amongst the wildlife
As I sit by the Shepherd’s huts, making the most of a rare evening where I have no guests, I am consistently overwhelmed by the amount and variety of nature that surrounds me.
Ever since the lake was dug out, by my grandfather over 30 years ago, we have been lucky enough to host a variety of birds, plants, insects and reptiles. In my opinion, these not only create an everchanging vista better than any TV, but bring the countryside to life with chirps and chirrups, and scent the air with blossom and watermint.
Plantlife
Inside Edgar’s, there are two scientific posters we found in an antiques shop. In an amazing twist of fate, they concern meadow flowers and water plants – of which we have many of around the lake and the shepherd’s huts. Depending on the time of year you choose to visit our corner of Dorset you may see different species coming to the forefront.
Always impressive are our fabulous trees – a mixture of Ash, Alder, Willow, and apple and pear trees planted for their fruit. These create shady nooks and dappled sunshine, a little relief in the heat of summer. We have also planted a hedge of 120 native trees, including Dog Rose, Elder, Beech and Hazel provided by the Woodland Trust. These are growing steadily and are already beginning to provide for pollinators.
Beneath the trees, we host meadow plants, including teasels, buttercups, cow parsley, and, of course, nettles. Throughout the year they bloom with colour.
Last but not least, we have our unique selection of water plants. Around the edge we have water lillies, water mint, yellow flag and bullrushes, and in the middle of the lake broadleaved pondweed seems to have found a niche. However much time I spend by the lake, I can always find something I don’t know the name of. Perhaps a budding botanist would like to come and stay in the Shepherd’s huts to help me out!
Birds
And of course, our bountiful foliage produces habitats for all sorts of bird life.
The most commonly seen sight on our lake is Moorhens – these little guys are practically performers, swimming up and down and bringing their chicks out to feed. They make their home in the reeds surrounding, and quickly come out when you watch.
Alongside the moorhens, ducks often nest with us! A couple of broods per year hatch ducklings on the lake, and you’ll see the stream of babies behind their mother. When they get older, they are bold as brass, and enjoy jumping up and down from the jetty.
Less commonly seen are the dabchicks. Tiny black creatures, these guys duck and dive very subtley in the background. Perhaps the most elusive team are those kingfishers, herons and waterail – if you spot one of these you have done well! We see them rarely, in little flashes – but each time is a joy!
Reptiles, amphibians and insects
Perhaps this group will be the least interesting to many, however let me paint a picture in your mind.
Dragonflies and Damselflies swooping along the surface of the water, perhaps resting on a lilypad. A toad choosing her spot to lay toadspawn, which forms into hundreds of tiny tadpoles. Tiny newts, wriggling through the water and bees buzzing around the flowers, and in and out of their ‘bee hotel’. Butterflies of all shapes and sizes floating through the breeze.
Undoubtedly, the insect life in and around the lake goes far beyond what we can see, and this in turn keeps the whole habitat going. Each tiny element of the lake system is an important cog, and we are so grateful they seem to work.