Hot

 Out early to try to miss worst of heat. With a few runners and sedge warblers. Snipped a tiny bit of growth but, of course, it's moving fast right now. No litter

Sunday 21st June

If you are entering or leaving via NML be prepared to clamber!

Overheard the canoeists saying they didn't know where to turn around now that the rope has been taken down.

A few walkers. Too hot for runners.

Saturday 20th June

 The ash and willow that was blocking the popular swimming spot by the top of the loop on no mans land has been moved sadly and a rope swing has been made. Will make sure this gets put back and the swing removed. 

Muggy Saturday

 Rugby Club Meadow, 14 cattle on the far side of the meadow, 4 ponies hiding away in the trees just by the recreation ground.

Eastern Meadow, 17 cattle and 3 ponies, all together near the bottom end.

A34 Meadow, 5 cattle out in the open by the electric fence.

Thursday 18th

All good, no litter which was nice. Some graffiti on the pond platform but nothing offensive. 

June 18th

Warm humid morning at Winnall Moors, several groups of school children and a number of walkers enjoying the countryside. 

Duck with 6 ducklings at the pond. No other things to report so far.....

Wednesday 17th June

 Very quiet this morning. 5 cygnets with parents guarding them as they snooze on the bank by the pond junction. Lost track of time watching a mallard keeping a watch over her 6 ducklings on the pond! 

Tree branches still in place at the northern end. Marsh thistles in full bloom along with some purple loosestrife.

quiet

 "normal" sort of round - if there is such a thing.

Met a couple of regulars who told me about the City Council's plan for a new path on riverpark. They were worried about the potential effect on the Reserve. I've signed the petition.

No litter. Heard a Cetti's and Chiff Chaff among many others. Water levels ok

1 dead shrew but at least it means there are some live ones around

Sunday 14th June

 Bottle in the pond but I couldn't reach it

A few walkers, one runner. Party zones free of litter, remains of a fire in the Glade.

Saturday 13th June

 ​A nice day so quite a busy one, willow branches all still in tact at the top of the loop, fingers crossed they stay that way! Minimal litter and lots of respectful people. 

Thursday 11th June

 Sam walking most of the site. Nothing to report otherwise.

Wednesday 10th June

 Very quiet today with just one jogger. No litter! The willow tree branches are still in situ by the gate into No Man's Land but then it hasn't been the weather for much swimming recently!

After the rain . . .

 More water in the channels. We've had 6 days worth of rain since yesterday. Little movement, little litter. Spotted the ponies across the water. Moved a few branches that were low enough to be a nuisance. There's a willow from fishing lakes across the main channel and noted the work by the rails to Nomansland.

Friday 5th June Staff Update

All paths cut over the month, hopefully our summer warden Charlotte can keep them down with the strimmer now. 

Swimming activity logged by the rails of SPM and no mans land. Ash tree lopped to remove climbing potential, brash used along bank to reduce access, then trees pleached within and on top to create a living boundary. We will see how long it lasts! Fingers crossed. 

Thanks all,

Sam

Sunday 7th June

Festival in the park.  Few people about; had a chat with a couple of runners.

Thursday 4th June

Cut short this morning and didn’t check the glade/Durngate bench. Top end fine, chatted to a couple of appreciative visitors. The festival fence was open at the bridge so still possible to cross the field as long as someone is working on tents etc.

Wednesday 3rd June CHILLI FESTIVAL

 Weekend volunteers please note the Chilli Festival is back in the park! Railings and temporary loos being put in this morning. Will have to walk all round the fencing if approaching from the park. 

Didn't meet anyone - not surprising as wet and windy!

Lone female mallard on the pomd along with a McDonalds drink cup - retrieved the latter.

Cooler

 Fairly quiet. 2 runners, 2 walkers and swan family. Some darters and demoiselles, 3 tits, blackcap plus the usual. Nice to see the rail replaced. I put the original in 2009

Saturday 30th May

Lovely to see the ox-eye daisies coming on the glade, and the knapweed won't be long. And no new fire damage, thank goodness. I heard the cuckoo, near the paddling stream, which was a real treat. 

Condom packets and syringe packets at the Durngate bench. A beer drinking party to clear behind the Durngate board, plus lots of graffiti. The new boards are easy to clean!

A family with a toddler were admiring the swans with her cygnet as I was coming out. That makes it all worth it! 

Friday 29th May 2026

Started the day with a lovely brief sighting of a cuckoo as I entered the gate from Winnall Moors South. Cattle and Ponies in the meadows all content and looking well.

Thursday 28th May

Fencing into private area of reserve is broken and plenty of evidence of swimming going on. Quite a lot of litter removed from various areas of the reserve. Otherwise all quiet, a few visitors,all behaving themselves. 

Wednesday 27th May

 Fairly quiet on the reserve but busy in the old outdoor swimming pool though everyone keeping to the river bank on the park side. Two tents and a shopping trolley further down but again on the park bank. 

4 broad bodied chasers flying over the pond - 2 male and 2 females.  Think it must be damselfly day as demoiselles everywhere along the river and stream banks on both ends of the reserve.

Met a couple of people down from London for a few days - a bit hot for bird watching but seemed pleased with what they had seen.  Not much litter.

SAM - a lady by the broken seat on the river bank at the north end of the board walk was asking when the seat was going to be repaired as she liked sitting there.

HOT!

 Lots of runners. I was out a bit earlier. Very little litter. Low water. Otherwise nothing not already reported. Lots of methane leaving the Pond. There are a few holes on the approach to the Glade. Ankle twisters, not very visible. Had nothing to mark them with. Our cyclist was pushing it so I said hello but otherwise left well alone

Sunday 24th May

Some walkers, a pair of runners and one swimmer who hadn't seen the signs.

No litter in the party zones.

Saturday 23rd May

Five vials of Water for Injections BP discarded at the glade fire site, with used plasters. Otherwise no signs of drug paraphernalia.  Predictable beer cans etc at all the seats, now we have these long, warm evenings. Lovely to see the flag Irises.

Thursday 21 May - all OK

Quiet. Modest litter usual spots. Met Mike who was fixing a spring on the Rugby Club gate. Measured top rail SPM/NBL barrier for Sam’s job list.

Wednesday 20th May Broken gate

 The volunteers have done a great job of cutting back the overgrown edges of all the paths and tidying up the glade.

Found the gate leading from Swimming Pool meadow into No Man's Land has had the top wooden bar snapped virtually in two and is hanging on the ground along with the metal catch. Now easy access into NML!

Also found a broken up blue holdall bag on the path bear the pond dipping platform. It was soaking wet and too heavy for me to drag - sorry Sam!

Came across a lot of pond dipping and surveying equipment on the bench by the stream dipping platform - presumably the school/ college students are at lunch off site.

tuesday 18th May work party

Hi all,

Majority of paths cut. 

Prohibition sign installed by rec.

Rec gate slightly adjusted but needs more attention.

Fire and wood circle.in glazed tidied and cut.

All thanks to the practical volunteer team :)

Cheers guys,

Sam

cool cloudy

 several walkers around. Little litter. Only 1 swan. Met a group from Peter Symonds' College.

Sunday 17th May

Race for Life on in the park.  A few walkers out and about.  Party litter in the trees by the pond path.  One woman told me that last time she visited, there were police present which put her off coming.  I reassured her that it was safe place, but may not have been very convincing given I was clutching four empty voddie tins at the time.

staff update 16th may

Dead moved off path and wonky sign to be fixed by contractors monday.

Should have a work party down to cut paths back and give a little spruce around the reserve .

Thanks all for your reports!

Sam

Saturday 16th May

Barbecue and bonfire on the glade. Lots of cider cans and beefburger packets. A dead deer by the River Park bridge. I phoned Sam. Lots of broken glass at the paddling stream. The same man cycling very fast stopped when he saw me. I thanked him but he got on again afterwards!

Otherwise another beautiful morning with chats to visitors and lovely Ragged Robin, Guelder Rose and Water Avens.

Thursday 14 May - all OK

Very quiet, couple of runners, minimal litter barring picnic remains in the Glade.

Wednesday 13th May

 Very quiet but there had just been a heavy rain shower! Chatted to a couple of bird watchers who come out regularly from Andover taking photos at the pond. The water level in the pond has greatly dropped.  There is a bottle in the pond but too far out to reach otherwise only a bit of litter at the Durngate bench

Little egret fishing in the old outdoor swimming pool area.

Swarovski Binocular Event

Hi everyone, I was given permission to share this evening with you all. Any questions please give me a shout. It's at London Camera Exchange 10 High Street Southampton SO14 2DH 

Sunday 10th May

 A few walkers, one of my well trained runners.  Quite a bit of litter around the sluice area.  Man sitting with his back to the pond, earphones in and drinking beer.

Saturday 9th May

This handsome chap crossed my path. I'll look him up when I get home. Lovely to see the mouse ear out. Reed buntings calling around the pond. Moderate litter with no mucky nasties today. Some keen and interested visitors who enjoyed a chat.

Thursday 7th

Lovely day, about a dozen visitors enjoying the reserve. Tiny bit of litter. 

The pond is very scummy, doesn't look too good, I don't know if a sluice gate can be opened somewhere to flush it through? 

It might be worth putting some chalk available for the notice boards next to the bridge. I notice the back of the boards have been scratched with someone writing with a stone or similar. 

Wednesday 6th May

 Quiet on the reserve this morning with only two couples strolling round. Heard my first cuckoo very faintly as some distance away.

Very little litter.

Sunday 3rd May

 Lots of walkers, two well trained (by me) runners.

Saturday 2nd May

Saw a water vole swimming around the perimeter of the pool near River Park bridge, very exciting. Lots more litter from drinking, only to be expected in warm weather. A man on a bike hurtled past me and ignored my attempt to speak to him. An enormous heap of dog mess near the bridge.

Otherwise a lovely morning with friendly chats with some of our regular visitors. Comfrey coming out, looking very handsome.

Friday 1st May

​All okay on site, lots of runners and bird song and I’ve seen my first ducklings of the year. 

Thursday 30th April

All good, a few visitors, no litter, lovely weather. 

Wednesday 29th April

 The new signage looks great - so much better!

Met a couple of WCC staff studying  the new Durngate board one was aware of the sewage pipe from Harestock on the reserve and he asked how they could visit the sanctuary area. Suggested they look on the Trust website under events to see if any guided walks planned - wasn't sure of any dates Sam?

Cleared lots of twigs and small branches from the path at the southern end. Sadly large amount of litter by the Durngate bench along with the blue bag of bedding.

sunshine is continuing

 cool, but bright day.
Noisy sedge warblers, geese in evidence who were happy with food offering. Water low. That's not snow or frost, it's willow down in 1st pic. 5 walkers including one I met on the Mass Bike Ride Saturday. Little litter apart from Durngate bench. Snipped a couple of low branches. The one near the new signs at North Walls bridge is still attached and will need a saw but it's passable and manageable. I'll see what I can do but no promises.

Pics came out in reverse order for some reason.

Sunday 26th April

Busy with lots of walkers and one ridiculous runner.

Baby moorhens in the pond!

A man with lots of radio equipment doing Parks on the Air: radio enthusiasts set up temporary stations in designated parks, enjoying the harmony of nature while making contacts with other radio enthusiasts.

Some violent duck sex on the boardwalk.  Two members of the public told me that the female was hurt.  When I went back she was looking a bit bedraggled and sleeping.  I texted it in to Fi.

A man way off the path in the undergrowth.  I asked him to move back onto the path.  I explained he was in a protected area.  He gave me a lecture claiming he had a right to roam and paths were very controlling.  Righto!

Champagne cork, wire and foil on the pond path, which has now gone through my washing machine.

Sleeping stuff still at Durngate.

Lovely new signs, which I can confirm are very visible.

Saturday 25th April

Beautiful new signage - bravo.  Lots of litter around the Durngate bench, where the bedding is still stacked. I rang the Trinity bell, hoping to ask if they had any idea whose it was, and if so whether I could leave it with them, but nobody was around. 

Thursday 23rd April - all OK

Quiet, one runner, a few folks. Noisy Sedge Warblers at the north end opposite Rugby Club Meadow. Minimal litter. Sleeping bag and some bags of possessions neatly stacked behind entrance bench - I left them there as it looks like someone’s coming back for them.

Wednesday 22nd April

 Lots of people strolling round enjoying the spring sunshine. A young roe deer in the undergrowth near the stream dipping area causing much interest! Several orange tip butterflies on the wing.

Looking forward to seeing the new signage - hope the old broken one at Barton Meadows will be replaced as well!

Tuesday reserve update

Hi all,

The volunteers and i have dismantled the interpretation signage and left safely and stacked.

New signs coming in friday and will take old materials away then.

Thanks all,

Sam

Cool but bright

 Lots of birdsong. 15 runners and walkers. No rudecyclist today. I moved the bag and mat to bin by the entrance. Across the river behind children's nursery is a huge lump of human faeces. I wonder if there's a connection. Tiny bit of litter under the alder in SPM. Broken branch just north of watching trees bench. It wouldnt play ball so I marked it with red and white tape

Sunday 19th April

 Lots of people about.  One polite young male runner; had a chat with a less polite female runner.

Sleeping Bag and mat at Durngate, I left it there

Very warbly at the pond.

Saturday 18th April

The birdsong is ramping up, delightful to hear. Love it when the marsh marigold comes out. Moderate litter. Human excrement near the mosaic where they try to swim. Got rid. Frequent runners making it the opposite of peaceful. 

Friday 17th April

​lots of bird song this morning, and very quiet on site. Didn’t see any littering anywhere, all seems okay 

Thursday 16th April - not lookered today

Wednesday 15th April Sedge Warblers

 Several sedge warblers in Swimming Pool meadow this morning competing with chiff chaffs for level of sound!

Met only 4 people strolling round and very little litter.

Rude cyclist again

 1 runner, 3 walkers. Plenty of bird song on reed bed, less on north walls side. Same cyclist as last week, around the same time, 9.20. No litter. 1 roe deer. Water in pond clearly lower

Sunday 12th April

 A few runners, some nicer than others.   A few walkers.

One nice chap enjoying the birdsong.  I introduced him to the Merlin app.  My work will be complete when everyone has it.

Comfrey coming into bloom.

Saturday 11th April

After a week away, everything is greening up, including the burned area in SPM.. Lovely to see the cowslips and Lady's Smock. Moderate litter. I had to bury human excrement under the spreading willow in SPM. 

staff post Friday 10th April

Found discarded fishing line north and south of fishermans gate, I don't remember seeing marks on south side of the gate when I was here on Wednesday. Will suggest barb to Sam. 

Bench has unfortunately broken further.