President's Evening, 23rd April 2010
The Nature of Fineshade Woods
and the Red Kites
Lecture by Brian Sumpton
(Summary by Paul Hayes)
Brian Sumpton (photo: Paul Hayes)
Brian Sumpton is a volunteer for the R.S.P.B. at Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods near Corby in Northamptonshire. He has been actively involved in introducing people to the wildlife of the woods and the Red Kites since they were successfully re-introduced to the area by the Forestry Commission 12 years ago.
Brian started the evening by covering the history of the area, how it became a Royal Forest and the restrictions this imposed. The forested area shrank until its Royal Forest status was removed. The area was then eventually taken over by the Forestry Commission, and partly planted with conifers. Over the last few decades Forest Enterprises, as they are now known, have been removing some of the conifers and planting native trees, i.e. Oak, Ash etc. During this time they have been working in collaboration with the R.S.P.B. to increase the biodiversity of the area, which has resulted in the site being chosen for the re-introduction of the Red Kite.
Red Kite (photo: Geoffrey Einon)
Red Kite (photo: Geoffrey Einon)
The nature of the area was then delightfully illustrated, starting with images of small mammals; the dormouse was particularly cute. The Fallow Deer were next, followed by the reptiles and flora of the area, particularly the Orchids. Last of all, for the first half was the smaller birds. All subjects were described and where and when they can be found in the forest was covered.
Audience engrossed by the talk (photo: Paul Hayes)
The break was memorable for the excellent food, such Brandy Snaps, Scones, and other nibbles made and supplied by a number of members.
After the break Brian gave us a short talk about the introduction of the Red Kites and how they are doing now, finishing with a presentation about the R.S.P.B.
Jo Underwood thanks Brian Sumpton for
an excellent talk (photo: Paul Hayes)
The evening was rounded off with a short question and answer session followed by a vote of thanks by Jo Underwood.