Crane flies

Autumn has set in and lots of crane flies have emerged. There are 300 species of crane fly in the UK they are also known as daddy long legs. Crane fly larvae are called leatherjackets and they are a crop pest feeding on grass roots but are great food for birds. Crane flies are nocturnal and are often attracted to lights. They are a member of the fly order Diptera which means 2 wings. The second pair of wings are reduced to knob ended clubs which can be seen in this photo these are called halteres and help with stabilising flight. The number of wings is a great distinguishing feature between hover flies and wasps as hover flies only have 2 wings where as wasps and bees have 4.

Tree Pipit

We went out ringing on a Hart Countryside Site and caught this beautiful Tree Pipit. They are very similar to a meadow pipit but they have a shorter hind claw, heavier bill, pink legs and fine streaking on the breast. The Tree Pipit is quite rare as it has declined drastically over the past 25 years.

Would you like to learn more about bats?

Why not try one of Harts bat walks, experience one of our amazing sites in the dark listen to the owls whilst marvelling at the bats feeding over head. How many might we see?

Would you like to volunteer?

Would you like to volunteer at Fleet Pond? Why not join us on a volunteer Sunday our first task of the season is on Sunday 8th September please email countryside@hart.gov.uk for more information and to book your place :D

Moth trapping

Out moth trapping last night and caught this beautiful moth from the fungus moth family Tineidae. The species is called Tinea semifulvella and the larvae can be found feeding on birds nests. Birds nests are a great habitat and home to lots of insects including fleas mites and flat flies.

Bats at Hartley Wintney

Last night Rangers Leigh and Louise went out after work to survey the bats on Hartley Wintney Central Common. The common is Nationally important for its bat interest. We were very lucky to find a bat roost and watch a group of young bats take their first flight 

Fleet Pond Golf Course

Did you know there used to be a golf course at Fleet Pond and this is one of the greens