28th October - brief update

We have sad news to share about 2016 sat tagged Langholm Harrier 'Rowan'  -  The Hawk and Owl Trust have a statement on their website:

http://hawkandowl.org/harriers-sat-tag/joint-statement-hawk-owl-trust-natural-england/

Hattie and Grainne ( females tagged in 2013) are safe and well on Langholm Moor, Tarras has settled in the Peak District and Sorrel is currently in the Lowther Hills.

28th October - brief update

We have sad news to share about 2016 sat tagged Langholm Harrier 'Rowan'  -  The Hawk and Owl Trust have a statement on their website:

http://hawkandowl.org/harriers-sat-tag/joint-statement-hawk-owl-trust-natural-england/

Hattie and Grainne ( females tagged in 2013) are safe and well on Langholm Moor, Tarras has settled in the Peak District and Sorrel is currently in the Lowther Hills.

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Whitshiels opens a new table for wildlife!

13th October 2016

Spent the day with Ike McNeill, one of our volunteers, building a glorious feeding station for Whitshiels Cafe. The mighty construction stands over 5 feet high and hosts an array of fabulous culinary delights sure to attract the avian hordes! (and hopefully some Red Squirrels!). On the way back from the bird hide for said avian delicacies, we enjoyed fantastic views of a Red Squirrel feeding on acorns in an Oak tree at Longwood. 

Huge thanks to Ike for giving up his time to help and thank you from both of us to John and Estelle for the fantastic food and drinks!! You guys are stars! - Rick

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Tarras on the move!

Tarras, one of our satellite tagged Hen Harriers, has made an unexpected journey of 295km to some farmland near Tamworth! As a female, the expectation of her not travelling too far (Hattie and Grainne are still on Langholm Moor) has been proven wrong. We are still awaiting updates from Rowan and Sorrel, but we do know that Rowan made an exciting trip to Kent! More details on the Hawk and Owl Trust site soon........ - Rick

  

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Duke of Edinburgh Volunteers

4th October 2016

A group of Langholm Academy students are working with the Project to complete their volunteer hours for the Silver DofE Award. This week Lydia and Matthew helped to clean out some nest boxes in Longwood. Amonst the many spiders and woodlice we were also treated to a few Redwing and a huge flock of Redpolls - Thanks for your help Guys - Rick

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Canonbie Primary - Stream Dipping

4th October 2016

Had a fantastic afternoon with Canonbie Primary over the back of Tarras - found some fantastic beasties including Stonefly Nymphs and exuviae, mayfly nymphs, shrimps, beetles and a lovely Brown Trout who was given a few names (Barbera was my personal favourite!). The students also created some lovely pebble art based on their findings. The group were absolutely fantastic (if a little soggy) and were a credit to their school. We hope to work with them again soon!

Thanks to volunteer John Hills who came along to help out. Unfortunately, just after the children left a huge herd of Goats came down from behind Arkleton to investigate the scene - Maybe next time Guys! - Rick

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Red Squirrels at Eskrigg

11th October 2016

Had a great day over at Eskrigg with Tom Davies and John Hills filming the red squirrels there. Great views and a good chat with Jim Rae, the Reserve Manager - Fox on the way back - then back on the moor where a huge mixed flock of Redwing, Fieldfare and Brambling dropped into the Rowans just downstream of Tarras Lodge to join the Bullfinches feeding there. A very Autumnal day! - Rick

Making the Most of Moorlands: Update

Fungi Walk with Langholm Learning Base

5th October 2016

Orange Birch Bolete (Leccinum versipelle) in Longwood, found by a young lady from Langholm Learning Base.