Reserve update Tuesday 8th April

With the weather improving, so does the pressures on the reserve. Thanks Richard for highlighting where people have been swimming. A different location to the useful spot. Probably the worst place someone could swim as it will damage the bank repairs and contribute to erosion uring periods of high levels, maybe they would listen to that? Also worth reminding them there is a sewage outlet a few hundred metres upstream on that river, but it does effect the Barton too due to connecting streams. They don't need to know how little discharge actually comes out!

The pressure does highlight the value of having you all on site so thank you for your time.

On another note I heard my first sedge and reed warbler today. In the south the pond had at least two pairs of sedge warblers present. The 15 ducklings emerged and walked down the path. One duckling had enough and lost itself from it's family who had walked to he main river, with a member of the public we carried the little one to join its family.

We had 2 of our practical work party volunteers out on site too. We have made some boardwalk repairs and the bridge repair. There is still more to go but hopefully that's the worst of it. If you notice any issues please post on the blog or if urgent don't hesitate to call.

Thanks again,

Sam

Paul - will you be wardening in Durngate on Thursday this week?

Sunday 6th April

Bike chained to the noticeboard by NW bridge.  Gone when I left.

Lots of people about.  A couple of runners.

Mothers' Day Card wedged into the bench at north end of main board walk.  Assume for Penelope. I left it there but really think you should discourage the creation of shrines on the benches.  It creates litter and makes the benches unusable for others.

Saturday 5 April

A beautiful morning on the Moor and I observed my first Swallow of the year. I collected some litter from various locations which has now been recycled at home. 

Friday 4 April

 Although not witnessed by myself, I was informed a group was swimming on the Moor today. A few beer cans and crisp packets were found at this location 5 April 2025. 

Friday 4th April

Lots of bird song on site today, didn’t see a single person on my walk round and no significant litter either

Reserve Update

 Hi Folks,

Urgent boardwalk repair undertaken. More to come tomorrow.

Few updates:

- water rail survey going on tomorrow to identify breeding pairs

- Butterfly survey started last week, we have a few new people undertaking the survey now as Bob retired.

- I'm undertaking the territory bird surveys for the south of Winnall this year

- Boardwalk replacement bid has been successful and funds should be coming through soon. We will buy materials and wait for the ground to dry up. We hope to start the works July. 

- I may try a different approach to grazing the south this year. No mans land and swimming pool meadow have consistently been grazed with little change in plant community, 'it looks like it wants to be a reedbed'. So this year I won't graze those parcels until September. I'm hoping this will improve reed and sedge warbler, and reed bunting populations in those parcels at the detriment of no other species. By grazing in autumn we can get some thatch removed, do some embankment grazing and create a mosaic of reedbed habitat. Gotta try these things out :)

If you feel I've missed any of your posts regarding a certain matter please do not hesitate to get in contact with me. Whatsapp is the best way to contact me: 07825201545.

Thank you all for your support and time,

Sam