Sandwell Scene on Screen!

We've long wanted a new viewing screen for the reserve, to replace the one by the Hugging Tree. Something to brighten things up in winter and be functional for all our visitors - not just those of a certain height!

We were very lucky to be offered help with this by RSPB Loch Leven volunteer, David, who travelled all the way down to Sandwell to give us a hand for two days.

Along with our regular volunteers, Brian, Tony, Dave and estate worker Paul, David created this magical nature scene. They were inspired by creatures found at Sandwell Valley, so all of the shapes you see should also be elsewhere on the reserve too!

They're intentionally positioned at various heights so that children of all ages will be able to spot the amazing birds that visit Sandwell, and have fun while they're doing so.

Have you seen it yet? Tried it out? We'd love to see photos of you making good use of it and hear which is your favourite shape!

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Jenny (Connecting People and Nature Intern)

Fly by Night - Bat and Moth Night, September 2015

We had a fabulous bat and moth night on Saturday 5th September. We had a great number of visitors of the human variety, and some very obliging bat and moth visitors too.

We started the evening at Nature's Reach with a really informative presentation about bats from Morgan, our expert. We learnt all about bat behaviour and the various beasts we can find both here and worldwide.

Bat Detector (Tim Hunt)

Then we got our mitts on the super-cool bat detectors! Morgan treated us to a few different types, some relatively simple: detecting bat sounds based on the frequency they were tuned to, and some a bit more techy: capable of recording a number of different bat sounds, all at the same time, for analysis later on.

Bat Walk (Tim Hunt)

And so we were off! We walked down to the hide and within minutes, we had bats! We stood on the path by the Mini Beast Meadow listening intently to Morgan's instructions on using the detectors and were quickly interrupted by our winged friends flying overhead. We saw several pipistrelles on our way down to the lakeside hide and were treated to lots more, while shining our torches out across the water.

Toads in the hole

Before heading back up to see what moths were about, volunteer (and regular blogger) Tim spotted some more obliging beasts hanging out in the bee bank. We saw the unlikely trio of two newts and a toad sharing a hidey hole and plenty more scattered about the slope.

Moth Trap (Tim Hunt)

On our return to the visitor centre, butterfly and moth expert, Mike gave a brief talk on what we'd be likely to find and gave some great tips on identification. Then it was off out to the moth traps. We were quite early for our winged friends but still managed to see a good number.

Large yellow underwings were out in force and we had a fabulous swallow prominent. Small square-spots made a good showing, as well as a silver y, a couple of copper underwings and old ladys.

Large Yellow Underwing (Chris Shields www.rspb-images.co.uk)

We also had phoenix, flame shoulder, white shouldered house moth, double sqaure-spot, setaceous hebrew character, angle shades, six-striped rustic, common rustic and flounced rustic.

A fantastic night was had by all and we can't wait for the next one! A big thank you to Morgan, our bat expert, and our brilliant team of moth-ers for making it possible.

Jenny, Connecting People and Nature Intern.