Talk by Pat Doody, Sat 24 Nov, 10am QEH GMC

Meadow Update

According to regular Meadow flora watchers, this year has been a bumper one with a wonderful healthy bloom - the wet 'Summer' has its plus side.  Despite the earlier flooding, the Skylarks and Corn Buntings seem to have done fairly well, but I suspect that, like the rest of the country, the insect numbers have been down.

It will be interesting to see how the hay harvest goes.  The conditions of sale require the cutting to be completed by the end of July.  Although the hay might be dry if the promised weather change materialises, the ground will probably be a bit soggy (has anyone known there to be a foot of water on the main Brampton to Godmanchester footpath in mid-July?).  The cut can be delayed a couple of weeks if necessary but it will be an interesting year.  The photo above shown one of the roads that was cut last month before the Hay Auction.

Barn Owls

Phil Rothwell and I have been enjoying watching Barn Owls over the Meadow. There were two last night from 8.30 onwards (one pictured above) - mostly hunting over the Godmanchester side.

Midsummer Walk

Despite the threatening weather, a few hardy souls joined Pat Doody for the Guided Walk last week.  Unfortunately I was unwell and was not able to be there but I understand that it went well and that there were a number of experts who had useful inputs that made the walk particularly interesting.  Some ventured to Brampton Mill and took the Ferry home after a drink or two.

Hopefully there will be more Guided Walks next year.

New Bin at Bromholme Lane Entrance

Brampton Parish Council have kindly purchased a bin which John Sewell has now fixed to the 'kissing gate' at the Bromholme Lane entrance to the Meadow.  For the moment at least, I will monitor the bin and empty as required.  As detailed in a temporary sign on it - if the bin is full please text or call the second Warden's number: 07881 724525 or me on 07941 261346 or email the new address portholme@gmail.com.  Thanks again to all who litter pick - you now have another place to deposit others' rubbish.

Phil Rothwell 'waxing lyrical'

Phil Rothwell is an early riser - often the best time to see the Meadow - he wrote: `Tuesday morning early.   The meadow was covered by a duvet of mist. Rising out of the fog banks from behind the railway line a hot air balloon gradually climbed above the layer of cloud and drifting slowly over the meadow headed to the east.  A river valley brim full of fog whilst any land mark higher that couple of metres would be piercing the mist must have been a great sight. I guess that is how a skylark sees it!`

Thanks for Comments

A few of you have sent comments by e-mail - all complimentary.  Keep them coming!