Page 38 - link magazine

Sport and Leisure

Kite flying over Swindon

Matt Prior, Wiltshire Ornithological Society conservation officer, writes:
Many people have
noticed large birds of
prey flying over north
Swindon over the past
couple of years. These
are two main species,
the buzzard and the
red kite.
The red kite is
of particular note
because it has made
a dramatic comeback
from near extinction.
This distinctive bird ©Steve Birt
has a huge wingspan A spectacular image of a red kite
of 1.7 metres and a in flight over Swindon by Steve Birt
characteristic forked tail
which it twists both horizontally matter of time before they breed
and vertically enabling it to fly with within the urban area.
great agility as it searches for food. Some people are concerned about
In the 17th Century red kites were the rising population of birds of prey
the most abundant bird of prey because they think that they will
over London but they suffered a attack their pets or the numbers of
dramatic decline because they were song birds that visit gardens will be
persecuted by people mistakenly affected.
thinking that they were taking These concerns are completely
livestock and game birds. They unfounded. In fact being top
became extinct in England in 1871 predators, numbers of birds of prey
and by the first half of the 20th are actually an indicator of the
Century there were only a handful health of the environment.
of pairs left in Wales. In 1989 red Red kites are different from other
kites were re-introduced to the birds of prey in that their diet is
Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire mostly made up of carrion, and
and concerted conservation road kill forms the major part of
efforts enabled their population to their diet and they will also feed
gradually increase and in recent on earthworms in fields. From
years their numbers have exploded a birdwatcher’s perspective it is
with now over 2,000 pairs in the UK. fantastic to see these superb birds
Red kites have now reached overhead. If they do eventually
Wiltshire in good numbers and breed within Swindon it will be a
are breeding in the countryside truly notable event.
just outside the town but with Keep looking up and hopefully you
the increased number of sightings too will also get to see a red kite
in north Swindon it seems only a over Swindon.
Experience a slice of chocolate heaven
Cake Creations and Chocolate
Comforts at Studley Grange Craft
Village, close to M4 junction 16, has
recently installed new equipment to
enhance visitor experience.
If Willy-Wonka’s factory comes to
mind, the shop shelves layered with and anniversaries, and can include
luxury chocolates and cakes comes photos printed on the top.
close. And customers can have a go Regular workshops are excellent
at chocolate making and cup-cake for any age to get creative by
decorating in this Aladdin’s cave of making personalised cup-cakes or
delicious sweet treats. chocolates for special occasions
All the chocolates are handmade such as Mother’s and Father’s Day,
on site with the finest Belgium Valentines and Easter.
chocolate, which can be enjoyed as Children’s parties are catered for,
a treat or purchased in a gift box. and a chocolate making or cup-cake
Chocolates can be made bespoke decorating class is perfect for adult
with a name or personal message. groups or a team building event.
The collection of butterfly and Cake Creations and Chocolate
animal themed items are also Comforts are open Tuesday to
perfect for children. Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Cake Creations make cakes for www.studleygrange.co.uk/
memorable events such as birthdays craftvillage
38 swindonlink.com n January 2017

NW January 2017 Master Pages.indd 38 16/12/2016 10:56