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Alan’s  Page  Welcome to 2015! I hope you had a relaxed and happy festive season.

Firstly, I’d like to thank Mark Merritt for his six productive years as FOSM

Chairman. A lot was achieved and a lot was set in motion. I’m taking the baton

from Mark to continue the work and objectives of FOSM with a committed

committee so that this 65 hectare nature reserve of many special habitats is

protected and enhanced for all species, including people.

The interdependence of all the species whether they live on or seasonally visit the

Marsh is truly remarkable. For example, the Marsh sustains 14 nationally rare

and endangered plant species. This would not be possible without engaging the

whole community of wildlife – all play their part however remote. We too have a

responsibility to help care for and manage this beautiful spot. Our dedicated

website is constantly growing and is full of interest and information to both

young and older - thanks to the regular improvements and updates by FOSM

member Peter Sketchley.

FOSM membership helps the funding of a warden to look after the Marsh from

day to day. But our membership has declined and we don’t know why. Please

answer the questionnaire we’ve included in this issue. And may I ask you to

spread the word to your friends to join and become Marsh friends. Bring your

friends to the various events. All these are now organised by Nina Blake. Thank

you Margaret Moffatt for your dedication to these arrangements over the past 6

years.

Enjoy this edition of the continually improving Newsletter and its informative

articles under the watchful eye of Howard Little and Ann Blofield.

Thanks to you the membership for all your wonderful support over the year and

a very healthy and happy 2015 from me and your committee. We look forward

to seeing you again soon.

Alan

 

   

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     Welcome         Howard  Little    ...to  the  101st  edition  of  our  Newsletter.  You  will,   I  am  sure,  know  about  the   important  changes   that   have   taken  place   in   FOSM  over   the  past   few  weeks.  An  article   about   the  Annual  General  Meeting  will  outline  the  main  changes.    This   issue  has  a  number  of   summaries  of   recent  FOSM  talks,  particularly   those  of  Mike  Andrews   and   Dudley   Higginson.   If   you   haven’t   been   for   a   while,   why   not   pop   along?  Many  have  been  of  excellent  quality.  Mike  Andrews  gave  a  well  attended  talk  on  the  ‘Lost  Buildings  of  Christchurch’  on  20th  November   in   the  Methodist  Hall.  As  a   result  of  many  requests  from  members,  Mike  has  kindly   included  a  summary  of  his  presentation   in  this  issue.   My   own   reaction   to   Mike’s   talk   was   to   marvel   at   the   number   of   breweries   in  Christchurch  at  the  turn  of  the   last  century.  Also,  as  a  relative  newcomer  to  the  area,   it  was   fascinating   to   see   pictures   of   the   High   Street   before   the   bypass.   I   find   it   hard   to  imagine  a  filling  station  on  the  site  of  the  current  Marks  and  Spencer  foodshop.    Peter   Sketchley   has   again   provided   us   with   an   interesting   article,   this   time,   about   the  Canadian   Bald   Eagle.   Elizabeth   Little   has   written   about   Starling   murmurations   and  considers  the  possible  causes  and  reasons  for  this  phenomenon.  Ann  Blofield  writes  about  a   surprisingly   interesting   creature:   the   pipefish.   Terry   Howes   and   John   Ward   have  included  reports  to  update  us.  Terry’s  item  provides  important  information  about  the  last  Advisory  Panel  meeting,  and   John   tells   us  about   the   latest  developments  with  our   ever  growing  website.      It  remains  for  me  to  thank  Margaret  Moffat  for  her  work  as  our  events  secretary.  She  has  retired  from  both  the  post  and  the  committee.  Last  but  not  least,  I  wish  to  add  my  thanks  to   Mark   Merritt   for   his   highly   successful   chairmanship   over   the   past   six   years,   and   I  welcome   our   new   chairman,   Alan   Hopking,   whose   page   introduces   this   issue   of   the  Newsletter.   I   hope   that   you   enjoy   the   issue   and   don’t   forget   that   we   always   need  interesting  articles  on  a  wide  range  of  subjects  from  members.      So,  what  are  you  waiting  for?        The  following  photographers  and  organizations  are  thanked  for  pictures  on  the  following  pages:  front  page,  

p13  &  14  Howard  Little,  p4  Ann  Blofield,  p5  Sheila  Richards,  p6  Pam  Higginson,  p7  Dudley  Higginson,  p8  &  9  

Peter  Sketchley,  p11  Red  House  Museum,  p13  RSPB.  

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 An  Interesting  Fish  !                       Ann  Blofield  

 A  friend  recently  presented  me  with  the  interesting  present  of  a  pipefish  she  had  found  on  the  beach  at  Mudeford.    These  fish  are  distantly  related  to  seahorses  and  both  belong  to  the  family  Syngnathidae.  This  word   comes   from   the  Greek   'syn'  meaning   fused   and   'gnathus'  meaning   jaws  and  refers   to   the   long,   partly   fused   jaws   seen   in   the   photograph.   There   are   a   number   of  different   species   of   pipefish   and   most   live   in   lagoons   or   estuaries   in   shallow   coastal  waters,  particularly  those  containing  areas  of  eelgrass.  They  are  poor  swimmers,  moving  semi-­‐vertically  through  the  water  and  are  easily  swept  away  by  tidal  forces.    

The   long,   thin   body   is   covered   by   an  armour   plating,   so   these   fish   are  rather   rigid   and   propulsion   is   mainly  by  means   of   the   dorsal   fin.   The   head  has   a   long   snout   (noted   above),  ending   in   a   toothless   mouth.   Their  food   consists   mainly   of   small  crustaceans  and  fish  larvae.    The   father   plays   an   important   part   in  reproduction   as   with   the   seahorses.  During  March  to  August  the  male  and  female   perform   a   wonderful   ritual  

dance,   twisting   and   spiralling   around   each   and   it   is   during   this   dance   that   the   female  passes  eggs  into  a  structure  on  the  male's  ventral  surface.  This  may  be  just  a  spongy  area  or   a   pouch   like   structure  with   lips  which   fold   over   to   enclose   the   eggs.   The  male   then  fertilises   the  eggs  and  after  around  thirty   to   thirty   five  days   the  pouch  bursts  open  and  small,   fully   formed   pipefish   emerge   from   that   or   the   spongy   area.   They   probably   live  about  three  or  four  years.    These   fish   appear   to   survive   reasonably   well,   if   in   protected   surroundings   such   as  amongst  eelgrass.  Pollution  and   loss  of  habitat  can  be  a  problem,  while   in  eastern  seas  they  are  fished  for  use  in  Chinese  medicines.    The  great  variation   in   fish   form  never  ceases   to  amaze  me!   Just  consider   the  shapes  of  the  skate,  the  eel,  the  shark  and  the  pipefish!  Also  keep  an  eye  open  as  you  walk  along  the  strand  line  and  you  may  find  one  of  these  interesting  fish,  sadly  swept  away  from  its  sheltered  home  possibly  in  Poole  harbour.  

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 The  Marvels  of  Migration  

 The  next   time  you  visit  Stanpit  Marsh  why  not  pop   into   the   Information  Centre   to  view  two  new  A2  posters  on  winter  bird  migration  now  in  FOSM's  wall  browser.    Committee  members   Pam  Higginson   and   Sheila   Richards   spent  many   hours   in  October  pouring  over  books,  the  internet  and  photos  to  find  the  information  that  is  featured,  then  many  hours  compiling  and  reviewing  the  posters.    These  cover  how  the  birds  prepare  for  migration,   the  vast  distances   flown  and  the  hazards   faced  on  their   journeys.    Details  of  four   common  migrant  birds,  Brent  Geese,  Black-­‐tailed  Godwits,  Wigeon  and  Dunlin  are  included.    Also  featured  is  a  description  of  the  stark  landscape  that  is  the  Arctic  Tundra,  the  birds'  destination  and  winter  breeding  grounds.        The   aim   has   been   to  complement   the  information   available   in  the   Council's   own  shadowbox   display   and  text,  and  to  explain  some  of   the   wonders   of   the  natural   phenomenon  that   is   migration.    Hopefully,  it  makes  interesting  reading.                                These   posters   in   their   original   A4   format   will   also   shortly   be   available   to   view   on   the  FOSM  website  www.friendsofstanpitmarsh.org.uk    Over  the  winter  Pam  and  Sheila  hope  to  compile  the  information  to  produce  posters  on  Spring  Bird  Migration.    Please  look  out  for  those  next  year.                      

Painting  for  Pat  Woodward.  

The  painting  by  Lisa  Berkshire   in  memory  of  Pat  Woodward,   founder  member  of  FOSM  (see  last  Newsletter)  is  now  in  place  on  the  side  of  the  Friend's  cabinet  in  the  Information  Centre.      The  picture  shows  an  aerial  view  of  the  Marsh  complete  with  yachts  and  the  heron  which  so   often   adorned   the   front   of   the  Newsletter  when   Pat  was   editor.   After   being   regally  transported   across   the   field   in   a   vehicle   driven   by   Colin,   the  Marsh  warden,  Margaret,  Pat's  wife  and  her  cousin  accompanied  by  some  members  of   the  committee  viewed  the  

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painting   and   remembered   with   appreciation,   Pat's   extensive   contribution   towards   the  origin   and   work   of   FOSM.   Be   sure   to   have   a   look   at   the   painting   when   you   visit   the  Centre.    ‘Our  Planet  in  Perspective’    A  FOSM  talk  in  September  by  Richard  Heskith  

 

     This  talk  was  very  well  attended,  and  prior  to  the  start,  all  were  curious  about  the  content  of  the  talk  –  what  exactly  did  it  mean?...    Well  we  were  treated  to  some  really  fascinating  facts  and  pictures  about  our  universe.    In  reality,  our  earth  is  extremely  insignificant  against  many  of  the  other  planets,  as  you  can  see  from  the  above  illustration.    The  sun   is  at   the  heart  of  our  solar   system,  with   the  4  closest  planets,  Mercury,  Venus,  Earth  and  Mars  –  known  as   terrestrial  planets   -­‐  being   formed  of  hard  matter,   iron  and  rock,   similar   to   Earth.   The   4   outer   giant   planets   are   formed   of   gas,   predominantly  hydrogen  and  helium.    The   slides,   showing   colours,   surface   scenes,   gas   formations,   and  moons  of   the  planets,  were   absolutely   amazing.   I   am   sure   many   of   us   left   the   meeting   feeling   totally  enlightened  about  our  world.      Membership    Renewal          Pam  Higginson    Membership  Secretary    

 Renewal   is  due  on  the  1st  January,  and  a  slip   is  enclosed.  Please  note  that  the  proposed  increase   to   subscriptions,   as   advertised   in   the   May   Newsletter   -­‐   Issue   No.   99,   was  unanimously  accepted,  and  therefore   is  now  -­‐  £5  for  a  single  membership,  and  £7  for  a  family.   Those  of   you  who  have  pre-­‐paid,  or   joined   since   the  end  of   September,  will   not  receive  a  slip.  

From  left  to  right    Top  to  bottom  –  Jupiter  Saturn  Uranus  Neptune  Earth  Venus    Mars  Mercury  

Earth  

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 Last  year,  many  of  you  paid  by  Fast  Payment  (which  only  stands  for  the  one  year)  or  set  up  a  Standing  Order  which  automatically  operates  each  year.      With   the   rising   cost   of   postage,   this   may   be   a   very   prudent   way   to   renew   your  membership!    This  has  to  be  set  up  by  yourself  (not  FOSM)  and  our  bank  details  are  as  follows  –  Lloyds  Bank,  Christchurch  -­‐  Account  No.  00591863  -­‐  Sort  Code.  30.92.02.      If   you   use   the   slip   enclosed,   I   once   again   look   forward   to   those   envelopes   dropping  through  my  letter-­‐box  at  the  beginning  of  the  year!!          Thank  you.        Blandford  Otters                                  A  FOSM  talk  in  October  by  Dudley  Higginson  

 As   usual,   Dudley   drew   in   a   good   audience,   despite   this  particularly  evening‘s  appalling  weather!  As  well  as  being  treated   to   some   incredibly   close   shots   of   otters   on   the  River  Stour  running  alongside  the  town  itself,  Dudley  had  managed   to   film   some   rare   sightings   of   them   feeding,  including   two   youngsters   fighting   over   an   eel!     Their  mother   also   supplied   them   with   a   huge   piece   of   fish,  most  probably  part  of  a  pike,  and  it  was  lovely  to  watch  them  tucking-­‐in  to  such  a  good  meal!    During  the  years  2012/2013  they  could  regularly  be  seen  along  the  river,  especially  around   the   weir   under   the   bridge,   and   were   totally   undisturbed   by   the   many   people  watching  them  from  the  riverside.    However,  none  have  been  seen,  by  Dudley,  since  early  spring  2014,  which  is  rather  concerning.    Dudley   also   showed   a   short   film   on   Kingfishers,   which   was   filmed   locally,   around  Winkton,  and  from  a  hide.    The  shots  of  them  diving  and  catching  fish,  some  looking  far  too  big  for  them  to  swallow,  were  sights  not  ordinarily  seen  by  the  casual  onlooker.  The  normal  sighting   is  that  of  a  brilliant  flash  of  blue  darting  along  a  river  or  stream,  and  a  shrill  call.      Dudley   ended   the   evening   with   some   lovely   picturesque   autumn   scenes,   rutting   deer,  various  birds  feeding  on  fruits  of  the  forest,  and  various  winter  visiting  birds  –  from  Pink-­‐Footed  Geese  in  Norfolk  to  coastal  birds  and  waders  filmed  locally.            

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Hummingbirds  &  Bald  Eagles         Peter  Sketchley    

 A   recent   trip   to  western  Canada,   in   celebration  of   a   sister-­‐in-­‐law’s   significant   birthday,  gave  me   an   out   of   season   glimpse   of   life   ‘cheek-­‐by-­‐jowl’  with   various  wildlife   that   are  complete   strangers   to   Stanpit   Marsh.     In   the   case   of   the   Bald   Eagle   (Haliaetus  leucocephalus),   maybe   that   is   no   bad   thing!     The   fish   eating   eagle   is,   of   course,   the  emblem   of   the   United   States;   though   now,   apparently,   more   often   common   in   Alaska  than  other  states  of  the  Union.    However,  on  two  of  our  three  visits  to  Canada,  we  have  seen  these  magnificent  birds  north  of  the  international  USA/Canada  border.    This  trip  was  no  exception,  as  two  eagles  had  nested  within  sight  of  my  sister-­‐in-­‐law’s  new  home.        She  now  lives  in  the  aptly  named  ‘Hummingbird  Village’,  a  new  community  laying  within  the   lands   of   another,  more   ancient,   community,   on   a   hillside   that   overlooks   an   arm  of  Haro  Strait  and  a  scattering  of  islands  that  lie  between  southern  Vancouver  Island  &  the  state   of   Washington   in   the   USA.     Incidentally,   Japanese   visitors   &   residents   often  congregate  on  the  beach,  at  a  nearby  regional  park,  to  contemplate  the  pinnacle  of  the  distant   snow-­‐covered   Mount   Baker,   over   70   miles   away   in   the   Cascade   Range,   as   a  surrogate  Mount  Fuji.  Both  are  active  stratovolcanos  with  distinctive  cone  profiles.        Though  below  the  49th  parallel  by  just  a  few  minutes,  the  nearest  stand  of  timber  outside  the  gated-­‐community  bounds,   supports   a   clearly   defined  eyrie,  made  up  of   a   clutter   of  large  sticks,  in  the  upper  reaches  of  a  coniferous  tree.    From  the  balcony  of  her  home,  my  sister-­‐in-­‐law  has,  during  last  summer,  watched  the  parents  raise  two  eaglets.    Due  to  the  unseasonably  warm  but  wet  weather,  we  were  privileged  to  see  &  photograph  one  of  the  eagles  in  that  tree;  as  eagle  eyes  surveyed  all  below.        The   comparatively   warm   autumn  weather   also   allowed   us   to   view  infrequent  &   fleeting   visits   to   her   sugar-­‐water  bird  feeder,  outside  her  patio  door,  that   enticed   visits   from   the   tiny  hummingbirds,   featured   in   the   name   of  the   development.     Unfortunately,   these  visits,   (striking   though   they  were,   at   this  time   of   year),   are   much   shorter   &  guarded  than  in  the  heat  of  summer;  so  I  was  unable  to  obtain  photographs  to  match  this  unusual  Autumn  experience.        During   a   visit   to   Esquimalt   Lagoon,   on   the   outskirts   of   Victoria,   the   capital   of   British  Columbia,   we   also   photographed   Trumpeter   Swans   (Cygnus   buccinator)   –   the   largest  waterbird   in   North   America.     With   their   distinctive   predominantly   black   bills   &   black  

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webbed   feet   contrasting  with   the   snow  white   plumage,   they   had   a   grace  &   poise   that  exceeds  the  Mute  Swan  (Cygnus  olor)  more  commonly  seen  in  Europe  &  Asia.    

   The   weather   was   mostly   very   wet.     The  autumnal   colours,   spreading   throughout  the   mountains   &   around   Stanley   Park   in  Vancouver,   were   spectacular;   but   I   am  glad  to  be  home.    I’m  now  ready  for  a  walk  around   Stanpit   Marsh   or   a   trip   on   my  boat.      

     Advisory  Panel  Report  August  2014       Terry  Howes  

 The  panel  met  at  the  Stanpit  Marsh  Information  Centre  on  21st  August  with  all  the  local  resident's  associations,  wildlife  interests  groups  and  Christchurch  Council  represented.      Under  the  matters  arising  from  the  previous  meeting  (in  July  last  year),  we  were  informed  that  the  clean-­‐up  of  Purewell  Stream  had  proceeded  well  due  largely  to  the  efforts  of  the  Wild-­‐fowler's   Association.   It   was   also   pointed   out   that   the   interior   of   the   Information  Centre  had  been  decorated  with  the  help  of  FoSM  and  it  was  planned  to  replace  the  chalk  board  on  the  back  wall  with  a  large  map  of  the  marsh  with  attached  information  on  bird  sightings.                Our  new  summer  warden,  Colin  Daborn,  gave  the  warden's  report.  He  said  that,  although  there  were  occasions  where  dogs  were  not  on  leads,  when  the  walkers  were  approached,  they  generally  understood  the  requirement  and  accepted  the  ruling.  He  also  said  that  a  lot   of   time  was   being   taken   up   carrying   out   a   round-­‐the-­‐clock   bird   disturbance   survey  which  was   still   proceeding  as  he  had   to  be  on  watch   from  7:30  pm   that  night.  He  also  reported   that   the   marsh's   flora   improved   this   year   with   the   Flowering   Rush   and   the  Marsh   Marrow   particularly   increasing.   However   there   is   still   a   problem   with   the  spreading   of   Orange   and   Himalayan   Balsam   and   Giant   Hogweed.   The   butterfly   survey  identified  97  different  types.  The  bio-­‐blitz  also  encountered  17  species  which  were  new  to  the  marsh.    During   Colin's   report   the   discussion   lead   on   to   the   information   produced   by   Peter  Sketchley   about   the   ineffectiveness   of   the   buoys   and   notices   requesting  water-­‐craft   to  avoid  the  area  around  Blackberry  Point.  A  particular  concern  of  the  panel  was  the  lack  of  progress  in  putting  up  the  Sensitivity  Map  at  the  boat  ramps  throughout  the  harbour.  It  is,   I   believe,   a   problem   of   too  many   authorities   being   involved,   i.e.   Council   and   water  

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authorities.   The   Councillor   present,   Bernie   Davis,   took   the   action   to   shake   up   the  appropriate   sub-­‐committee   with   regard   to   the   map.   The   buoys   were   discussed   as   we  (FoSM)  were  of  the  opinion  that  there  should  be  more  of  them  around  the  restricted  area.  (It  was  pointed  out  that  the  buoys  costs  £60  each).      The  grazing  of  Priory  Marsh  was  then  addressed.  I  should  admit  that  I  didn't  report  on  the  grazing  aspects  at  the  last  meeting  because  I  had  difficulty  getting  onto  the  marsh  over  the   stile   leading   to   the   area   because   of   the  water-­‐logged   condition   of   the   area   by   the  stile.  Having  read  the  minutes  of  the  July  meeting   last  year,   I  think  there   is  a  point  that  may  be  of  some  interest.  The  difficulty  of  grazing  the  area  is  not  due  to  the  graziers  or  the  unwillingness  to  get  animals  on,  but  entirely  due  to  interpreting  the  new  TB  laws.  These  laws   require   the   animals   to   be   tested   after   grazing   on   the   marsh   hence   requiring   a  permanent  handling  area  and  crush  to  be  erected  on  the  entry  to  the  marsh.  Therefore  the   representative   of   Dorset   Urban   Heaths   Grazing   Project   at   the  meeting   in   last   July  considered  that  grazing  would  be  restricted  to  New  Forest  ponies.      Whilst  discussing  Priory  Marsh,  it  may  be  remembered  that  there  were  plans  to  clear  out  the  pools  and  ditches.  Attempts   to   clear  out   the  pools  were  made  but   they   clogged  up  very  quickly.   It  was  thought  that  clearing  the  ditches  to  ensure  a  constant  flow  of   fresh  water  through  the  marsh  would  be  possible  but  this  could  mean  diverting  the  flow  of  the  river  Stour  which  is  complex  because  of  the  issues  of  fish  entrapment.          The  proposed  improvements  to  the  Recreation  Ground  and  more  particularly  the  Car  Park  were   discussed.   Current   plans   are   for   the   surface   of   the   car   park   to   be   tarmac   with  drainage  ditches.  The  site  level  must  be  raised  because  it  is  situated  in  a  flood  zone.    Our  Councillors  are  still  saying  that  there  will  be  no  parking  fee.  The  design  is  currently  for  49  cars  but   this  may  change  when  provision   for  disabled  spaces  are  considered.  The  Panel  were   shown  some  designs   for   the  entrance   to   the   recreation  ground   from   the   car  park  and   some  of   the   seating  designs  around   the   site.  All   the  Panel  members   thought   these  designs  added  to  the  general  ambience  of  the  marsh.  The  work  on  the  car  park  is  due  to  start  in  January  2015  and  the  area  will  be  closed  during  this  work.      Following   the   main   meeting,   during   any   other   business,   the   Natural   England  representative,  Helen  Powell,   told  us   that   the  EU  have   set  up  a   special   protection  area  between   Worbarrow   Bay,   just   east   of   Lulworth   Cove,   and   Middleton-­‐on-­‐Sea,   west   of  Bognor  Regis.  This  area   is  specifically   for   the  protection  of   the  three  tern  species.  More  details   of   this   plan   is   covered   on   the   Natural   England   web   site  http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk  under  the  note  no.  TIN  166.                                  

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A  resume  of  a  talk:  The  Lost  buildings  of  Christchurch            Mike  Andrews    

Our   town   is  built  on  a  gravel   ridge,  a   feature   left  over   from  a  post  glacial   ice  melt,  we  have  the  sea  on  the  south  side  and  the  river  valleys  of  the  Stour  and  Avon  on  two  of  the  other   sides.   This   meant   that   the   town   could   only   develop   one   way   along   the   ridge  towards   St   Catherine's   Hill.     Although   this   made   the   town   easily   defendable   and  strategically  important  in  the  past,  it  would  create  difficulties  in  more  modern  times.      The  loss  of  the  town's  most  iconic  building,  Square  House,  was  down  to  neglect  and  an  unwillingness   to   celebrate   the   past   when  the   future   looked   so   inviting.   It's   fate  was  sealed   just  after   the  war,  around   the   time  of   the   Festival   of   Britain,   when   the   past  held  only  unpleasant  memories  of  war  and  depression  and  to  ensure  our    future  would  be   a   "journey   to   the   sunny   uplands"   it  seemed   we   only   had   to   sweep   away   the  old.      Square  House  was  a  beautifully  proportioned  Georgian  town  house  built  for  John  Cook,  a  wealthy  brewer  about  1766.  It  was  called  Square  House  because  it  faced  the  old  market  square  and  next  to  it  were  the  brewery  buildings.  It  was  demolished  in  1958.    On  the  other  side  of  Wick  Lane  towards  the  Priory  was  a  public  house  called  the  Dolphin  Inn  which  stood  on  the  site  of  an  older  thatched  pub  called  the  Black  Bull  this  had  been  burned   down   in   1864.   In   1934   when   the   trolley   buses   replaced   the   trams,   the  outbuildings   stables   and   yard   of   the   Dolphin  were   cleared   to   construct   the   trolley   bus  turntable.  The  whole  complex  including  a  restaurant  and  photo  studio  was  demolished  in  

1974   to  make  way   for   a   development   of   offices   and  shops.      Further   down   the   High   Street   older   buildings   were  lost   at   an   even   later   date.   "Hookey's   house,"   that  dated   from   the   14th   Century,   was   demolished   to  make   way   for   the   shopping   precinct   called   Saxon  Square.    The   biggest   loss   of   historic   and   architecturally  

interesting  buildings  came  when  the  bypass  was  built   straight   into   the  old   town,  whole  districts  like  the  Pit  Site,  Pound  Lane  and  Spring  Gardens  were  swept  away.        

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Website  News           John  Ward,  Website  Manager  

How  many  of  you  have  visited  our  excellent  and  rapidly  developing  website?  It  seems  that  many  of  you  have,  for  our  number  count  of  visits  continues  to  grow.  For  those  who  have  lived  in  the  area  for  some  time,  you  might  think  that  you  know  all  there  is  to  know  about  the   marsh,   its   inhabitants   and   its   flora   and   fauna.   You   may   be   wrong.   The   marsh   is  changing  all  the  time  and  the  website  is  up  to  date.  The  website  now  contains  regular  up-­‐dates  and  a  number  of  slide-­‐shows  that  illustrate  the  site  of  special  scientific  interest.  The  regular   input   comes   from   our   own   people,   who   bring   along   their   particular   scientific  knowledge  from  their  careers.    The  Friends  committee  members  provide  information  about  regular  events,  together  with  a   large   number   of   volunteers,   who   maintain   the   place,   whether   it   is   the   information  centre  or  the  marsh  itself.  The  rapidly  diminishing  Country  Wardens  provide  an  excellent  service,  co-­‐ordinating  the  activities  of  the  volunteers.  We  now  know  that  the  website  is  a  useful  source  of  knowledge  for  holiday  makers  and  visitors,  as  well  as  school  children.  We  also  have  regular  visits  from  walkers  and  bird-­‐watchers.    It  was  a  pleasure  to  note  the  appearance  of  a  group  of  younger  people  at  a  recent  talk,  having  found  about  us  by  “googling”  FOSM.  To  our  generation,  the  words,  “social  media”  sends  us  into  a  frenzy  of  fear  of  opening  our  affairs  to  the  world  at  large.  However,  it  is  without   doubt   with   us   and   perhaps   we   should   embrace   it,   under   strict   controls,   of  course!!  We  need  some  extra  expertise.    I  am  very  lucky  to  work  with  Peter  Sketchley,  who  does  an  amazing  unpaid  job  handling  the  technical  work.  He  is  constantly  available  and  his  response  is  always  instant,  despite  a  busy  family  life.  So  my  last  word  is  to  you.  How  do  you  think  we  can  improve  the  web-­‐site  and  what  should  we  put  on  it?    Starling  Murmurations         Elizabeth  Little  

Those   of   you  who  may   have  watched   BBC   Autumn  Watch  will   undoubtedly   have   seen  footage  of   the  wonderful  spectacle  of  Starlings  wheeling  through  the  sky   in  huge  flocks  called   murmurations.   The   birds   come   together   into   huge   clouds,   which   then   turn   and  swoop  in  unison  forming  fantastical  shapes  in  the  air.  These  events  don’t  seem  to  occur  everywhere,  but  become  increasingly  common  in  the  autumn,  as  Starlings  gather  to  roost  at  night.  Up  to  100,000  birds  can  gather  together,  this  number  being  boosted  by  migrant  birds  from  Europe  who  are  winter  visitors.    The  roost  sites  are  found  in  woodlands,  cliffs,  reedbeds  and  old  industrial  sites.    The  big  question   is  why  do   they  do   it?  Traditional  explanations   focus  on  safety   in  numbers  and  keeping  warm.  Starlings  often  gather  up  to  20  miles  from  their  feeding  sites.  When  they  

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are   in   the   roost   it   is   noisy   until   they   settle   down   for   the   night,   it   gets   noisier   again   at  dawn  as  the  Starlings  leave  in  waves.    

There   are   big   gaps   in   our   understanding  of   why   these   murmurations   occur.     The  University   of   Gloucestershire   in  conjunction  with  the  Society  of  Biology,  is  now   carrying   out   research   into   this  phenomenon.     This   winter   the   public   are  being  asked  to  send  in  sightings,  however  small,   to   help   build   the   UK’s   first  murmuration   map.   This   will   provide  

information  about  the  geography  of  where  Starlings  live,  and  will  tease  out  the  possible  reasons   for   these  gatherings.  For  example,   if  murmuration   is  primarily  an  anti-­‐predator  response,   there  may   be   an   association   between   predator   presence   and   the   length   and  complexity  of  the  displays.    Early  results  have  revealed  the  existence  of  previously  unknown  hotspots.    Approximately  20%   of   spotters   have   reported   seeing   predators   near   congregations   such   as  Sparrowhawks,  Peregrine  Falcons  and  Buzzards.    The  survey  has  also  found  that  Starlings  gather   together   regardless   of   the   weather,   from   clear   skies   to   heavy   rain   and   from   2  degrees  to  20.  Most  murmurations  last  for  around  30  minutes  but    some  can  last  for  up  to  an  hour.    Finally,   how   do   they   navigate?   Apparently   it   is   simple.   The   rule   is   –   stay   the   same  distance  apart  from  your  neighbours  –  up,  down,  left,  right,  in  front  and  behind.  The  birds  need   to   be   able   to   copy   instantly   any   changes   in   speed   or   directions.   As   a   result,   tiny  deviations  by  one  bird  are  magnified  and  distorted  by  those  surrounding  it.  This  creates  the   rippling,   swirling   patterns.   Apparently,   the   underlying   maths   is   comparatively  straightforward,  (chaos  theory  for  those  mathematicians  amongst  you!)    Although  these  flocks  include  vast  numbers  of  birds,  these  numbers  are  only  a  fraction  of  what   they   used   to   be.     Large   flocks   used   to   gather   over   large   towns   and   conurbations  such  as  Manchester,  Newcastle  and  Edinburgh,  but  nowadays  you  are  more  likely  to  see  the  birds  in  rural  areas.  The  population  has  crashed  by  over  70%  in  recent  years.  They  are  now  on  the  nation’s  critical  list.    Although  murmurations  have  not  yet  been  seen  over  Stanpit  Marsh,  other  familiar  birds  attempt   similar   behaviour.     Waders   such   as   Dunlin,   Knot   and   Redshank   form   large  twisting   flocks  over   the   seashore  and   river  estuaries  but   these  are   short   lived,   sporadic  affairs   designed   to   evade   predators.  Our   local   area   is   not   traditionally   associated  with  these   murmerations.   Popular   sites   nowadays   in   southern   Britain   include   Brighton   Pier  

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and  Somerset.  Locally  however,  in  November,  starling  murmurations  have  been  observed  at   Blashford   lakes   near   Ringwood,   involving   an   estimated   25,000   birds.   A   little   further  away,  murmurations  have  been  seen  over  Poole  Speedway  stadium.    FOSM  Annual  General  Meeting  2014  

Mark  Merrit  welcomed  everyone,  and  informed  all  that  this  would  be  his  last  year  as  Chairman.  He  had  enjoyed  his  6  years  in  this  role,  supporting  the  committee  and  FOSM,  and  was  handing  over  to  Alan  Hopking,  who  had  kindly  volunteered  to  replace  him.    Overall,  he  felt  the  year  had  been  good,  excepting   having   to   cancel   the   Summer   Garden   Party.   Before   giving   thanks   to   all   committee  members,   Mark   enlightened   members   on   the   progress   of   Peter   Holloway,   following   his   recent  illness,  and  wished  him  a  speedy  and  full  recovery.    Various  committee  members  were  individually  thanked  for  their  rolls  on  the  committee  –  especially  Margaret  Moffatt  who  was  now  retiring.    She  was  thanked  very  much  for  all  her  work  in  arranging  our  events;  and  was  presented  with  a  beautiful  bouquet  of   flowers.  Mark   informed  all   that   there  were  now  2  empty  seats  on  the  committee  and  those  interested  should  make  contact.    The  new  interior  display   in  the  Information  Centre  was  now  complete,  and  Mark  thanked  all  who  helped   with   the   manning   and   care   of   the   centre.     Although   Colin   Daborn,   the   current   Summer  warden  was  not  present,  Mark  showed  appreciation  for  his  enthusiasm  and  the  interest  he  had  put  into   the  Centre  and  the  Marsh.    Those  committee  members   responsible   for   the  production  of   the  Browser  Boards  above  the  FOSM  stand  in  the  Centre,  were  also  thanked  for  their  work.  Following  a  bad  accident  earlier  in  the  year,  involving  a  committee  member,  the  Centre  decking  had  now  been  made  safe  with  a  grip  surface.      An  interesting  variety  of  talks  had  been  held  through  the  year,  particularly  those  presented  by  local  historian  Mike  Andrews,  who  attracted  the  attendance  of  around  75  people  the  previous  evening.  Mark   reminded   all   about   the   forthcoming   Christmas   Party,   and   the  mulled  wine  morning   at   the  Centre.  This  year  we  had  seen  our  100th  edition  of  the  Newsletter!    Appreciation  was  given  to  the  Editor,  and  the  current  format,  and  Mark  stated  any  articles  sent  in  would  be  gratefully  received.    Avril  Labreche    stated  that  our  funds  stood  at  £5458  –  including  deduction  of  the  £1000  FOSM  pays  in  support  of  the  summer  warden,  and  £3000  donated  towards  the  new  Centre  Display.  In  view  of  this,  there  had  obviously  been  a  loss  for  the  year,  against  Income.  Unfortunately,  the  lack  of  income  from   the   cancelled   Summer   Fair   had   also   contributed   to   this   loss.  We   had   also   paid   out   for   the  printing  of  4  issues  of  the  newsletter,  as  the  3rd  invoice  for  the  previous  year  was    issued  within  this  year’s  accounts.        Membership   was   also   down,   but   donations   had   been   brilliant   -­‐   £1259.     This   included   a   large  donation  from  a  member,  and  also  a  great  donation  from  Howard  Little  following  his  charity  run  in  the  London  Marathon.  Unfortunately,  we  were  also  making  a  loss  on  most  of  our  talks  –  the  cost  of  hall  hire,  and  speaker  costs  contributing  to  this.        Pam  Higginson  stated  that  at  the  end  of  the  FOSM  financial  year  –  30th  Sept.  –  our  actual  number  of  members  closed  at  380  –  a   loss  of  17  on   last  year.  Actual  subscriptions   (249)  broke  down   into  131  family  memberships,  and  118  single.    There  had  been  some  non-­‐renewals,  but  once  again  these  

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had  been  closely  compensated  with  new  members.  £912  in  donations  had  been  sent  with  renewals,  and  many  thanks  were  expressed  to  all  those  who  had  contributed.    Mark  stepped  down  as  Chairman.    Avril  took  the  chair,  and  welcomed  Alan  as  Chairman.      Alan   thanked  Mark   for   all   his   support   over   the   last   6   years,   and   presented   him  with   a   bottle   of  whiskey.  Nina  Blake  had  offered  to  take  on  Margaret’s  position  as  Events  Organiser,  and  all  other  members  of  the  committee  agreed  to  stand  again.        Alan   gave   a   report   on   progress   of   the  Website,   which   had   been   initially   set   up   by   him.   He   had  initiated   the   addition   of   wildlife   information,   which   now   included   many   subjects   –   e.g.   birds,  mammals,  aquatics,  reptiles,  amphibians,  insects,  spiders,  and  plants.  He  was  very  appreciative  of  Peter   Sketchley,   who   had   taken   over   from   him   in   2013,   and   was   continually   updating   FOSM  matters,  and  adding  more   to   the  wildlife   information.     This   included   slide   shows  of  walks  on   the  marsh,  and  views  of   it   from  a  harbour  boat   trip,  and  Alan  promoted   the  site   to  all   for  extremely  interesting  viewing.      The  AGM  concluded  with  an  open  session  of  questions  and  answers.    Recent  FOSM  Social  Events  

The  evening  of  Friday  5th  December  at  the   Christchurch   Rowing   Club   saw  FOSM’s   annual   Christmas   party.   A  great   time   was   had   by   all,   with   the  now   familiar  mix   of   games   devised   by  Pam   Higginson,   Sheila   Richards   and  Sharon   Cutler.   As   usual,   we   had   an  extensive   cold   buffet   with   plenty   of  choice,   finished   off   with   warm   mince  pies.   Many   thanks   to   all   involved   and  especially  to  Pam,  Sheila  and  Sharon  for  all  the  hard  work  in  devising  the  activities  and  helping  the  evening  go  with  a  swing.        

Mulled  wine  and  mince  pies  were  enjoyed  in  the  Information  Centre  on  Sunday  14th  December.  We  were  all  particularly  pleased  to  see  Peter  Holloway  when  he  arrived  for  a