October Nature Notes 2022
Sicklehome Nature Notes
Several snippets of good news kick off our review of October. Whilst members can appreciate what we are trying to achieve in terms of sustainability and conservation, it was splendid to see this more widely recognised in Midlands Golfer Magazine which chose our course as one of two examples of best practice. A nice article covered the flora, fauna, insect, bird, and animal life that we enjoy, the reduction in pesticides and recent tree planting. Even the monthly wildlife notes got a mention! Excellent free publicity for our club.
Then, came news from the Greens Chairman about the Network Rail plantings. With most of the trees and shrubs planted after the optimum date, and no watering during the drought period (neither the fault of the Sicklehome team), then it became clear that many would simply die. After much negotiation, more plantings are to take place during this Autumn and the existing ones will be assessed next Spring, when a number that have not survived will be replaced.
The other welcome announcement is that the bees from our well-hidden hives have produced much honey, and this will be available for sale from the professional’s shop. As far as the morning toast is concerned then I am a honey addict, so I am definitely looking forward to trying the three different types available.
Early in the month, Autumn really took hold. Anyone playing a shot from under our magnificent Oak tree on the first hole would find themselves being “rained on” by falling acorns, with many popping from their cups as they hit the ground. Adjacent to the second fairway, it was then noticeable that the Horse Chestnut just short of the green had shed its fruit too. In this case, the “conkers” had yet to separate, and the ground looked as if covered by dozens of small green sea urchins.
Mid-month saw many Redwings flying southwards, with some dropping down to feed off our berries. It was impossible to accurately collate numbers from members’ reports but elsewhere some 5,000+ were recorded at Carr Vale Nature Reserve (Bolsover) and 1,300 moved south at Froggatt on the morning of the 21st. Richard Moore-Coulson reported four Buzzards together, so our family party appears still intact and with one juvenile still regularly calling for food. Patrick’s attention to the clubhouse feeders is always much appreciated by the smaller species and occasionally this has included one or two Greenfinches (see this month’s photo image).
Another month full of interest and with so much colour around the course.
Bryan Barnacle
