Wildlife report for January, February and March 2007

Apart from one cold snap this has been the mildest winter on the Chichester plain in living memory and it has had a significant influence on the wildlife on the Chichester plain.

Birds

We have had very few of the normal winter migratory birds on the farms due to the mild weather particularly absent were Wax Wings only a few Fieldfares and Red Wings have been seen. The Brent Geese have departed early this year and by the end of March considerable numbers of migrants such as Chiffchaffs, Wheatears and Sand Martins have all been seen at home Farm Selsey. More birds means more predators and we now have resident Buzzards and Sparrow Hawks on most of our larger farms and large numbers of Carrion crows with a flock of at least 50 adjoining the Selsey sewage farm. Magpies appear plentiful but Kestrels numbers appear to be reducing and in fact nationally the common Buzzard is now the most common raptor in the country.

Butterflies

Again the lovely sunny days in January, February and March have produced regular sightings of Red Admirals, Brimstone and more recently Speckled Wood. After last years exceptionally fine summer we are hoping to get a good breeding season again for all the butterflies on our farms.

Hunston Copse

Due to the early season the copse is already looking spectacular. The co-operation of the West Sussex County Council is appreciated in the work they are doing and already the celandines and wood anemone are in abundance. The bluebells are coming up through them making a particularly pleasing sight.
All country lovers are welcome to use the permitted path between the copse or from Hunston village by the shops, or to park at Church Farm, Hunston and walk the footpath north to Hunston Copse and then use the permitted path. It is recommended that you visit in April.
Probably for the first time we have a nesting pair of Tree Creepers amongst other woodland birds therefore we would recommend that all dogs are kept on the lead. Thank you for your cooperation.

Mammals

Roe dearnumbers continue to increase, wenow have small herds on most farms usually two or threefemales and a male. Themales have justlost the velvet on their new season’s antlers. We have a few brown hares but sadly these have been heavily predated by so many foxes which now exist on all the farms and in the villages. We continue to monitor and encourage water voles in all of our ditches.

Access

Langmead Farms maintains at least 3.8kms of footpaths on our farms, some of which are also bridleways, and we encourage all country lovers to use these footpaths whenever possible. As we are growing edible crops, we request that all dogs be kept on the lead. Your co-operation is appreciated.