Recently some members studied the flora /fauna of Ford Moss documenting the results.
In late 2002 AWG was approached by Lord Joicey to see if we were interested in undertaking a biodiversity survey of Ford Moss to create a baseline data against which to measure the effects of future management activities at the Moss.Our report in January 2004 showed 192 plant species with their distribution and frequency and 67 bird species.

Another recent project was to undertake a Grey Partridge Count on behalf of Northumberland Estates in January 2004. The project was led by Jim Clark and the report that follows was submitted by him.

INTRODUCTION.

Ratcheugh, Snableazes and Hawkhill have a total of approximately 715 ha. No hand-reared game birds have been released there, nor has there been any degree of shooting, active game-keeping or predator control.
A count of Grey Partridge will help to decide if any shooting would be sustainable in the future. A count would also be useful as a comparison with future populations and check the effectiveness of measures taken under the Farm Stewardship Scheme to improve wildlife habitats.

METHODOLOGY.

An area of approximately 380 ha. was identified as being ideal for an effective count. This area is between the railway and the Ratcheugh Crag /Snableazes road, starting at the Alnwick to Longhoughton road and finishing on the Alnwick to Alnmouth road.
Nine volunteers from the Alnwick Wildlife Group took part in the count and we are indebted to them for their enthusiam and ability. Each member was supplied with a map indicating their separate routes and beating flags were used to help disturb birds. The nine routes were designed to cover the area as effectively as possible, concentrating on areas of cover and hedgerows where Partridge are more likely to be as opposed to newly ploughed areas.
Maps were marked with the point of any sightings and number of birds seen. The direction of flight was also noted to prevent birds being recorded twice. In the event this was not a problem.

RESULTS by field name.
Railway 34	5
Dunshaugh Front	4
Poor Field	4
Poor Field	2
Mountain	2
Total	17

 

CONCLUSION.

The two pairs are likely to be adult birds that have already separated from their coveys. The small size of the coveys indicates losses since hatching. There has been no shooting therefore losses must be due to natural causes. Weather conditions in late June and July 2003 were excellent for Partridge survival and should not have caused any problems. Starvation is a factor which commonly causes losses in intensive arable areas but this should not be a factor, especially in the future when the newly sown field margins mature. Partridge are known to be less able to withstand conditions on heavier soils which this area tends to be. Natural predators are likely to be the main problem. It is likely that a small number of birds have been missed during the count, weather conditions being poor; dull with constant drizzle.
Allowing for some further losses between February and June, we estimate a potential breeding population in this area of 8 pairs (1 pair to approximately 47 ha.). Assuming that there is a similar density over the remaining area of Ratcheugh, Snableazes and Hawkhill (approximately 340 ha.) there could be a breeding potential of 16 pairs.
Game Conservancy recently stated that “Unmanaged land should hold an average of 4?5 breeding pairs on 100 hectares. With annual losses at 55% it implies that 20 birds per 100 hectares are required in the autumn to maintain numbers. At lower densities shooting should not take place”.

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For more information, or requests to join, or for a copy of the Ford Moss report (£3), contact richard@greystonecottage.fsnet.co.uk or Roger Manning, Unit 3, Willowtree Estate, Alnwick NE66 2HA.

 

If you have an idea for a project let us know but: -
You must be prepared to participate
It must be realistic for members who are not expert
It must be performed over a reasonable time span