Wednesday 18 July 2012

Meadow Update


According to regular Meadow flora watchers, this year has been a bumper one with a wonderful healthy bloom - the wet 'Summer' has its plus side.  Despite the earlier flooding, the Skylarks and Corn Buntings seem to have done fairly well, but I suspect that, like the rest of the country, the insect numbers have been down.


It will be interesting to see how the hay harvest goes.  The conditions of sale require the cutting to be completed by the end of July.  Although the hay might be dry if the promised weather change materialises, the ground will probably be a bit soggy (has anyone known there to be a foot of water on the main Brampton to Godmanchester footpath in mid-July?).  The cut can be delayed a couple of weeks if necessary but it will be an interesting year.  The photo above shown one of the roads that was cut last month before the Hay Auction.

Barn Owls


Phil Rothwell and I have been enjoying watching Barn Owls over the Meadow. There were two last night from 8.30 onwards (one pictured above) - mostly hunting over the Godmanchester side.

Monday 25 June 2012

Midsummer Walk


Despite the threatening weather, a few hardy souls joined Pat Doody for the Guided Walk last week.  Unfortunately I was unwell and was not able to be there but I understand that it went well and that there were a number of experts who had useful inputs that made the walk particularly interesting.  Some ventured to Brampton Mill and took the Ferry home after a drink or two.
Hopefully there will be more Guided Walks next year.

Thursday 7 June 2012

New Bin at Bromholme Lane Entrance


Brampton Parish Council have kindly purchased a bin which John Sewell has now fixed to the 'kissing gate' at the Bromholme Lane entrance to the Meadow.  For the moment at least, I will monitor the bin and empty as required.  As detailed in a temporary sign on it - if the bin is full please text or call the second Warden's number: 07881 724525 or me on 07941 261346 or email the new address portholme@gmail.com.  Thanks again to all who litter pick - you now have another place to deposit others' rubbish.

Saturday 2 June 2012

Phil Rothwell 'waxing lyrical'

Phil Rothwell is an early riser - often the best time to see the Meadow - he wrote: `Tuesday morning early.   The meadow was covered by a duvet of mist. Rising out of the fog banks from behind the railway line a hot air balloon gradually climbed above the layer of cloud and drifting slowly over the meadow headed to the east.  A river valley brim full of fog whilst any land mark higher that couple of metres would be piercing the mist must have been a great sight. I guess that is how a skylark sees it!`

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Thanks for Comments

A few of you have sent comments by e-mail - all complimentary.  Keep them coming!

Annual Auction

Alexanders are now advertising the annual auction of hay cutting and aftermath grazing
http://www.alexanders-agval.co.uk/auctions/annual-portholme-meadow-mowing-grass-sale-and-aftermath-grazing

This means that the 'roads' are likely to be cut a few days before the auction which is on 13 June.

Note the way measurements are in ARP = Acres, Roods and (Square) Poles.


Tuesday 22 May 2012

Friends of Portholme Blog Launch


Following a trial with a few Friends this blog is being 'launched' more widely this evening.  Please use the comments function to let me know what you think (provide you are happy for others to see it).  If you want to contact me personally please use the new email: portholme@gmail.com or phone or text me on 07941 261346.
Also use these contact details to let me know of any news you want posted.

Suggest you bookmark this page.  (However if you don't the site comes up as the second 'hit' if you google "Friends of Portholme".)

Regards

Tim Fryer
Chariman Friends of Portholme

Portholme Update

The Chairman apologises for not giving any updates for a while (and for not providing a summary of the 31 March Meeting).  In brief....

The 31 March Meeting was attended by 14 existing Friends and two new Friends.
John Rea reported that the Wardens (Fisheries Keepers) were all 'up and running', with a few problems already dealt with successfully (including help from PCSOs).  LAA have provided two mobile phones for reporting problems (eg camping), they are:  07587 322423 or 07884 724525
LAA were very happy with the progress made.  An issue for the LAA is the repairs to the bridge to Alconbury Island by 'Old Garkies Mill' - it should provide vehicle access.
Both Brampton and Godmanchester in Bloom continue to be keen and supportive of the Friends and Anglia in Bloom are already aware of the example it sets for local involvement and collaboration.
The Chairman offered to attempt to clarify the complicated ownership etc in a new map (see earlier post).
The next event would probably be a guided walk and the next meeting would probably follow a meeting with Natural England .....

The meeting with Natural England was on 15 May and involved the Chairman of LAA and Justin Tilley who has responsibility for all the local SSSIs.  Justin was very supportive of the Friends and of the way in which LAA approach their stewardship of our wonderful SSSI.  Unfortunately Alexanders, who act as Land Agents for the LAA, were unable to attend but they are fully involved with the management and protection of the Meadow and are currently working on proposals for a higher level of Countryside Stewardship.
The possibility of the Friends providing working parties was discussed.  Until Justin has done a proper survey of the site it is difficult for him to know what we may be able to do - but the offer was definitely noted by Natural England.

Pat Doody Guided Walk 21st June at 6.30pm (with boat trip option)

Here is a copy of the poster advertising the Guided Walk on 21st June at 6.30pm (click on it to see a bigger version).  If you want to make use of the Ferry please call the Captain directly.  Although booking for the walk is not required, it would be useful to have an idea of numbers - please call or text Tim Fryer on 07941 261346 or e-mail portholme@gmail.com.
If you have an idea of a place to put a copy of this poster - feel free to put one up (as long as it's legal).

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Guided Walk evening 21 June 2012

CHANGED TO WALK ONLY AT 6.30 - see 22 May Post
The next planned Friends of Portholme event will be a Guided Walk by Dr Pat Doody on Midsummer Evening - 21st June.  The walk will start at Godmanchester Lock.  Currently there is very little litter - so previous arrangements for a litter pick have been cancelled.

New Map for Friends

At the meeting on 31 March 2012, it was suggested that a new map of the Meadow would be useful.  If you click on it you should be able to see it better.  This is an attempt to show the various ownership and management issues on one graphic.  It is very much a first attempt - feedback is welcomed.  If your comment suitable for public consumption try posting a comment!  If you want to make the comment private please e-mail portholme@gmail.com.


Tuesday 8 May 2012

Wildlife Update

From Phil Rothwell on 1st May: Common Terns arrived back on the river on 22nd April Swallows in small numbers on the 23rd April plus two house martins by the railway bridge on the 24th. Skylarks were doing well but the flood will have caused first nests to be lost but thankfully in the third of the Meadow with least dense population.  Corn Buntings are active and probably about three pairs although one was in the flooded area. Chiffchaffs, whitethroat and black cap singing on Saturday 28th  by the lock and a kingfisher by the marina.. Swifts over head last night - 30th . One Little Egret on may day morning by the railway bridge. A Tawny Owl was sitting outside the owl box in Island Hall garden in early April but now seems to have been displaced by stock doves. Some Swans, moorhens and coots nests lost to the flooding and high river levels.

Welcome

Welcome to a new Blog for the Friends of Portholme. Watch this space for more information.