You'll likely be aware that Tophill Low now falls within the new high risk tier 2 restrictions as of Saturday 31st of October. Thanks to everyone visiting for respecting the site guidance and allowing us to keep the reserve open in what was the busiest summer for visitors ever. You'll have noticed a paucity of updates simply as its been that busy trying to run a new membership season alongside covid measures and catching up on several months of lost habitat work due to flooding and lockdown (besides planning new works at the start of our 2020-25 OFWAT funding cycle - not just at Tophill but well beyond) and in the context of the passing of many good hands this last few months and others still isolating or shielding - so the wet and cold weather hasn't been totally unwelcome as a bit of respite and catch-up; But clearly events keep moving on.
As for many the guidance can be a little blurry, especially in the world of nature reserves and bird hides. Generally we've been happy with the efforts so far and the rule of six we imposed on the hides earlier to ensure social distancing is now a certain necessity. The main change is that stipulated by 'no one must mix indoors with anyone who they do not live with' - and 'businesses must ensure that they operate in a COVID-secure manner' this of course forces us to reconsider the use of bird hides.
It's a delicate decision as we appreciate that Tophill Low is an escape and refuge not just for wildlife but also people. If we close all hides it would very likely increase disturbance as people attempted to look around and over hides / res walls etc. In the context of access still being allowed and indeed encouraged outdoors, then we are not compelled yet to close the reserve outright, which comes with its own complications.
For the high risk category we intend to keep hides open - but to comply with our duty as a venue only one household bubble is permitted within a hide at any one time. So this could mean up to 6 - or just 1 person as applicable. But we cannot pretend that the hides are large enough to sensibly distance multiple groups or even individuals as in a pub or restaurant setting.
We don't have the personnel to stand on every hide with a stopwatch so we're not putting times on. And indeed some hides you could sit in for long periods and not be inconveniencing anyone at off peak times. The hides remaining open on this basis very much depends on users being courteous and sensible. We would ask that if you enter a hide be vigilant for people waiting. If there are people waiting we ask you move on and allow others a chance to view. If two groups arrive simultaneously we ask you politely liaise to agree a limited viewing for a minute or two before swapping over.
So a prime example is Izzard hide; Many would formerly bring a cushion, flask, bean bag etc and set up for a 3hr photography session. Unfortunately in the present circumstances this cannot happen - you will need to vacate and make space for the next users when they arrive in a timely fashion.
If we feel that this isn't working and people can't be on the whole sensible, then we will be forced to close the hides or reserve. And indeed we need to set the expectation that in the event of Tier 3 Very High we may yet have to close outright.
A great many of our visitors and members are from areas already in Tier 3 Very High. As a reminder the current guidance is 'we are advising people not to travel into or out of an area if it has been categorised as a very high alert level area. This is part of wider measures to help manage the risk of transmission. You can continue to travel into or out of very high alert level areas if you need to for work, education, to access youth services or because of caring responsibilities'. So on this basis we would ask you do not attend the reserve presently if from a high risk area.
So what I would say is put the emphasis on enjoying the reserve between the hides - fungi season is at its very peak presently with some brilliant species at the path edges to look at. The starling roost is back and in force flying overhead at dusk, and redwings and fieldfares are starting to roll up in numbers at South Scrub.
We were hoping to potentially look at photo exhibitions etc for this winter but alas that will all have to fall away for the foreseeable. But we will endeavor to stay open where possible within the guidance.
