE
The Agenda also gives an interesting insight into the topics discussed