TADPOLES ARRIVE

The frogspawn mentioned in my earlier post has now all hatched producing hundreds of tadpoles. The two images show only a few of those now in the pond. They become very active particularly on warmer days when the sun is shining. At present they appear to be thriving by eating the algae on the pond lining but I don't think that will last. I doubt that there will be enough sustinence to feed them all. From research it appears that developed tadpoles eat boiled lettuce so I'll try that when they become bigger.

 

Marsh Marigold and Wood Sorrel

While I was out with the dogs a few days ago I noticed that the Marsh Marigolds (right) and Wood Sorrel (left) were blooming well. Both were seen on the Hetton Bogs site close to the footbridge on the path from Broomhill Terrace.

Friends of Hetton Bogs

The Friends Group started in February 2009 and is properly constituted with elected officers and committee. The site which is the focus of our interests includes the formal Hetton Park, containing a childrens play area, bowling green and games courts, together with Hetton Bogs, a recognised nature reserve.
Our annual subscriptions are £2 (waged) and £1 (unwaged). During our first year of operation we attracted 58 members and will strive to increase that number in the future.
At the open Annual General Meeting held earlier this month a number of proposals were agreed and the newly elected committe will attempt to make progress on these matters. We hope to play a bigger role in the Hetton Festival in July, seek funding towards the development of the site and improve the profile and use of the area particularly amongst the local community.

Our Dogs

These 2 are our dogs. On the left is Rosie who's not quite 2 and to the right is Tyke who is 10. His face is now whiter than in the picture. On most days we three have a walk in the park early morning, late morning and afternoon. On nice days Rosie and I might go a bit further afield leaving Tyke at home because he's slowing down a bit and can get excitable around other dogs.
Most of the folks I meet in and around the Bogs also have dogs. Rosie is quite playful and even though she's only Jack Russel size she likes nothing better that a gallop around with a Labarador. Tyke would rather have a fight but he is a bit quieter these days.

Himalayan Balsam

This plant is an invader having escaped from gardens to monopolise some areas particularly along streams and rivers. It is increasing its territory in Hetton Bogs and is appearing some distance from Hetton Burn which flows through the whole site. It is an attractive plant but once established cannot be removed. While out walking today I noticed it shooting up in vast numbers giving the impession that it will be more rampant than previous years.

Frogs in the Garden

Last year I made a small nature pond in the back garden. I shaped it following advice from the web and used clay from the garden and builders membrane. I gathered some plants and a little spawn from a local pond which then resulted in tadpoles and froglets.
To my delight we now have at least 10 adult frogs in the pond and even better there is spawn in the water this morning. So the cycle is complete and I assume we will now have frogs every year.
I would recommend making a nature pond to anyone with a bit space in the garden. Its not expensive and, with patience, is well worth while.

Spring flowers in Hetton Bogs and Park

A visit to the Bogs in the next few days should reveal the opening of some early spring flowers. Daffodils are out near the play area in the wooded area and Lesser Celendine (yellow) and Wood Anenome (white) are opening in increasing numbers. In the coming weeks parts of the site will be carpetted with these fairly small flowers. Well worth a visit particularly when the sun is shining as both flowers tend to close in the absence of sunshine. I've also noticed a few Coltsfoot - a yellow flower which is a little perculiar because it flowers before producing any leaves.