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Weather station and Bethlem Met Office
The measurement of local weather continues, daily, using data available on line and our new wireless weather centre set up and we hope to start measurements soon using the Bethlem Met Office Reports.
RSPB Birdlife survey
The monthly bird survey was done finding 34 species, to date, including two new ones - Canada Geese and Greenfinches. The bird feeding continued. These were empty when we looked and show they are being used. There are signs of inhabitation in the three tit nest boxes. The camera has not yet picked up any activity on that nest box. These were entered on RSPB survey sheets and notified.
Native flora BR3
Using data prepared by the Natural History Museum for BR3 we prepared a flora field survey of the 250 acre school grounds. There were 588 British wildlife plants listed. We moved this to an interactive spreadsheet format, split into seasons, so that this can become an annual event and updateable:
| Flora | Number | Found |
|---|---|---|
| Annuals | 141 | 2 |
| Biennials | 35 | 0 |
| Climbers | 5 | 1 |
| Geophytes | 41 | 2 |
| Herbaceous Perennials | 56 | 7 |
| Large Shrubs | 17 | 5 |
| Marsh Plants | 31 | 0 |
| Parasite | 3 | 1 |
| Perennials | 193 | 4 |
| Shrubs | 20 | 3 |
| Trees | 19 | 9 |
| Water Plants | 26 | 0 |
| Woody Perennials | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 588 | 34 |
This represents 6%, to date.
Butterfly Survey BR3
The children discovered the Small White Butterfly and asked to do a survey for them. Using Natural History Museum information the survey was set up. We found 59 species listed into families, including 9 extinct in BR3 postcode. Set up in seasons, this can also be updated, annually. Two early species have been found both of Pieridae family, the second being a Brimstone. This survey continues.
Bethlem Badger Watch
One of the students was thrilled to see a badger while on an evening walk. He reported back to the class.
Astronomy Telescopes and cameras
The astronomy apparatus is on order after feasibility study and is being delivered shortly. This is very exciting for the children and they are looking forward to this part of the project taking off.