Youth in Demand Looking for a sign—some of our members at Torwoodlee in June November, 2009 CENTRAL BORDERS MEMBERS CENTRE Issue No 4 NEWSLETTER After the recent heat wave, it was disappointing to awaken to a bitterly cold east wind and spots of rain, for our guided walk to Torwoodlee Estate near Galashiels, as part of “Wildlife Week”. Owner Mr James Pringle, had kindly agreed to lead the group, on a guided tour of the farmland, its woodlands and open hill country. On arrival, the 20 enthusiasts, who consisted of a mixed bag of old and young and one canine conser- vationist, soon forgot about the weather as their host led them off on the tour. He imparted his vast knowledge of the fascinating history of the estate, which his family had farmed for generations, and the surrounding landscape. He admitted that his knowledge of the “tweetie birds” was scant, but there was no shortage of birders in the group to help identify things. After quite a lengthy climb up a tree lined track, a pause for a breather was taken at a crossroads which offered stunning views over Galashiels PASSING THE BUCK AT TOR- BIRDS, BANTER AND A BREAKDOWN towards the Eildons. Just over the wall was Torwoodlee Golf Course. As the group watched, a roe deer buck suddenly appeared and began walking up the fairway towards them. Eventu- ally it panicked and leapt the fence and disap- peared into a nearby wood, not before some jokes ensued about this being the place to come for a “deer” round of golf! A climb to the ancient Broch followed where some of the more upland flora and fauna were encountered, before heading back down to the starting point at the steading. How refreshing it was to encounter a landowner going out of his way to welcome the public onto his land and to give an insight into the com- plexities of running such a large and beautiful estate. We certainly learned a lot and I’m sure that he managed to glean some new information about local wildlife from some of our assembled sages. It was a case of all aboard the Bird Bus for the 20 plus members and friends who had decided to make the trip this year to Hauxley on the Northumberland Coast. It is managed by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and is a reclaimed open cast mine, which we have visited before. Normally it is Eric who is close to a breakdown every year trying to organ- ise the bus, but this year it was the bus which broke down – just a few miles short of its destination. John, our usual driver, managed to nurse it over the final stage, but had to about turn and limp all the way back to Jedburgh to pick up another coach, thus missing his usual bird watching stint with our group, which he always enjoyed. One heavy shower in the afternoon failed to dampen the spirits and a good tally of birds was quickly accumulated. Eric managed 54 species and as he sheltered in one of the hides from the rain, managed to clock a “lifer”. Alan Pringle’s daughter first picked out a small group of 4 terns which looked a bit different and once brought under the scrutiny of binoculars, it was soon discovered that they were rare Roseate Terns, which nest just offshore on Coquet Island. It just shows that every rain cloud has a silver lining (or roseate in this case!) Watch out for details of next year’s Bird Bus when you can be sure of a day filled with bags of birds and brilliant banter. At our AGM in April, Bob Straffen stood down after 4 years of sterling and effective chairmanship. I am pleased to thank him for all his work and for that of his wife, Stella, who has also retired from the Committee. I am de- lighted to report that both Bob and Stella will remain active members of our Centre. I am now feeling my way into the chair, very ably supported by your hard working committee. A highlight of this year for me was a day of crystal clarity on the hills and moors of southern Roxburghshire. The wide-angle views of fresh greenery that only May can bring were a delight on the drive south. On closer focus at my destination I lingered over a view into a sun-flecked birch glade where an Orange-tip butterfly flew through the dappled light. Finally and in close-up I found my target of that day, tiny Green Hairstreak butterflies flitting over moorland banks of heather and blaeberry, and in quite unexpectedly large numbers. It was a day to remember and a reminder of the precious landscapes and habitats which we are so fortunate to enjoy in the Borders and in Scotland and which must be maintained for the next generations. At our Centre meetings, both indoors and outdoors, these next generations are not well represented. We are top heavy with oldies like me and while all our wisdom is much appreciated we would greatly value an increased presence of younger members and young families. So, when our winter programme be- gins in September, please do consider coming along, whatever age you are. You will be made most welcome. With best wishes Malcolm Lindsay Chairman August 2009 A sub-committee of the Members Centre have been working with Julian Warman (SE Scotland Reserves Man- ager) to develop our reserve at Hare Moss. This work has the full and helpful support of the landowner. Hare Moss is a small and intimate reserve but holds a pleasing diversity of wildlife much of which can be easily seen from the hide and from the access path. Particular highlights are its interest- ing range of wetland and grassland plants, a strong population of Little Grebe (which can be studied at very close range), breeding Water Rail (more often heard than seen), good populations of butterflies, day-flying moths and damselflies and a variety of winter wildfowl. Our Centre has very recently pro- vided funds to replace rather awk- ward access styles with gates. The SWT Tweed Valley Conservation Team under the guidance of Eddie Degnan will shortly undertake the installation of these new gates. We are also plan- ning the erection of road signs as the small access road off the busy A7 is difficult to identify. Once these access tasks have been completed we hope to see more visi- tors using the reserve and, in due course, this may include parties from local schools. We are also seeking funding for a full perimeter pathway that would further enhance the reserve.