newsletter - Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve

spring summer 2012
Photography Saved! Events Herons Nature Trail
www.slnnr.org.uk

Revival of Little Marsh
H
idden in the sanctuary area of the Higher Ley, the wetland
area known as Little Marsh can be found, supporting a
wide range of wildlife from birds, plants and an array of
fascinating insects.
Recently, the importance of this site has been emphasised
through the arrival of the very rare Haworth’s minor moth,
recorded in Devon only seven times. And Barrie Whitehall,
who operates a moth trap in Little Marsh, has regularly
recorded freshly emerged moths – their fresh condition
would suggest that there is a breeding population in the
marsh; a first for Devon. Over-wintering as eggs in leaf litter,
caterpillars emerge and feed on the inside of soft rush, a
plant found in the marsh.
The marsh is also home to a
very special and important
assemblage of attractive
wetland plants such as
purple loosestrife, wild
angelica and meadowsweet. A survey was conducted in
May last year by Ros Bennett to assess the condition of Little
Marsh. Ros noted that this was the last stronghold on the
nature reserve of these important wetland plants. However,
the natural processes of succession and sedimentation are
changing the habitat, threatening the survival of its wildlife.
Jim McPetrie farms the adjacent land. He recalled how the
wetland plants once dominated a much larger part of Little
Marsh. Traditionally, the marsh was cut for thatching
material and grazed in the summer months by cattle.
Removing this vegetation stopped any build-up of dead
plant matter. However, in recent years the vegetation has not
been harvested, allowing a dense layer of plant matter to
form causing the marsh to dry out. As the ground has
become firmer and drier, more aggressive terrestrial weeds
such as nettles and brambles have been able to colonise and
smother the wetland plants.
The opportunity to control the aggressive weeds and restore
the range of wetland plants has to be seized before it is too
late. To achieve this, the land will be opened once again for
grazing cattle, a conservation method which has been very
successful in other regions. As a first step, large areas of scrub
have already been removed through hard work from our
volunteers, and fences installed to protect the boardwalk.
Top: purple loosestrife • Brenda Child
Above: the newly-fenced boardwalk.
Left: meadowsweet • Brenda Child
We look forward to the arrival of cattle into the marsh and
will closely monitor the improvements made to this fragile
environment.
Photography tips
I
have been fortunate to run natural
history photography courses for the
FSC at Slapton*, in one of my favourite
regions of the UK. With easy access to
coastal, woodland, moorland and
grassland habitats, the area offers huge
potential for the nature photographer.
poppy on the shingle ridge, or the
lichens in Slapton churchyard. I use a
wide angle lens for these shots, and go
close to the main subject (sometimes
just 150 mm or so), so that the habitat
is clearly visible behind the specimen.
a medium telephoto macro lens will
come into its own – something like a
100 mm macro lens will be perfect.
Another subject for a telephoto lens
are the many adders that inhabit the
shingle ridge. These can often be found
basking in the sun on warm days, but
will quickly move off if they detect
vibrations, so approach cautiously.
Getting a general view of the reserve
itself is tricky. There is a viewpoint
behind the village of Torcross which
overlooks the Ley, and another from
the fields behind the Centre along the
path beyond the farm. For general
views like this lighting is critical, and
is best either first thing in the morning
or late afternoon.
Adrian Davies
2
The reserve itself has a wonderful mix
of habitats containing flowers and
other plants, birds and mammals. It
can be tempting to produce a series of
portrait shots, but it is far more
interesting to show the plants in their
habitat, for example the long horned-
The area abounds in insects – butterflies,
moths and of course dragonflies. These
can be very skittish, and we have spent
many hours trying to photograph them,
but occasionally you will find one that
settles in a spot for a lengthy period
allowing you to get close. This is where
*See: www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/arts/photography

Start Bay Centre and
Slapton Ley Field Centre join forces
F
or over 12 months the Start Bay Centre had been at risk of being closed as Devon
County Council continue their search for ways to make savings. Understandably,
the staff were worried about the future and the security of their jobs.
At 2.22pm on 1st November the Field
Studies Council (FSC, the education
charity that owns Slapton Ley Field
Centre) were able to secure a deal with
Devon County Council and exchanged
contracts. FSC became the new owners
of the Start Bay Centre, securing the
future of the Centre and all staff.
The FSC are delighted to be involved
with Start Bay Centre and to help keep
the Centre open. As a charity we aim
to give everyone the chance to be
inspired by the environment so
keeping facilities like Start Bay open is
really important to us. Many other
local authority centres across Britain
remain under threat and may not
achieve the same happy ending.
Slapton Ley and Start Bay Centre have
always worked well together with
Slapton Ley offering opportunities for
older A-level and University students
from across Britain. Start Bay Centre
offers opportunities for younger
Primary School children in Devon and
FSC want to maintain this provision
for local children and schools.
Our aim is to continue to operate
both Centres in this vein within their
complementary areas of expertise.
As Start Bay Centre is located close to
Slapton Ley Field Centre and the
National Nature Reserve, it means the
FSC are well placed to manage it and
share resources.
We hope that we can provide a new
security for the Start Bay Centre for
many years to come. The FSC has
already started to invest in the Centre
to update some of the bathroom and
computer facilities. We are also
actively encouraging more schools
and groups from across Devon to use
this amazing facility.
If you know of a school or group
that may want to stay in Slapton with
fantastic views across Start Bay, please
contact Andrew Pratt.
Andrew Pratt
Head of Centres
Save our centres
One in three Local Authority outdoor
education centres are facing closure
which could mean millions of young
people are denied potentially lifechanging
experiences, at a time when
health, physical activity and contact
with nature are all declining. Children
from poorer and disadvantaged groups
may not have another opportunity to
share a night away from home and visit
places they would not otherwise see.
The fact is that closure need not happen
– in many cases these centres could
become self-sufficient if given time.
You can help by signing a petition, set
up by the FSC with the support of
Association for Heads of Outdoor
Education Centres, English Outdoor
Council, Institute for Outdoor Learning
and National Association of Field
Studies Officers.
To raise awareness of the campaign
we have created a short piece of
video which you can watch:
http://youtu.be/WPEenciK8uQ
Or to go direct to the petition visit
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/
petitions/26661
Act now to protect these unique
opportunities for young people.
3

4
Free...
Events calender 2012
Hedgerow Harvest
Thursday 5th and Sunday 15th April, 10.30am–12.30pm
Taste your way through Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve on a wild-food themed walk,
searching for edible plants of the woodland, hedgerow and seashore.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear essential • Bring a basket
Spring Stroll
Saturday 21st April, 10.30am–12.30pm
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a woodland coming alive in spring. Discover hidden
secrets and spectacular wildlife as you are guided through the sanctuary areas of Slapton Ley.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear essential
Dawn Chorus
Saturday 28th April, 6am–8am
Listen to the sound of birds waking to a spring dawn on a quiet morning stroll around Slapton
Ley. Afterwards enjoy an optional breakfast of wholesome food.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear essential • Binoculars
useful but not essential • Breakfast provided at £6 per person
Birds of Slapton Ley
Saturday 5th, Monday 7th and Saturday 12th May, 10am–12 noon
Discover the spring birds of Slapton Ley on a guided walk along the nature trail.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear essential
• Binoculars useful but not essential
Beach Clean
Sunday 6th May, 10am–1pm
Join us on Slapton Sands to help clean up our beautiful coastline.
Meet in the middle car park on Slapton Sands (free parking) • Gardening gloves useful
• Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear recommended
Rocky Shore
Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June and
Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd August, 10.30am–12.30pm
Search for animals living in the rock pools of Torcross and learn what makes these creatures special.
Meet at the Slapton Ley View Point in Torcross car park • Wellies recommended but can be hired
if prior notice is given • I.D. guides will be available for purchase
Bat Watch
Wednesday 6th June and
every Wednesday from 25th July–29th August, times vary with season
Explore the night-time world of these magical creatures. Watch them emerge from their roosts,
follow their foraging routes and use our bat detectors to hear their weird and wonderful calls.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear recommended
• A torch and insect repellent are advisable
Volunteer Celebration
Thursday 7th June, 9am–12.30pm
Supported by Natural eNglaNd HlS ScHeme
Join us in the national Volunteers Week to celebrate the fantastic contribution of our dedicated
volunteers. Enjoy a taste of working with our enthusiastic volunteers and experienced nature
reserve staff and help perform vital conservation tasks around Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear • Gardening gloves
recommended • Tea and cake provided
Beach Activities
Weekends in July and everyday except Friday during the school summer holiday,
12 noon–4pm
Discover more about Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve with activities, crafts and trails at our
Beach Trailer in the Memorial Car Park on Slapton Sands.
Booking is essential for all events. For more information or to make a booking, call Slapton Ley Field Centre on 01548 581 529

Meet the Ranger
Every Monday from 23rd July to 27th August, 2pm–4pm
Join us for a stroll around Slapton Ley to explore the variety of wildlife found on the reserve and
speak to the ranger who manages this wonderful area.
Meet at the Beach Trailer • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear recommended
Life in the Ley
Every Tuesday from 24th July to 28th August, 2pm–4pm
From scorpions to snails, or damsels to dragons, there are lots of exciting creatures to discover
on a pond dip in Slapton Ley.
Meet at the Beach Trailer • Wellies recommended but can be hired if prior notice is given
• I.D. guides will be available for purchase
Mysterious Minibeasts
Every Wednesday from 25th July to 29th August, 2pm–4pm
Lying under logs and hiding in bushes, minibeasts can be found all around the nature reserve.
Join us on an adventure to discover as many minibeasts as we can.
Meet at the Beach Trailer • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear • I.D. guides will be available
for purchase
Secretive Dormice
Thursday 26th July and 23rd August, 10am–12 noon
Discover more about one of our most elusive mammals and hopefully catch a glimpse of one on
an adventure around the nature reserve.
Meet at the Beach Trailer • Long trousers and sensible footwear are essential
Bird in the Hand
Saturday 28th July and Sunday 26th August, 8.00am–10am
Get up close and personal with some of our feathered friends by viewing the bird-ringing
operation manned by the Devon Bird Watching & Preservation Society. Then join us on a walk
through a sanctuary area to watch these birds in flight.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear recommended
• Binoculars useful but not essential
Bushcraft
Wednesday 1st, 8th and 15th August, 10am–12 noon
Test your survival skills as you learn how to light fires and build shelters on a walk around Slapton Ley.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear
Celebrate Start Bay
Saturday 18th August, 10am–4pm
A day-long celebration of ‘all that is good’ about the Start Bay area showcasing local arts and
crafts, food and the great outdoors. Plus a full programme of outdoor and indoor activities and
entertainment, talks and workshops.
Contact Slapton Ley Field Centre for more details
Slapton Summer Safari
Monday 30th July –Friday 3rd August, 9.30am–3pm
Slapton Summer Safari promises to be a wonderful week of adventure and discovery helping
young people learn more about their local area and the amazing plants and animals that live
there. Each day the group will explore new sites in and around the Slapton Ley National
Nature Reserve.
Meet at Slapton Ley Field Centre • £17.50 per child per day (£80 for whole week – family
discounts available) • Contact Slapton Ley Field Centre for more details
Wildlife Canoe Tour
Every Thursday in August
Join us for a rare opportunity to experience Slapton Ley from a unique perspective. You will be
taken on a two-hour educational canoe trip on the Ley, learning about its diverse wildlife and
rich history along the way.
Morning (6-8am, 8.30-10.30am and 11am-1pm) and afternoon (12-2pm, 2.30-4.30pm and 5-7pm)
sessions run on alternate weeks (call for more details) • Meet at Slapton Bridge • £20 per
person • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear (you may get cold and wet!) and bring a
change of clothes • Bring sun cream, hat and a drink
Booking is essential for all events. For more information or to make a booking, call Slapton Ley Field Centre on 01548 581 529
5

Bluebell
Helping our native woodland wildlife
A
pproached from the north along a boardwalk from the Ireland Bay reed beds,
France Wood is a semi-natural woodland in a quiet sanctuary area at the
southern end of the nature reserve. We are working hard to stop the spread of
sycamore trees for the future benefit of our native wildlife.
Ash, beech, cherry, oak and sweet
chestnut are the main native trees in
France Wood. More recently there has
been a dramatic increase in sycamore.
Nationally there is debate on just what
value sycamore has to ecosystems, but
our research suggests that it only
supports a relatively small range of
species. Its rapid growth rate and dense
canopy inhibits the regeneration of other
tree species. The dense leaf litter and
sticky nature of their fallen leaves may
have a detrimental effect on ground flora.
Although its biodiversity is less rich than Slapton Wood, it does support some
important species. In Spring the woodland floor comes alive in the spring with
carpets of native bluebells and ramsons, and the hazel understorey provides a perfect
habitat for the dormouse. There is a small population of roe deer. Buzzard, great
spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, sparrowhawk, tawny owl, and
treecreeper number among the regular breeding bird species.
Our 100 Year Plan for France Wood is to stop the spread of
sycamore. We have divided the wood into 100 zones, recorded
sycamore trees in each and fell the sycamore section
by section every year. Because trees live for hundreds
of years woodland management should be planned with
a long term version. Surveys in other woodlands following
sycamore control programmes have shown a significant
increase in biodiversity, and we hope to be able to report the same
for France Wood in years to come.
Join one of our events Spring Stroll or Meet the Ranger for an opportunity to explore this quiet
area of the nature reserve (see pages 4 and 5).
Sycamore leaf
Batty Slapton
Which nocturnal creature can weigh
less than a pound coin, eat 3000
insects in one night and finds it way
around by listening for echoes The
answer: the humble bat!
These amazing animals are the only
mammals that can truly fly. We are
lucky to have 12 species of bats
recorded around Slapton Ley (17
species breed in Britain), so the nature
reserve is a great place to visit at dusk
as you are likely to see bat activity.
But the reserve isn’t the only place to see
bats. The Field Centre in Slapton village
houses bats as well as students, with a
maternity roost for pipistrelle bats –
Britain’s most common species – in the
roof of one of the buildings. There is also
an overflow roost for lesser horseshoe
bats, a quite rare species found only in
the west of England and Wales.
The lesser horseshoe roosts are
monitored by volunteers as part of the
National Bat Monitoring Programme.
By counting the number of bats that
emerge from the roost on summer
evenings we can discern trends in
British bat populations. In 2011 the
Slapton roost was the 32nd largest
colony of lesser horseshoe bats out of
91 monitored across the country, with
a peak count in June of 141 bats.
Maryanne Wills
Come and join our Bat Watch event to
discover more (see page 4).
6
Great Reed Warbler
Slapton Ley Research
Seminar 2012
F
or over 50 years, the mosaic of
habitats found at Slapton Ley NNR
has been the focus of research carried
out by universities, professionals and
enthusiasts. The annual research
seminar is excellent way to share this
knowledge to a wider audience.
Chaired by Dr David Stradling,
Chairman of the Whitley Wildlife
Conservation Trust, this years event saw
a fantastic turnout of 70 attendees all
looking forward to a diverse range of
informative talks, ranging from a report
from the Bird Observatory Ringing
Group to a discussion on the potential
changes to habitats and species in the
event of a breach in Slapton Line.
Although numbers of roosting swallows
reached up to 100,000 in a single night
last year, Dennis Elphick of the Devon
Palmer Dam
Bird Watching and Preservation
Society gave a revealing talk on how
this roost may be in decline.
Dr Tim Kurz and Prof Patrick Devine-
Wright, Exeter University, have been
examining community perceptions of
coastal change around Slapton Line.
This pilot project involved
interviewing a variety of local
residents. Many questions were raised
as to the cause of environmental
changes as well as the roles and
motives of scientists.
Many thanks to all the speakers and
guest who made this a successful
event. If you would like to discuss the
possibility of carrying out research at
Slapton Ley, please contact Andrew
Pratt, enquiries.sl@field-studiescouncil.org.
To find out more about the research
undertaken at Slapton Ley, visit our updated
website www.slnnr.org.uk.

Grey Heron • Howard Bottrell Clouded Yellow • Brenda Child
Walking with butterflies
I
f you have ever walked the Nature
Trail in Slapton, or just sat in a field in
the summer, you will probably have had
an encounter with a butterfly or two.
In order to find out which butterflies
were in the local area a weekly survey
was carried out in the fields on the north
side of Slapton Wood, an area known
as Loworthy fields, from the beginning
of April to the end of September.
Providing the weather was suitable,
we walked along the seven connecting
pathways (or transects) and any
butterflies that fluttered by were
recorded. (They are best identified
while in flight rather than catching
them; if luck is with you, you may
have a minute to identify it while the
butterfly is resting on a plant.)
The survey followed guidelines set by
the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme
and the results fed into a national
database. The information can give
Slapton Ley
heronry
insight into the population of different
butterfly species. Butterflies can also be
used as indicators of the environment
and climate change as they have a
rapid life cycle and are sensitive to
environmental conditions. We hope to
continue monitoring the butterflies
and build up a long term set of data.
During the summer of 2011 (20 weeks), a
total of 838 butterflies were counted. The
most common butterfly was the meadow
brown, with peak numbers reaching
93 in July. Other frequently spotted
butterflies included the gatekeeper,
orange-tip, small white and common
blue. Rarities to Loworthy fields were
the brimstone and clouded yellow.
There is another glade along the Nature
Trail which is a great place to sit and
watch butterflies in the summer and has
a useful identification board. Why not
pay a visit and see how many you spot
Gemma Langworthy
T
Painted Lady • Brenda Child
‘V’ is for Volunteer
It’s incredible what a difference a year makes.
This time last year I was in London, sitting at
my desk, stressed to the eyeballs. I’d never
worked outside, never used ‘industrial’
gardening tools, and would never be seen in
steel capped boots. Dormouse Survey anyone
Um... what’s that However since I moved to
Devon, and became a volunteer at Slapton
Ley Nature Reserve, this has all changed.
It came as a bit of a
surprise to discover
that not only can I do
all those things – I
actually love doing
them. In fact I often
don’t want to go
home and would quite
happily stay on into
the night, cutting
through ivy growing
up tree trunks (it acts
as ‘sails’ on the trees
and can pull them down in high winds).
Now I know what it feels like to stand in the
rain with a pair of loppers, to hear the
distant rustle of tree tops when you’re deep
in the forest, to laugh out loud at the
bumpiness of the Land Rover and to
breathe air so clean it makes you feel like a
new person inside. And one day, if I’m very
lucky, I might even get to see a dormouse.
Hariet Lake
he grey heron is arguably one of the most impressive birds to grace the wetland
habitats of Slapton Ley. In flight it displays a highly distinctive profile: the
strongly bowed wings spanning up to 185 cm, its neck retracted and those long legs
trailing in its wake.
When feeding at the water’s edge the bird adopts an almost statuesque one-legged
pose, remaining motionless until ready to unleash that deadly dagger-like bill on
its unsuspecting prey, preferentially taking fish, but with amphibians, small
mammals and young birds very much on the menu.
The heron’s nest comprises a large basket of sticks and twigs, perched high in the
canopy of mature waterside trees The small yet well established colony at Slapton
Ley numbers some 3 to 5 breeding pairs. Herons are early breeders, with the birds
gathering in February, when they assemble on the old nesting platforms to
undertake elaborate courtship displays, running and skipping in one direction
then the next, wings spread wide with crest and neck plumes erect, those massive
bills now a deep orange in colour. An average of 3 or 4 eggs are laid, hatching after
some 27 days with the young fledging about 7 weeks later.
Perhaps the most immediate threat to the Slapton birds is the dramatic impact that
disturbance can have on their breeding programme. The woodland surrounding
the Slapton heronry is managed as a sanctuary area to manage access during the
breeding season. The only notable breeding failure in recent years is believed to be
attributable to disturbance caused by errant dog walkers, when unauthorised
access to the woodland appeared to drive the birds from their nests, leaving the
eggs temporarily exposed. The ravens nesting on the far side of the wood were
probably the beneficiaries of these actions!
The best vantage point (binoculars essential) for viewing the heronry is probably
from the shingle ridge at a position some 400 metres south of the Memorial car
park. Looking inland across the Ley there is a small plantation along the western
shore of the Ley where these impressive birds may be seen in the tree canopy.
7

Slapton Ley Nature Trail
T
he coastline at Slapton is a special place. The great skies, changing each minute,
and the huge seas, changing with every tide, are mesmerising.
Visitors come year after year to see
this Devon landscape and seascape,
knowing that it is unique. Above all,
there is a long ridge of shingle here
which divides the sea from the
freshwater lakes, or ‘leys’.
It is this shingle ridge which provides
an unusual habitat. Salt spray, harsh
winds and thin soil make this a difficult
place to survive. Yet the shingle ridge
is where distinctive flowers have
learnt to live: yellow horned-poppy,
sea pink and sea spurge are just a few.
The reedbeds provide more shelter.
This is where you will find plants that
have adapted to wet conditions. Stately
yellow flags can be found amongst the
reeds and tiny pairs of blue skullcap
flowers at the water’s edge. Close by,
woodland plants have found a home in
the semi-shade under the trees. Here’s
where, in spring, bluebells create a
patchwork of colour with red campion
and bright-white stitchwort.
Enjoy a stroll around our nature trail and
look out for our top ten favourite plants.
The plants
Clockwise,
from right:
bluebell;
dog violet;
red campion;
vipers bugloss;
thrift; sea kale;
yellow horned-poppy;
yellow flag;
skullcap;
sweet violet.
P
P
Slapton
Brenda Child
Field
Centre
P
P
P
Little
Marsh
Slapton
Bridge
P
P
P
P
P
France
Wood
P
Slapton Ley walks and trails
Explore three waymarked trails and the South West Coast Path
Family trail: 1.5 miles – approximately 45 minutes
Village trail: 1.75 miles – approximately 1 hour
Valley trail: 2.5 miles – approximately 1.5 hours
South West Coast Path
These trails provide easy walking with some steps. The viewing
platform at Slapton Bridge provides access for all.
P
P
P
Facilities Memorial Car Park: parking and toilets
Slapton Bridge: parking and viewing platform with access
Slapton and Torcross: shops and pubs
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (NNR)
is owned by Whitley Wildlife Conservation
Trust and managed by the Field Studies
Council’s (FSC) Slapton Ley Field Centre.
Head of Centre: Andy Pratt.
in partnership with:
SLAPTON LEY
FIELD CENTRE & NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
8
Reserve Manager: Nick Binnie.
South Hams
District Council