28/10/07.An email from Dr Stuart Smith of the Lothian Bat Group says it all...
"LBG has been checking boxes at bat box schemes in Lothian region since 1988 and up until yesterday we had only found the 2 commoner pipistrelle species, and not for want of trying I might add.
That first year we checked something like 10-12 boxes at Almondell Country Park.
Nowadays we and/or the local countryside rangers check upwards of 250 boxes annually at about 20 different sites containing many different habitat types. Prior to yesterday the count was 257 bats from 229 boxes checked this year.
Yesterday Hermand Birchwood, an SWT reserve south of Mid Calder, where bat boxes were first erected in 1995/6 claimed the honour of being the first bat box scheme to have bats of another species resident in a box when they were checked. (We've never been convinced either, that we've identified anything but pipistrelle droppings in boxes that have been unoccupied at the time of checking ).
Box 6 contained 5 Natterers bats, one of which can also be seen in close up, in the photos.( taken by Carol)
The galling thing about this whole episode is that having been present at that first check in 1988 and >90% of the other checks over the years, on this occasion I didn't attend, the check being carried out by Natalie, David,Carol, Nigel and Marta along with Jim Hewlett, one of the SWT volunteers who helps look after the site and maintain the boxes, so I wasn't there to witness this historic occasion !
C'est la vie I suppose, I'm sure I'll get over it eventually !
Wildlife
Week
in Hermand Birchwood
First date: Tuesday 10th June 2008
Second Date: Thursday 12th June 2008
Title of events: Evening Stroll in Hermand Birchwood
Organisation name: Scottish Wildlife Trust
Start time: 8pm
End time: 9pm
Cost: free
Booking information: Booking essential. Directions on request.
Event description : A guided walk through Birch and Beech woodland, Heath and Meadow.
Bring suitable waterproof clothing and footwear
Other information: Meet in Hermand carpark
Location South of West Calder, OS sheet 1 NT031618
Contact name: Fiona Hewlett
Contact telephone: 01501 785 206
Contact email: jim.hewlett@virgin.net
Contact address: The Old Manse, Tarbrax, West Calder, EH55 8XD
Audience: All
Disabled access: No
Local authority region: West Lothian Council
Visit Scotland region: Edinburgh and East Central
HERMAND BIRCHWOOD MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Meeting held on 17th January 2008
Present for Hermand:Julian Warman, Tom Inglis, Robert Marr, Jim Hewlett and Fiona Hewlett
Apologies for Hermand: None
Apologies for West Lothian: None
1.Management Matters
The mesh on the boardwalks may be OK for a while yet, we can keep an eye on it.
TI has almost completed the gate, he has put two bolts on and replaced the latch. It will get new hinges when the weather improves.
There was a significant bit of fly tipping in the carpark, including carpet, and a bicycle. It was reported by Alan Jack of West Calder and JW passed the information on to the conservation Team who then got rid of it. We see many visitors to the reserve and it would seem to be the case that many of them pick up rubbish.
We again considered planting hawthorn and holly round the carpark to deter rubbish being thrown over the fence, FH will ask David Ross if there is any in the Lothians Nursery.
JH has completed the seasonal notes; the summer ones are currently there, and will be replaced by the winter one shortly.
We have not seen any tawny owls lately, but will check the owl boxes later in the year. There has been a significant increase in the number of buzzards.
The bat survey was carried out on 28th October by JH and the Lothian Bat Group; 15 Pipistrelles were recorded and 5 Natterer’s – a first for West Lothian. The Pips were mainly in the slab type boxes, all seem to prefer boxes that have been in place for a year or so.
We received a bryophyte survey from Julian (insert details)
The Hebridean sheep are back in the meadow. There was not a significant delay to their return.
It was suggested there may be more than one bay willow on the reserve, we will keep a look out.
The birch growth on the heath was considered to be at an acceptable level and can be kept in check by the committee on an ad hoc basis.
Likewise the right of way was currently not too overgrown and the committee may be able to keep it clear by regular attention throughout the growing season.
The budget for this year covers the cutting of the meadow by the work team. There is also some contingency funds for emergencies such as boardwalk repairs.
Wardening Rota
2.Other Business
Pathhead Primary School in West Calder has still not responded to TI’s communications, but they may be making their own arrangements for wildlife outings.
3.West Lothian Matters
Reserves Update from JW:
West Lothian Council provides funding for various activities on West Lothian Reserves such as cutting the meadows. Sharon Houston the senior officer of the voluntary organisation funding is the current contact.
Addiewell – Lodgepole felling and native tree planting continues.
Linhouse – it has not been possible to arrange grazing, so the gorse and bracken will need to be cut back manually.
Longridge, like Hermand, has sheep grazing in winter, and some cattle are due to on soon as well, to graze the soft rush, both will come off in the spring. There are also going to be some more plastic dams installed to keep the water level high.
Petershill – the aim is to maintain a species rich grassland, but there are too many dogs to allow grazing and the amount of dog fouling makes manual cutting very unpleasant. Dog bins are being put in, with the hope it will improve the situation.
The circular path is now complete at Tailend.
Planning Matters from TI:
There is still no satisfactory communication with West Lothian Council (Chris Norman). TI will speak to Paul Gallagher at SWT HQ for more assistance on this.
Sharon Houston may take up the reins on West Lothian Biodiversity now that John Sheldon has retired.
There is now £200 for the Environmental awards Scheme, this will be £100 each to a Nursery School and a Special School. Feedback from the teachers is very positive, in that the awards are used as a teaching exercise, so it is useful for that as well as the environmental benefit.
Future Diary Dates: Members Centre Day at Cramond, Sat 15th March.
SWT AGM at Perth, Sat 27th September.
JH advised that a new SWT Chairman is being actively sought now that Dennis Dick is stepping down, and that any suitable candidates are considered, please advise JH.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm
4.Date of Next Meeting
Thurs 15th May 2007 at Tarbrax.
The Old Manse, Tarbrax
Tel 01501 785 206
jim.hewlett@virgin.net
