Unfortunately, the planned Birches Farm BioBlitz was cancelled – this would have added a great deal to the species lists for the reserve; however, several members have spent many hours over the last few months observing and recording wildlife on the reserve.

The wildflowers were excellent this year. Dyer’s greenweed seems to have spread around the reserve, many species of orchid were recorded  including common spotted, green-winged, southern marsh and broad-leaved helleborine. Autumn crocus appeared in good numbers in Wood Field, and devil’s-bit scabious provided a rich autumn nectar source for many insects.

Over a hundred species of moths have been recorded this summer and autumn – Herefordshire Wildlife Trust's moth trap has been put to good use  - the variety of colour and form is truly remarkable.

An excellent year for butterflies too – as well as all the usual sightings there were several marbled whites recorded, a species rarely seen in this corner of Herefordshire; and another uncommon sighting – a green hairstreak.

Trail cameras revealed some of the reserve’s mammals – roe deer, hare, fox, badger, rabbit, and hedgehog were recorded.

The bird boxes around the barn were well used, spotted flycatchers were seen around the big pond again this year, moorhens raised chicks on the pond, and starlings nested in a hole in the big veteran ash tree. Woodcock have been seen this autumn.

Fungi, particularly waxcaps have been prolific this autumn with six species recorded. The fungi species list was boosted by a visit from Ray Woods in September.

Visitors to the reserve may have noticed the newly planted Pollinator Garden (planted by Sarah) in front of the new Barn which has attracted large numbers of bees and butterflies throughout the summer.

A new sign which was funded by the Branch, will soon be seen at the entrance to the Reserve.