Next meeting
The nextGroup meeting is on Monday June 11th 2012 at Clashwhannon Public House, Drummore, 2.30pm
Speaker: Jude Hartley ‘Turtles’
Phone or email for details. 01776 840573
Photo of the week
Click to enlarge
Bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
Image © Jeff Wells 2012
One of Scotland’s ‘useful plants’ which gets a mixed press. Although regarded inferior
to heather, it was much used for thatching and bedding for people and animals. The
fronds were believed to have insect-
However, the plant is carcinogenic to horses and cattle when ingested; acute and chronic poisoning can occur. Also the invasive nature of the plant allows it to destroy heather and pasture.
In Japan, Korea and China the young fronds are eaten, but this is thought to lead
to an increased chance of stomach cancer. Danish research in 2004 even suggests a
toxin, ptaquiloside, can leach into the water supply in bracken-
Record your 2012 sightings online here.
Contact us here.
• Unusual Shell found in Luce Bay
• Links to other natural history sites
The Great Drummore Moth Trap 2011
List of species seen locally -
© Kirkmaiden Natural History Group 2012
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Kirkmaiden is a parish in the South Rhinns of Galloway, South West Scotland, incorporating the villages of Drummore and Port Logan and the hamlet of Kirkmaiden.
Kirkmaiden Natural History Group is based in Drummore. We hold indoor meetings monthly and run field outings throughout the year .
The Group is indebted to the dedication, knowledge and expertise of founder-
We need your help! Please report any local wildlife sightings to us using the form on this page, or use our facebook page. Just click on the link below.
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