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A Kinson website devoted to old Kinson and modern Kinson

Kinson Review of 2012

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

Kinson Monthly Nature Diary

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 2013

Cuckoo Woods

Kinson News 2013

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 2013: 158,036 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, 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 2013.

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.

During 2013, 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 406 entries. Updated 31st March 2013.

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!

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.

More Kinson photographs will be published in the future.

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 2013

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.

British white cattle grazing on the Kinson Common in 2013

Our featured photograph was taken on the 26th January 2013 at Poole Lane Meadows. 3 of this breed arrived on the Common on the 31st May 2012 and until recently, two were present on the Common.

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. Shetland cattle left the Common on the 8th December 2011.

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 2012, we have counted over 24,456 orchids on the Kinson Common. Heath Spotted orchids represent 58.51%, Southern Marsh 34.34% and Early Marsh 7.15%.

If we laid every orchid end-to-end, they would cover a distance of 3.91 miles. The 2012 orchid count would extend over 506 metres.

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

In 2012, Heath Spotted orchids accounted for over 67.98%, Southern Marsh 19.59% and Early Marsh 12.43% 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 WERE UPDATED ON 16TH MAY 2013.

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 2013.

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. Some of the area in the background later became a part of the Kinson Common.

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 2013 starmap and to look at our latest Kinson Local Astronomy Monthly page.

Kinson Review of 2012

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 2013 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 2013.

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!

Kinson Monthly Nature Diary

Monthly Nature Diary for Kinson 2013.

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 2013 to 24th May 2013.

Brimstone and Green-veined White butterflies observed at Millhams Mead (1st).
Blackcaps and Whitethroats observed today at Millhams Mead (1st).
Cormorant activity noted downstream of Longham bridge (1st).
Amelanchier in blossom, noticeable now in Pelhams Park, Kinson (1st).
Common spotted and Twayblade orchids continue to emerge in north Bournemouth (1st).
Bee orchids continue to emerge in north Bournemouth but greatly affected by recent scrambling (1st).
Lesser Periwinkle in flower at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (2nd).
Moorhens and Mallards present at Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (2nd).
Brimstone (f), Peacock and Speckled Wood butterflies observed around the fringes of Central Bog, Kinson Common (3rd pm).
Speckled wood and Orange tip butterflies observed in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (3rd pm).
Fresh specimen of a Large Red Damselfly observed in Central Bog, Kinson Common (3rd pm).
Blackcaps present at Glenmeadows, Gover`s Glade and the fringes of Central Bog, Kinson Common (3rd pm).
Amelanchier in flower on the fringes of Central Sallows and Central Bog, Kinson Common (3rd).
Small party of Jackdaws feeding at ground level on Poole Lane Meadows, Kinson Common (3rd pm).
Small charm of Goldfinches perched in a flowering cherry in Pelhams Park, Kinson (4th am).
Goldfinches present around chestnuts in Pelhams Park, Kinson (5th am).
Buzzard circling high over central Kinson (6th pm).
Speckled wood butterfly observed on the western perimeter of Pelhams Park, Kinson (6th am).
Speckled wood and Green-veined white butterflies on the wing at Millhams Mead (6th pm).
Common Dog violets in flower at Millhams Mead (6th).
Lone Buzzard sat in a tall oak at Kinson Manor Farm (6th pm).
Fox strolling through a field near Pelhams Park, Kinson (6th pm).
2 emerging Common Spotted orchids continue to make good progress in north Bournemouth (6th).
An emerging Common Twayblade orchid in north Bournemouth remains tiny and its flower head has been damaged (6th).
Speckled wood, Brimstone (m) and Holly blue butterflies visiting Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (7th pm).
3+ Speckled wood and a Brimstone (m) present in Gover`s Glade, Kinson Common (7th pm).
2 Peacock and a Brimstone (m) butterfly present on the fringes of Central Bog, Kinson Common (7th pm).
2 Moorhens patrolling Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (7th pm).
Holly blue butterfly settled on gravel at the waterfall, Kinson Common (7th pm).
Large Red damselflies active in Central Bog and around Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (7th pm).
Lady`s smocks in flower close to developing southern marsh orchids in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (7th pm).
Holly blue butterfly activity noted by Fryer`s Close and at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (7th).
15 emerging Early Marsh orchids gps recorded in Central Bog, Kinson Common (7th).
14+ small flowering specimens of Lousewort observed in Central Bog, Kinson Common (7th).
Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs present generally around Kinson Common (7th).
3 different colours of flowering bluebells noted in Poole Lane Sallows, Kinson Common (8th).
Nuthatches calling to each other from chestnut trees in Pelhams Park, Kinson (9th am).
Peacock butterflies on the wing at Millhams Mead (10th).
Pied wagtails present around Kinson Village Green (10th am).
Twayblade orchid emerging in north Bournemouth now 73mm tall (10th).
Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, Magpie and Pied wagtails feeding at ground level on Kinson Village Green (11th am).
Goldfinches visiting gardens by Kinson School (11th pm).
Sparrowhawk scattering pigeons and smaller birds as it flew low over Kinson School (11th pm).
2 Speckled wood butterflies settled on bramble in Pelhams Park, Kinson (12th am).
3-spined sticklebacks observed downstream of Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (12th).
Male Orangetip butterfly resting on Lady`s smock in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson |Common (12th pm).
Dog violet, lousewort, three-cornered leek, tormentil and speedwell flowering around the Central Bog region of Kinson Common (12th).
Red campion and greater stitchwort flowering in a shaded corner of Gover`s Glade, Kinson Common (12th).
Good numbers of metallic green leaf beetles on dock in the lower valley on Kinson Common (12th).
Queen wasp settled on stream bank vegetation in Dragonfly Hollow, Kinson Common (12th).
Green Alkanet flowering in abundance at Glenmeadows, Kinson Common (13th).
Bee, Common spotted and Twayblade orchids continuing to emerge in north Bournemouth (14th).
Small numbers of Swifts observed flying over central Kinson (15th pm).
Orange tip and Speckled wood butterflies on the wing at Millhams Mead (15th pm).
Dog violets Gorse,Green Alkanet and Speedwell well into flower on the higher ground at Millhams Mead (15th).
3 Swifts observed flying low together over Kinson Village Green (16th am).
3-spined sticklebacks now 160+ metres upstream of where originally recorded on Kinson Common (16th).
Visit to check on the progress of emerging Early marsh, Heath spotted and Southern marsh orchids at Kinson Common (16th).
Green-veined white, Orange tip and Speckled wood butterflies on the wing at Kinson Common (16th pm).
Pied wagtails feeding at ground level in Pelhams Park, Kinson (17th am).
Visit to Turbary Common to look at flora, emerging marsh orchids and reptiles with Mr Ted Taylor (17th am).
Buzzard flying westwards over Kinson school (18th pm).
Blue tits feeding young in the grounds of Kinson school (19th pm).
About 10% remain of all bee orchids recorded in north Bournemouth (20th).
2 Swifts flying low over Pelhams Bowling Green, Kinson (21st am).
Visit to Kinson Common to check on the progress of early marsh,heath spotted and southern marsh orchids (22nd).
Orange tip, small white and speckled wood butterflies on the wing at Kinson Common (22nd pm).
Mallard and Moorhen activity observed at Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (22nd).
Large Red damselflies active around the bogland region of Kinson Common (22nd pm).
Mallard and Moorhen activity at Pepin`s Pond, Kinson Common (23rd).
Gps recording of Early Marsh orchids at Kinson Common (23rd).
Mistle thrushes feeding at ground level on Poole Lane Meadows, Kinson Common (23rd pm).
Lousewort and Heath Milkwort well into flower in Central Bog, Kinson Common (24th).

Down at the riverside

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

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 2013 to ensure that this interest continues.

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

Blackcap

A welcomed Spring arrival which sometimes visits Kinson gardens.

Chiffchaff in Kinson

One of our favourite visitors in Spring.

Looking for Roe deer in May 2013

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

We feature a Kinson Roe deer in a meadow in Springtime.

Pale Butterworts in Kinson

2012 proved to be another excellent year for recording Pale butterworts on the Kinson Common.

Not so long ago, they had a known range of 48.4 metres in an important bogland which retains moisture. As far back as 2006, during a drought, they were extremely scarce.

Photographed on the 16th May 2013, we feature a thriving group of them, 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 2013.

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: 31st March 2013.)

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.

Whitethroat

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

Linnet

One of our favourite residents in Spring.

Enjoying the Kinson sunshine

A fox resting on Kinson Common, Bournemouth.

Dog Violet

Well distributed locally on stream banksides, especially so on Kinson Common in Spring.

Kinson Common Heath Spotted Orchids Survey 2012

HEATH SPOTTED ORCHIDS

This species represented 67.98% of all orchid species found on site. 95.01% appeared in the lower valley and 4.99% were found in small groupings in the upper valley.

3 emerging plants were found to 5mm tall on 17th January in Gover`s Glade. Plants from 10mm to 30mm, with the most advanced from 40mm to 45mm tall on the 21st March.

First found in Central Bog north-side and south-side on 13th April. Plants from c20mm to 100mm tall in the lower valley on 20th April.

On the 10th May, plants in the lower valley were from 20mm to 120mm tall and in the Central Bog region, from 60mm to 130mm tall.

13+ at the flowering stage in Gover`s Glade on the 2nd June and by the 8th June, orchids of this species were also at the flowering stage on both sides of Central Bog.
On 20th June, height samples of flowering specimens were taken. In Gover`s Glade: flowerings from c90+mm to c640mm tall. In Dragonfly Hollow: flowerings to 700+mm tall. In Central Bog southside: flowerings from c140mm to 240mm tall.In Central Bog northside: flowerings from c140mm to c410mm tall.

The annual count of all orchids in Gover`s Glade was undertaken on the 29th May with many flower heads noted. The count was challenging with much encroachment of scrub and brambles encountered. Several days prior to this the annual count of this species was undertaken in Dragonfly Hollow.

The "Glade" count equates to over 81.93% of this species found on the Common. It has to be remembered that the count represents what was found on the day of the visit.

As in the previous year, It was felt there were more tucked away in the denser hard to reach undergrowth, especially very tiny non-flowering developing plants.

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

Over a two-decade+ period, heath spotted orchids represented 58.51% of all orchids counted on the Common and 5913 more than the southern marsh orchids which also dynamically 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 8.18 to 1 and southern marsh orchids by about 1.70 to 1.

In 2012, using as much data as could be obtained, heath spotted orchids outnumbered early marsh orchids by about 5.47 to 1 and southern marsh orchids by 3.47 to 1.

Kinson Common Early Marsh Orchids Survey 2012

EARLY MARSH ORCHIDS

This species, thriving on relatively small areas of the remaining ancient Redgate & Long Moors of the past, represented 12.43% of all orchids found on site in 2012.

One emerging orchid at 10mm tall was first observed in the bogland at Kinson Common on 18th January. More were found and gps recorded on 19th March. On 21st March, some orchids were up to 15mm tall. By the 6th April, the orchids were visible in greater numbers above ground level.

On the 20th April, orchids heights varied from 35mm to 45mm tall. On the 10th May, orchid heights varied from 45mm to 90mm and two specimens were partially in flower.

5+ were at the flowering stage on the 15th May and by the 21st May, 22 flowerings were found.

The annual count of all plants at various stages in their development took place on the 24th May. Over 98.34% of the 2011 count was found and the very tiny variance is due to the fact a few orchids did not appear near a bog pool in colony two. Colony one is already showing signs of spreading westwards and this is a very good trend for the future.

On 20th June, height samples of flowering specimens were taken. These ranged from c130mm to 300mm tall.

This species represented 72.44% of all orchid species counted in the upper valley in 2012.

Over a two decade+ period this species represented 7.15% of all orchids counted on Kinson Common.

Kinson Common Southern Marsh Orchids Survey 2012

SOUTHERN MARSH ORCHIDS

This species represented 19.59% of all orchids found on site in 2012. 92.74% flowered in the lower valley and 7.26% in the bogland in scattered groupings.

1st emerging orchid was recorded in Dragonfly Hollow on 11th March and by the 28th March, another 10 had been found. Orchids from 28mm to 85mm tall noted in Dragonfly Hollow on 20th April.

By the 1st May, orchids to 130mm tall observed in the lower valley. 1 partially flowering specimen was recorded at the northern end of the Dragonfly Hollow on 15th May. At least 30 orchids were observed at the flowering stage in the Central Bogs region by the 30th May.

The main count of Southern Marsh orchids was undertaken in Dragonfly Hollow on the 27th May.

On 20th June, height samples of flowering specimens were taken. In Dragonfly Hollow flowerings from c140mm to c900mm tall. In Poole Lane Meadows, one flowering to 270mm tall. In Central Bog, flowerings ranged from 220mm to 590mm tall.

Over a two decade+ period this species represented 34.34% of all orchids counted on the Common.

Looking for Butterflies in May 2013

We feature a Brown Argus in Springtime.

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.

Damselfly in Springtime

We feature a Large Red damselfly resting by a Kinson stream.

Pyramidal Orchid in north Bournemouth 2012

Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis).

Species first recorded in 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 were very pleased to have discovered this one in 2012.

Photographed locally in north Bournemouth on the 13th July 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 2012
13+ Bee orchids almost at the flowering stage. Most plants very small.

11th June 2012
30+ at the flowering stage.

15th June 2012
55 Bee orchids in flower.
Annual count = 268.

29th June 2012
3 additional orchids found in flower.
Annual count = 271.

Featured photograph taken on the 20th June 2012.

Wood Anemone

A little gem sometimes found in Cudnell Wood in Spring.

Dunnock in Springtime

Surrounded by sloe blossoms in a Kinson hedgerow.

Heath Spotted orchids in Kinson

Photographed on Kinson Common in Gover`s Glade on the 22nd May 2013. Orchid species first found on the Common on the 1st January 2013.

Bee Orchids in 2013

Although exceptional numbers of emerging bee orchids were recorded in north Bournemouth up to the 20th May 2013, only a small percentage will reach the flowering stage this summer.

There is now clear evidence to show that some plants of this species were above ground level during the autumn and winter periods.

Our featured photograph was taken on the 20th May 2013 and it is hoped that this plant, along with many others, will reach the flowering stage by the summer.