In 1999 I attended a seminar on the subject of Dorset Otters run by The Dorset Wildlife Trust. Having been a wildlife enthusiast since the age of six I was able to get great information about how I could help monitor the status of this enigmatic river creature to our local rivers and streams.

At the hands of man this animal had been driven to the very point of extinction. Once the Otter Hounds had “done their job” and nearly eradicated the otter then poisons took over to finish the job!

Fortunately, as the human being often does with wildlife, we came to our senses just in time and the consequences are that the European river otter (Lutra lutra) has made a remarkable comeback.

So my task was to observe the rivers and streams local to Verwood and look for signs of any otter activity.

Can you try to imagine a very boring little concrete pathway bridge adjacent to Potterne Park and a lady taking her beloved pooch for a walk when from underneath this bridge, as she walked over it, came a “Eureka” shriek….I had found my first evidence of the comeback to Verwood rivers of the Otter. A tar marking!! The dear dog walker nearly died of shock!

Otters leave behind them good evidence of their presence, one such clue is a territorial “splodge” known as a tar mark. This together with a more solid form of “pooh” known as a “spraint” is simply irrefutable evidence of otter presence. The smell is unique.

So you have got the hang of this…otter experts lurk under bridges and shriek and they smell pooh !  Wonderful! Weird…well yes …but actually it really was wonderful and I will never forget my first success at monitoring the presence of this creature once again in Verwood.

So time has gone on and we are now in a time when lots of folk take the trouble and are rewarded with wildlife interests and sightings…..and sightings of otters are becoming common place in a certain area of Verwood. Let me explain. Young otters, in particular the young males (dogs) are forced to find territories of their own and as such go on a wander.

One such otter is doing exactly this in an area of Verwood and local residents may not be pleased with his activities.

He has discovered that breakfast lunch and dinner is provided by us humans in the form of otter restaurants known to us as ponds !

Residents of the area adjacent to the Dewlands Common area are being visited by such a rascal and are devastated to find that their fish and frogs have been wiped out in one sitting and generally overnight. Coy carp are expensive and let’s face it even fish become part of the family….so to have them decimated is not funny.

I have heard reports of strange animals being seen by the illumination of street lamps….of dogs maniacally barking….and of several ponds being attacked by unknown nocturnal beasts of the night.

So the purpose of this article is to suggest that residents of the area mentioned and even beyond it protect their ponds…..otherwise you may suffer the consequences of a hungry otter who has absolutely no compunction in eating your £500 Coy Carp and everything else in your pond including the frogs…legs and all!

Lightweight plastic protective meshing is not good enough and you might consider a DIY wooden framed wire meshing as mitigation! Whatever you use make it strong and leave no access to the pond.

Can I just add that the otter is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act so please don’t even think about harming them………you have been warned and you can protect your ponds so please do so…or suffer a pile of scales and bones one morning.

 See: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/ottersandstillwaterfisheries_tcm6-4592.pdf

It gives useful info on how you can secure your pond against otter predation.

Situated just 2 miles north of Ringwood off the A338, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is a wildlife gem. Yet many people are unaware of its existence! Its varied historic background has resulted in a dramatic change in the landscape over the last 100 years; from agricultural land to a World War II airbase to a motor car racing track. (The famous 1941 film about the birth of the Spitfire – ‘The First of the Few’ was filmed there.) The site was then dug up for sand and gravel leaving pits which were left to fill with water; now an important water supply for people and wildlife.

The Blashford Lakes Project is a partnership between Sembcorp Bournemouth Water, New Forest District Council and Wessex Water. The reserve is managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a charity that aims to protect local wildlife and inspire people.

The 500 hectare site consists of a series of lakes surrounded by grassland and woodland. The Dockens Water stream bounded by ancient woodland is a tributary of the River Avon; it flows through the reserve acting as a wildlife corridor between the New Forest and Avon Valley. The reserve is open to the public to come and explore and discover their local wildlife. You can almost be guaranteed a memorable wildlife encounter during your visit due to the way the reserve has been managed with screens and bird hides, allowing you to get close views of the wildlife without disturbing it.

Why not come for a visit this spring? The first sand martin arrived on 6th March this year signalling the start of spring and this one has since been joined by hundreds more migrating over from Africa to spend the summer with us. Experience close views of the aerial antics of these amazing fliers from the Goosander Hide, located above an artificial sand martin bank. Watch as the sand martins feed on insects close to the surface of the lake before flying their catch in, with a precision landing, into their nest hole to feed young whose appetites guarantee that this spectacle is repeated again and again.

Another visitor from Africa, prominent across the reserve at this time of year is the garden warbler; a plain brown bird recognisable for having no distinguishing features, that is until it opens its beak and sings its lovely song.

As you walk through the ancient woodland along the banks of the Dockens Water you will be greeted by a carpet of bluebells; the grand finale to the spring bulbs, following on from the snowdrops in January and wild daffodils of March.

New visitors should note that the nature reserve is open 9am-4.30pm every day with parking, toilets and 6 bird hides, and that, for various reasons, dogs and cycling are not permitted at Blashford Lakes.

You can also experience the wildlife of Blashford Lakes from the comfort of your own home by watching our live web cam footage from one of our 4 cameras set up around the reserve. In spring the underwater pond cam gives some fantastic views of some of the reserves “aliens” of the deep including some stunning smooth newts.

Visit www.hwt.org.uk for a link to our live web cam footage and for more information about the nature reserve and events. For a daily update on the wildlife at Blashford Lakes follow our blog at: www.blashfordlakes.wordpress.com

 Building reconstructions are a continuous project at the centre using archaeological evidence from Britain and Europe.  Timber framing, green wood working, woodland management, carpentry and blacksmithing all contribute to these structures and are carried out by visiting school groups and volunteers. Buildings are not scaled down – but do take longer to construct due to the nature of our workforce.  Our most recent building, the 24m Viking Longhouse won the 2011 LABC Award for Best Community Development for the South West Region.

 Living history is used to engage young people and is based on archaeological evidence with a reliance on local traditional crafts, skills and knowledge.  Living history activities are numerous and contribute directly to the maintenance of the site and the development of the buildings, such as laying hedges, or building fences and cob walls, as well as investigating daily life in the past using traditional methods to make fire, work metal in a forge, make felt or weave baskets.  The ATC is very proud to have been awarded the Sandford Award for Heritage Education in 2011 in recognition of its outstanding contribution to heritage education and learning within an historic environment.  The ATC have just joined EXARC (the International Council of Museums Affiliated Organisation representing archaeological open-air museums and experimental archaeology).

 Although the ATC’s primary work is with schools, a series of Open Days has been designed to give members of the general public the opportunity to come and explore the site, learn about our historical past and participate in some of the ancient crafts and skills.  There are also numerous storytelling and musical events scheduled in the Earthouse over the course of the year.  People wanting to learn some ancient skills can sign up to day and weekend courses – the range of courses reflects traditional rural skills.  The ATC is always looking for volunteers to help with ongoing projects, so please get in touch with us – no experience required!

 Next events:

STORYTELLING

‘A Love like Salt’

Storytelling with the Devil’s Violin Company

Saturday 12th May:

With their unique combination of live music and timeless tales, the Devil’s Violin Company (Thanks to funding from the Arts Councils of England and Wales and the John Fell OUP Research Fund) are back with another enthralling performance in the EarthHouse to weave a powerful spell of melody and mood!

Tickets via East Dorset Heritage Trust on 01202 888992. £10 for adults and £5 for children (16 and under) – suitable for 12+

 VIKINGS GALORE!

July 28th and 29th

Explore the Viking Longhouse and see Viking and Saxon warriors re-enecat battles of a time long past. Learn about Viking crafts and let the children challenge the Viking warriors to sword fights using wooden weapons!

 Contact the Centre on 01725 517618 for further information on other events and courses, or check our website:

www.ancienttechnologycentre.co.uk

Surveyor in Verwood, Dorset dealing with Commercial & Residential Valuations

Beauty treatments from Verwood Beauty Salon

Misty eventually had to have chemotherapy which proved to be a saviour and he thrived, but we noticed he did not come when called and whereas he used to be so nervous and alarmed at the slightest sound, we began to realise he was now deaf and being a very nervous cat, this was a blessing in disguise. He lived what was now a quiet and peaceful life. At the same time as he lost his hearing, his voice became louder and he would call out as loud as he could and waited for me to go to him, so eager and pleased to see me as I scooped him up and cuddled him like a baby carrying him home and to safety. Willow also did her best for him and frequently gave him a  cuddle.

When you love and care for an animal that needs you, you become one with them and the bond is so incredibly strong, they seem part of you, and this was how it was with Misty and me. Life was as good as it gets! Every time I picked him up I would say to him “Have I told you lately that I love you?” he just purred his own loving reply. We understood each other. Even his Meow’s sounded like “Marmeee!” and visitors laughed when they heard him as they could not believe their ears!

Life was not all suffering and he enjoyed playing ‘cat and mouse’ with the other cats, stealing their mouse from under their noses. Misty was almost toothless after necessary extractions, but there was no stopping him during the baby rabbit season when he would hunt every day by sight and smell and always managed to find a baby rabbit which he devoured with gusto. My dearest Misty managed to reach the age of eleven when the Vet found he had a tumour in the intestine which now signalled his ‘time to go’. I still could not have him put to sleep, so we took him home and we cared for him giving him water and Lactol every hour for the few days he had left. I slept on the settee with Misty in a little bed next to me, available every minute should he call out, and I went without sleep to care for him. We had time enough to say our good-byes and to reaffirm our love for each other.

A broken heart does not do justice to how I felt parting with my dear Mr Misty, I loved him so much, but I pride myself in the fact that he did have a life and a happy one at that, and I was so pleased I made the right choice for him.

The full story and many more are in the book “Viewed From My Window” by Patricia Oliver price £10 + £1.75 p&p. For more details, contact Patricia on 01202 826244. All proceeds go towards the Veterinary and Welfare needs of the 16 feral cats currently in her care.

April sees the launch of this new and our third Roundabout magazine so a big WELCOME to all our new readers!  

Many of you will have already seen the Roundabout Verwood mag but this new bi-monthly edition is specifically for those of you in the many East Dorset villages between Verwood and Wimborne. It joins our already successful Roundabout Ringwood and Roundabout Verwood titles which we have been producing since 2005.

Rather than a newspaper or coffee table journal these magazines are more of a useful directory of local businesses,  together with many local and general interest articles, a local up-to-date What’s On guide, pages 20 & 22, a listing of local Clubs and Societies, page 12 and much, much more. See all the Feature Articles in contents.

If you would like more members in your club or society, and/or would like us to publish your news, articles or future events, then simply e-mail the details to us. All our current mags can be viewed online at www.roundaboutmags.co.uk.

In this first edition we have the continuing journal of a Horton cat lover who just can’t resist a stray or feral cat to care for – titled ‘Viewed From My Window’. All her previous stories are on our website.

There is a pub walk written by Nicky from Drusillas Inn at Wigbeth, page 2, an article describing what can be seen over the next couple of months at Blashford lakes near Ibsley on page 14 and a feature about the Ancient Technology Centre at Cranborne on page 6.

So much to tell you about – I’ve already run out of space! So remember – in future when you need a job done or want to treat yourself AND help local businesses, look in here first in the ‘Local Trades Directory’ and save yourself time, fuel and most importantly at the moment – money!

The front cover of this issue is an aerial view over Blashford Lakes at Ibsley and starting with this issue we have a new series of articles describing the huge range of wildlife we can expect to see over the next couple of months at Blashford lakes near Ibsley entitled ‘The Blashford Bulletin’, see page 10. Well worth a regular visit. My husband was amazed at the range of birds which can be spotted. Check out the live webcam and the daily blog.

Talking about webcams, my husband is now the proud owner of his own ‘nest-cam’ since Christmas! This is a small nesting box containing a tiny built in camera which sends a signal wirelessly to our TV via a receiver! Sounds a bit complicated but works very well – unfortunately and has now become extremely annoying since Mrs Great Tit took up residence! My husband is already a great TV “channel hopper” and now, with another even better live ‘nest-cam’ channel to choose from I can’t see us watching anything in it’s entirety again for months without being interrupted!

For those of you who use the seat in Blynkbonnie car park or have been intrigued by the tomb outside Sainsbury’s, both are very closely linked – Now & Then will explain all on pages 6 & 7

This month we’re launching a new Roundabout mag delivered to East Dorset villages between Verwood and Wimborne so for the benefit of all you advertisers who would like a bit of extra business in a new area the back page has more info.

We still have the popular Viewed from my Window, Mikes Motors and many other articles, editorials, news items and local What’s On to read and to keep you informed.

As always, when you need a job done or want to treat yourself, look in our ‘Local Trades Directory’ and save yourself time, fuel and most importantly at the moment – money!

Phew, almost there! This month we’re launching a new Roundabout mag going to all households in the East Dorset villages between Verwood and Wimborne and to enable us to fit this in we have had to produce 3 mags all in the same month! Instead of 1 mag each month! My husband who helps a bit with the design and layouts is now completely confused poor chap! For the benefit of all you advertisers who would like a bit of extra business in a new area – more info can be found on the back page.

Also starting in this issue we have a new series of articles describing the huge range of wildlife we can expect to see over the next couple of months at Blashford lakes near Ibsley entitled ‘The Blashford Bulletin’ see page 10. Well worth a regular visit. My husband being a closet twitcher, was amazed at the range of birds which can be spotted. Check out the live webcam and the daily blog.

Talking about webcams, if you read last months pre-amble you’ll know my husband is a proud owner of a nest cam which was a Christmas present. He is now terribly excited since a very rotund Mrs Great Tit has taken up residence in a very cosy nest box so we are expecting some good news in the very near future! Chris Packham, watch out!

We still have the popular “Viewed from my Window”, Past & Present, Mikes Motors and many other articles, editorials, news items and local What’s On to read and to keep you informed. Anyway, 24hrs to print deadline so must dash!

As always, when you need a job done or want to treat yourself, look in here first in the ‘Local Trades Directory’ and save yourself time, fuel and most importantly at the moment – money!

After the death of our dear timid Miss Misty we decided that we would rescue another kitten from the farm with too many cats and kittens and again instead of one kitten we chose two little adorable bundles of fluff. One of them was the most gorgeous pinky-beige colour, very difficult to describe, but she is the same colour as the floor tiles in the house. Soft and beautiful with a wonderful fluffy bib around her neck, we decided to call her Tamisa which was soon shortened to ‘Tammy’. We had to call the other one Mr Misty as he was the image of Miss Misty and was actually her brother, just a year younger. How could we not choose these two? There were so many kittens that needed a good home, but we really could not take them all, even if we had wanted to.

Willow, took responsibility for the new arrivals and watched them constantly. She was their surrogate Mum. We now had five cats to care for, but they all got on very well together.

The kittens spent their days climbing and exploring anything and everything and if they were not climbing they were taught hunting skills by both Willow and Ziggy both of whom would bring in rodents for them to chase until they were old enough to catch their own. At first Kiqui ignored the kittens and was most disgusted with the intruders, he would not even be in the same room as them, but about a month later we found him placing dead mice in their food bowl, a sure sign of his acceptance. He too then brought them live prey to chase.

When Tammy got a bit older, she decided it was her job in life to walk the perimeter of the field garden every day in search of rodents, come rain or shine we would see her toning her hunting skills. It did not matter how many rodents she caught and ate, she still needed her packet food and her biscuits as rodents of what ever size could only be described as an aperitif.

Tammy has became rather a loner, and seems to prefer her own company, always sleeping in a room by herself, although she will allow us to give her a good cuddle from time to time and a good brush. I think Tammy has developed ‘airs and graces’ as she likes to look down on the other cats, so to this end she has also become an excellent climber, her favourite perch being the olive tree. If another cat attempts to climb into the same tree, she will fight them off with determination. They have no choice but to back down and find their own tree to climb.

Now 14 years old, Tammy is still an absolute beauty and I am sure if we entered her into a competition, she would steal the show. Fortunately she has always been in relatively good health and has not given us any undue worry or concern, except for a touch of arthritis from time to time and if we see her limping we give her the medication prescribed by the Vet. She is certainly still enjoying life to the full.

The full story and many more are in the book “Viewed From My Window” by Patricia Oliver price £10 + £1.75 p&p. For more details, contact Patricia on 01202 826244. All proceeds go towards the Veterinary and Welfare needs of the 16 feral cats currently in her care.