'Beaulieu River

Members of the Waterside Natural History Society enjoyed an early autumn walk from Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard and back on Sunday 16th September.

The tide was low on the Beaulieu River so we had a good chance of seeing some waders and we were not disappointed as we saw curlews, lapwings and a little egret.  Other birds seen were herring gulls, black-headed gulls, rooks, jackdaws, robins, a wren and swallows swooping.

As we walked along we saw many wildflowers and plants including fleabane, black knapweed, bryony berries, mare's tail, devilsbit scabious, sneezewort, watermint and tufted vetch. In a wooded area came the strong and distinctive smell of a stinkhorn fungi and after a little look around it was found.

Nearing Buckler's Hard we stopped off at the recently built bird hide and saw many dragonflies lapping up the warm autumn sunshine.  We also saw a few mallards and a moorhen as a grey heron and a pair of pheasants flew over. 

Sneezewort

A large group of small ducks flew up that we thought were possibly teal and we looked to see if a bird of prey had disturbed them, but the only other birds we could see flying were a couple that looked like godwits.

As we arrived at Buckler's Hard it was bustling with visitors and a few small steam boats were sailing on the river.  Here we sat and ate our lunch and saw pretty purple sea aster, mute swans, godwits, redshanks, herring gulls and a white goose.

After lunch and a sit in the warm afternoon sun, we walked the same route back towards Beaulieu seeing a greenshank on the way. 

At the Society's indoor meeting we welcomed Eric Watson who spoke about  the fungi found in the New Forest and Dorset which he illustrated with beautiful slides showing the variety of colour of the fungi and their habitats.

After a fall of rain the fungi rise dramatically from the earth with various methods of propagation.  Phallus impudicus rots away from the top to attract flies to spread its spores. 

Sizes of fungi range from the devil's fingers only 0.25 inches high found on open damp heathland to the bolete parasol some 2 feet across.  

He also gave advice on photographing and cooking fungi.  Young puff balls are delicious when very young even when found growing on cow pats.  The beefsteak, which grows on oaks by inserting its roots inside a hollow tree, is exquisite to eat.  

Eric ended with a warning on the death cap fungi which served as a good reminder that if you unsure whether a fungi is edible, then it's best left alone.

The Society's next outdoor meeting will be on Sunday 21st October with a visit to Hayling Island to look for sea birds and waders.  Meet at Oak Road Car Park, Dibden Purlieu for a 10.00am start (strong footwear recommended.)  Visitors very welcome. 

The Society's next indoor meeting will be on Monday 22nd October when we welcome Dennis Bright to talk about the Valley of Barn Owls.  Meet for a 7.30pm start at the St. Andrew's Centre, Dibden Purlieu.  Visitors very welcome at £2.

Please phone for further details on either 023 8089 7660 or 023 8084 5883.