Sunday 14th January

Wellies needed a wash...

Well, Winchester has that outdoor pool it always wanted, and later in the week, an ice rink.  Another side hustle to add to the b&b and funeral business.  This time next year, we will be millionaires.

Water up to 3/4 welly deep in places, paths eroding fast.  Some videos below (actually just one, the other is too big.  Can send separately).  Litter by the glade, which suggests someone is getting in.  Boardwalks much the same as usual.  

Birds galore: Robin, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Wren, Grey Wagtail, Long Tailed tit, Firecrest, Snipe and Kingfisher.

Met a lovely gentleman by NW gate who was disappointed that the reserve was still closed.  I showed him the photos and videos.

Pond photo shows how much the water levels have dropped since Tom's visit on 5th January

*Reminder: I am away next week*

 

Friday 12th January

 A leaden sky and a thin wind at dawn. Blackheaded gulls flying north from the coast in V formation. Water only down about 2 or 3 inches along the paths. Sam saw several Common Snipe along the boardwalk yesterday and sure enough I flushed out a pair. Lots of Songthrushes singing about, but no Cettis heard. Carrion crows seem to find the wet ground good for feeding as there were a lot about, including in the meadows up north. It is all still very much submerged.

12th Night (Fri 5 Jan) Hydromania

 Arrived at dawn and noted the usual gaggle of social swimmers. Was rather surprised to see that the two streams by the footbridge had joined up, making the footpath disappear beneath the waves. I carefully waded (anti-clockwise) towards the pond and the Durngate. Using my wellies as a measure I found that the deepest parts of the path were about 30cm or 1 foot in old money. I was startled by a lot of splashing and thought that I might have disturbed the Roe deer but no, it was two middle-aged male runners gamely sploshing along towards me. They apologised for their stupidity - you don’t often get that, do you ? The ‘pier’ on the pond is now full of water and looks like a miniature harbour. It could become a model boating lake if we aren’t careful 😄. Counted four Songthrushes around the pond, all in good voice.

Thursday 4th - passing by only

Exited the North via Swimming Pool Meadow where there was a lone deer. Chatted to a lady who thought she was hearing thrush songs. Came across this pair fast asleep by the track - they only woke up when I coughed (politely, of course).

Can't do Wed 10th January

 Apologies for the short notice but we can't do next Wednesday 10th January.

Anne and Tim

Wednesday 3rd January

 Good to be greeted with sunshine and a heron this morning. 

A tree has come down in the recent stormy weather at the NE corner of the rugby playing field close to the site of the old outdoor swimming pool. Not on the reserve but now lying across the stream flowing along the southern edge of RCM.

Chatted to a good number of people making the most of the morning sunshine and explaining why the path has had to be closed beyond the board walk. Everyone appreciated the problem!

Reported to Sam that we had found some rough camping gear by the bench at the stream dipping area. He's bringing a wheelbarrow on Friday to remove. Collected up a plastic bottle but otherwise spent time clearing small branches from the boardwalks and path. 

Anne and Tim 

Tuesday 2nd Jan (staff check)

 The water levels are high and look to increase. I'm meeting Winchester City Council to discuss what impacts the site might undergo in an event such as 2014.

The path is heavily eroded in SPM (as you all know). Therefore, I've locked the gates shut with signage. Please ensure they remain locked and signage stays in place.

Thank you all for your help,

Sam