Bucklebury Common Surveys

A great deal of clearance work has already been undertaken on the Common during the winter months, and which is now suspended for the summer. Taking out a lot of holly, birch and scrub, the general aim is to create more heathland, woodland pasture and open land. A small number of cattle will also be brought in with the aim of keeping the regrowth at bay.

Our first survey took place on February 1st visiting the Upper Common to the west. A large group of interested members joined in for a fairly long morning’s walk through muddy terrain and seeing and hearing a great many species, the most numerous being Blue Tit, Robin, and Jackdaw. We were very pleased to find a Firecrest, 6 Nuthatches calling, Stock Doves and a single Marsh Tit. A Raven passed over and a Buzzard too. 27 species in total.

The second survey was on the 22nd, walking out to the east, first north of Broad Lane and then back across the open common to the south. The cleared areas were extremely muddy of course and there was running water on the footpaths across the open common. Only 16 species recorded this time, quite different habitats, with again a great many Robins and a lot of Wrens, but 13 Song Thrushes singing, many tits and Blackbirds and a single Stock Dove.

Members are welcome to attend future surveys that can be found on our website. Please contact Bob Lyle if you are interested in joining these surveys or send us a message on the website.