The Wilden Marsh Blog
A nature conservation blog about the fauna and flora of Wilden Marsh Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Lower Stour Valley, Worcestershire, England.
Archives
It’s that time of the year again when grass growth quickens as the growing season gets underway. Tiny double leaved sprouts of the dreaded Himalayan balsam plant are now pushing above ground. Initially introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan balsam quickly outgrows competition and is widely known as Bizzie Lizzie, Indian Balsam and Policeman’s Helmet. It is the tallest annual plant found in the British Isles and grows to more than 2-3 metres in height. Each… Read More
I went toading at North Pond last night. The video below shows a few of the thousands of toads using this mating pond. It was a clear night with a full moon. The weather and conditions were perfect for toad watching. There was lots of floating frog spawn, but not many frogs singing. (Click image to view video)
The weather has been perishing with Jack Frost nipping at my un-gloved fingers the past two days on South Riverside Pasture. Most mated vixens will be pregnant by now. The south and north marsh vixens are busily checking out old and new denning sites. They like to have a few options available should a den become compromised; a vixen doesn’t need much encouragement to move her cubs to a new location… Read More
The Wilden Marsh Blog 