Report 2018 by Robin Griffiths (Warden)

I am grateful for all the contributions you have made to both this report and work in the wood this year. Thanks especially to Jacqui for the Wild Service Tree article and to Trevor for the great supply of photos some of which appear here.

1) THE YEAR IN RAVENSROOST

Young Tawny Owl, 13th July (Jon Mercer)

Wall Brown, Ravensroost Wood, 6th August, Bob Philpott - the first for the reserve since at least 1990

The Wednesday Team

Coppicing 31st January (Trevor Simmonds)

The year started with the team splitting to do two jobs - the third section of the hedgelaying along the lane, and the continuation of coppicing in the coupe U1. Geoff's team finished the hedgelaying in January, and in February we continued the coppicing, chainsaws being brought in on two occasions. In March we scythed some of the secondary rides, and finally completed the coppicing on 14th (just in time!). Other tasks included clearing scrub around the meadow pond and the season ended with repairing the bridleway hedge. On 28th March we held our end of season meal at The Red Lion.

During the first winter period there were 10 sessions with attendance varying between 8 and 16 people, the average attendance being 12.6 people per session.

On 10th August George organised a cut of the main ride northwards from the car park.

The bridleway hedge 31st October (RG)

The team's second "winter" period started earlier than ever on 29th August, continuing with the annual cut of the main ride, carrying on from where George's session left off. This was completed by the 19th Sept, and the Newt Pond surround was cleared and a

start made on widening the ride approaching the Wild Service Tree in section F. The latter task was continued and the Newt Pond was cleared of elodea pondweed. The "new" ride was completely cleared by 3rd October, and on 10th - in midsummer-type heat - the coppicing started in section T2. At the same time Jacqui led the Wild Service Tree survey in the wood (see below). This survey continued till 24th October, when the team also started bridleway hedge repairs. The latter continued the following week, while some of the team prepared poles for TWIGs. The rest of the period to the year's end was badly weather affected - just half an hour's coppicing was possible on 7th November, a full session coppicing was had on 14th, then the whole session was cancelled on 21st. Only half days were possible on 28th Nov. (although we had time to clear out the owl box in Avis meadow barn which had been successfully nested in this year), and 5th Dec., then a full day's coppicing was possible on 12th December, when chainsaws were used both in the coupe and in the new ride in section F, and a large willow in the ride in section E. The period ended on 19th with a half-day session clearing flailed branches from the main ride, then we adjourned to the Red Lion for Christmas lunch.

16 sessions were held in the second period with attendance varying between 8 and 14 people, the average attendance being 11.4 people per session.

The gap by the new pond after repairs 31st October (RG)

I am especially grateful to Geoff Whittle and Jacqui Cockram, the joint team leaders, and these are the team members to whom I am also grateful, all of whom have attended during the year:

Maurice Chandler, Stephen Davies, Jane Deacon, John Durell, Sally Hansford, Richard Haracz, Ken Kimber, Steve Medcraft, Ken Saunders, Karen Shaw,Trevor Simmonds, Hugh Slater, Helen Strike, Maurice Watkin and Vanessa Goodall, also to Val McAuley, Richard Murphy, Kevan Wind, Dave Gilbert and James Brown.

Future plans 2019: Scallops to be created along the northern ride between the Newt Pond and the NE edge of the wood. Another scallop to be cut in the SW corner of compartment Q to open up a small pond there (these are unchanged from 2018 as the coupe was too large to allow for any other activities last season). In addition, another length of hedge to be laid east of the car park, and a length continuing that started last year beside the new pond in section P. Also Jacqui to continue her Wild Service tree project in the autumn.

Maurice C., Steve M., Richard H. and Jane, 14th March (Trevor Simmonds)

Other Activities (for further details see below)

Late winter bird survey 11th March

Transects/breeding bird survey from 6th April - 23rd June, transect continued till 26th September

13 Mothing sessions including National Moth Night 16th June broadcast on BBC Radio.

Ringing sessions with Simon Tucker

Fungus foray with Cotswold Fungus Group 7th October

Brown Hairstreak egg search 8th & 26th November

Early winter bird survey 8th December

In addition Sue Clarke surveyed the wood this summer with a view to possibly enhance potential for recolonising Duke of Burgundy and Marsh Fritillary - results tba

Thanks to all who helped with these activities.

Future plans:

- The late winter bird survey planned for Saturday 23rd February 2019

- Another series of mothing sessions to be held from March - November 2019 (probably alternating with sessions at Somerford Common) following on from this year's successful ones.

- Weekly Butterfly Transect and breeding bird survey to start week beginning Monday 1st April, finish wb 17th June (birds), wb 23rd Sept (butterflies).

Maurice W. & Ken S. 14th March (Trevor Simmonds)

2. THE WILD SERVICE TREES OF RAVENSROOST WOOD BY JACQUI COCKRAM

Wild Service Tree in section B2, 10th Oct. (Trevor Simmonds)

A few months ago we were approached by the Reserve Manager Ellie and asked to do a survey of the Wild Service Trees in the wood. Our Volunteer Group enthusiastically set about planning how we could accomplish this. It had been decided at a Site meeting that we would be clearing a path that had become overgrown and just happened to make its way past the Wood’s largest Service Tree. This gave us the opportunity to search for more trees in this area and provide halos (clearing around the trees) wherever possible to provide more light for the Wild Service Trees. Work was also carried out on the “Newt Pond” and once it had been cleared of weed we noticed birds coming down to the pond to drink and bath. These birds then went on to eat the berries produced by the Wild Service Trees. One of our Group Leaders Robin was able to identify the birds and noted five different species.

We decided to start our count with the Wild Service Trees we already knew about and expand our search from there. Fortunately our other Group Leader Geoff has been caring for Ravensroost Wood for 30 years and knew exactly where to look for new trees to add to our growing list. On one of our searches we found a Wild Service Tree Geoff had marked with red and white tape so it would not be coppiced and this had been done many years ago. As part of the Survey we had decided to identify certain features such as Height, Girth whether they had Fruited (These Trees only fruit every 3 years) and take a sample of their leaves, as Geoff had seen a few variations in their shape. Pictures were also taken thanks to Trevor.

This was a Group effort and although we were unable to complete the Survey due to the Trees losing their Autumn leaves we were able to produce a count of 36 Wild Service Trees. We will continue our Survey in the Summer of 2019, and with a little luck be able to complete our Survey.

One of our Volunteers Steve Davies, has gathered a few berries from the Wild Service Trees we found and is attempting propagation using two different methods. He will document the results and take a few pictures which we will then forward on to our Reserve Manager, where the results can be analysed.

The Wild Service Tree is relatively rare in the UK and usually confined to ancient woodland, so it is a particularly important component of Ravensroost Wood. Here is a quote from the Wikipedia article:

Wild service tree is one of the most valuable hardwoods in Europe. The wood is fine-grained, very dense and has good bending strength. It was used in the past to make screws for winepresses, billiard cue sticks, musical instruments and turnery. Today, it is usually only used for decorative veneers.

The fruits are eaten by many birds and a few mammals, making the tree ecologically important and appreciated by hunters. The fruit, sometimes called "chequers", are edible and taste similar to dates, although they are now rarely collected for food. They are usually too astringent to eat until they are over-ripe and bletted. They were traditionally known as a herbal remedy for colic; the tree's Latin name, torminalis means "good for colic". Before the introduction of hops, the fruit were used to flavour beer, which may be related to the ancient symbol of a pub being the chequer-board. Alternatively, the name "chequers" may have been derived from the spotted pattern of the fruit, though some suggest it comes from the pattern of the bark on old trees.

Wild Service Tree in section B2, 23rd May (RG)

3. BIRDS

Lesser Redpoll, 10th November (Simon Tucker)

For the first time all bird records are presented together making for a better overview of the species' status at Ravensroost. Three regular surveys are carried out - a survey of estimated breeding territories (April-June) loosely based on the BTO Common Birds Census technique, on the same route as the butterfly transect, a visit to a larger area of the wood in early winter (EWBS) and a visit to this same area in late winter (LWBS). These surveys together with Simon's ringing results and casual records from the Ravensroost team and other observers (names in brackets) produce the records in the following list.

2018 was an average year for most resident species, with evidence of declines due to a hard winter for a couple of species (Wren and Goldcrest), but others apparently unaffected. Some migrants did quite well, but two species (Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher) did not really show in the breeding season, suggesting their national declines are continuing. It is interesting however that the Willow Warbler is still apparently common in the breeding season at nearby Somerford Common.

A= all records for the year are listed, LWBS=Late Winter Bird Survey 11th March - number of individuals recorded (last six year's results) EWBS=Early Winter Bird Survey 8th Dec. - number of individuals recorded (last seven years results). Number of pairs estimated during breeding season (as in breeding survey table below) are given at end of entry.

Mallard Resident. Present in breeding season as in 3 out of 7 previous years.

Pheasant Resident. 1 (2,2,4,1,2,0) LWBS. 1 pair.

Red Kite Increasing wanderer(?) 1, 23rd May, 4, 14th Jul. (Jon Mercer), 1, 18th Nov.(Chris Snook) A

Common Buzzard Resident 2 (3,1,2,0,2,1) LWBS, 4, 14th Mar., 7, 14th Apr. 1 pair.

Sparrowhawk Resident. Autumn display noted 29th Sept., present in breeding season.

Peregrine Wanderer. 1, 10th Jan. flying west A

Common Snipe Winter visitor. 1 by the meadow ponds,11th Mar. A

Woodcock Winter visitor(?) 1, 12th Feb. (Tony Marsh) A

Wood Pigeon Resident 2 (46,3,40,2,1,0) LWBS, 6 (55,20,c500,3,33,1,c75) EWBS. 3 pairs

Stock Dove Resident. Only report, 6th Apr. A

Barn Owl Resident. The old box in the Avis barn was used for breeding this year. It was cleaned out on 28th Nov. A

Tawny Owl Resident. Mobbed by Magpies, 13th Jun., 2 fledglings, 13th Jul.(Jon Mercer). 1 pair (probable underestimate) - often heard calling in daylight.

Cuckoo Summer resident. First 7th May (MC,Simon Tucker). 1 "pair".

Green Woodpecker Resident. 1 (2,0,0,0,0,0) LWBS, 1, 6th Apr., present in breeding season

Great Spotted Woodpecker Resident. 2 (3,7,4,1,3,3) LWBS, drumming from 7th Feb., 2 (2,3,2,1,4,2,2) EWBS. 2 pairs.

Swallow Summer visitor. Extreme dates: 1, 6th Apr., 1, 29th Sept. & 1, 11th Oct.

Wren Resident. 4 (4,6,7,9,4,4) LWBS, 4 (5,5,7,6,7,4,4) EWBS. 6 pairs - seems to have been hit by the hard winter spells and snow.

Dunnock Resident. 3 (0,0,0,0,0,0) LWBS. 1 pair for the third successive year.

Blackbird Resident. 6 (10,7,12,6,12,7) LWBS, 5 (14,13,13,12,15,9,13) EWBS. 7 pairs.

Fieldfare Winter visitor. c12 (22,90,0,5,0,0) LWBS, 2 (3,14,4,1,3,0,1) EWBS, 24 in meadow, 8th Dec.

Mistle Thrush Resident. 1 (0,2,3,1,0,0) LWBS, 1 singing 17th Oct. 2 pairs - first time since 2011.

Redwing Winter visitor. 1 (32,2,5,10,c5,10) EWBS, 25 in meadow 8th Dec.

Song Thrush Resident. 3 (2,2,2,2,3,2) LWBS, in full song, 5th Dec. 2 pairs.

Robin Resident. 11 (3,8,20,15,12,12) LWBS, 2 (10,9,9,10,5,10,5) EWBS. 7 pairs.

Redstart Passage migrant. 1, 29th Aug. only. A

Whinchat Passage migrant. 1 trapped 5th Sept. - first record since at least 2011 (Simon Tucker) A

Common Whitethroat Summer resident. First in meadows 5th May.

(Lesser Whitethroat Summer resident. Apparently not reported this year from the meadows(?)

Garden Warbler Summer resident. 4, 5th May., family 23rd Jun., with food 27th Jun. With the decline of the Willow Warbler (and absence of Nightingales) this species is the bird to benefit most from coppicing. 4 pairs.

Blackcap Summer resident and scarce winter visitor. 1, 6th Apr., autumn singing 7th Sept. 8 pairs.

Sedge Warbler Summer resident(?) Family group in meadow pond, 4th June only - a unique record (JaneD,JC,SD) A

Chiffchaff Summer resident and scarce winter visitor. 2, 28th Mar., 5, 1st Apr. 8 pairs.

Willow Warbler Summer resident. First in meadows 14th Apr. No pairs estimated though birds present - for the first time since 2011. Climate change?

Spotted Flycatcher Summer resident and passage migrant. Apparently autumn migrants only this year : 5 in the meadows 25th Aug. (Chris Snook), 1, trapped in the wood 29th Aug. (Simon Tucker) a probable in the wood 5th Sept.(GW,JaneD), 6 in the wood 13th Sept. (Chris Snook). None in breeding season for the first time since 2011. A

(Goldcrest Resident. No reports all year for the first time since at least 2011 - perhaps hit by the hard winter.)

Blue Tit Resident. 18 (28,22,22,17,16,13) LWBS, first family noted 4th Jun., 7 ((5,5,5,6,7,5,7) EWBS. 9 pairs.

Coal Tit Resident. 4 (4,6,6,4,2,6) LWBS, a very puzzling aberrant song heard (vaguely resembling Bonelli's Warbler!) 23rd Jun., turned out to be this species, 4 (4,7,6,2,3,7,4) EWBS. 2 pairs.

Great Tit Resident. 8 (6,11,4,7,6,3) LWBS, first family noted 13th Jun. 3 (8,5,6,4,1,5,5) EWBS. 4 pairs.

Marsh Tit Resident. 2 (8,5,0,1,4,1) LWBS, one of Simon's colour ringed birds on 17th Jan turned out to be four years old!, singing 21st Mar., feeding on Wild Service berries, 26th Sept., 6 heard from 5 different parts of the wood, 29th Sept., 1 (6,3,3,2,3,2,2) EWBS. 2 pairs.

Long-tailed Tit Resident. 1 (18,8,4,0,1,1) LWBS, family 23rd Jun. 1 pair.

Nuthatch Resident. 7 (7,4,2,1,2,4) LWBS, 2 (5,1,4,4,9,5,4) EWBS. 3 pairs.

Treecreeper Elusive resident. 1 pair.

Carrion Crow Resident. 5 (1,12,4,11,3,3) LWBS, 5 ( 6,nc,4,2,2,3,5) EWBS. 1 pair.

Rook Resident. 1 (nc,nc,1,5,0,0,0) EWBS

Jackdaw Resident. 5 (10,9,8,4,0,10) LWBS, 1 (c7, nc, 2+,4,2,4,2) EWBS. Present in breeding season.

Raven Resident. 1 (displaying) (0,1,0,0,0,1) LWBS, 1 (0,2,0,0,1,1,2) EWBS. 1 pair.

Jay Resident. 3 (2,8,11,0,5,3 ) LWBS, 3 (8,3,6,8,12,5,2) EWBS. 1 pair.

Magpie Resident. Mobbing Tawny Owl on 13th Jun., 2 (2,4,1,1,1,4,1) EWBS. Present in breeding season.

Chaffinch Resident. 5 (12,7,8,4,3,1) LWBS, first juv. noted 4th Jun, 1 (10,4,5,3,3,2,2) EWBS. 2 pairs.

Goldfinch Resident. 2 ((2.0.0,0,0,1) LWBS, 1 (0,2, 4,3,2,0,0) EWBS. 1 pair for the first time since 2011, though birds present in breeding season in 2 other seasons.

Bullfinch Resident. 1 pair.

Siskin Passage migrant and winter visitor.1, 3rd Jan., 7, 7th Oct., 1, meadow pond, 8th Dec. A

Lesser Redpoll Rare resident and winter visitor. c15 (0,0,0,0,0,3) LWBS, 1, 7th Mar., 2 over, 6th Apr., small flock 17th Oct., 2 ringed 10th Nov. (Simon Tucker). Recorded in breeding season for the second time since 2011. A

Linnet Resident. 4 in meadows, 4th June A

Reed Bunting Resident. Meadow pond, pair 4th June A

Blackcap, 18th April (Trevor Simmonds)

Breeding bird survey details 2011-18 - green=increasing, red=decreasing p=present, recorded but no estimated territory

0=no records

2018 RINGING SUMMARY BY SIMON TUCKER

A summary of our catches at the Ravensroost complex:

Things to note:

1. the catch is much smaller than in 2016 or 2017: 250 fewer birds caught. 2016 had 20 sessions, 2017 had 16 sessions and 15 sessions in 2018 - so the difference is not down to there being fewer sessions carried out

2. our first Spotted Flycatcher and Whinchat for the site, the latter caught at the meadow pond

3. very few new Marsh Tits ringed (3, compared with 9 last year)

4. LEPIDOPTERA

Red Underwing, 29th August (Trevor Simmonds)

Butterflies

White Admiral, 23rd June (Trevor Simmonds)

Transect results

IoA = Index of abundance, figures in brackets are for 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017

Green type: increased from 2017

Red type: decreased from 2017

Black type: no noticeable change

NB. Dates are for the transect week beginning, not the actual date seen, apart from casual records.

Brown Hairstreak, 1st August (Darcia Gingell)

Generally a good year for most butterflies but some of them still show cause for concern, especially Orange Tip, White Admiral and other of the nymphalids. On the other hand the Hairstreaks were never more obvious, on one memorable occasion, 1st August, all three species were seen! Brown Argus was doubtless an accidental visitor, but more relevantly, Silver-washed Fritillary had a very good year. Despite a couple of them being "in the red", the browns also did well. The notable Wall Brown on 6th August must have come from a local colony not yet discovered!

Small Skipper: 2 singles 1st & 8th July, IoA: 2 (17,11,1,0)

(Essex Skipper: None. Only found on a transect visit in 2015 (0,1,0,0)

Large Skipper: 10th June-8th July, max. 5, 1st July, IoA:15 (7,12,12,11), in the meadows from 2nd June

Brimstone: 8th Apr-23rd Sept, max. 16, 15th April, IoA:61 (65,69,100,57) Also one on 7th March and one on 24th Oct. - apart from the good year in 2016, a remarkably even set of results.

Large White: 29th Apr-19th Aug, max. 29, 8th July, IoA: 97 (7,29,29,14) - amazing increase over all previous years

Small White: 20th May-23rd Sept., max. 9, 22nd July, IoA: 43 (0,0,25,10) - seems to have colonised the wood since 2016!

Green-veined White: 22nd Apr-2nd Sept, max. 26, 15th July, IoA: 122 (174, 75,58,69) - nearly double last year's figures, not apparently suffering from increased competition from the other whites!

Orange Tip: 15th Apr-20th May, max. 11, 29th April, IoA: 27 (19,24,33,39) - sorry to see this popular species slightly slipping back after four years of increase

(Clouded Yellow: 1, 9th Aug. (Leanne Reddock)

Brown Hairstreak: single on 29th July was the only transect record, but members of the team saw 3 more off transect, also 4, 19th July (Gordon Goodfellow), 1, 23rd Jul.(Andrew Griffin), female, 1st Aug.(Darcia Gingell) IoA: 1 (0,1,2,0) - disappointingly elusive after last winter's bumper egg search results. However egg searches on 8th & 26th Nov. resulted in 212 eggs being found, an increase of 21 over last year's search.

Purple Hairstreak: 17th Jun-29th Jul, max. 18, 1st July, IoA: 60 (1,7,2,26) - flying low looking for nectar was a change in behaviour brought on by lack of honeydew (probably), which meant more were counted this year, whether significant or not is unknown

White-letter Hairstreak, 14th July (Jon Mercer)

White-letter Hairstreak: 17th June-29th Jul, max. 2 on 1st July, IoA: 5 (0,1,0,0), 3, beginning July (Gordon Goodfellow), 6 (date unknown, per Gordon Goodfellow) - as with Purple, some were seen uncharacteristically very low down. Although only one previous transect record, reports in the immediate vicinity and on the transect by other people have been increasing for the last three years.

(Small Copper : in the meadows only 7th/30th Aug.)

Brown Argus: a single on 5th August was the first ever on the transect, as befitting a year when their population elsewhere seemed to explode. IoA:1 (0,0,0,0), also 1 in the meadows, 30th Aug.

Common Blue: 22nd July-12th Aug, max. 4 on 29th July, IoA: 9 (4,2,0,8) - a tiny population seems to breed in the woods, a spillover from the meadows?

Holly Blue: 29th Apr-5th Aug, max. 3 on 15th July, IoA: 7 (2,6,4,6) - species remains unaccountably scarce in the wood

White Admiral: 17th June-22nd July, max. 7, 1st July, IoA: 23 (54,32,15,22) - just one up on last year, a bit disappointing when considering the increase in some other species this year. One cannot escape the feeling that this wonderful butterfly is really struggling.

Red Admiral: 10th Jun-23rd Sept, just 5 singles, IoA:5 (8,5,8,26), also 29th Sept., 10th/24th Oct.

(Painted Lady: None - only found on transect in 2016.(0,0,1,0)

Small Tortoiseshell: 24th June-1st July, two singles on consecutive weeks, IoA:2 (2,5,0.1), first seen 6th Apr. - not really a Ravensroost butterfly but really declining elsewhere.

Peacock: 8th Apr-22nd Jul, max: 4, 8th,15th,22nd July, IoA: 18 (129,76,28,15), first seen 6th Apr., also one, 10th Oct. - it actually halted a steep decline over the last 4 years, but more worryingly, none were seen in Aug-Sept.

Comma: 1st Apr-26th Aug, max. 6, 15th April, IoA: 26 (27,32,29,40) - very odd that none were seen in September, when they were becoming slightly commoner elsewhere

Silver-washed Fritillary: 17th Jun-5th Aug., max. 42, 1st July, IoA: 142 (153,126,91,127), also a valesina female seen 3rd July (Mervyn Carlyon) & 18th Jul., - very good year with the highest ever count on one visit

Speckled Wood: 29th Apr-23rd Sept., max. 37, 12th Aug., IoA:256 (159,146,229,242) also one, 10th Oct., several 24th Oct. - gradual increase over 4 seasons

(Wall Brown 1, 6th Aug., first since at least 1990 (Bob Philpott)

Marbled White: 1st-8th Jul, max 2 on 1st July, IoA: 3 (0,3,0,3) - invader from the meadows

Gatekeeper: 8th-29th July, max 14 on 15th July, IoA: 33 (41,43,20,32) - very consistent here

Meadow Brown: 17th Jun-19th Aug., max. 131, 24th June, IoA: 370 (342,363,239,1055), still in the meadow 30th Aug. - back to normal after last year's explosion

Ringlet: 17th Jun-22nd July, max. 82, 8th July, IoA: 200 (86,89,72,253) - still much increased from 2016 and earlier

Purple Hairstreak, 23rd June (Trevor Simmonds)

Moths

Peach Blossom, 5th July (RG)

Local or scarce species in bold, new species for Ravensroost underlined

Agg. = not specifically identified from one or more close relatives

217 species (out of total reserve list of 368 species) were recorded this year very largely due to a total of 13 moth trappings done between March and November. 46 new species were found for the reserve this year, many of them very common and doubtless overlooked, in some cases (especially the "macros") surprisingly so.

Agassiz Species name (Scientific name given for "micros")

number

3.001 Orange Swift 3, 19th Aug

3.002 Common Swift 4, 24th May, 3, 16th June, 2, 4th July

3.005 Ghost Moth 1, 4th July

7.006 Green Oak Longhorn Adela reaumurella - 100s swarming throughout the wood, 5th-14th May, 1, 2nd June

7.014 Nematopogon metaxella 3, 16th June - local - feeds on leaf litter

7.015 Nematopogon swammerdamella 1, 2nd Jun.

12.036 Skin Moth Monopis laevigella 1, 9th Sept.

15.028 Parornix anglicella agg. 1, 19th Aug.

16.001 Bird Cherry Ermine Yponomeuta evonymella 4, 4th July

16.014 Pseudoswammerdamia combinella 1, 24th May

17.005 Ypsolopha scabrella 1, 19th Aug.

17.010 Ypsolopha parenthesella 1, 19th Aug.. 1, 23rd Oct.

18.001 Diamond-backed Moth Plutella xylostella 2, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug., 1, 25th Sept. - numerous migrant not apparently seen before

20.011 Argyresthia brockeela 1, 16th June

20.012 Argyresthia goedartella 4, 25th July

20.022 Argyresthia bonnetella 1, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

28.014 Crassa unitella 1, 25th July

29.001 Diurnea fagella 1, 22nd Mar, 18, 10th Apr

31.001 Oak Longhorn Carcina quercana 1, 4th July, 2, 19th Aug., 2, 10th Oct., 1, 23rd Oct., 1, 5th Nov.

32.017 Agonopterix arenella 1, 10th Oct.

35.011 Anacampsis populella 2, 19th Aug.

35.060 Apodia bifractella 1, 4th July

40.002 Mompha ochraceela 1, 4th July

41.003 Blastobasis lacticolella 1, 5th Nov. - naturalised in Britain, originates from Madeira! Feeds on all sorts of things vegetable and animal.

45.030 White Plume Moth Pterophorus pentadactyla 2, 4th July

45.044 Common Plume Emmelina monodactyla 1, 10th Oct & 5th Dec.

47.006 Epermenia falciformis 1, 19th Aug.

49.005 Epagoge grotiana 1, 16th Jun

49.013 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix Archips podana 1, 4th July

49.015 Variegated Golden Tortrix Archips xylosteana Many, 16th June, many, 4th July

49.018 Choristoneura hebenstreitella 1, 16th June

49.024 Chequered Fruit-tree Tortrix Pandemis corylana 1, 9th Sept.

49.025 Barred Fruit Tree Tortrix Pandemis cerasana Many, 16th June, 1, 19th Aug.

49.026 Dark Fruit Tree Tortrix Pandemis heparana Many, 16th June

49.028 Syndemis musculana 1, 24th May

49.031 Timothy Tortrix Aphelia paleana 1, 16th June

49.044 Tortricodes alternella 1, 7th March

49.050 Grey Tortrix Cnephasia stephensiana agg. 1, 16th June, 9, 4th July, 1, 25th July

49.058 Spatalistis bifasciana 1, 4th July - very local but increasing in the south

RG

49.059 Green Oak Tortrix 1, 13th June, many, 16th June, 2, 4th July

49.066 Acleris laterana agg. 1, 25th July

49.092 Phtheochroa inopiana 2, 4th July - local - feeds on fleabane and wormwood roots

49.109 Agapeta hamana 4, 4th July

49.128 Aethes rubigana 2, 4th July

49.150 Apotomis betuletana 1, 25th July, 5, 19th Aug.

49.155 Hedya salicella 1, 2nd July - local, feeds on willows, aspens and poplars

49.157 Plum Tortrix Hedya pruniana 1, 2nd/16th June

49.166 Celypha lacunana 1, 19th Aug.

49.214 Ancylis badiana 1, 25th July

49.224 Bud Moth Spilonota ocellana 1, 4th July

49.248 Nut Bud Moth Epinotia tenerana 1, 4th July

49.294 Brambleshoot Moth Notocelia uddmaniana 1, 16th June, 1, 4th July

49.341 Cydia splendana 1, 4th July, 4, 25th July, 3, 19th Aug.

49.359 Grapholita janthinana 1, 4th July

54.002 The Forester 1, meadows, 4th June (JaneD,JC,SD) 3, 10th June (Sue Clarke)

56. - 61. Butterflies - see above

62.035 Acrobasis advenella agg. 1, 4th/25th July

63.017 Anania lancealis 3, 4th July

63.020 Anania perlucidalis 2, 16th June - local, feeds on thistle leaves

63.022 Anania crocealis 1, 4th July

63.037 Udea olivalis 1, 16th June, 1, 4th July

63.038 Mother of Pearl Pleuroptya ruralis 5, 4th July, 9, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

63.057 Garden Pebble Evergestis forficalis 1, 16th June

63.064 Scoparia ambigualis 2, 24th May, many, 16th June

63.067 Eudonia lacustrata 2, 4th July, 3, 25th July

63.069 Eudonia angustea 1, 4th July

63.074 Eudonia mercurella 1, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

63.080 Garden Grass Veneer Chrysoteuchia culmella 5, 4th July

63.092 Agriphila selasella 6, 25th July, 15, 19th Aug - local, a moth of damp grassland - rather puzzling it is so common here

63.093 Agriphila straminella many, 25th July, 2, 19th Aug.

65.005 Pebble Hook-tip 1, 24th May

65.008 Peach Blossom 3, 4th July

65.009 Buff Arches 2, 4th July

65.013 Common Lutestring 2, 16th June, 4, 4th July

65.014 Oak Lutestring 25+, 9th Sept. - local ancient oakwood indicator species rarely found away from Ravensroost in the area, though one was trapped at nearby Somerford Common this year

65.015 Frosted Green 2, 10th Apr - local denizen of ancient woodland (below)

RG

65.016 Yellow Horned 3, 22nd Mar, 1, 10th Apr

66.001 December Moth 1, 23rd Oct., 7, 5th Nov.

66.002 Pale Eggar 5, 9th Sept.

66.003 Lackey 2 caterpillars, 4th Jun., 1 ad, 16th June

66.010 Drinker 1, 16th June, 4, 4th July

70.013 Small Fan-footed Wave 4, 4th July, 2, 18th July, 1, 25th July

70.016 Riband Wave 3, 16th June, 1, 4th July, 6, 25th July

70.024 Small Bloodvein 2, 16th June, 1, 9th Sept.

70.027 Cream Wave 4, 24th May - local - feeds on bedstraws, woodrush and bush vetch

70.029 Blood Vein 1, 2nd/4th June, 3, 16th June, 3, 25th July, 1, 7th/19th Aug.

70.031 Mocha 1, 25th July - nationally scarce - feeds on Field Maple (below)

RG

70.036 Maiden's Blush 2, 25th July, 2, 19th Aug. - local, feeds on oak

70.045 Shaded Broad-bar 1, 4th/23rd July, 8, 25th July, 1, 17th Aug.

70.051 Red Twin-spot Carpet 1, 3rd May, 2, 25th July

70.054 Silver-ground Carpet 2, 24th May, 2, 23rd June

70.059 Yellowshell 1, 23rd/27th June, 1, 4th July, 6, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

70.061 Common Carpet 14th May, 1, 4th July, 17, 25th July, 3, 19th Aug., 1, 20th Aug,

70.066 Shoulder Stripe 1, 10th Apr

70.067 Streamer 1, 10th Apr, 1, 3rd May

70.074 July Highflyer many, 4th/25th July

70.077 Pine Carpet 1, 16th June

70.081 Grey Pine Carpet 1, 23rd Oct. - this and the above species (and Spruce Carpet which has been recorded here) rely on the few pines in the wood - much more numerous naturally in Somerford Common a mile away

70.084 Blue-bordered Carpet No adults but 6 eggs were found during two Brown Hairstreak searches in November.

70.085 Barred Yellow 1, 16th June

70.086 Broken-barred Carpet 1, 24th May

70.089 Phoenix 1, 25th July

70.094 Small Phoenix 1, 24th May, 1, 19th Aug.

70.095 Red-green Carpet 1, 25th Sept., 2, 10th Oct.

70.097 Common Marbled Carpet 1, 24th May, 1, 16th June

70.100 Green Carpet 20+, 24th May, 6, 16th June, 2, 9th Sept.

70.104 Devon Carpet 2, 24th May, 1, 25th July - nationally scarce Marsh Bedstraw feeder, this is still the only known site in North Wilts.

70.106 Winter Moth A female, 5th Nov., found near the trap - it has vestigial wings and is flightless. A male during the Brown Hairstreak egg search on 26th Nov.

70.107 November Moth agg. 3, 10th Oct., 14, 23rd Oct., 37+, 5th Nov.

70.111 Small White Wave 7, 24th May, 1, 16th June, 1, 25th July

70.118 Brown Scallop 2, 4th July - local - feeds on Buckthorn but not Alder Buckthorn

70.123 Tissue 2, 25th July - local - another Buckthorn (and Alder Buckthorn) feeder

70.133 Small Rivulet 1, 25th July

70.142 V-Pug 1, 3rd May, 5, 4th July

70.144 Green Pug 4, 4th July

70.148 Maple Pug 2, 25th July - local - feeds on mature Field Maple

70.156 Brindled Pug 5, 10th Apr, 1, 18th Apr, 1, 3rd May

70.179 Wormwood Pug 1, 4th July

70.183 Common Pug 3, 24th May

70.184 Mottled Pug 1, 24th May

70.205 Magpie Moth 3, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

70.207 Clouded Border 2, 16th June, 5, 4th July

70.208 Scorched Carpet 1, 25th July - local, feeding on Spindle

70.224 Scorched Wing 3, 24th May - local, mainly Oak and Birch feeder

70.226 Brimstone 3, 24th May, 3, 16th June, 1, 2nd/25th July, 1, 17th Aug., 4, 19th Aug., 5, 9th Sept., 1, 25th Sept.

70.227 Bordered Beauty 1, 4th July

70.230 Orange Moth 1, 13th June - a rarely observed female (below), 4, 16th June - 2 of each colour form - local ancient woodland species that feeds on many different woodland plants - the event on 16th June (broadcast on Radio 4 and Wiltshire Sound) was mainly to find this species

RG

70.231 Lilac Beauty 3, 4th July - local, feeding on Honeysuckle, Ash and Privet

70.234 Canary-shouldered Thorn 1, 19th Aug.

70.235 Dusky Thorn 1, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug., 1, 9th Sept.

70.239 Purple Thorn 6, 3rd May, 1, 25th July

70.243 Swallow-tailed Moth 2, 4th July

70.244 Feathered Thorn 1, 10th/23rd Oct., c10, 5th Nov. Also a band of eggs found during the Brown Hairstreak egg search 26th Nov.

70.245 March Moth 2, 22nd Mar

70.258 Willow Beauty 2, 25th July

70.265 Mottled Beauty Many, including dark barred form conversaria, 16th June, 10, 4th July

70.270 Engrailed 1, 10th Apr, 2, 4th July, 1, 9th July

70.272 Square Spot 4, 3rd May - local, feeds on many woodland plants and lichens

70.273 Brindled White-spot 1, 23rd June - local, mainly in ancient woodland, feeding on many woodland trees and shrubs - this one was found in daytime on the ground (below)

Trevor Simmonds

70.277 Common White Wave 1, 24th May, 2, 2nd July, 1, 4th July, 1, 19th Aug.

70.278 Common Wave 1, 24th May, 2, 4th July

70.279 White Pinion-spotted 1, 24th May

70.280 Clouded Silver 3, 24th May

70.283 Light Emerald 3, 16th June, 3, 4th July

70.299 Large Emerald 1, 4th July

70.303 Little Emerald 20+, 24th May, 1, 16th June

70.305 Common Emerald 2, 23rd June

Common Emerald, 23rd June (Trevor Simmonds)

71.005 Sallow Kitten 1, 25th July

71.016 Great Prominent 4, 3rd May, 1, 24th May - local, feeding on mature oak trees

71.020 Pale Prominent , 3rd May, 1, 4th July

71.021 Coxcomb Prominent 1, 19th Aug.

72.002 Straw Dot 1, 16th June, 7, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug., 2, 10th Oct.

72.003 Snout 3, 16th June, 1, 19th Aug., 7, 9th Sept., 2, 25th Sept.

72.010 Black Arches 5, 4th July, 4, 25th July - local, mainly in mature oakwoods

72.013 Yellow-tail 2, 4th July

72.015 Pale Tussock 4, 24th May

72.024 Ruby Tiger 5, 25th July

72.029 Scarlet Tiger 1, 27th June, 6, 2nd July, 3, 9th July - local, but in this area common, found in damp habitats

72.044 Dingy Footman 11, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

72.045 Common Footman 2, 4th July

72.049 Orange Footman 1, 24th May - local but increasing - lichen feeder

72.055 Small Fan-foot 2, 16th June

72.063 Blackneck 1, 4th July - local in damp habitats, feeds on Tufted Vetch

72.078 Red Underwing 1, 29th Aug. - fairly common but spectacular large moth, joined us for lunch in the car park!

73.015 Silver Y 2, 2nd/13th June, 1, 2nd July, 2, 9th July, 3, 18th July, 1, 1st Aug., 2, 20th Aug. - common migrant

73.024 Marbled White-spot 1, 24th May, 2, 16th June

73.032 Nut-tree Tussock 5, 3rd May

73.033 Figure of Eight 2, 10th Oct., 4, 23rd Oct., 5, 5th Nov. - common but declining in southern England so good to see it's still here

73.047 Coronet 7, 4th July - local, feeding on Ash and privet

73.062 Copper Underwing agg. 2, 25th July - one definite Copper, 2, 19th Aug., 2, 9th Sept.

73.065 Sprawler 7, 5th Nov.

73.068 Green-brindled Crescent 1, 25th Sept, 8, 10th Oct., 3, 23rd Oct.

73.069 Early Grey 1, 3rd May

73.092 Mottled Rustic 1, 4th July

73.096 Uncertain agg. 1, 16th June, 1, 4th July, 4, 25th July 73.156 Clouded Bordered Brindle 1, 24th May 73.162 Dark Arches 2, 4th July, 5, 25th July

73.169 Common Rustic agg. 5, 25th July 73.173 Marbled Minor agg. 3, 16th June, 1, 4th July - seemingly no previous records, although "Tawny Marbled Minor" was recorded prior to 2011!

73.176 Middle-barred Minor 1, 16th June

73.180 Barred Sallow 2, 10th Oct., 1, 23rd Oct.

73.182 Sallow 1, 23rd Oct.

73.186 Beaded Chestnut 1, 10th Oct., 1, 5th Nov.

73.190 Yellow-line Quaker 2, 10th Oct., 2 (very worn) 5th Nov.

73.192 The Brick 1, 5th Nov.

73.193 Lunar Underwing 5, 25th Sept.

73.194 Chestnut 3, 22nd Mar, 5, 10th Apr., 8, 10th Oct., 1, 23rd Oct., 4, 5th Nov.

73.195 Dark Chestnut 1, 5th Nov.

73.210 Satellite 10, 22nd Mar, 2, 10th Apr., 2, 5th Nov.

73.215 Lesser Spotted Pinion 1, 25th July - Local, an Elm sp. feeder (below) - also 2 more that night could have been either this species or Lunar Spotted Pinion - also local

RG

73.216 Dun-bar 1, 4th July, many, 25th July, 1, 19th Aug.

73.220 Minor Shoulder-knot 2, 4th July

73.224 Merveille du Jour 6, 10th Oct. - common but no autumn is complete without this beauty

73.225 Brindled Green 1, 9th/25th Sept., 2, 10th Oct., 1, 5th Nov. - an oak & hazel feeder, so astonishing this species has escaped notice!

73.242 Clouded Drab 1, 22nd Mar, 3, 10th Apr

73.244 Common Quaker 9, 22nd Mar, 16, 10th Apr, 3, 3rd May

73.245 Small Quaker 13, 22nd Mar, 18, 10th Apr

73.249 Hebrew Character 2, 22nd Mar, 2, 10th Apr, 1, 3rd May

73.250 Twin-spotted Quaker 1, 10th Apr

73.253 Feathered Gothic 1, 9th Sept.

73.293 Smoky Wainscot 1, 16th June, 1, 4th/25th July

73.298 Clay 1, 4th/25th July

73.317 Heart & Dart 1, 25th July

73.329 Flame Shoulder 1, 4th July, 4, 25th July, 4, 19th Aug.

73.332 Purple Clay 1, 16th June, 1, 4th July

73.333 Ingrailed Clay 5, 16th June

73.342 Large Yellow Underwing 1, 16th June, 1, 19th Aug., 2, 9th Sept.

73.343 Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 1, 10th Oct.

73.346 Least Yellow Underwing 2, 25th July

73.348 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing 4, 25th July

73.357 Square Spot Rustic 1, 19th Aug., 9, 9th Sept.

73.358 Six-striped Rustic 9, 19th Aug,

73.359 Setaceous Hebrew Character 1,16th June

73.361 Double Square-spot 1, 4th July, 2, 25th July

74.002 Kent Black Arches 1, 4th July - nationally scarce/immigrant feeding on rubus sp.

74.004 Least Black Arches 1, 3rd May - local but increasing, feeding on many tree species

74.009 Oak Nycteoline 1, 4th July - local oak feeder, amazingly not recorded here before

The moth trappings were done on 22nd March, 10th April, 3rd & 24th May,16th June (Butterfly Conservation branch event broadcast on Radio 4 and BBC Wiltshire Sound), 4th & 25th July, 19th August, 9th & 25th September, 10th & 23rd October and 5th November.

Brindled Green, 9th Sept (RG)

5. DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES

Ruddy Darter, 23rd July (RG)

Another good year - the first ever Hairy Dragonfly for Ravensroost (though only seen once), the first Red-eyed Damselfly since 2012 and the best year since at least 2011 for Ruddy Darter, with individuals in the woodland ponds for the first time. On one occasion (23rd July) they seemed to outnumber Common Darters!

Banded Demoiselle 23rd Jun.

Emerald Damselfly teneral, 27th Jun., many, 23rd July

Large Red Damselfly from 5th May

Red-eyed Damselfly 2nd June only - the first report since June 2012

Azure Damselfly Meadow ponds from 23rd May

Common Blue Damselfly from 23rd May

Blue-tailed Damselfly from 2nd June

Emperor Dragonfly First 23rd May

Southern Hawker From 27th Jun.

Migrant Hawker From 1st Aug.

Brown Hawker 23rd Jun.

Hairy Dragonfly 14th May - the first for the wood

Broad-bodied Chaser From 23rd May

Four-spotted Chaser From 23rd May

Black-tailed Skimmer From 23rd May

Common Darter From 27th Jun., but seemed to increase in numbers very slowly this year (see comment above); but many seen on 21st Oct. (Peter Sketch)

Ruddy Darter From 15th July. Seen at the Newt Pond for the first time - 2 there on 23rd Jul., and 3 at the meadow pond.

6. FUNGI

RG

Scarlet Elfcup 14th Mar. (above)

Jelly Ear Fungus 21st Mar.

The following were recorded by Lee Hayward during the Swindon Wildlife Group event on 7th October:

Mica Inkcap

Mycena sp. (various) incl. haematopus & vitilis

Honey Fungus

Sulphurtuft

Stropharia aeruginosa - is this new for the site?

Giant Polypore

Turkey Tail

Stump Puffball

Dryad Saddle

Common Puffball

Pluteus cervinus

Coral Fungus sp.

Green Elfcup

7. OTHER INSECTS

Bee Fly 18th Apr.

8.AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES

Trevor Simmonds

Palmate Newt 4 already on 28th January (Maurice Watkin), 1st Apr., 18th Apr. (above)

Great Crested Newt 1, 7th Mar.

Grass Snake Newt Pond, 6th May (Dave & Debbie Gilbert) (below - the distinctive yellow collar can be seen clearly)

Dave & Debbie Gilbert

9. MAMMALS

Wood Mouse 1, 31st January

10.PLANTS

Trevor Simmonds

Wood Sorrel in flower 18th Apr. - none seen in flower last year! (above)

Bird's Nest Orchid 23rd June

Birdsnest Orchid, 23rd June (Trevor Simmonds)

Early Purple Orchid from 25th Apr.

Common Twayblade from 25th Apr.

Violet Helleborine c20 plants in two different sites came into flower but became quickly desiccated due to drought

Primroses, 28th March (RG)