Happy New Year. Cold, frosty, bright and delightful. Not much litter but worth getting rid of it. Some cut willow branches have been thrown on the frozen pond.
The pics are from 2 years ago, the last time it was so cold, on a workday with Rachel, clearing the area around the pond.
Lovely and quiet today, only saw a runner and one person out for a walk. Lots of birds hopping about in the trees and having a sing song.
although it did actually stop raining during my visit.
No litter but I met a man whose trainer was disintegrating. He was happy for me to take some in my litter bag! New pair needed. Small tree leaning opposite canoe club. I'll try to sort the branches but I cant see damage lower down. It may need more drastic treatment. Plus a helium balloon in Red Poll stream. No chance of reaching it from either bank. Plenty of water. It looks high and is. We had 42mm rain yesterday, over 2 weeks worth. Plenty of flow over paths and some of the repairs have already bypassed. Depth 37.31 at Durngate. this is only 9cm below the "top of normal range". And there's a Flood Alert for lower Itchen (Bishopstoke downwards)
Saw either 2 herons or the same one twice, plus a little grebe and the usual ducks, otherwise wildlife was very quiet
Cold and frosty with the pond frozen. Nice chats with regulars and minimal litter. Roe doe at the paddling stream.
The late morning (after doing the North) even nicer than earlier on. A few folks and families out. Couple of polite runners (it’s not Sunday). Minimal litter. Kingfisher had been spotted
Maintenance: as others have noted the main boardwalk is in imminent need of attention at several points once work parties restart. Couple of people commented on it.
A very wet and windy first visit of 2025! Very quiet on the reserve just met Mike braving the weather. Lots of small twigs on the path but no branches. Just small amount of litter - perhaps the rest had been washed and blown away!
Happy New Year everyone!
Anne and Tim
