Houghton Regis Chalk Pit

Issue no. 05

Newsletter

Summer 2013

Following the coldest and slowest start to spring in 30 years, one could be forgiven for thinking it was only May when visiting Houghton Regis Chalk Pit. The late change of the seasons has meant delayed blooming of flowering plants all blossoming at the same time, creating an explosion of colours and scents around the reserve. The overdue arrival of migrant birds, plus the slow emergence of insects has meant postponed breeding attempts by wildlife making it an interesting, if not unpredictable time. I urge you to visit the Chalk Pit at this time of year and take advantage of the delights on offer, while the nature reserve is at its very best. Photo Caption Competition In the last issue, photo captions were requested for this photo of a scene from the quirky (and slightly surreal) sci-fi film ‘Man in the Moon’ filmed at Houghton Regis Chalk Pit in 1960. Thanks so much to those who contributed: “Moon mission fiasco after Luton postcode put into Satnav” “Becky proudly demonstrates her new diving suit and off-road vehicle” Michael Murphy “It’s a nature reserve Jim, but not as we know it….” Annette Traverse-Healy

The Chalk Pit continues to be regarded as a desirable shooting location by filmmakers even today, with a scene for a short film about a post-apocalyptic drama called “Hold” directed by local actor and filmmaker Eric Kolelas, filmed at the quarry back in May. Unfortunately the warden was unable to get a ‘Hitchcock-esque’ walk-on cameo role in the film as hoped.

“Hold” shot at Houghton Regis Chalk Pit in May

Wildlife Highlights The first summer migrant bird to arrive at the quarry this year was a chiff chaff on April 1st. This was shortly followed by the last winter thrush of the year - a fieldfare - to leave the quarry to return to its breeding grounds in Scandinavia on April 10th. Other migrant birds from Africa then rapidly arrived: willow warbler, blackcap, common and lesser whitethroat, plus reed and sedge warbler all settling here to breed this year. Wheatears were briefly spotted at the end of April/early May, passing through enroute to breeding grounds elsewhere. Turtle dove by Gary Huston

I’m delighted to say a turtle dove returned on May 3rd (discovered by Mick Price); this staggeringly rare bird which has plummeted in numbers by over 90% since the 1960s will be monitored closely by the Wildlife Trust. Swallows, house martins and swifts were often seen passing over this spring and common terns are regularly circling over the area hunting for fish. A little ringed plover has occasionally been observed flitting between the quarry and the nearby Dunstable Sewage Works, a hotspot for wading birds. There are lots of juvenile birds about, exploring their new surroundings and learning to feed themselves. A single peregrine falcon has been spotted by keen-eyed local birdwatchers flying over once in a while. Here’s hoping a pair will breed on the cliffs one year!

Little Ringed Plover by Sean Gray

The reserve is awash with yellow at the moment, perhaps even more so than last spring, thanks to the flowers of horseshoe vetch, kidney vetch and bird’s-foot-trefoil. Interspersed amongst these are common spotted orchids, with over 600 onsite! The odd bee orchid and pyramidal orchid can also be found lurking. With nature being over a month behind this year, it may still be possible for other orchid species to show themselves. It is already proving to be a better year for butterflies at the reserve than in 2012, with common blue, small blue, green hairstreak and dingy skipper all abundant this spring. With the small blue listed as a ‘Priority species’ for conservation under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) and as medium priority by the charity Butterfly Conservation, and the dingy skipper classed as a priority UK BAP species and as high priority by Butterfly Conservation - we are truly privileged to have these species thriving at the Chalk Pit. Do visit in July/August (perhaps during one of the events listed on page 3?) to witness the chalkhill blue butterfly on the wing. A pair of our smallest Due to the quarry being carpeted in its foodplant (horseshoe vetch) this spring, I predict there UK butterfly, the small will be hundreds of these winged gems this summer. •

blue (by Sue Crookes)

Correction In the April issue, I incorrectly stated that the keen-eyed individual who found eight waxwings at the reserve back in January was Nigel ‘Walkman’. Perhaps I was reminiscing about my eighties childhood at the time of writing, but that should have been Nigel ‘Workman’. Huge apologies, Nigel.

Green hairstreak by Sue Crookes

Motorbikes As occurrences of illegal off-roading with motorbikes at the reserve will undoubtedly increase as we move into the summer holidays, please may I reiterate the importance of reporting such incidents to the police during your visit by calling the non-emergency phone number of 101. It is vital we keep reporting bikers so that the police are fully aware of the high frequency of the problem. The more of us that react, the more response we will receive.

The Wombles of the Quarry Many members of the public, as well as volunteers at the April litter pick, have recently commented on how little litter is visible at the reserve these days. We must celebrate such positive feedback and congratulate the few dutiful litter pickers responsible for this success. It’s essential we keep on top of this situation now and continue these efforts – especially this time of year when visitor numbers are highest. If anyone is keen on helping with some occasional litter picking around littering hot spots (such as around the lake), I’d love to hear from you. Volunteer Work parties & Events Ragwort work parties Tuesday 16th July 10am - 3pm Thursday 25th July 10am - 3pm Although we removed much of it last year, there is still a lot of ragwort to pull up this year to prevent it monopolising the chalk grassland and spreading to other parts of the countryside. All equipment plus tea and coffee provided. Please bring lunch. Butterfly Ramble Saturday 10th August 2 - 4pm With over 25 different species of butterfly at the reserve and this being the peak time to see the beautiful Chalkhill blue butterfly, sunshine permitting, this should be a butterfly bonanza!

Late Summer Guided Walk Saturday 31st August 10am - 12.30pm Come along to see thousands of the stunning Chiltern Gentian wild flower carpeting the reserve in purple, as well as the last butterflies and dragonflies of the summer.

Willow bashing work parties Saturday 28th September 10am - 3pm Saturday 19th October 10am - 3pm Saturday 16th November10am - 3pm To continue the much needed work which began at the end of last winter to open up the reedbeds and remove some of the willows which have densely monopolised the fen. All equipment plus tea and coffee provided. Please bring lunch. Please RSVP if you would like to come along to any events. The meeting place for all work parties and events is on Farrier’s Way, just off Millers Way. Please wear sturdy footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Best Wishes Rebecca Rebecca Pitman Reserves Officer 01525 874317 / 07595090776 [email protected]

The limestone lake today – somewhat cleaner than two years ago