Tadpole Experiments

As I'm close to completing my degree, in February I started my dissertation project, a 30-credit final year module on environmental science. I get to choose my own project, as long as it compares biotic and abiotic factors. I have chosen to study common frog tadpole hatching success at different levels of water acidity. This follows on from my second year project where I did some fieldwork in a local nature reserve, and found that amphibians were absent from one particularly acidic pond. After some literature research, I have set up a home experiments to assess at what point acidity is lethal, and at which point it can develop into frog spawn. Is there a tipping points or a gradient along which acid impacts development?  The last few weeks have been quite intense in planning and setting up the experiment.  I had to get approval from the module team early, as the deadline for my first assignment isn't for another ten days, but the frogs arrived in my pond in mid-February.  I am at a slight disadvantage as I am having to cram a lot of work up front, but it will mean that my data collection is over relatively quickly and I have the summer to write up and get involved in other conservation tasks.

Yesterday, activity in the pond increased and the first clump of spawn was laid. This happened at lunchtime, just as I was about to set off for an overnight trip. As I had committed to collect spawn within 24 hours of it being laid, needless to say my trip was delayed while I collected the spawn and decanted it into separate tanks.

First I split the clump of frog spawn into four different batches.  This was much harder than I imagined as the jelly stuck the eggs together very firmly. Three smaller clumps were put into my least acidic water to acclimitise, then two of the clumps were gradually moved to more acidic water.  One of the four clumps was returned to the pond.

The experiment has only been running a day and so it's not really possible to see if there is a difference between the spawn in the different water treatments.  The one in the most acidic water does look slightly more cloudy, but this could be my imagination. There are a couple of deformed eggs, but these occur in different treatments so it is not necessarily the acid that has caused it - it could have been damaged whilst I was splitting the spawn.

Hopefully the frogs will produce more spawn in the coming days as I need to carry out at least three replicates of the experiment. I am trying to photograph the spawn at different stages so hopefully there will be some interesting photos posted here over the coming weeks.

Coppicing Tasks

Unfortunately I missed a coppicing training day organised by the YWT Lower Aire Valley volunteers and Leeds Coppicers, but I still got the chance to practice some skills on the follow-up work days and quickly picked things up from the other group members.

Over the last week I've attended two sessions at Townclose Hills reserve near Kippax.  We started by planting a five new 'standard' trees - a mix of cherry and oak - within the hedge that was laid recently.  These look rather forlorn at the moment, but I'm sure will soon grow and add some interest to the hedge.

We then moved up into the woodland and continued the work that started on the training day. The woodland is being traditionally coppiced to remove scrub and harvest useful wood. This is being done in blocks, so that some areas of the woodland are opened up whilst others are left untouched and continue to grow.

This is a mixed deciduous woodland.  The trees include hazel - which provides a really useful wood products - and sycamore, which is less useful. There were also areas of hawthorn scrub to contend with.

In coppicing, the tree is cut back almost to ground level. The stool that is left will sprout and re-grow in the future, providing a new harvest of wood in around ten years time. Wood that is cut off is then processed into various products. This sorting process can take longer than chopping down the tree.  The photos to the left illustrate the process. Depending on the length, width, flexibility and species of the wood, these could be:

• beanpoles - tall and straight
• fence hurdles - long, flexible and may be slightly bent
• stakes/fence posts - sturdy, straight
• garden canes - shorter, thinner, straight
• firewood - anything else

This was bundled up and will be removed from the site. The remaining brash was collected and laid downslope in three lines of breakers as a sort of dead hedge. This will eventually decompose down but forms an edge to discourage people from walking across the site, and also provides some shelter for wildlife. Robins were already making use of this while we were working.

A couple of pleachers were laid from some of the hazel standards. This is a technique similar to hedge laying, but a branch is cut and laid into bare ground where it should sprout and form a new stool. Following on from the hedge laying course, I managed to do a couple of these on my own.

Today I spent the morning at the Roach Lime Hills reserve. It was a beautiful early Spring morning with views over Leeds.  The group continues to do scrub clearance work on site.  Hawthorn and blackthorn scrub is starting to encroach, so large areas of this are being cut down to restore the area to grassland. Unlike the coppicing, the wood is not good enough to do anything with, so it is burned on site.

Despite the prickly thorns, it was nice to do a task in good weather and enjoy the sunshine.  Leafhoppers were very active as we were enjoying a mid-morning break, and we had a few new volunteers in the group to chat to.

Mapping the South Pennine Grasslands

Through my volunteering at West Yorkshire Ecology, I got the chance to get involved in a short project with them.  They have the task of mapping the Yorkshire side of the South Pennines National Character Area (36) to identify where grasslands are. 

A couple of other volunteers are also involved in the project, as there are several hundred square kilometers to map. On Friday we had a session together, which was really useful as it introduced us to the project and the MapInfo workspace we will be working with.  It was great to have a refresher on MapInfo as I have not used it since I left the Wildlife Trust, and also nice to meet some of the other volunteers as we usually work on different days.

The task is simple: for this first stage of the project, we are digitising part of the 1990 Phase 1 habitat survey that was done across the UK.  This original paper map is currently a flat image and can't be searched, manipulated or modelled.  For the project, we are combining two map 'layers' and creating a new one that can be used interactively.  The first layer is simply a picture of the Phase 1 survey results - on the screen shot below, this shows as the mainly orange-brown colours with notations. The second layer is a more recent, digital version showing the topography and field boundaries.  I have made these lines bright blue so they are easy to see.

The third layer - the one I am creating - is shown in white with the dotted pattern.  This started as a blank canvas, and I have to copy the shape of each field/area from the topography layer, and then annotate the notes - using the information from the underlying Phase 1 map - to show what habitat this shape represents.  You can see in the 'Info Tool' screen that I have created an area of Semi Improved Neutral Grassland, which has habitat code B2.2.

It is fairly easy to do, but the challenge comes when the areas on the topography map don't align to those on the Phase 1 map, or there are different habitat types annotated within one topographic boundary.  Then I get to test my MapInfo skills further by manipulating the shapes or creating new ones to make sure the representation is as accurate as possible.

At the moment, my new map layer is just showing as white where I have digitised the information. Once complete, a theme will be applied to the map. Using the Phase 1 habitat codes, it will automatically colour in the map so that it looks like the underlying picture. However, although it may look very similar once finished, the digitised version will be much more useful as it can be used to gather information about the coverage of each habitat type, and can be used to model different environmental project scenarios.

I'm pleased to be involved as it keeps my mapping skills up-to-date and contributes to a large and interesting project.

Hedge Laying

On Saturday I took part in a work day with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Lower Aire Valley volunteers.  We returned to the site at Townclose Hills, but this time remained at the bottom of the hill to work on the boundary of the nature reserve.  A mixed hedgerow was planted around 15 years ago, and it is now old enough to 'lay' the hedge. This way of managing the hedgerow is good for wildlife as it makes it thicker and promotes new growth.  If livestock were in the field, it would be more secure.  The photo opposite shows a section of hedge that was done last year, with the nature reserve in the background.

We were just a small group of three beginners, which gave us plenty of chance to learn from our expert leaders.  There are many 'styles' of hedge laying.  Ours most closely resembled the Derbyshire style, as the hedgerow was planted in two rows giving quite a thick hedge.  We just practised on one side, and the rest will be finished another day.  Here is my summary of how to lay a hedge.



1.  Prepare the area.  The first tree that you lay is awkward, as it needs a gap to go into. You are basically taking a young tree that is around ten feet tall and upright, and leaning it over on the diagonal.  To make sure it doesn't get caught up on othe trees, you need to prune off any branches coming off the side the tree will be leaning towards (as these would otherwise go into the ground).  We were working from right to left, so the first tree was pruned on the right and leaned to the right. This then creates a gap for the tree on its left to lean into.  You also need to prune off those branches coming out towards you: this will be the face of the hedge and it makes it easier and safer to work.

2.  With a saw, make some horizontal cuts in the base of the tree. These are made at around two inch intervals, starting two inches off the ground. The first cut goes about three quarters of the way through the trunk ... but it is better to be cautious as you can always cut deeper if needed.  On the other hand, if you cut through too far you have killed a fifteen year old tree and will end up with a gap in the hedge!!  The next cut up goes about half way through the tree trunk, and the next one around a quarter of the way through.





3. Gradually thin out the bark.  This is done using either an axe or a bill hook.  Short steady movements are the key. You need a precise result - this is not the same as hacking down a tree with an axe as you need to ensure some living bark is maintained.  It is best to keep the axe angled inwards, pointing at around 5 o'clock (7 o'clock if working the other way).  Once the cut hits the horizontal saw marks, the excess wood chips away and it also stops the axe going down into the base.

4.  Split the base.  When there is about a quarter of the width remaining at the base of the tree, use the axe to gently split the tree vertically downwards, extending the cut face. It is important that this is a clean cut and the living tissue is maintained through the bark and into the roots.  Someone may need to hold the tree to support it and ensure it doesn't bend and break.

5. Bend the tree over. This may need several people.  One person should support the base of the tree. Once filed down, this material should be thin enough to bend. If it is too thick, it is more likely to crack and break.  Other people are needed to support the tree and ease it down into position. Branches tangle on one another and other trees and need easing through.  The tree should end up laying at an angle of around 40 degress. The first in the row may need supporting, but others should support each other.  

 

6. The final stage is to add stakes at approximately two foot intervals. Sawn timber can be used, but we used coppiced branches from the nearby reserve to give a more natural effect.  The pleaches (lain trees) are then woven between the stakes.

The end product can look a little harsh, but as seen from the photo at the top in a few months new growth will start to come through. As the hedge has been pruned, the new growth should be quite vigorous. This task is one that needs to be done in the winter months - besides the fact that it's easier to work with the trees when they are barren, this minimises impact on wildlife and especialy nesting birds.

 

I'm hoping to take part in another session later in the month so that I can get some more hedge laying practice. It was a very enjoyable day and a useful skill to learn.

New Year Planning

After the holiday break, I have had a busy few days organising myself and my studies.  I now have a weekly study planner for the next 6 months or so, which looks pretty scary as I have a lot to keep myself busy.  As ever, my studies are busiest in May-June which is exactly the time when I should be getting out and doing field work - hopefully I will be able to combine both.  I have yet to start my next Open University module, which will be my third year project, but I am hoping to do something great-crested newt related.  This can serve the dual purpose of being a university project and working towards my great-crested newt licence.  I have already started with some research, and have used my Christmas gift money to buy some books and supplies. 

I am attending the ARC UK Herptofauna Workers Meeting in Newcastle in early February, and have also booked onto a Field Studies Council course in April, so should be well set up to start newt surveying in the Spring.

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to continue to improve my plant identification skills.  The first of my MMU modules this year, at the end of May, is on Woodland Plants.  I attended several events in 2014 on woodland plants, so already have quite a good idea about the sorts of plants we will be looking at.  Today I have made a revision list so that each week leading up to the course I will be reviewing a small group of related plants. Hopefully this will prepare me for the course a little better.  I will be doing a lot of newt field work and revising for my OU exam at the same time, so this may take a bit of pressure off.  This week I will be looking at the Violet and Primrose families.

I received some good news today: as I have successfully completed two years of continuing professional development, my membership with the Society of Biology has been upgraded and I am now Kate Wright, AMSB! Another small step in the right direction.

Mystery Plant

In December I returned to Townclose Hills with the Lower Aire Valley volunteers and we continued our woodland management by clearing back some small trees that were encroaching on the footpaths.  During the day, I noticed a couple of plants and took photos to help me identify them later.  One was bryony, with its tendrils and red berries visible. The other one was a mystery.

At home, I leafed through several botany books and was unable to identify the plant.  I posted it to a Facebook group and got no replies.  I showed the photo around the office of the ecology department and they were all stumped too!  I initially thought this was a St Johns Wort, as there were others in the area, but it had alternate leaves not opposite.  Found in the woodland, it was about two feet tall, quite bushy, with slightly downy leaves and what I thought were pale grey buds.  Having exhausted the easiest routes, I emailed my botany group and my query found its way to our county recorder. The plant was finally identified as Common Gromwell (Lithospernum officinale) and what I though were buds were actually fruits/nutlets. This just goes to prove that plants don't always look as they do in the text books, and if you are unsure take lots of photos and make notes at the time. Also make a note of the location, as I would have struggled to find this again if it did turn out to be something rarer!

The latest tasks with the Lower Aire Valley volunteers have shifted to a site called Roach Lime Hills, which is between Garforth Cliff and Kippax.  It is a privately owned SSSI and the Wildlife Trust is helping to manage it.  The meadows are particularly important, but much of the site is being encroached by hawthorn scrub.  A management plan is in place to remove around 2/3rds of this scrub. On the day I helped out, much of the scrub had already been cut and our job was to break it up and burn it.  The bonfire had to be controlled, and raised up off the ground to prevent damage to the area underneath. Once cooled, the ash has to be taken off site to avoid adding too many nutrients back into the soil.  There is quite a lot of work to do on the site, so I am sure there will be more workdays here in the new year.

CIEEM Conference in Edinburgh

Last month I spent an excellent few days up in Edinburgh for the CIEEM conference.

Travelling up the day before, I had planned to have a walk around Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat. Unfortunately our train was cancelled, and by the time we arrived in Edinburgh and checked into the hotel it was mid-afternoon.  We still managed to walk part of the way, up to the crags, but as we didn't want to get caught out in unfamiliar terrain in the dark, we turned back so didn't make it to Arthur's Seat. The views from where we were across the city were spectacular though.

We managed to find a very nice pub just around the corner from the hotel, with a choice of fine ales, good music and food.  It was nice to relax before what I knew might be quite an intense few days, and the pub was so good we went back the next day.

It was about half an hour's walk from the hotel to the conference venue at Edinburgh University.  There were a range of talks on both days, mostly around 30-45 minutes in length, and covering varied topics but all focusing on the theme of Effective Habitat Restoration, Translocation and Creation.  There were plenty of breaks so that sessions didn't feel as though they were too long. Many of the talks were given by experienced practioners sharing their experiences.  It was interesting to learn about subjects I have not really been exposed to yet, such as crayfish mitigation and moving wood ant nests. 

During the conference I also took part in a speed career networking session. This was a 15 minute chat with an experienced ecologist.  It was quite thought provoking and good to talk out loud about my current situation, and it has given me some ideas about how I can progress next year.

I came away with more luggage than I went with, having bought some books and mammal scales at the on-site shop.  Overall, it was a really good few days. I'm booked onto an amphibian conference in 2015 and hopefully it will be equally as useful.