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. 

Thursday 9th - not lookered today

 Forgot my key for the gate from the North … 🙄

7 April 2026

Noted from a distance on Winnall Moor this evening, around 1800 hours - A man walking a Great Dane, seems like this could be a common occurrence around this time. 

Warming up

 As it's Bank Holiday I might have been better going in later but . . .

Fair amount of birdsong. Several runners, a regular walker and a regular lady saying her prayers. Very little litter. Burnt reed bed showing good signs of recovery.

Rude cyclist on an illegal bike. Told me to F*** off.

Sunday 5th April

A few people out walking.

Some litter.

Big hole in Patricia's bench at the north end of the main boardwalk. ///numeral.unsecured.connects

Thursday 2nd April

Two student groups all dressed in lifevests for some reason, I think they were ecology students. One photographer. All good and no litter. Two very loud Cetti's warblers by the pond. 

 1 April 2026 - Report on Facebook of a Great Dane being walked on Winnall Moor late afternoon. 

Wednesday 1st Aoril - reminder

Sorry Tom away next week (8th).

Happy Easter everyone!

Wednesday 1st April

 Thought might have been more people this week as school holidays but fairly quiet. Chiff chaffs in full song. First sighting of comfrey and ladies smock in flower. Very little litter. Paths dried out.