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A Kinson website devoted to old Kinson and modern Kinson

Kinson Review of 2011

Enjoying local history through Communigate

Isaac Gulliver

Old Maps of Kinson and the surrounding district

Unusual sunsets in Kinson

Kinson Astronomy Photo diary

Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary

Kinson Common Wild Orchids

Mr. Archibald Hedge Hog`s column

Looking around the historic Kinson Church

About this website

Kinson Common, Local Nature Reserve, SSSI, SACs site

Kinson Smugglers

Kinson & Kinson Common, 1066 to modern times

Kinson Local Astronomy monthly

Poems about Kinson

History of Kinson in Dorset

Natural history files for Kinson, Longham, Millhams, Turbary

A Naturalist`s Millennium & Kinson Nature Diaries

Kinson Heritage buildings

Kinson Common Virtual Tour

Local Views

Glimpses of Old Kinson

Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson

Butterflies

Moonfleet mono photo gallery

Moonfleet colour photo gallery

Moonfleet cartoon photo gallery

Nature Gallery

Kinson Seasons

Insects and Spiders

All named areas of Kinson Common

Kinson Walks 2012

Cuckoo Woods

Kinson News 2012

Moonfleet Kinson Wild Birds Photo Gallery

Guestbook

Which of these places do you like to visit in Kinson?

MOONFLEET OF KINSON

Welcome to the Kinson website which offers excellent free detailed information about Kinson. We are proud to cover many topics including the following:-

Kinson Astronomy
Kinson Church
Kinson Common Local Nature Reserve
Kinson Common Virtual Tour
Kinson Common Wild Orchids
Kinson Heritage buildings
Kinson & Kinson Common 1066 to modern times
Kinson Maps
Kinson Monthly Nature Diary
Kinson Natural History Files
Kinson Old and Modern
Kinson Poems
Kinson Smugglers
Kinson Sunsets
Kinson News
Kinson Walks

If there is a Kinson topic we have not yet covered, please contact us as we are very keen to ensure that this Kinson website is truly devoted to an older and modern Kinson.

One of our stated aims is to be a top Kinson website for the benefit of the Kinson Community whom we are pleased and proud to serve.

(To 27th April 2012: 146,451 combined hits for all web pages featured on our Kinson website.)

About us

Our successful local venture started in 2003 and we have been connected with the Kinson area for over 39 years.

As a community-based organisation we are recognised by Bournemouth Council,the Youth Outreach project, local groups and other organisations.

Our continued aim is to inform and to stimulate interest in Kinson and the surrounding area. We also enjoy researching local history and natural history , sharing our knowledge with others of all age groups. Activities involving the local community will continue in 2012.

As well as continually updating our website with information about an older and more modern Kinson, we also devote time to undertaking occasional walks and astronomy evenings. The latter activity is subject to the weather.

Occasionally, we are asked to undertake illustrated talks for local groups, guilds and societies.

Our website contains over 30 sections and we cover many topics which we have tried to make as wide-ranging and interesting as possible.

We know that many of you have greatly enjoyed looking at the Moonfleet galleries and especially those dealing with Isaac Gulliver and Kinson smugglers.

In 2012, we intend to do our very best to maintain your interest throughout the year.

Thank you for taking the time to view our website today.

The Kinson Common Local Nature Reserve

If you are looking for a complete A-Z on the Kinson Common, this section is definitely for you.

It also includes Kinson photographs, Kinson maps old and modern, also Kinson Common historical research, relating to the 1700`s and 1800`s and up to the present time. In the recent past we have also researched the history of the Kinson Common side-stream.

Our Kinson Common checklists are set out in an easy to follow manner. Our Wild flower/ Botanical list is also set out in family order and totals 405 entries. Updated 15th November 2011.

Using a star rating system to determine locally common or scarce botanical records for the Common, there are at least 32+ which rate as one star and 10 + which are rated as two stars. There are no real rarities which would qualify for a three star rating.

In one of our most comprehensive and detailed sections within our website, we take you on a journey and retrace the story of human involvement with this unique area of Kinson which began as a community almost half a million years ago and which still florishes today.

We journey through the Ages of Stone, Bronze and Iron which have all provided evidence of Kinson`s rich archaeological heritage and it was the Saxons who eventually set down the essential roots and founded a village which still lives on in the hearts and minds of a great many people who live in Kinson today.

As you will see, many other Ages are also covered, even the recent and the present

Having visited this site and been associated with this area for over 30 years, we would be pleased to try and answer any natural history or local history questions you may have.

Our "All named areas of Kinson Common" section also contains useful natural history information about the Common.

OUR SPRING VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE KINSON COMMON IS INTENDED AS A GENERAL GUIDE, TO SHOW WHAT CAN BE OBSERVED ON THIS IMPORTANT LOCAL NATURE RESERVE.

Astronomy evenings

If you are interested in viewing the night sky on an occasional basis, please contact our website.

In the Frame!

Twayblade orchid

A new botanical record for Bournemouth, discovered by Mr Rodney Haskell on the 4th May 2012.

This record has been officially verified by Mr Stuart Clarke of Bournemouth Council and other sources. We hope to find more in the years to come.

Photograph taken on the 18th May 2012.

A Spectacular Sunset

Kinson Sunset in Spring.

Just like the ever changing Sun, the Moonfleet web pages are being continually updated to cover topical interests.

More photographs are featured in our Unusual sunsets in Kinson section of our website.

Spiders

These are a few examples of the spiders we have photographed locally.

Moonfleet of Kinson butterflies

Many interesting local species are featured in our Butterflies section.

We love to photograph them and, although sometimes very challenging to do so, patience is always well rewarded.

Kinson Walks - Spring to Summer 2012

With over 30 years of local knowledge and experience, we are continuing to offer Kinson walks to both public and private organisations. If you carry your own public liability insurance, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Seasons

A Spring morning in Pelhams Park, Kinson.

This section plots the four seasons of the year.We hope that you will enjoy looking at the photographs, and will consider sending us your own photos, as we would be pleased to display them on this website.

Shetland cattle grazing on the Kinson Common in 2012

Our featured photograph was taken on 1st December 2011 at Poole Lane Heights. The cattle left the site on the 8th December and will return again this year.

Changes took place on site from February 2009 and the grazing regime was extended to the north, the sensitive heartland of the Common`s wild orchids. In 2010, cattle also grazed in Central Bog, Dragonfly Hollow, Gover`s Glade, Poole Lane Heights, Poole Lane Meadows and Two Barrow Heath.

200 years ago, present day Kinson Common would have been known as Howe Farm with the tenants living at the Dolphin Inn now known as Gulliver`s Tavern. Latest researches also reveal interesting information about those far off days.

Animal values then (of those connected with the Kinson Common) were as follows: cow �3, heifer �3.50, sow �2.20, small pig �1 and sheep 37.5p each. Horses (mares) used around Howe Farm were valued (depending upon age) at between �7-�8. Colts were valued at c�2.63 and probably an old horse, as low as �1!

Some of the more recent and earlier changes over a long time period reduced the acreage of what was Howe Farm from over 100 acres to around the present day acreage of 40, a 60% reduction overall from when it was originally an economically sustainable arable farming unit.

Over 200 years ago, home grown and stored commodities were worth as follows: barley �15, hay �5, oats �4.20, peas �2 and wheat �14. Barley stored in a granary was valued at �11.25. The figures quoted form part of a property and contents inventory worth over �500 and excludes land values associated with the acreage of the Kinson Common which was owned by and rented from the Canford Estate at �60 per annum.

Comprehensive and updated records of the Kinson Common are also featured in our Natural History files section and you are welcome to download this information too for your own personal enjoyment.

ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THE MOONFLEET OF KINSON WEBSITE CAN BE COPIED FOR PERSONAL ENJOYMENT. IF YOU INTEND TO PUBLISH ANY INFORMATION, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE SOURCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

MOONFLEET OF KINSON IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF EXTERNAL WEBSITES.

Our Insects & Spiders section

These are a few of the many to be found in Kinson and other areas locally.

When ever we go on local walks we always carry our camera with us.

Larger photographs are featured in our Insects and Spiders section.

The Longham waterworks

Water water everywhere and not a drop to drink.
(Spring.)

Mr. Jack Hargreaves

Many still remember the days when Jack was a visitor to the Waterworks, filming his Out of Town programmes.

Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary

Pyramidal Orchid on Kinson Common in July 1984.

Since 1988, and up to 2011, we have counted over 22,067 orchids on the Kinson Common. Heath Spotted orchids represent 57.49%, Southern Marsh 35.93% and Early Marsh 6.58%.

If we laid every orchid end-to-end, they would cover a distance of 3.59 miles. The 2011 orchid count would extend over 683 metres.

At present, around 85% are within access to the public with the remaining 15% located in more difficult terrain such as bogland.

In 2011, Heath Spotted orchids accounted for over 63.52%, Southern Marsh 26.21% and Early Marsh 10.27% of the overall number of orchids existing on the Kinson Common.

Our Kinson Wild Flowers Botany & Blooms picture diary features detailed information about many of the species we have photographed.

THIS SECTION AND THE KINSON COMMON WILD ORCHIDS PAGES HAVE BEEN UPDATED, FOR SPRING 2012.

NEW INFORMATION ADDED TO OUR ORCHIDS PAGES ON THE 10TH MAY 2012.

May Photo feature: Isaac Gulliver & John Potter

This month we are pleased to feature an extract from St. Andrew`s church Kinson records dating to around the late 1700`s, which bring together a certain Isaac Gulliver and John Potter who owned the Dolphin Inn (now known as Gulliver Tavern) and also found time to farm as well.

Isaac Gulliver was paid the princely sum of one shilling and six pence (perhaps his smallest business deal?) for supplying lime and John Potter received fourteen shillings for supplying oak timber to St. Andrew`s church in Kinson.

Another interesting name appearing on the same page is that of Mr. Beak. This is likely to be Edward Beak of Ensbury, who together with John Potter, was involved in the sale of a newly built malt house and land located next door to the Dolphin Inn in 1786.

When Mary Barnes sold Pitts Farm to Gulliver for �817 in 1775, Potter farmed a small portion known as Sowditch Close which was close to Burts and Cudnell Woods. Potter also had other leasehold farming interests in Kinson.

The oak timber is likely to have come from a source very close to Kinson church and the lime may have originally come from the Sturt family who owned several vessels for shipping items such as limestones and who are likely to have had "business" connections with Isaac Gulliver.

We are very fortunate also to have so many other records, features and buildings in the Kinson area to remind us of our rich heritage locally.

Each month we intend to display more photographs of the areas covered by Moonfleet of Kinson. We look forward to featuring more of them in 2012.

St. Andrew`s Church in Kinson

We have recently updated our Looking around the historic Kinson Church section of our website. This section now includes details of the faculty to restore the church in 1894 and its re-opening in Kinson in 1895.

Our photograph features two phases in the long and interesting history of St Andrew`s, in Millhams Road, Kinson.

The Dorset Stour

A view from Longham bridge in Spring.

A sidestream by Longham bridge

A Spring scene by the Ringwood Road at Longham.

Kinson maps

This is our latest drawing of an older Kinson when Isaac Gulliver owned and lived in the Wimborne Road property numbered 168.

Included also, are many field names and the site of the Dolphin Public house, known now as Gulliver`s Tavern.

This year, we will be adding more information to our Maps section.

We have already drawn many local areas and you are welcome to download and enjoy them.

Kinson Smugglers

Our section about Kinson smugglers was recently updated and two more maps were added.

This is the tombstone of Robert Trotman, a smuggler who died on the 24th March, 1765 and was buried in the north side of St. Andrew`s churchyard in Kinson.

As late as 1868, it was said, " the inhabitants of Kinson were, till within the last thirty years, famous as smugglers. The top of the church tower and the inside of a large old altar tomb opposite the south door, were favourite places for hiding contraband goods."

Back in the olden days

A gentleman enjoys a rest while out on a bike ride near Kinson Road, East Howe, Bournemouth.

Local Views

Updated photographs of Kinson and the surrounding area now featured in this section of our website.

The featured photograph is of the ancient Kitcher`s Mead by Millhams bridge in Kinson.

Millhams Mead

The small area of land at the bottom left of our map is marked "Millhams" (originally Mill Hams).

With the passing of time (at least two centures), this name has been applied to the whole of the area surrounding it.

Meet Mr. Woody

He`s just popped in to collect his May 2012 starmap and to look at our latest Kinson Local Astronomy Monthly page.

Kinson Review of 2011

We have devoted a special section to what was another memorable year for us.

Modern Millhams Mead

We will continue to enjoy exploring Millhams Mead in 2012 and we are delighted the area has been supported by the Millhams Meaders.

Down in the paddock

Young bunnies enjoying some afternoon sunshine at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth.

Spindlewood bridge near Cudnell woods

One of our favourite local scenes in Spring.

The Millhams Splash

This local scene was painted before the 1900`s. Long before a German Kaiser became stuck here and a brick bridge was built.

Millhams stream appears to have been shallower then and there was also a small wooden crossing in the same area.

Cuckoo Woods in central Kinson

This area supports a wealth of flora and fauna and is well worth visiting during the Spring.

A recently constructed footpath leads from Brook Road to the woods.

Meet Sebastian

He`s one of the characters of Cuckoo Woods.

In the heart of Kinson village

This is a scene dating to the 1950`s. We do receive many requests to publish more Old Kinson photos and we hope to do so in 2011.

Kinson School 1874

This is a glimpse of the time when the original school stood on the ground which eventually became the Kinson Village Green. Mr Samuel Garland photographed with pupils resigned the mastership on 3rd September 1879.

Holt Lodge - home of Charles Bennett, Olympic Champion of 1900

Long demolished, this property once fronting the Wimborne Road in central Kinson, was the home of Charles Bennett, Olympic champion.

The second Olympic Games of the modern era took place in Paris in 1900.

Events in which Charles Bennett successfully competed include:

1500m
1. Charles Bennett GBR 4:06.2 (gold)
2. Henri Deloge FRA 4:06.6
3. John Bray USA 4:07.2

4000m Steeplechase
1. John Rimmer GBR 12:58.4
2. Charles Bennett GBR 12:58.6 (silver)
3. Sydney Robinson GBR 12:58.8

5000m Team
1. Great Britain (gold)
2. France

Charles was a sidesman at St. Andrew`s church for many years.

Ladies Home Mission Union: In 1940, Mrs. C. Bennett resigned the position of Secretary after a period of 20 year`s service. She was presented by members with a picture as well as a gift of money towards some further purchase.

Charles was buried in St. Andrew`s churchyard (Elev 17m, SZ06731 BNG 96876) and the photograph was given to us by a family member. (Inset added by us.)

Inscriptions in the Kinson churchyard read: In loving memory of Charles Bennett who died 13th Dec 1948 aged 78 years. Also of his beloved wife Sarah Lena who died 13th Feb 1950 aged 75 years. "Until the Day Break."

The busy Wimborne Road in central Kinson

An early 20th century view. Kinson Cottage or House where Isaac Gulliver lived in 1815 is shown on the right. The wall on the left belonged to Eglington House.

In the distance is a glimpse of Holt Lodge, where
Olympic champion Charles Bennett once lived.

And of course, there is only one car to be seen. How times have changed!

Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson

Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson 2012

We regularly update this section of our website and you are welcome to download this information.

Areas including Longham and Millhams are also featured on a monthly basis.

We have also added Kinson wild bird recordings dating from the 1st January 2012 to 28th May 2012.

Interesting wildlife and natural history sightings in May:

MAY

Orange-Tip (m) flying around the northern end of Kinson Primary school`s playing field (1st pm).
Comma, Peacock and Small Copper butterflies on the wing in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (1st pm).
Emerging Southern Marsh orchids to 130mm tall in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (1st).
Small numbers of Mallards present on Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (1st pm).
Lady`s Smocks showing up well in the lower valley on Kinson Common (1st).
Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs well established on Kinson Common (1st).
House Sparrows making good use of the Kinson Hub as homes (2nd).
Songs of the Chaffinch very audible in Pelhams Park, Kinson, this morning (2nd).
Orange-Tip, Peacock, Small White and Speckled Wood butterflies on the wing generally around Kinson Common (2nd pm).
Pale Butterworts developing well in Central Bog, Kinson Common (2nd).
Small numbers of Red Damselflies resting on gorse and broom at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (2nd pm).
Heath Milkwort, Lousewort and Tormentil at the flowering stage in Central Bog, Kinson Common (2nd).
Magpies searching for frog tadpoles by a pool in Central Bog, Kinson Common (2nd pm).
3-spined sticklebacks present downstream of Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (3rd).
Check on emerging wild orchids on Kinson Common (4th).
Martins, Swallows and Swifts flying low over Old Tip Heights, Millhams Mead (5th am).
Linnets and other finches present around the gorse at Millhams Mead (5th).
Hatched egg shells of the Blackbird, Linnet and Song Thrush found at ground level at Millhams Mead (5th).
Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and Whitethroats present generally around Millhams Mead today (5th).
Bluebell,Bugle, Centaury, Comfrey, Dandelion, Forget-me-not, Garlic mustard,Gorse, Green alkanet, Ground Ivy, Herb Robert,Primula, Red dead-nettle and Speedwell in flower around Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (5th).
Small gatherng of swallows skimming low over the Dorset Stour downstream of Longham bridge (6th am).
Heron and a Little Egret active in the margins downstream of Longham bridge (6th am).
Pied Wagtails present around Kinson Village Green and on the higher ground at Millhams Mead (6th am).
3 Whitethroats squabbling around a bramble patch at Millhams Mead (6th am).
Green Alkanet flowering in the grassland at Pelhams Park, Kinson (6th).
Small Copper butterfly active in a sunlit corner of Central Bog, Kinson Common (7th pm).
Heath Spotted and Southern Marsh orchids progressing well in the lower valley and a few Early Marsh orchids almost at the flowering stage in Central Bog, Kinson Common (7th).
Visit to Turbary Common to look at emerging orchids in Tussock Bog with Mr Ted Taylor (8th).
Check made on emerging Bee orchids in north Bournemouth (9th).
2 Early Marsh orchids at the flowering stage in Central Bog, Kinson Common (10th).
Roe deer present on Big Meadow at Kinson Manor Farm (11th pm).
Pied Wagtails present around Kinson Village Green (12th).
Check on emerging Bee orchids in north Bournemouth (13th).
More fresh mole hills appearing on the fringes of Pelhams Park, Kinson (14th).
6+ Swifts zooming low togther over the grassland on the higher ground at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (15th am).
Whitethroats active around the brambles close to Millhams bridge, Bournemouth (15th pm).
Heath Milkwort and Lousewort flowering on the southern side of Central Bog, Kinson Common (15th).
1 Southern Marsh orchid partially in flower in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (15th).
5+ Early Marsh orchids at the flowering stage in Central Bog, Kinson Common (15th).
Large Red Damselfly activity by the side-stream and in Central Bog, Kinson Common (15th pm).
More fresh Molehills appearing on the perimeter of Pelhams Park, Kinson (16th).
Flowering Spanish gorse showing well in a flower border on Kinson Village Green (17th).
Family of Goldfinches visiting back gardens by Kinson Primary School (17th am).
Buzzard scattering a murmuration of starlings at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (18th pm).
Sparrowhawk in very low flight through a bramble patch at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (18th pm).
Small numbers of Swifts circling high over central Kinson (18th pm).
Goldfinches visiting back gardens close to Kinson School (19th am).
Greenfinches and Sparrows present around the western perimeter of Pelhams Park, Kinson (20th am).
Chaffinches heard and observed in Pelhams Park, Kinson (20th am).
22+ Early Marsh orchids at the flowering stage in Central Bog, Kinson Common (21st).
26+ Heath spotted orchids emerging in Central Bog north-side, Kinson Common (21st).
Southern Marsh orchids showing signs of flowering at the northern end of Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (21st).
Orange-tip butterflies (m) on the wing by Glenmeadows and near Pond Scrub, Kinson Common (21st pm).
Good numbers of Large Red Damselflies observed at Glenmeadows and in Central Bog, Kinson Common (21st pm).
Brimstone butterfly (m) active around the willows at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (21st pm).
3-Spined Sticklebacks observed downstream of Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (21st pm).
Lady`s Smocks flowering in good numbers in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (21st).
Three-cornered Leek very plentiful on a bankside in Central Bog, Kinson Common (21st).
Some Bee orchids beginning to show signs of flowering in north Bournemouth (22nd).
Goldfinches present in gardens close to Kinson Village Green (23rd pm).
Annual count of all Early Marsh orchids on Kinson Common (24th pm).
Scarce chaser dragonfly observed in Central Bog, Kinson Common (24th pm).
Holly Blue butterflies visiting central Kinson gardens (24th am).
Brimstone (f), Holly blue, Orange-Tip, Peacock,Speckled Wood and White butterflies on the wing on Kinson Common (25th).
Jackdaw and Wagtail activity observed on Kinson Village Green (25th am).
Tawny Owl calling from Pelhams Park, Kinson (26th late eve).
Holly blue butterflies visiting central Kinson gardens (26th).
Annual survey of Southern marsh orchids on Kinson Common (27th).
Holly blue,Orange-Tip, Speckled wood and assorted species of white butterflies on the wing around Kinson Common (27th pm).
Speckled wood butterflies basking in the sunshine in Pelhams Park, Kinson (28th am).
Red Admiral and Speckled wood butterflies present on nettle beds, downstream of Millhams bridge, Bournemouth (27th).
Herring gull chasing away a buzzard perched on a pylon at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (28th).
Common blue and white-legged damselflies observed at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth (28th).
13+ Bee orchids almost at the flowering stage in north Bournemouth (28th pm).

Down at the riverside

A pair of Canada Geese resting in the shallows of the Dorset Stour by Millhams Mead in Spring 2012.

Roe deer

We have named her Rosy and we occasionally see her on our local walks in Kinson.

Barn owl

There is a haunting quality about them,especially when they emerge through the mist while hunting over meadowland near water.

Cudnell wood

This ancient woodland, in the background of our photograph, is specifically mentioned by name in a legal agreement between Richard Barns and Sir Thomas Webb of Great Canford, dated the 5th March, 1754.

Kestrel in Kinson

Our commonest local falcon is also present at Longham, Millhams Mead and the Kinson Common.

Meet Kipper

A very special little friend of ours who enjoys her daily walks around Kinson.

Isaac Gulliver

This section, we know, has created much interest in the past year or so. We will do our very best in 2012 to ensure that this interest continues.

We leave it to the historians among you to decide which Gulliver we feature in our photograph.

Greenfinch in Kinson

All species of finches nested successfully in the Kinson area in 2011.

Linnet

A lovable Spring songster in Kinson and at Millhams Mead, Bournemouth.

Looking for Roe deer in May 2012

Although very secretive, this species is well distributed in the Kinson area. Deer were observed locally during April.

We feature Kinson Roe deer in a meadow in Springtime.

Pale Butterworts in Kinson

2009 proved to be an excellent year for recording Pale butterworts on the Kinson Common. 2010 also showed signs of carrying on this great success.

Up to now, they had a range of 48.4 metres in an important bogland which retains moisture. Back in 2006, during the drought, they were extremely scarce.

Photographed on 7th May 2012, some of many still present in a location, extending to 12 square metres , first discovered in 2010.

Kinson Buzzard

A familiar daily sight in all corners of Kinson in Spring.

Moonfleet Kinson Wild Birds Photo Gallery

Our Moonfleet of Kinson Ornithology project continues during the Spring of 2012.

Our main focus will be to record as many species of wild birds which reside in or visit the Kinson area and to feature them on our website.

We hope that the featured photographs within our Moonfleet Wild Birds Photo Gallery will stimulate interest and encourage you and many others to delve deeper into this fascinating branch of nature.

From time to time we will also be updating species information and images displayed. (Updated: 2nd April 2012.)

New species will be added, as and when photographed.

Just as our subjects roam free, giving us many hours of enjoyment, please download the featured photographs on the same basis and enjoy them yourselves.

Blackcap

A welcomed Spring arrival which sometimes visits Kinson gardens.

Chiffchaff in Kinson

One of our favourite visitors in Spring.

Enjoying the Kinson sunshine

A fox resting on a bankside at Kinson Common in 2012.

Whitethroat

Early Spring arrivals are occasionally observed on alders around Millhams Mead and alongside the Dorset Stour close to Longham bridge.

Kinson Common Heath Spotted Orchids Survey 2011

HEATH SPOTTED ORCHIDS

This species represented 63.52% of all orchid species found on site. 94.06% appeared in the lower valley and 5.94% were found in small groupings in the upper valley.

A small number were found to 4mm tall on 1st March in Gover`s Glade. More found there and shown to the Countryside team on 8th March. Good numbers of typical emerging plants were found between 30mm to 105mm tall in the lower valley on the 14th April. At the same time, hybrids were found ranging from 78+mm to 152+mm tall. In Central Bog, the tallest plant was 100mm.

300+ emerging orchids visible in Gover`s Glade on 22nd April. First found in a sheltered corner of Central Bog north-side on 23rd March and in the same bogland on the south-side on the 22nd April.

Orchids began to flower in Gover`s Glade on the 18th May. On 7th June, height samples of flowering specimens were taken in all regions where they were found. In Gover`s Glade: flowerings from 60mm to 600mm tall. In Dragonfly Hollow: flowerings from c215mm to 740mm tall.In Central Bog north-side: flowerings from 60mm to 415mm tall. In Central Bog south-side: flowerings from c100mm to 385+mm tall.

We were up bright and early on the 10th May and counted all the orchids of varying sizes and stages of development we could find in Gover`s Glade. We were pleased to note the conservation work carried out earlier by the Borough Countryside team. Apart from patches of developing brambles clogging up some regions where the highest density of plants occured,the counting went smoothly.

The "Glade" count equates to over 82% of this species found on the Common. It has to be remembered that the count represents what we were able to find on the morning of our visit.

It is therfore not surprising that we came away feeling there were considerably more hidden away in the denser hard to reach undergrowth.

We had this feeling back in 2009 when we found 1725 plants. Perhaps we may never be able to find every miniscule orchid plant and exact numbers may never be known?

What we can say for sure is that tiny Gover`s Glade is the flagship of the Common,a situation unlikely to change for years to come.

The orchids in Dragonfly Hollow were counted on the 18th May and showed an improvement of around 30%. In this region of the Common, many plants clearly showed signs of hybridising with southern marsh orchids close by.

Those plants counted in Central Bog showed an increase of around 33% on the previous year`s count.

Over a two-decade+ period, heath spotted orchids in the lower valley represented 47.15% of all orchids counted on the Common and 2,653 more than the southern marsh orchids which began colonising a new location during the 1980`s.

In the same time period, all heath spotted orchids monitored throughout the site outnumbered the early marsh orchids by about 8.74 to 1 and southern marsh orchids by about 1.60 to 1.

In 2011, using as much data as could be obtained, heath spotted orchids outnumbered early marsh orchids by about 6.19 to 1 and southern marsh orchids by 2.42 to 1.

Kinson Common Early Marsh Orchids Survey 2011

EARLY MARSH ORCHIDS

This species, growing on small portions of the remaining ancient Redgate & Long Moors of the past, represented 10.27% of all orchids found on site in 2011.

Emerging orchids were first observed in the bogland at Kinson Common on 19th March. More were found on 23rd March. By the 31st March, many tiny plants were already showing well.

15 orchids were logged and gps recorded on 8th April, with the tallest plant to 65mm. Some with noticeable developing flower heads on 14th April.

Good numbers almost at the flowering stage on 24th April. This species began flowering during early May and an excellent display of them was observed on the 18th May.

The bogland region was visited on 7th June and many flowering specimens were fading already. On the same day, flowerings noted from c100mm to 390mm tall.

Late morning on the 6th May, all plants at all stages in their development were counted. For the first time ever, numbers exceeded 300, a 15% increase on the previous year. This species appeared to be extending its boundaries eastwards and westwards and it is to be hoped that this trend continues.

This species represented 69.43% of all orchid species counted in the upper valley in 2011.

Over a two decade+ period this species represented 6.58% of all orchids counted on Kinson Common.

Perhaps the most interesting fact is the known figure for them from 1988 to 2007, which has been exceeded by 93% from 2008 to 2011.

Although a dazzling species to look at when in flower, in grows in a region of the Common where the water table is higher, the terrain is not always level and visitors anxious to see them must take great care at all times.

Kinson Common Southern Marsh Orchids Survey 2011

SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHIDS

This species represented 26.21% of all orchids found on site in 2011. 97.15% flowered in the lower valley and 2.85% in the bogland in scattered groupings.

6+ emerging orchid plants were recorded in Dragonfly Hollow on 16th March and by the 31st, many more had been observed. Orchids to 110+mm tall noted in Dragonfly Hollow on 14th April.

Emerging orchids easy to spot on 22nd April. 3 orchids found growing in close proximity in a well used region of Poole Lane Meadows on 18th April. Small number of emerging orchids found near Pepin`s Pond on 14th May.

1 flowering specimen was recorded at the northern end of the bogland on 29th May. At least 22 orchids were observed in flower in the bogland on 3rd June.

On 7th June, height samples of flowering specimens were taken in all region where they were found. In Dragonfly Hollow: from c270mm to 840mm tall. Central Bog south-side: from c270mm tall to 625mm tall. Central Bog north-side: 1 specimen to c470mm tall.

The main count of Southern Marsh orchids was undertaken early morning in Dragonfly Hollow on the 18th May. If the heat doesn`t get to you in "The Hollow", the abundant biting insects will!

This species represented 5.08 % of all orchid species counted in the upper valley and 29.88 % of those found in the lower one in 2011.

Over a two decade+ period this species represented 35.93% of all orchids counted on the Common.

These orchids are certainly gaining ground again in Dragonfly Hollow and their present number represented 59% of their all time high of 1260.

The 2011 count showed an increase of 56% over the previous year. We know that their recovery is sustained as the latest count was more than double that of 2008.

Looking for Butterflies in May 2012

We feature a Brimstone which can be observed in Springtime.

Brown Argus,Commas, Holly Blues, Orange Tips Peacocks, Small Coppers, Small Tortoiseshells, Speckled Woods and Whites, are some of the many Kinson species worth looking out for on bright sunny days during May.

Dunnock in Springtime

Surrounded by sloe blossoms in a Kinson hedgerow.

Another orchid species discovery in Kinson

Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). Photographed locally during the Summer of 2008.

Although we managed to find and photograph an emerging Pyramidal orchid in the Kinson region on 5th May 2009, this did not reach the flowering stage. 2 plants were found in 2010, these also did not progress to the flowering stage. Despite checking regularly, we found no plants of this species in 2011. We hope to find some during 2012.

Bee Orchids in north Bournemouth in 2012

First recorded on the 9th January 2012.

Monthly recordings
January: 58; February: 20; March: 48; April: 97; May: 19.

Total count to 5th May 2012 = 242.

The recent rainfall encouraged many more plants to appear.

On the 24th April, the site where they grow was carefully checked with Urban Heath and 101 were re-recorded using gps.

Since that time a further 19 new discoveries were made. The remaining total was believed to be 120.

The losses are due to wild animals, high levels of daily activity and off-road vehicles.

A recent check has revealed that vulnerable plants have been lost from the north and south ends of the site and those remaining have considerably reduced in number. Between now and June further checks will be made to gauge accurately how many remain.
28th May 1012

13+ Bee orchids almost at the flowering stage. Most plants very small.

Featured photograph taken on the 28th May 2012.

Heath Milkwort in Kinson

Now flowering in the damper regions of Central Bog, Kinson Common in 2012.

Wood Anemone

A little gem sometimes found in Cudnell Wood in Spring.

Photographed on the 10th March 2012.

Willow warbler in Kinson

This beautiful visitor arrives around late Spring and remains with us throughout the Summer. This warbler has a wonderful song which contains a cascade of memorable notes.