Nature Notes

Mid January and tracks may be muddy with some large puddles but our houses are not in danger of flooding like some places in the lower Avon and Severn valleys. The Kennet is flowing swiftly with silt-laden water, so the ducks are keeping to the banks: but as yet it is not as high as a few years ago when the meadows became large lakes. At least in this area there is a place for excess water.

Perhaps by February less rain will be falling as signs of spring are already with us. Aconites are now showing bright yellow buds and in a few places white snowdrop buds are to be seen. Near my kitchen window, a sheltered spot, snowflakes (leucojum verum) have been in flower since before Christmas. When passing through Mildenhall a few days ago, a lone daffodil was in full flower, while in Tankard Lane a primrose plant on the flint wall is in flower. It seems that after the rather cold spell in December the plants assume that spring is on its way. There are shrubs behaving in the same way, such as mahonia and the early flowering viburnums: the pink one has a delightful perfume. I notice that the yellow jasmine manages to flower throughout the winter, being little affected by hard frosts.

While some moth and butterfly chrysalides bury themselves in the ground below frost level only to be found when spring digging starts, some stay hidden among leaves. When preparing by my garden brussels I find small snails, slugs and sometimes a caterpillar in a torpid state, usually a little green one that gives way to the small white butterfly, these are never such a pest as the caterpillars of the large whites.

On a few occasions a grey squirrel is around but for the most part the mammals are still sleeping the dull days away.

Rosie Pauline

Bird Notes

The Chaffinch is the second most common bird in the UK, but the large flocks, of over fifty, that have been in the fields to the north and south of the village are probably visitors. Each winter some 20 million Chaffinches arrive from Scandinavia and Western Europe to search for food. The flocks are worth studying as they often contain other birds, including the very striking Brambling.

The quest for food often takes birds out of their comfort zone. In mid January I was lucky enough to see a Red Kite searching a field at head height, rather than circling high above. It climbed quickly enough when it spotted me. Another unusually low sighting was a Goldcrest, the smallest bird in Europe, searching in Hazel trees on the banks of the Kennet. It seemed very unconcerned by the presence of humans and dogs as it searched for Sunday lunch far below the coniferous canopy that it normally favours.

A walk along the Kennet to Axford and back on a bright day showed a wealth of bird life on and around the river. A family of Mute Swans with the father still being very protective of the six Cygnets were enjoying the sun, while a tiny Dabchick dived nearby searching for Sticklebacks and insects. A Grey Wagtail preened carefully as a group of Tufted Ducks hurried by. They all looked as though they had just had their colours repainted ready for the spring.

Paul Swan

Rainfall

The rainfall for the month to 18 January was 4.62 inches, average 3.53 inches.

ADVANCE NOTICES

Award-winning Swindon Concert Band (Conductor Mike Lock) and locally renowned Bella Voce (Conductor Sian Haynes) join to offer a concert in Holy Cross Church Ramsbury starting at 7 pm on Saturday 1 March . The evening also features Ramsbury School choir. Tickets are £6 (16 and under £4), on sale at Ramsbury Post Office and Midway Stores or from Sian Haynes, Bella Voce members or band members Peter Ball, Simon Coles and the Groves Family. The programme includes choir and band items, the fantasy “To the Stars” for both wind band players and singers, and music by Gershwin and Glen Miller.

The Horticultural Society's first talk will be given by Bob Biggs from Wanborough Nursery, who will speak on Herbs, in the Memorial Hall at 7.45 pm on Monday 3 March. The nursery also supply a wide range of plants, in particular drought resistant types.

Teh 1st Ramsbury Scout Group invite you to book a table for a Quiz night on Saturday 8 March at 7.45 pm in the Memorial Hall. There will be teams of 4 - 6 contestants. £10 per person to include a hot supper. There will be a licensed bar. For tickets call Adrian Compton on 520917 email acompton@finance-direction.co.uk.

The AGM of the Ramsbury & Aldbourne Bowls Club will be held on Tuesday 11 March at 7.30 pm in the 'Chapter Room' of the Bell. New members are always welcome.

During the May Bank Holiday weekend, Ramsbury will celebrate the presence here of 101st Airborne Division during the second World War. It promises to be busy.
Sunday 4 May Beating the Bounds.
Sunday evening 1940s dance and fashion show.
Monday 5 May “Route to Victory” parade of WW11 vehicles, display in Memorial Hall, fly past, parachute drop and more.
Keep the weekend free.