Round at Bill's Mother's - January 2024

The relaxed rolling news service for full members - 8th January update.

8th January : Full subscribers may remember the murmuration feature from December, describing the science and speculation about the winter displays of roosting Common Starlings.

I noted that this could be a big year, as starling numbers were growing at the popular roost site at Middleton Moor near Stoney Middleton, although they were not yet murmurating.

Well, readers, it seems that now they are, for the last few days at least. Remember, though, if you drive out, local landowners and birdwatchers say please car share, and park considerately on the narrow roads nearby, although there is a bus that will get you there with a mile walk to the roost. (And arrive at least half an hour before sunset so you don’t miss the fun.)

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Round at Bill’s Mother’s is the rolling news & features service for full subscribers. Here’s how it works:

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Brief News:

• Wardsend Cemetery Heritage Park has been awarded £20,000 from the Northern Powergrid social impact programme, which will involve a big boost for biodiversity and heritage work on site. More on this in the New Year.

• No opening date yet for the secure cycle hub for Sheffield city centre, but with bike racks arriving soon, it could open before spring if the council get on with sorting out the fire alarms and sprinklers.

• The South Yorkshire Mayor’s parkrun Challenge next dates are: Barnsley (13th Jan - 1.5 mile jog from station) and Rotherham (10th Feb - even nearer station).

In the full post:

• New update on the now officially ancient Bolehill Wood near Woodseats.

• UK temperate rainforest plan.

• Loon arrives at Orgreave

• Full What’s On Out There listings.

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