A nature reserve on the Trent in Nottingham
We now have 10 new riverside trees on The Hook nature reserve. Thanks to Rushcliffe Borough Council for providing these native trees and to Streetwise for planting them. There are 2 Alder, 1 Aspen, 1 English Oak, 1 Field Maple, 1 Large- leaved Lime, 1 Small-leaved Lime and 3 White Willows. In time we plan to create a ‘green corridor’ along by the river.
After continual rain the water levels are very high. The water in the dyke is right up to the top of the banks, but holding and levels are now due to fall. Lots of soggy paths…..
A report from Keith Rainford on ‘Hook Watch’ Saturday 8th February 2020
What a great start to the weekend. The morning began fairly warm(ish). At least 3 Song Thrushes singing their hearts out and then two quick views of Sparrowhawk and a male Bullfinch. The temperature however quickly dropped as the group were treated to a second display of singing by a significant number of Greenfinches – at least 12 with a supporting cast of Goldfinches, a few Great Tits and the odd Chaffinch, Robin and Blackbird. Further into the walk the jackpot was hit with stunning views of at least 3 male and 1 female Bullfinch – 3 together in one ‘favoured’ tree. Elsewhere over the river and the grassland, Black-headed Gulls were ever present joined at times by a few Rooks. The river itself was quietish – probably due to the number of boats from the local boat clubs, however Cormorants were regularly seen along with the odd Moorhen and Mallard. The other usual corvids, Woodpigeons and Ferals were around to complete the picture.
25 species for the day.
Planting a selection of flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs was the focus of this community event in February 2020. We planted young trees along the dyke bank – oak, mountain ash, field maple and bird cherry. In the central section of the reserve we planted native shrubs such as dog rose, elder, alder buckthorn and guelder rose. These will give blossom in spring and fruits in autumn, giving pleasure to the community and food for wildlife.
Pond dipping, a bug hunt, a wildflower trail and tree bingo were all activities on offer at the Wildlife Fun Day organised by Friends of The Hook. There was a tremendous turnout, with people of all ages taking part. They were amazed to discover the range of wildlife which is flourishing on the reserve. Many thanks to everyone who took part.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped plant five more fruit trees in the Community Orchard. This brings the total of heritage fruit trees to more than thirty. There are apple, pear, plum, medlar and damson trees. They will take a few years to fruit – something for future generations to enjoy.
As dusk fell and the special moth lights came on, there was great anticipation as to whether we would see any moths. Thanks to a warm, still evening and the expertise of Mike Hill who ran the event, we were able to see a great variety of moths. We counted at least 30 different species. Seen up close they are remarkably beautiful – with remarkable names to match!
| Some of the moths seen on the night |
Species Seen: Beautiful China Mark, Mother of Pearl, Square-spot Rustic, Large Yellow Underwing, Orange Swift, Yellow-shell, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Nutmeg, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing, Old Lady, Flame Shoulder, Green Carpet, Common Wainscot, Brimstone, Common Carpet, Rosy Rustic, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Snout, Spectacle, Straw Dot, Single-dotted Wave, Mint Moth, Common Purple and Gold, Silver Y, Blood-vein, Angle Shades, Bramble Shoot Moth.
Posted on by Jane Browne
A special request from Friends of The Hook. Please keep to the main paths on The Hook nature reserve so that wildlife is not disturbed. The path from Holme Grove toward the river has woodland on the right and scrub on the left. Both of these areas are really important habitats for nesting birds and breeding mammals. We are also trying to get rarer birds such as Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat to stay and nest, so please be considerate and do not disturb them. If nesting birds are disturbed, they will often abandon their nest. We have put up signs to ask people to keep out of these areas – thanks to everyone who has been following this.
Friends of The Hook has worked hard over the winter planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers to improve habitats for people and wildlife. We hope you enjoy them.
A lot more people are using The Hook because of lockdown – please use it responsibly and make space for nature.
Photos taken by Keith Rainford on The Hook. 1 Sedge warbler, 2 Song thrush, 3 Bullfinch,
Tree planting on the HookThanks to everyone who came along to help us plant trees on the Hook on Sunday 3rd December.
We’re doing it again on Sunday 10th December, meet on Holme Grove car park at 2pm.
Please come along and join in!
December 3rd and 10th help us plant a wild harvest woodland
We have been awarded a grant of 100 saplings from The Woodland Trust to transform the area of the Hook to the right of the path from Holme Grove with trees that will eventually have fruit, nuts and berries. The saplings of rowan, hazel, crab apple, dog rose and elder are safely heeled in on my allotment waiting to be planted. Meet in the car park on Holme Grove at 2pm – bring a spade and gardening gloves if you can, or we can lend them.
Posted on by Sandy Allan
Morris Convertible, a well known local folk/rock band are performing at the Poppy and Pint in Lady Bay to raise funds for the Friends of the Hook. Please come Morris Convertible – an evening of folk/rock at the Poppy & Pint, presented by Friends of the Hook
The Poppy and Pint is at Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay NG2 5DX.
Morris Convertible originally formed in 1974 as an electric folk band and are still rocking after playing together for over 40 years. They play an eclectic variety of songs that makes their performance unique. There is a mixture of some ‘rocked up’ folk classics as well as some self-penned songs. Look out for a unique version of ‘wild rover’ their performances are full of fun and the audience can expect a cracking ‘up tempo’ night, just ask the dancers.
Friends of the Hook are a voluntary organisation, who gives their time and energy to help to manage and maintain the local nature reserve, North of Lady Bay, known as ‘The Hook’. We are self-funded and raise money to buy seeds, trees, equipment, pay for contractors and hire people to run educational events, such as our recent wildlife fun day and bat walk. If you would like more information then please go to our website http://www.friendsofthehook.org.uk
Enjoy the music, whilst at the same time; support ‘Friends of the Hook’ with our conservation work and educational programme.
The doors open at 7.00 entrance £5.00 on the door, performance starts at 8.00 pm.