Voice Magazines - Ripley & Marehay - June 2024

JUNE 24

GIRAFFE DAY 21ST JUNE 24

NEXT GENERATION TV STARS

2023 was a record breaking year for turnover for Next Generation Home

Improvements in Ripley and the company have continued to provide customers with great service in 2024.

They also made an appearance on television’s DIY SOS, providing a new resin surface for Treetops Hospice in Risley as well as featuring at The Newark Garden Show. So all in all things are going well for this local business and Director Lee Goddard wants to continue moving forward. He states “we put our success down to the high standard of work that our installers adhere to. It is important to remember that a driveway is the main focal point at the front of a customer’s

home so it is essential that we make sure it looks fantastic. With this is mind, we have continued to keep our installers trained to the highest of standards and make sure they keep a pride in their work. Our installers are a credit to the company and our 1000’s of satisfied customers speak so highly of them which is lovely to hear.”

As well as specialising in resin driveways, paths & patios, Next Generation also offer Aluminium gates, composite fencing & garage doors. They are more than happy to offer help, advice or no obligation quotes. They welcome customers to call into their offices on Butterley Hill or call them on 01773 303181.

The company would be delighted to quote on any customers work involving resin driveways, patios, composite fencing or gates.

Simply drop them a call on 01773 303181

THE AWKWARDLY ELEGANT GIRAFFE

It may be just me but in the pantheon of weirdly designed animals, the giraffe has to be at, or near the top of the list.

Evolutionary theory tells us that they developed their extraordinarily long necks in order to reach the most succulent vegetation found at the tops of trees.

My simplistic brain can’t help but think…well why did they not just eat something lower down? And what did they eat before their necks stretched so much?

Don’t get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against giraffes. In fact their faces are really rather appealing, all angles, big eyes and long, long eyelashes. They even have the equivalent of fingerprints as no two giraffes have the same coat pattern. But they just seem so blinking awkward!

It’s a wonder any baby giraffes survive the fall from mum’s…errr…rear end… to the ground. Given the fragile nature of the long newborn neck, it must be very easy for it to break in the event of a less than safe landing.

That fact alone has me amazed that the species managed to survive and evolve.

And have you ever seen giraffes fighting?

Apparently they find it very difficult to lift their legs off the ground to kick out, which is what most ruminants would do. So, instead, they bash their necks together…really, really hard.

Honestly, they are so badly designed that their necks are too long for them to drink unless they splay their legs out before dipping towards the water source. I mean… really!

Their circulatory system also has to cope with the fact that their blood pressure dips dangerously low when they bend their head to drink. The jugular veins have developed incredibly elastic walls and large one-way valves that allow the veins to expand significantly and prevent the blood from flowing back to the brain when the giraffe’s head is lowered.

The poor creatures can’t even lie down for a proper kip either. They do “lie” down with their long legs tucked underneath them, but the neck is usually still upright. Occasionally, and only for very short periods of normally not more than 5 minutes, giraffe can sleep with their head resting back on their rump.

Five minutes sleeping!

I could not be a giraffe!

Joking apart, there is a serious side to this article – June 21 is World Giraffe Day – a day to remind us that giraffes are in fact an at risk species. There has been an almost 30% population decline over the past three and a half decades, leaving an estimated population of 117,000 individuals.

They may be ungainly and awkward, but they do deserve to be respected, cared for, and allowed to flourish, as does every other species on this planet we all call home.

AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB

A SEASON TO REFLECT ON...

Despite encountering challenges, the senior squad of Amber Valley Men showcased resilience and determination this season, earning respect on and off the field. Their growth as a cohesive unit was evident in each game, with valuable lessons learned from every experience. Looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, excitement brews within the club as pre-season training commences on July 8th at 7 pm. Those interested in joining can contact Stuart at 07966 867 946

Amber Valley Tigers celebrated a successful season, clinching the league championship with a 36-14 victory against Barkers Butts in their final game. Despite a loss in the national cup semi-final to the reigning champions, they’ve thrived, even recruiting six new players. The NLD cup final awaits on May 26th To be part of this successful and welcoming team, contact Gareth at 07595 520 537

Amber Valley Rugby Mini and Juniors concluded their season with a memorable festival, showcasing talent and teamwork. Young athletes displayed passion for the game, forming friendships and making memories. As the tournament ended, it marked the beginning of a lasting love for rugby among many. For those interested in joining, contact Paul at 07790 403 043.

Introduction:

Dan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and support. From battling the demons of heavy drinking to conquering the challenges of marathon running, his story is one of resilience, perseverance, and community.

Background:

Dan’s journey began as a 15.5 stone heavy drinker, facing physical and emotional hurdles. He struggled with low self-esteem and lacked direction in life. Recognizing the need for change, Dan took the first step towards a healthier lifestyle by joining Ultimate Health & Fitness Personal Training Facility. Under the mentorship of Chris Melhuish, he found a supportive environment where he could embark on his journey of selfdiscovery and transformation.

Transformation Journey:

Through unwavering commitment and the tailored guidance of the gym’s team, Dan began to see gradual but significant improvements in his fitness and overall well-being. He embraced a holistic approach to health, focusing not only on physical strength but also on mental resilience and emotional well-being. With each passing month, Dan’s confidence grew, and he found himself achieving milestones he once thought were impossible.

Marathon Success:

Dan’s crowning achievement came in the form of completing his first marathon. The journey to the marathon start line was filled with challenges and setbacks, but Dan remained steadfast in his determination. From the early morning training runs to the final moments of crossing the finish line, every step was a testament to his unwavering resolve. As he ran past cheering spectators, including his own family shouting “come on dad,” Dan felt a surge of emotion and gratitude for how far he had come.

Fundraising Efforts:

In addition to his personal triumph, Dan dedicated his marathon journey to raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK. Inspired by the support of his community, he launched a fundraising campaign that exceeded all expectations. Through the generosity of friends, family, and even strangers touched by his story, Dan raised over £1,700 for a cause close to his heart. The funds raised would support vital research and awareness initiatives, making a tangible difference in the fight against prostate cancer.

Conclusion:

Dan’s transformation journey exemplifies the profound impact of perseverance, support, and community. Through the guidance of Ultimate Health & Fitness Personal Training Facility and the unwavering support of Chris Melhuish, he transcended his past struggles and emerged as a beacon of inspiration.

As Dan’s journey continues, his story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of belief, dedication, and the human spirit. It is a testament to what is possible when we dare to dream big and never give up on ourselves.

All Around the Shire

THE RECKITT’S COMPANY

I have recently acquired a magnificent piece of social history: a Reckitt and Sons vintage demonstration box of the type used by travelling salesmen. It contains sample items of many of the products Reckitt’s made. Their earliest creation was laundry starch in 1819. The dolly blue bag and black lead followed in 1852. It is now a worldwide company. Alongside the dolly blue bag is a “cream tint” bag. We have asked many people through our social history talks, and no one is able to remember the red and cream bag or knows what it was for.

We would welcome any information on this item. One of my favourite products was, and still is, Windowlene -pink and fragrant, smeared on your glass would bring your windows up a treat, polished to a shine with newspaper. Reckitt’s has been at the forefront of health and household products for two hundred years, developing brands like Dettol, Steradent, Harpic and Strepsils.

For me, the smell of Brasso particularly brings back memories of my father polishing his army buttons and buckles. He was a regular in the Sherwood Foresters and is still as well turned out as ever. He used to sing a song about “Shine up your buttons with Brasso” but only the clean version! My husband, Paul, learned the other version in the school cadet corps. When we show this very special item at our presentations, it elicits warm and fond memories of familiar items we have grown up with and will continue to grow old with.

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

RASCALS CELEBRATE LIFESAVING SUCCESS

As the 2023/2024 competitive Lifesaving season comes to an end, RASCALS has emerged as a formidable force, capping off an outstanding season with a string of impressive results. The list of competitions targeted has been extensive:

✔ Yorkshire Speeds

✔ Holland National Championships

✔ Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Nationals

✔ Surf Life Saving GB (SLSGB) Open Nationals

✔ British Universities Life Saving Clubs’ Association (BULSCA) Nationals

✔ Welsh Nationals

✔ Irish Nationals

✔ Surf Lifesaving GB (SLSGB) Youth Nationals

✔ Spanish Nationals

At the Yorkshire Speeds, RASCALS had a stellar performance, clinching the top spot on both the points and medal tables. Continuing their winning streak, the club excelled at the Welsh Nationals in Swansea, securing the highest number of medals and finishing a close second in overall points. This performance was mirrored in Birmingham at the RLSS Nationals where RASCALS again claimed the top spot on the medal table and a commendable second place in points. The BULSCA Nationals witnessed another strong showing from the club, as they clinched second place in the medal table. SLSGB welcomed the club to Cardiff where two days of competition resulted in 2nd place on the points, top of the medal table in the Youth category and 3rd place on points in the Open category.

RASCALS enthusiastic junior lifesavers showcased their talent and potential at the Leeds Rookie Festival and the short course Billingham competition, achieving personal bests and winning medals along the way, ensuring a promising future for the club.

The club’s achievements extended beyond national borders, with several RASCALS lifesavers triumphant in representing Great Britain at the European Lifesaving Championships and representing England, Scotland and

Wales at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in Canada. RASCALS is now host to a talented top-tier of international medallists, not least international gold medallists!

Overall, RASCALS won 83 National titles, 62 Silver medals and 49 Bronze medals and set 8 national records.

Expressing his pride in the squad’s performance, Head Coach Daniel Woodthorpe highlighted the tireless efforts put in by the athletes, their supporters and all the volunteer coaches and manager, remarking that “yes, it has indeed been a fantastic season!”. Recognizing his commitment to the sport and in addition to his GBR coaching responsibility, Daniel has just been appointed joint Team Manager/Coach for Team England at the Commonwealth Championships taking place in Swansea 2025. Congratulations!

Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the Bridlington beach training day and Traditional lifesaving competitions where lifesavers are encouraged to develop and maintain the essential physical and mental skills to save lives. We wish RASCALS lifesavers further success in the upcoming season.

If you would like to expand your swimming activities or try something new, please contact us. contact@ripleyrascals.org.uk • www.ripleyrascals.org.uk

D.M. FURNISHINGS

All our BRITISH MADE sofas, chairs & recliners are made to order and normally delivered within 6-8 weeks. Choose from over 2000 fabrics and leathers.

Only 100% genuine leather used on all our Italian suites, which are made to order in any colour and normally delivered within 8 - 10 weeks

Reupholstery, repairs & cushion replacement service available - call for appointment

9-11 Outram Street, Sutton- in- Ashfield, Notts, NG17 4BA (Next door to Wilko’s and with Asda car park directly behind us)

Slimming World Recipe

Sticky chicken drumsticks and chips with American-style salad

Method:

1. Put the chicken, spices and 1 level tbsp sriracha in a large bowl. Mix everything together using your hands, until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

3. Spread the chips out on a large, non-stick baking tray in a single layer and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Spread the drumsticks out on another non-stick baking tray. Put the chips on the shelf below the chicken and cook for 20 minutes, then turn

everything and swap over the trays. Cook for a further 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. At the same time, toss together the celery, cucumber, lettuce and radishes. Mix the yogurt with the chives, lemon juice and garlic granules, and season lightly.

5. Stir the yogurt dressing through the salad and scatter over the reserved chives. Brush the remaining sriracha evenly over the chicken. Serve 2 drumsticks per person with the chips and salad

Summertime makes us think of eating al fresco whilst soaking up the sun. With a mix of spicy sticky chicken, light crispy chips and cool tasty salad, this dish is perfect for those chilled out days ahead.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks, skin and visible fat removed, flesh scored

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp ground allspice

• 2 level tbsp sriracha

• 800g floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, cut into chips

• Low-calorie cooking spray

For the salad:

• 4 celery sticks, chopped

• 1 cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced

• 2 little gem lettuces, shredded

• 200g radishes, chopped

• 200g fat-free natural yogurt

• ½ small pack fresh chives, chopped, reserving some to serve

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ½ tsp garlic granules

Ready in: 55 minutes (plus 1 hour to marinade)

SUDOKU #46

Fill in all the numbers!

This is a sudoku

1 square grid

81 cells

9 3x3 blocks

1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block.

These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS

WARNER LEISURE

Heythorp Park, Cotswolds Mon 1st - Fri 5th Jul

5 Days - £645

PORTHCAWL

Seabank Hotel Wed 10th - Sun 14th Jul

5 Days - £465

SOUTHERN SUMMER SPECTACULAR IHG Voco Hotel, Reading Thu 25th - Mon 29th Jul

5 Days - £599

TORQUAY Livermead House Hotel Tue 6th - Sun 11th Aug 6 Days - £599 SOUTHPORT FLOWER

SOMERSET

Mercure Hotel, Bridgwater Thu 8th - Mon 12th Aug 5 Days - £545

Mercure Hotel, Heydock Sun 18th - Mon 19th Aug 2 Days - £170

Flake’ s Favourites

Re-walking Rafa’s Rambles

So Summer is about to arrive and if you’re anything like me you’re more than ready for it! Whilst our furry friends need a walk whatever the weather, it’s a lot nicer when it’s not quite so grotty. This month’s walk sets off from the village of Scarcliffe. It’s a lovely, varied walk that makes use of some paths in the nearby woods allowing you to explore this lesser seen part of this beautiful area.

6-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM SCARCLIFFE

A mid distance walk which should take you and your dog around 2½-3 hours to complete. The walk is mostly on trails and paths but there may be some uneven and muddy terrain, particularly with inclement weather so please wear appropriate footwear. There is also a couple of roads to cross and one short section of road to walk along, so please take plenty of care. As always, follow the countryside code, keeping dogs on leads where appropriate.

START: CHURCH OF SAINT LEONARD, SCARCLIFFE. S44 6TE

1. Standing with your back to the church turn left and continue along the road. After a short distance and just prior to a road on your right, turn right onto a lane and signposted footpath to thread between the houses. At the end of the lane/driveway continue straight ahead onto a footpath. After a very short distance, ignore the stone stile on the right and climb over the stone stile in front of you.

2. Now continue straight ahead and walk along the edge of a field with a hedge on your right. After some distance follow the footpath sharp right and immediately cross over a stone bridge. Now continue straight ahead to cross a field with a hedge on your left.

3. After some distance continue along the footpath with a hedge on both sides and then cross over a wooden footbridge. Now continue straight ahead going gently uphill into some trees. After a short distance you will reach a lane. Turn right onto the lane and pass a marker post on your right and continue straight ahead.

4. Continue straight ahead for a short distance and then the lane splits into two. Take the left split and then curl around to the left to continue along a lane with trees on both sides. After a long distance you will continue straight ahead with trees on your left and open views to the right.

5. Continue until eventually reaching a road. Turn right along the road for a short distance and then turn right again along ‘Common Lane’. After a short distance and at a bus stop on your left bear slightly left onto a footpath running parallel with the road. Then after some distance the path comes back alongside the road.

6. Continue along the road for a long distance, passing an academy on your left. After passing the academy and upon reaching two no entry signs on your left, turn right along a lane and signposted footpath on your right.

7. After a short distance pass by a large gate and then continue with a hedge on both sides. Continue for a long distance until reaching a footpath on your left which is marked by a marker post on your left. Immediately after the footpath on the left and at a junction of lanes bear to the right and then continue straight ahead with a hedge on your left and trees on your right.

8. Continue along this lane for a long distance and eventually reaching a T junction of lanes. Turn left at the T junction and continue along a lane. After a short distance ignore a lane on your right and continue straight ahead along the lane heading into the trees.

9. Eventually the lane begins to climb steeply. At the top of the hill the lane splits into two. Take the lane on the right and continue straight ahead heading through the trees. After some distance you will pass by a gate and come out of the trees to a T junction of paths. Standing with an open field in front of you turn right and continue along a footpath with trees on your right and open views on your left.

10. Continue straight ahead and you will begin to drop downhill. At the bottom of the hill upon reaching a small fence directly in front of you, turn right, continue for a very short distance and then pass through a gap in the fence. Turn immediately left, ignoring the path going downhill through the trees, continue straight ahead for a very short distance, and then turn right to continue downhill through an open field.

11. At the bottom of the hill cross over a small wooden footbridge and bear left. Then head diagonally right, heading uphill and through the woods. Keep to the path for some distance to reach a gate.

12. Pass by the gate to join a lane. Continue straight ahead with a hedge on both sides. After some distance you will pass through a small metal swing gate adjacent to a large metal gate. Continue straight ahead until reaching a road.

13. Turn right along the road heading downhill and back into the village of Scarcliffe. Eventually you will reach the church.

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

BOLSOVER

PALTERTON

Stony Houghton

Elmton

Upper Langwith

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE

NORTHUMBERLAND

STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach.

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms

✽ A fully enclosed garden

✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer

✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

Central Heating Installations

BOOK REVIEW

It goes without saying that Margaret Atwood is best known for The Handmaid’s Tale; but this Canadian author has written over 50 books – mostly fiction but also essays and even poetry.

Old Babes in the Wood comprises 15 Atwood short stories. Short stories tend to be something you love – because they’re short and pithy and easily read; or hatebecause you don’t get time to develop a relationship with the characters. But these are Margaret Atwood short stories and as with most of her writing she takes them to another level.

As you’d expect they are sharp and smart and in parts funny about the foibles and eccentricities and humanity of people – in this collection, often older people. People are always centre front in her tales. Some of the stories are sad – they’re quite personal to the author who lost her partner fairly recently. In other places she strays almost into sci-fi. There’s a real range to get your teeth into.

Are they fairy stories? That’s for you to decide.

OLD BABES IN THE WOOD - MARGARET ATWOOD

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Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.

Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing!

The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.

Across

1 Go round a meerkat duo? Not likely! (4,1,6)

8 Near to shut, say, the shop (5-2)

11 Break it, upon a state that’s ideal (7)

16 Correct level of fancy trim to hang out (5,6)

Across

5 Basking shark spotted in the resort (3)

7 Under-water replacement player? (3)

10 Producer of brewed Red Beer (7)

14 I’ve come to compete (3)

15 Good enough to have some sticky stuff (3)

Down

2 Turn out a selfish leader? (4)

3 Alternative of fermentation lees (4)

9 Over-priced soak? (5)

12 Push out on arduous trip (4)

13 Two people, together with a bit of a list? (4)

1 It’ll be getting foggy if you badly mis-govern it (7,4)

4 Bunny-walker to be made into abbot’s fir (7,4)

6 Lie about cube being jeans colour (3,4)

7 Frugal cutting down under Swedish leader (7)

Final event, 6 Crop, 7 Din, 8 Lush, 9 Woodland, 11 Grey area, 14 Kilt, 15 Oar, 16 Anti, 17 Wellington.

Down: 1 Feeling low, 2 Archway, 3 Vapid, 4 Nadia, 5 In addition, 10 Leaking, 12 Eyrie, 13 Avail.

Ripley & District: Heritage Trust

JUNE

2024

ERECTORS

One of the first large contracts the Butterley Company delivered was for the first iron bridge across the Thames at Vauxhall, opened in 1816. It had nine cast-iron arches of 78ft span and was 36ft wide. 37 boats took the castings along the Erewash canal and the river Trent to Gainsborough where they were transferred to 27 ships to be taken to London. However, when they arrived, they were late and the parts were numbered wrongly. William Jessop, who was in London to supervise the erection of the bridge, complained bitterly that the workers at Butterley had not followed his instructions in organising the shipments, and eventually he gave up the contract to erect the bridge and contented himself with getting the reluctant bridge company to pay Butterley for the iron parts. After this fiasco, he determined that in future, all structures were to be trial erected in the Butterley yard, and the parts

clearly and correctly numbered before being dismantled for shipment.

The Company also began the practice of having a group of men who travelled with the parts and erected the structures. Thus, it was that Ripley men were responsible for the building of the roof of St Pancras station, for example.

The life of an erector was not easy. The job often involved working at height with very

little safety equipment and accidents and even deaths did happen. The erectors also had to lodge away from their family, sometimes for months on end; one or two never came back, having set up home with another family where they were working.

The enduring legacy of their skills and expertise is evident in the bridges they constructed, still serving faithfully after more than a century. And all the pieces are in the right order.

Vauxhall iron bridge

Erecting a railway bridge at Doncaster 1909

A gang of erectors in 1919

Let our team know that you heard about us in THE VOICE when you book for your chance to WIN one of 10

- excl. parts & tanker,

The MPC Services team are here to help make sure that your sewage system is working well, properly maintained, up to date with the latest compliance regulations, working quietly and energy efficient. *Energy saving based on simply changing your traditional 85W air blower for a modern efficient FujiMAC 47W Japanese one, with electricity at 55p/kWh, for no loss of performance. Additional efficiency savings are typically possible.

Ask us about:

You might think you’re doing them a favour, but it usually leads to floppy soft growth, which is more likely to collapse in rain or wind – not that we’re expecting this summer to have any of that! Staking is pretty important but don’t tie them in too closely, they need to bend with the wind but if you do lose stems, cut them back cleanly and you may get new growth below.

Prune philadelphus, forsythia and currant now they’ve finished flowering. They produce next year’s flowers on this year’s growth so pruning early gives more growth before winter.

If you want to lift this year’s tulips to clear beds or pots, wait till the foliage has turned yellow – generally about six to eight weeks after flowering. Cut off the stems, remove the foliage and leave the bulbs to dry then store in a paper bag somewhere dry and cool. Offsets –the little bulblets which grow alongside the main bulb can be pulled away, and treated as above then replanted in autumn about eight to ten inches deep. The main bulb can be planted around six inches deep in late autumn and even through until December or early January, although that display will be later.

WATCHING THE ‘WINDHOVER’

Often mistakenly called a ‘hawk’, the kestrel or windhover is perhaps our most familiar bird of prey, and it is a falcon related to the diminutive merlin and the awesome peregrine. This was the bird of prey which seemed to survive the nadir of our raptors during the bad days of the 1950s to the 1980s. Ruthless persecution and use of persistent pesticides eradicated most birds of prey like common buzzards, sparrowhawks, peregrines, and red kites. These species hung on in the western parts of Great Britain but were largely extinct in and around the Peak District. The exception to this was the kestrel which seemed to quietly go about its business and was largely under the radar. This species also benefitted from the new motorways and dual carriageways which proliferated from the 1960s onwards and provided abundant verges full of mice and voles for kestrels to hunt. Indeed, it was in such places that most people became familiar with the windhover. They also adapted well to high-rise living in towns and cities and to disused or abandoned old quarries. In the absence of predation by or competition with the other raptors, the kestrel thrived, and along Peak District gritstone edges, it was possible to see ten or more birds in a single afternoon. However, in recent years it seems that the kestrel population has shrunk somewhat, and this may be because the other birds of prey have recovered

considerably and re-colonised the region in good numbers. Both common buzzard and peregrine falcon will compete for space and even predate the smaller kestrel, and so their numbers and distribution have now reduced. Indeed, the most frequently spotted birds of prey are probably sparrowhawk (a species which is certainly thriving), and common buzzard. The latter can be seen soaring over breeding sites with several birds in the air at any one time. The other coloniser is of course the spectacular red kite, though these still lag behind buzzards in the Peak. Another bird of prey yet to recolonise is the osprey which passes through on migration but as yet (I think) has not nested. Hopefully, the moorland hen harriers are starting to return, though peregrines still seem to do better in the urban areas than they do in the wild spaces of the Peak.

As numbers of these species continue to grow, there will be more competitive interactions between them, and with other potential rivals for space such as the raven. None of these birds likes its neighbours to be too close!

Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues in the Peak District and elsewhere, is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside

FEMALE KESTREL AT SUNSET

KESTREL IN FLIGHT

KESTREL DROPPING KESTREL IN FLIGHT

KESTREL HOVERING

MALE KESTREL

YOUNG MALE KESTREL

Scan

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