Sussex ecologist Laurie Jackson gave a talk to Ferring Conservation Group on 31 May on ‘Looking after our Wild Pollinators’. She said most fruit and vegetable crops depended on insects to carry their pollen to the ovaries of another plant of the same species and that insect populations are falling rapidly, raising real fears of falling yields. If these crops had to be pollinated by hand it would cost billions of pounds a year and make it impossible to grow them at prices that people could afford. Wild flower populations were also at risk.

She said honey bees were very useful in pollination but they were only one of 4,000 species of insects in the UK that carried out this essential process. Solitary bees and bumblebees were actually more efficient than honey bees and flies, especially hoverflies, were more efficient still. Butterflies, moths and beetles were also important pollinators.

Conservation Group members were urged to help insects to survive – by planting the right sort of plants, and leaving a part of their garden ‘untidy’ where insects could live undisturbed, and by creating refuges where insects could shelter, over-winter and reproduce. Modern farming methods were largely to blame for the loss of so many insects but everyone could do something to help the wild pollinators to continue their essential work.

Members also had a round-up of local wildlife news from Tricia Hall, including sightings of water voles on Ferring Rife, Whitethroats and a Red Kite. Ed Miller gave his report on current planning applications – he said there had been a run of applications to convert bungalows into two-storey houses – and Chairman David Bettiss gave an update on forthcoming events, including two trips out by boat to see the Rampion Windfarm at close quarters.

Tricia Hall, the Group’s wildlife expert, delivered a fascinating reflection on a recent holiday in Bulgaria in an illustrated talk entitled ‘Birds, Butterflies and Bears’. Accompanied by her good friends Charles and Eileen Cuthbert, they flew from Gatwick to Sofia, the nation’s capital, for the start of a wildlife holiday that did not go exactly to plan. They were met by their kind and generous (but not very knowledgeable) guide, Kosta, and soon found that they were the only participants on the holiday. Kosta drove them east in a minibus stopping en-route to see butterflies where they were rewarded to see several Black-veined Whites (extinct in Britain since the 1920s).

Their first hotel was in the town of Koprivishtitsa, built in the typical style of the town with little wooden balconies and thin walls. Many of the houses there are ’National Revival’ houses and are colourfully painted. This town is also the location of the momentous April Rising of 1876 against the Ottoman rule and on a hill above the town there is a memorial to mark the event. Many Spotted Flycatchers were seen here and under a bridge Dippers were seen in the river feeding their young.

The next day they headed along the main road and visited a stunning meadow which was full of flowers: Catchflies, Vetchlings, Trefoils, Plantains and thousands of Yellow Rattles. A day-flying Speckled Yellow moth, a Boletus species and a large Bush Cricket were found, also Cuckoos, Yellowhammers and Chiffchaffs could be heard calling. There were many more highlights on the trip including an unexpected visit to a grim housing block, from the days of Soviet occupation, where Kosta’s mother had prepared a typical Bulgarian tea for them.

After an arduous trek in a four-wheel truck up a mountainside for their bear watch, many hours were spent in a small hide near to areas baited with maize, apples and fish. This eventually paid dividends when firstly a small bear came into view and then at dusk a large European bear made an appearance, but unfortunately it was already too dark to photograph it.

A further unscheduled visit took them to a Tortoise breeding area. These tortoises were mostly rescued, unwanted pets and were kept in pens on the dry slopes above the marshes and Tricia, Charles and Eileen were able to hold some of the babies. Towards the end of the holiday they found themselves near to the Serbian border where Kosta was stopped by police in case he was transporting illegal immigrants!

Upon their return to Sofia ready for their flight home they were saddened to see many buildings covered in graffiti, including the holiday company’s premises, but this did not deflect from their thorough enjoyment of the holiday.

A short AGM followed where existing committee members were re-elected unopposed.

In lieu of the regular Nature Notes slot an interesting short film was shown about the work of Ferring Country Centre made by the late Mike Hall.

To conclude the meeting Ed Miller updated the Group with the latest planning news: the ASDA application for a 24 hour extension during the Christmas period was approved by Arun DC along with the extension to the Yeoman’s premises along the A259 in Ferring. Also Quercus Nurseries have applied for a variation to extend the time they can receive deliveries.

For their March meeting Ferring Conservation Group welcomed Mike Russell a former Sussex Wildlife Trust warden at Woodsmill, and although now retired Mike still helps out there on occasion. Mike gave an interesting and informative talk entitled ‘The Wonder of Migration’ illustrated with many excellent photographs.

Mike began by explaining that bird migration is all about survival. Land areas change with the seasons and what may seem like a perfect summer home can become a death-trap in winter. Unfortunately most insects disappear in winter during cold weather whereas in the warm climate of Africa there is an endless supply. The urge to migrate is stimulated by the change in temperature, lengthening daylight, the urge to breed and prevailing conditions in wintering grounds. Birds prepare for migration by spending many hours stocking up with food ready for the long journey ahead and their bodies have a special ability to turn food quickly into fat. The fat forms a layer beneath its skin, which is converted into energy as the birds fly and this gives them enough strength to migrate all the way to Africa.

A spell of calm weather with clear skies is usually the signal to start migration and birds navigate by using the position of the sun and stars with most birds migrating at night. Using the magnetic fields to guide them to familiar landmarks and traditional stopping off points and genetic imprinting enables birds to instinctively know to fly south. Birds have to deal with all kinds of dangers on the way – from bad weather and predators to exhaustion and starvation. Storms at sea can drive birds into waves where they drown and sandstorms or wildfires can cause similar problems.

Over one million birds have been ringed in the UK, 41,600 here in Sussex in an attempt to learn more about this incredible wonder of the natural world and Mike surprised the audience by explaining that the concept of bird migration is relatively new. It is only a hundred years or so since people have come to recognise this bird behaviour but even with all the advantages of modern technology, we still have lots to learn.

Tricia Hall followed the break for tea with her Nature Notes slot and advised the Group that the many trees planted along the banks of the Rife are looking healthy. She suggested that the vegetation that had grown up between the trees should be left to encourage birds to breed. Bees had been seen feeding on Blackthorn blossom and Celandines, Red Nettle, Daisies and Speedwell were all looking pretty around the village. Tricia had also noted that the leaves on the willow trees in Little Paddocks were already visible and the Cormorant had once again taken up residence there. Also many Greater Spotted and Green Woodpeckers had been seen and heard in the Plantation at Goring and a Reed Bunting had been heard along the Rife.

Ed Miller concluded the meeting by keeping the Group up to speed with planning news and informed the audience that the planning application for the demolition of a 2 bed bungalow and the building of a 2 bed house at 11 Ocean Drive had been refused by Arun DC. There is a new application for a 10th apartment at Southpoint in South Ferring; a proposal for a house to be built in the side garden at 30 Rife Way and a bungalow to be built in the back garden of 2 The Grove. A revised plan for a smaller bungalow to be built in the garden of Elm Lodge in Tamarisk Way has also been submitted to Arun. ASDA have submitted an early application to secure 24 hour opening over the next Christmas period. Ed also advised the Group that appeals were still pending at 4 Sea Lane, 11 Telgarth Road and 21 Ocean Drive.

Andrew Cleave MBE is a Hampshire based natural historian with a lifelong passion for wildlife and has written over 20 books on natural history and co-authored many more. Andrew was given a warm welcome to Ferring Conservation Group’s February meeting and gave a fascinating, illustrated lecture entitled ‘Life between the Tides’ to this well attended event. Andrew explained how fortunate we are in Britain to have an opportunity to see and study many species of sea life exposed on our beaches at low tide. Andrew demonstrated how privileged we are to have access through rock pools and rocky shorelines to observe sea creatures and learn about their habitat and behaviour, illustrated with many superb photographs that he had taken over the years. A number of these photographs were used in the Collins Complete Guide to British Coastal Wildlife.

The rise and fall of the tide is due to lunar influences but not all seas are subject to these stimuli. Neither the Mediterranean nor Baltic seas are tidal so therefore they keep their secrets hidden, and it is only the intrepid diver or adventurous snorkeler that is privy to this captivating world.

The sea life found in rock pools at low tide must be tough and adaptable to the force of the waves and the changes in temperature as the water remaining in the pools will heat up at low tide. Seaweeds are a good example of this as these non-flowering plants glue themselves to rocks and can withstand the tidal forces. The Common Blenny is a small fish that is abundant in rocky coastal inshore waters around the UK (sometimes referred to as the Shanny), and being out of water is not a problem provided the environment is damp and moist. The Greenleaf worm, Sea Slugs and Periwinkles can all live out of water for a length of time and the round shell of the Flat Periwinkle enables these adaptable creatures to roll around in seawater and not get damaged. The many species of crab are always an interesting discovery as they are found in numerous shapes and sizes and can be easily found hiding under rocks and will scurry quickly away if disturbed. Interestingly creatures such as the Limpet have teeth that consist of the strongest biological material ever tested and they use these to cling on to a rock at low tide. Our glimpse into this captivating world is available to all those that are interested to take a look and marvel at what ‘Life between the Tides’ can reveal.

Tricia Hall presented her popular Nature Notes after the usual break for tea and advised the audience that Tawny Owls had been heard in several areas of the village and encouraged members to record any sightings of these birds on the RSPB website. Tricia reported that several signs of spring were evident with Celandines, Primroses, Snowdrops, Rosemary and White Heather covered in Honey Bees feeding on nectar had been spotted, as well as frog spawn in ponds and the lagoons near the Rife. Many birds had been heard singing in the area including Blackbirds, Song Thrushes, Dunnocks, Great Tits and Chaffinches as well as signs of birds starting to nest.

To conclude the meeting Ed Miller updated the Group regarding the latest planning news. Ed advised the audience that the recent planning application for two houses in the back garden of 21, Ocean Drive had been refused by Arun DC along with the proposed Bluebird Café expansion. The ninth apartment at Southpoint in South Ferring had been approved by the Planning Inspectorate after an Appeal by the developers.

Transporting the audience nearly 5,000 miles across the Atlantic to British Columbia (BC) on the west coast of Canada, Lee Morgan from Lutra Wildlife and Wilderness gave a fascinating presentation on the diverse and exciting wildlife found along this remarkable coastline. Lee, together with his partner Lindsay Janes, run professionally guided wildlife, natural history and photographic tours in this area. Their itineraries are carefully crafted to include the best locations for quality wildlife viewing away from the usual tourist hotspots.

Lee explained that BC is Canada’s most westerly province and stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Rockies in the east and is the size of France and Germany combined. It has a population of around 4.5 million people and over 27,000 miles of coastline with many sheltered fjords, sprawling forests and mountainous peaks it is ideal territory for the diverse wildlife this area has to offer. It has pristine ecosystems and vast tracks of wilderness and it is along the coastline that you may catch a glimpse of an orca, pause to marvel at a moose, or simply watch eagles soar. Pacific Grey whales are regular visitors from March to October and other marine sightings may include humpback whales, minke whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions and sea otters.

Seasonal migrant birds are attracted by the abundant fish; including barrows golden eye ducks in winter and in summer pigeon guillemots, belted kingfishers and ospreys. Bald Eagle sightings coincide with the movement of salmon making their way back to their places of birth to spawn. Grizzly bears are also fond of salmon and can be spotted along the shoreline ready to help themselves to the plentiful supply. Mink may be seen hunting for crabs among the rocky outlets.

Bird watchers can appreciate the diversity of wild birds this area has to offer with a variety of songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and marine birds, from turkey vultures to species of hummingbirds.

This beautiful natural environment as portrayed by Lee makes a visit to this part of the world an attractive proposition.

After the usual break for tea and biscuits, in Tricia Hall’s absence, Graham Tuppen presented the ever popular Nature Notes. Graham advised us that unusually at this time of year roses, fuchsias, daffodils and gladiolus had been spotted in flower in the village and also a large white-tailed bumblebee. Graham asked if any of the audience had seen or heard any tawny owls and to record their findings on a weekly basis. Over the month Clive Hope had recorded sightings of many birds in the area, including guillemots, razor-bills, red breasted mergansers and gannets. Graham announced that the clean-up of the banks of the Rife will take place on Saturday 23rd March meeting at 11am in the Bluebird Café car park.

To conclude the January meeting Ed Miller gave an update on planning news in the village. He advised there had been a refusal by Arun DC of the planning application to build a house in the back garden at 4, Sea Lane, and also the 2 houses in the garden at 21, Ocean Drive. The planning application at 11, Ocean Drive to demolish a 2 bed bungalow and build a 2 bed house was still to be decided. Two new planning applications were highlighted; the proposed building of a house in the garden of Elm Lodge in Tamarisk Way and the proposed conversion of a bungalow to a four bed house in Midhurst Drive.