Trying to catch the bees
We returned from a sunny weekend to find a colony of honeybees has taken up residence in the office roof. Whilst we are always pleased to see bees, a colony of honeybees consists of 20,000-60,000 and unfortunately a large proportion of these seem to be getting stuck inside the office (and stinging the boss)! Fortunately the lovely bee lady has come to help us relocate the bees to a more suitable location.
Wild Frontier is pleased to welcome back our resident spotted flycatchers, who have once again returned to breed just outside our offices. Other recent sightings at the offices have included rough-legged buzzard, Montagu’s harrier, mediterranean gull and lesser whitethroat.
Yesterday Rob and a team of birders undertook a 24 hour charity bird race. The team saw a massive total of 145 species. Highlights included black-necked grebe, common crane, firecrest, Temminck’s stint, and of course turtle dove!
Please follow the link and donate generously to help them raise as much money as possible for the RSPB’s Operation Turtle Dove and Sumatran Rainforest work.
Wild Frontier Ecology is sorry to say goodbye to Kelly Moyes who has left us to relocate to the other side of the country. We wish her every success in her new job.
We are also delighted to welcome our two new seasonal ecologists Pete Timms and Ben Jervis.
This May Rob and a team of ace birders will be bird racing for charity. Their aim is to see as many bird species as possible in 24 hours and by so doing raise as much money as possible for the RSPB’s Operation Turtle Dove and Sumatran Rainforest work.
Last year on a similar race the team managed to see 140 species, so they are hopeing to beat that this year!
Please follow the link to read more, and donate generously to these worthwhile projects:
We are seeking a seasonal ecologist to assist with all areas of our work. The ideal candidate will be a graduate with some previous consultancy experience, and will be experienced in reptile surveys and translocation. Technical report writing, bird and bat survey experience will be an advantage. Of equal importance will be ability to work as part of a team in a flexible way. Candidates will be expected to have a good knowledge of UK guidance for protected species.
Full driving licence will be required, and having your own transport will be necessary due to the rural office location. Physical fitness will be an important consideration.
Salary will be £17-19K depending on skills and experience. Employment period will be for approximately four months, from March till the end of June. The post will be based in Norfolk.
To apply send full CV and covering letter to Robert Yaxley, Wild Frontier Ecology, Unit 2, Cold Blow Farm, Great Snoring, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 0HF or by email to rob@wildfrontier-ecology.co.uk
Closing Date 17th February 2012.
Newt survey season fast approaches! The mild winter may mean that some species start to wake up from hibernation earlier than usual. WFE’s herpetologists are keeping a close eye on nearby ponds to see when great crested newts will become active. The usual season for survey is mid March to mid June, but surveys may start earlier in favourable conditions. Developers are advised to start planning for these seasonal surveys in good time.
Rob gave a presentation to the Norfolk Coast Partnership today, following on from last year’s Norfolk Coast AONB grazing audit. It is hoped that a joint approach can establish grazing, on some important biodiversity rich habitats in North Norfolk where sustainable management is badly needed.
Kelly Moyes has now obtained her bat licence.
Following our recent run of successes, a two turbine wind farm on Anglesey has also received planning permission without any ecological objections.
