Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2015 | Page 93

COUNTRY LIFE Photo: Debbie Tann (CEO HIWWT) & Norah Boswell open new reserve Visiting Martin’s Wood Photo: Dasypoda bee by Ian Boyd Martin’s Wood is easily accessible from the local car park in Newchurch village opposite the school. There are a number of paths, both informal and rights of way, around the site and leading into the wider countryside including to Hill Heath and the River Yar. There are well marked paths and plenty of sunny spots to sit and enjoy the peaceful views of this wonderful wild place. The bees and wasps of Martin’s Wood The 112 species of bees and wasps include a number of insects with strange names and even stranger habits. The wasps include the very glamorous sounding Astata boops and the terrifyingly named Bee-wolf, which is a predator of other bees. The list of species includes ten mining bees and five nomad bees. Whilst the mining bees are happy collecting pollen, the nomad bees are cleptoparasites, which means they feed by stealing the food from other bees. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP Join us today and enjoy the benefits of being a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust: • Unlimited visits to 57 wildlife reserves in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 2,500 reserves nationwide. • A welcome pack when you join. • Wildlife, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s magazine, delivered to you three times a year. • The chance to take part in local group and community activities, offering you a variety of opportunities to be involved in. More than 350 walks, talks and events throughout the two counties. • Join by Direct Debit & receive your FREE full colour Local Wildlife Reserve Guide. www.goilife.co.uk 93