Noticing Nature Blog

The Wood Anemones (Anemonoides nemorosa) were looking fantastic in the woodland areas surrounding the Serpentine Walk at Goodnestone Park today. Wood Anemones are a slow growing plant and good sized areas of them are an indicator of ancient woodland-a very valuable habitat. Wood Anemones

A monthly round-up of bird sightings in and around Staple. Water Rail (Library picture) Birds in March: Finally, a clear view of a Water Rail in the Great Pedding stream on 5th March. This is a rather secretive species spending much of its time skulking in the reeds at the side of the stream. There have been glimpses of suspected individuals but nothing positive until now. On the same day, a Raven flew over and 2 x Red Kites were checking out the area. 2 x Cormorants were per

A lovely group of Cowslips near to Crixhall Court.

Staple Wildlife Friendly Village entered the Wilder Kent Awards in 2025. We received our Silver Award certificate today. This was, as it says, in recognition of positive action. This included hedge planting, website development, churchyard management, talks, external visits, hosting visits and recording wildlife.

Warning! Scatological evidence. Following a tip-off (thanks M&J), I managed to locate these droppings (look closely!) on a log in the Great Pedding stream. They are, more than likely, from a Water Vole. Having seen one last week, it was good to find further evidence of their presence.

There are some lovely drifts of primroses in the churchyard at the moment. They've been getting better year on year. There are plenty of cowslips too, which are just coming into flower. Sweet violets have been and gone. Once it starts, spring moves at a pace!