TARCA NEWS Issue 6 30th June 2011
TARCA is a new conservation group spawned from interest in The River Anton Enhancement Scheme – a partnership between Test Valley Borough Council, The Environment Agency, and Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust to improve the river corridor for wildlife and people.
BIG Litter Pick
In April TARCA was joined by locals & LloydsTSB Volunteers for another Tidy Britain Big Tidy Up at Anton Lakes.Rubbish at the end of the day was taken to a weigh station by Test Valley Borough Council, it weighed 1.64 tons and consisted of items like Christmas Trees, Fridge Freezers, Matresses and 2 Giant Land Snails
Dawn Chorus
In May some hardy members of TARCA and the public took an early walk to hear the dawn chorus. The walk started at 4.45am around Rooksbury Mill. Many birds were heard including Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Sedge Warbler and Chiffchaff. A ground feeding Buzzard was also seen.
Orange Balsam Removal
At the start of June at Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve TARCA had a tough task removing Orange Balsam (Impatiens capensis) in the rain.This plant is a Native of North America.Though not invasive it has dominated areas of reed beds at the reserve supressing native plant growth. It is hoped that by keeping the plant controlled more of our native wetland plants will flourish.
Wild Trek Trailer
On the 25th June an event day was held at Rooksbury Mill. The wild trek trailer was there to capture and identifiy bugs from the lake for the children.There was also a TARCA stall trial running Lacewing hibernation boxes and artist Andy Pomfrey was there to display work from local artists
Become a volunteer:
If you wish to volunteer or want information on the new group please contact 01264 368811 or 07722 267138 email: antonriver@live.com or find us on our facebook page by searching TARCA The Anton River Conservation Association, or new website:http://www.antonriver-conservation.org.uk/
NEXT EVENTS:
Sunday 17th July Anton Lakes LNR – 10am to 2pm Wildlife Discovery Day.
Saturday 27th August Rooksbury Mill LNR – 2pm to 4pm Dragonfly walk