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March 2006

First Lamb for 2006 born on farm

A ewe lamb was born to a Norfolk sheep on Tuesday 7th March on the Rare breeds farm and Zoo. Norfolk Horned sheep have had a long association with Hainault Forest  being present here in 1851 when the Kings Wood was cut down and Foxburrows farm established.

It is pictured here at two hours old.

September 2005

Horse Chestnut Disease in Redbridge

Leaf fall has occurred early for the Horse Chestnuts in Redbridge. The leaf, so recently adopted by  Redbridge Council as a new logo and symbol for its letterheads has succumbed to a debilitating infestation which has been seen in Hainault Forest, The Hainault Lodge Local Nature Reserve, The Roding Valley and many parks. The Forestry Commission told me of severe infestation in Woodford.

It is caused by a tiny micro moth 0.5cm in length which lays her eggs in the leaf.  On hatching the tiny caterpillar eats its way within the leaf forming a mine in which it pupates. The new moth will emerge in April to attack further Horse Chestnut trees.

The moth Cameraria ohridella was first described as a new species in 1986 in Macedonia, Northern Greece, appearing in Austria later. Since 2002 it has now spread into the European countries bordering the North Sea, Central Europe, France Spain and Italy.

In 2002 it also appeared in the London Borough of Wimbledon and by 2005 heavy infestations  and severe damage were reported in most of the Greater London area with lesser infestations in places as far apart as Norfolk and Newport, Gwent.

Because of the heavy infestation in Greater London, the leaves curl and fall much earlier than usual. The Forestry Commission are monitoring the effect on the general well being of the tree in the long term.

Details can be found on their website at:

www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/INFD-68JJRC

Horse Chestnut leaf showing about 40 mines.

Close up shows two mines each with a larva and a circular mass of frass.

Alf, Vi and Don examine infected leaves at Hainault Lodge Local Nature Reserve.

May 2005

New Lambs 2005 on the farm.

One hour old Badger-face twin ewe and ram lambs born

Tuesday 24th May 2005.

 Ken, the Badger-face ram. His progeny are left and he's also the father of the Poll Dorset lamb below.

One day old twin ewe lambs born Thursday 7th April 2005 to one of the Soay sheep. All Soay sheep are descendents from Soay, an island in the St. Kilda group. Soay means "sheep island". Today there is a large feral herd on the main island of Hirta. The St. Kilda islands lie in the Atlantic 50 miles out from the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The islands were abandoned by the population in the 1930's and are now owned by The National Trust for Scotland. There is a small army presence there, and NTS work parties spend time there in the summer months.

The three day old twin lambs take their first outing on Sunday 10th April.

Nine days old on Saturday 16th April 2005.

May 2004

Two new Badger-face lambs born at Farm

A Torddu or badger-face ewe lamb was born on the farm on Monday morning the 10th May 2004. It is pictured here at five days old (15/05/04). Badger-face sheep are known for their long tails which can be seen in the picture. A second lamb (ram) was born on Saturday evening the 15th May 2004. Both lambs are doing well.

Mother and daughter Badger face sheep about two hours after the birth on 10th May 2004.

The badger-face sheep with their lambs (17.05.04)

The young ewe lamb is five days old. (15.05.04)

The ewe lamb at a week old (17.05.04)

Stepping out at 5 days. (15.05.04)

Stepping out at 5 days. (15.05.04)

January 2004

Local Nature Reserve Status for HFCP

Paul Browne, Country Park Manager writes: The Country Park is aiming to achieve Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status. As part of this bid some major changes, beneficial to both park users and wildlife, are being made to the way the Country Park is managed. A nature area is being created in the SW area adjacent to the Romford Road, the focus in this area will be on environmental education and the enhancement of habitats. A nature trail, comprising of information on natural history highlighted by sculptural works, is being developed. The creation of the trail entails the rationalisation and modification of paths, as well as diversion of the orienteering and cross country course to enhance habitats, achieve greater clarity on the ground and create an educational resource. We hope that all park users will appreciate and respect reasons for modifying access to this part of the park.

May 2003

Lambourne gets a Village Sign

Rob Smith of Parndon Studios, designer and carver of the sign.

Photo:  © Alan Galpin.

Lambourne  got a new village sign in May 2003. It stands on the green at the junction of New Road and Manor Road.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Villagers, Members of the Lambourne group of the Women's Institute, Parish Councillors including the Chairman Arnold Raven, and Epping Forest District Councillor Stephen Metcalfe.

The unveiling was performed by WI member Kath Clark of Dews Hall and Rob Smith.

The sign which is of carved oak was the idea of the local Women's Institute and money was raised by them and through other local activities.

The sign was carved by Rob Smith of Parndon Studios and was in commemoration of the Millennium and the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

An informal reception was held at Dews Hall where refreshments were provided by the Women's Institute.