Sunday 19th May

 SPM disappearing under the foliage. 

Busy this morning with walkers runners, picnickers.  Big bag of rubbish left in the sluice/picnic area but at least the party people had tidied up.

Bumped into Charlotte doing a forensic litter pick.  Great to have you here Charlotte.  When you get the strimmer working, the nettles by the SPM gates are your first priority 🙂 

Saturday 18th May - Warden

Hi all, my name is Charlotte and I am the new seasonal Warden for Winnal Moors. 

It's been a really nice day with warblers singing and lots of damselflies out, the highlight was the snoozing ducklings along the edge of the boardwalk. Some of the over hanging branches along the path to the pond have been cut back 

I had a few problems today, one being a light brown Cockerpoo off the lead and swimming on the reserve and the second being a group of young lads swimming on the reserve next to North Walls Recreational Ground and jumping off of the willow tree. 

Saturday 18th May

 Great to be back on the reserve, and at 7am it was magical. Haven't visited for a while cos of the water levels. Now at least you can see the mud you're about to sink into. Got a nice picture of a banded demoiselle covered with dew. Twenty minutes later the sun had warmed everything up and there were demoiselles flying everywhere. The reed, sedge and centi's warblers were singing loudly, and I recorded a lovely song by a garden warbler.

Also met the homeless guy - with tent and two suitcases. He was pacing up and down listening on his headphones. Alerted Sam. 

18th May Reserve update

Hi all,

Overtopping seems to have stopped so we will look into repairs soon but not likely to be that soon. Hopefully early July if I'm being realistic.

Repaired stringer for short boardwalk.

Cut reed regen in pond.

Path edges need cutting back.

Camper reported in mini stream area, been approached by wardens and staff. Hope he is gone Monday. Let me know if not.

Our new seasonal warden started yesterday. So please say hello to Charlotte. She will work Fridays to Sundays and the occasional Mondays. 

Thank you all for your support :)

Sam

Thursday 16th May 24

 Unexpectedly nice weather here after heavy rain in Southampton earlier.  Massive growth of all things green since last week.  Dried out well now. Also Unexpectedly no idiots.  Only saw 2 people enjoying the re

serve.  No litter. 

Wednesday 15th May

 Fairly quiet despite the beautiful sunny morning and being drier underfoot. Pond looking good after cut back of reeds. Thanks Sam for putting new footpath closure  notices on the gates - no queries this week. Very lush plant growth along the banks.

Anne and Tim Ardill

before the rain . . .

 only 2 runners and 1 walker. Noted the already mentioned lost stringer on shortcut boardwalk.

What do you do when you have finished your 10 pack of Stella? You set light to it of course. By the dipping stream. Thankfully no damage, and I removed it.

Yes, loads of willow seed all around giving it a kind of spooky but restful look