Strettons Wildlife

@ShropsHillsDC That would be witches broom!

Who or What am I? Hint 2: caused by fungus, viruses, minibeasts and others organisms, the buds that make twigs and side shoots lose control and cause multiple stems to form in a tangled, disorganised manner from one point on a tree. Answer (and photo) will be here at 8 tonight

Just a few places left on our dawn chorus walk with Dave Pearse in Church Stretton this Wednesday 12th April at 5.30am. If interested email: strettonwetlands@gmail.com

87 THOUSAND people have come together for birds to give them a voice. The birds need 13,000 more signatures by 30th April. We CAN do this! Let’s prove #PassionIsASuperpower Help them. Sign #TheFeatherSpeech petition.parliament.uk/petitions/6267…

@ShropsHillsDC Snail

Who or What am I? Hint 2: A slow mover (23 inches an hour), their most identifiable feature grows with them in size by the process of secreting calcium carbonate along the open edge and on the inner side for extra strength. Want to see if you are correct, pop in at 8 tonight.

This year's Red Grouse survey bit.ly/3zekNqRis really key as previous 3 years incomplete. Can you join in and spend 2 hours listening out for Grouse over 7 weeks. Sign up form bit.ly/3Jx1Hks & training evening Thurs 23rd March 7.30 Carding Mill Valley tea room.

@ShropsHillsDC Hawfinch I reckon. Never yet seen one alas

Who or What am I? Hint 1: Its powerful beak has a serrated lining, so it can grip hard fruit stones like a pair of pliers, exerting tremendous pressure until the seedcoat cracks & releases the kernel. Like a miniature parrot, it can exert tremendous pressure. Second hint as noon

SACWG has its annual public meeting tomorrow - 7.15 Wed 15th March in All Stretton Village Hall. Its a great opportunity to find out about wildlife findings in the past year; bringing our annual report bit.ly/3mQ4KfU to life! Raffle & refreshments too! All welcome

@ShropsHillsDC I think that would be snowflakes - especially given today's weather!!

Who or What am I? Hint 1: Found in a variety of shapes - among them platelets, needles, columns and rime. There is a more extensive classification once it has been deposited, Statistically it is marginally more likely to find in March than in December in the UK.

@ShropsHillsDC Ammonites I reckon

Who or What am I? Hint 1: Before we understood what they were, one of the explanations was that they were coiled-up snakes that had been turned to stone, earning them the nickname 'snakestones'. Second, more biological, hint will be here at noon.

@ShropsHillsDC Sundial

Who or What am I? Hint 1: First evidence for this being used comes from Babylon, though it could be older. Any ideas? Second hint at noon.

@ShropsHillsDC Moles

Who or What am I? Hint 1: Their complex is made to have worms drop in. They mainly sense these by vibration and scent. Want another hint? Come back at noon.

Interesting talk on Stepping Stones project via Zoom Thursday 19th Jan at 7.30. bitly.ws/ySm8 Charlie Bell will give an overview of this exciting nature conservation project, achievements and future plans. Donations for library. email: churchstrettonlibrary@outlook.com

@ShropsHillsDC Willow

Who or What am I? Hint 1: This plant originates from China. It is often found near the lakes and ponds; with soft, usually pliant, slender branches. It has elongated leaves that are green on the upper side and whitish on the bottom side. It takes root very readily from cuttings.

This is what happens when you leave out a camera trap in Romania. #BigPicture youtube.com/watch?v=b83yLk…

@ShropsHillsDC White Bryony?

Who or What am I? Hint 2: The leaves have five lobes and have red and shiny berries. It has a tuberous rootstock, initially small, but increasing over several years to form a very large tuber. Also known as the English Mandrake. Celebrate the answer here at 8 tonight.

Swifts have declined by over 50% in the UK. A petition to UK Government bit.ly/3Uagm8G requests that all new housing should incorporate swift bricks. Adult swifts are faithful to nest sites, so this would be a real bonus. Please sign and forward the link to others.

@CuanWildlife Cuan Wildlife Rescue please!

Please comment and vote for Cuan on the link below for us to be in with a chance of winning an incubator and some hedgehog food. Thank you

@ShropsHillsDC Tussock moth caterpillars?

Who or What am I? Hint 1: They have a distinctive appearance of alternating bristles and haired projections, hairs are gathered in dense tufts along the back, giving them their common name, and a single tail tuft. Any ideas? Second hint at noon.

Leasowes Meadow update. The appeal to buy this land for future generations and for the benefit of wildlife has reached an amazing £300,000. Can you add a little more by tomorrow's deadline? bit.ly/3ejWZLh

“You might be interested in supporting this appeal to secure these meadows near Church Stretton. Please note time is tight - the closing date for bids for the purchase is 12th October so any pledges are need in the next day or two.” Peta Sams