• Nellie’s Notes, Summer 2014

    June 2014

    Hi Claxtonians, Nellie is back having taken a sabbatical for the last few months but I have returned to the computer and checking my notes arising from observations whilst walking the footpaths around Claxton.  I thought I would remind you of the some of the fabulous insects that were present in Claxton on those warm days in 2013.  The brimstones emerge in the spring and were present in gardens this year.  The humming bird hawkmoth is a migratory insect that arrives from the continent in July and August.  It zips around the garden feeding on the nectar rich plants.  It is a stunning insect that never fails to attract interest. (more…)

  • Nellie’s Late Spring Notes

    The cold arctic blast continued to chill Claxton with easterly winds from northern Russia.  This delayed spring and postponed the arrival of summer migrants to our village. The spring flowers were late in flowering and tree buds remain dormant. I heard my first chiffchaff of 2013 singing from the tree tops surrounding the pond on the morning of 8th April, perhaps 5 or 6 weeks later than previous years.  There were occasional brimstone butterfly and tortoiseshell in the gardens when the wind was not quite so piercing allowing the April sun to warm the air. (more…)

  • Nellie’s Winter Notes

    Hi from Nellie and friends as this long, cold, arctic winter continues into early spring.  More snow showers driven by a strong easterly wind have kept the spring birds away.  We thought the 2 weeks of snow and low temperatures earlier in the year was winter 2013.  Getting about wasn’t easy but four legs are definitely better than two when moving about on the ice and snow.   The snow melted and the rain arrived causing pools of water to appear on the fields and marshes of Claxton.  The risk of flooding in Claxton increases as any melt waters or rain descend from the higher ground at Poringland passing through the Hellington valley to Claxton Corner and eventually the river.   The beck was full threatening Marsh Barn and the cottages at Claxton Corner.   To help reduce the risk, the pressure of the water was released by allowing it to overtop the beck and run safely into the marsh drainage system away from the properties.  A timely reminder of our low lying geography and the risks posed by flood waters whatever their source. (more…)

  • Nellie’s Notes – December 2012

    Hello Claxtonians. After some recent cold and wet weather the temperature has risen and we have been able to enjoy the clear blue winter skies.  I have taken several walks down onto Claxton marsh and up to the river to catch site of the rafts of wigeon whistling as they drift in the tide on the river.   They migrate to the marshes for the winter and are a stunning site when they take to the air in huge flocks. However, whilst enjoying the views of the wild ducks and geese, you may overlook a solitary robin like bird that bobs in a characteristic fashion from its perches amongst the reeds and shrubs. This is the stonechat, a winter visitor to Claxton marsh which can be seen from the footpath at the sluice of Carleton Beck and the river as it flies between its low lying vantage points. (more…)

  • Nellie’s Notes – November 2012

    Hello folks. I am still walking the footpaths of Claxton twice a day and observing the local wildlife despite the lack of light at 6.30am.  I have a new terrier friend – Gina – who lives at Staines Barn cottages, keeping watch over the north west boundaries of Claxton. We have a quick play if our morning walks coincide. If like us you are are up and about at that time look at the early morning sky as Venus is very bright in the South East and Jupiter in the West. The four moons of Jupiter are visible using tripod mounted binoculars. Jupiter is the third brightest object in the sky after the Moon and Venus so definitely worth a look. (more…)

  • Nellie’s First Post – October 2012

    Hello folks, my name is Nellie and I live in Claxton. I am a Border terrier cross, so what I lack in size I make up for in attitude. We terriers are the ‘punks’ of the canine world, feisty but good fun and low maintenance. Terriers sometimes have a bad press but I like to think we are smart dogs with a good story to tell and an opinion to express. I know how to secure a treat or find a comfortable and warm location to dream and plan my next pretend hunt. I get to walk around Claxton every day and so observe the flora and fauna through the months. Given my qualifications and expertise, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my experiences and observations with my fellow Claxtonians. We dogs have a significant contribution to make to the cultural richness of our communities and so I intend to help establish a network of local commentators – two legs or four it doesn’t matter (you see I have read Animal Farm). (more…)

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