tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17605054901650126962024-03-13T18:48:18.775+00:00Tophill Low Nature ReserveThe official round up of news and sightings from Yorkshire Water's Tophill Low Nature ReserveRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comBlogger480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-89434132981532411812023-12-22T14:55:00.001+00:002023-12-22T14:58:41.727+00:00Winners of the 2023 Tophill Low photography competition<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnPYpa45tLRNJF1VIxUpSiSViBohZ6xXwUEi_IyLauSrj5YfNoDPTve88MDMxMu5NLZxBiYyRnqmdMZsogo-4AKavC011URBAwBvj9eg_ijXSloqsHfuNsP2NskDyM2KxatA5eiZ_3B6dNtV_iriFe4276yoZ8LCiroXAdjcw9jCZSJyykDZUK-3xmcf8/s4032/south%20marsh%20nov%202023%20me.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnPYpa45tLRNJF1VIxUpSiSViBohZ6xXwUEi_IyLauSrj5YfNoDPTve88MDMxMu5NLZxBiYyRnqmdMZsogo-4AKavC011URBAwBvj9eg_ijXSloqsHfuNsP2NskDyM2KxatA5eiZ_3B6dNtV_iriFe4276yoZ8LCiroXAdjcw9jCZSJyykDZUK-3xmcf8/s320/south%20marsh%20nov%202023%20me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> <b>Winners announced</b></p><p>The judges have spent the morning deliberating over the many fantastic entries in our annual photography competition, so we are able to announce our winners for each category. Well done to all the winners and to those that have received highly commended. A big thank you to everyone who has taken part this year.</p><p><b>Botanical</b></p><p><b>Winner</b> - John Lanthorp. </p><p>The judges loved the colours in this entry, not only of the bee orchids but in the diversity of the meadow that they are in. The way the photograph has been framed is very clear and yet shows an idea of movement within the meadow.</p><p><span>Highly Commended - Pat Hogarth for her photograph of some antler fungus, a quirky subject matter showing the patterns in the individual specimens and the pattern of them as a whole.</span></p><p><span>Highly Commended - Kingsmill student for her photograph of some newly emerged catkins and the detail of a single raindrop that she had noticed and capture.</span></p><p><span><b>Kingfisher</b></span></p><p><b>Winner</b> - Pat Hoggarth.</p><p>The composition of capturing the two birds together that are interacting with each other was the thing that impressed the judges in this category. One of our iconic wildlife species on the reserve, it was great to see some behaviour shots, this being the best one.</p><p><span>Highly Commended - Rose Habberly has taken a nicely composed photograph and the judges liked the bokeh effect which has the subject cleared focused and the surrounding background less so yet still distinguishable.</span></p><p><span>Highly Commended - Colin Spruce. The judges liked the activity of the shot, the bird is doing something different in displaying its wings and does look quite comical which they liked.</span></p><p><span><b>Birdlife</b></span></p><p><b>Winner</b> - Colin Spruce</p><p>This great photograph of a Tawny owl was chosen as it has been brilliantly framed by the surrounding vegetation, a difficult thing to achieve when most views of Tawny owl are very brief. The photographer has done well to capture this crips image and have the bird looking directly at the lens.</p><p>Highly Commended - Pat Hogarth for her photograph of a young blue tit. The judges liked the fact that this was a commoner species yet shows the detail of its plumage in a beautiful composition.</p><p>Highly Commended - Pat Hogarth's Cetti's warbler, a difficult species to view let alone photograph showed the beautiful plumage of this very secretive species.</p><p><b>Landscape</b></p><p><b>Winner - </b>John Lanthorp</p><p>John's landscape photograph really caught the judges' eye as it caught the reflections of the fantastic autumn colours in a photograph that has great composition and great symmetry.</p><p>Highly Commended - Martin Stevens, this is one of the reserve's volunteers has taken a great view of Hempholme meadow whilst working in that area, capturing the atmosphere of the flooded meadow.</p><p><b>Invertebrate</b></p><p><b>Winner -</b> Neil Carson</p><p>The judges really liked this photograph of a shield bug which appears to have alien like features and captures the imagination, giving the bug energy and a sense of fun whilst focusing in on the delicate features of this special invertebrate. </p><p>Highly Commended - Pat Hogarth. All three photographs that have been awarded "Highly Commended" are of dragonflies. The first shows the different life cycle stages of a four spot chaser as it emerges up the stems of some horsetail. The judges liked this aspect of the photograph.</p><p>Highly Commended - Alan Gray's photograph is of a broad bodied chaser and shows great attention to detail of the wings which the judges liked.</p><p>Highly Commended - Neil Cason. The clarity of this photograph of a southern hawker impressed the judges, particularly how Neil had shown the detail of the insect's eyes.</p><p><b>Wildfowl</b> </p><p><b>Winner</b> - Pat Hogarth. </p><p>Pat's photograph of a group of tufted ducks reflects a brief moment in time that we often see as we observe wildlife but very rarely capture. The ducks all seem to be looking at the photographer as if questioning her presence in their world as they appear to be "coming out of the picture". A great composition.</p><p>Highly Commended - Dave Ruffles. This photograph of the rare winter visitor, the red necked grebe works very well against a what appears to be a cold, grey background, typical of a winter's day.</p><p>Highly Commended - Geraldine Gray's capturing of a pair of Teal in the activity of preening highlights the colourful and delicate plumage of our smallest breeding duck.</p><p><b>Young photographer</b></p><p>All the entries for this category were submitted by the group of students that regularly come to volunteer for their Duke of Edinburgh award to help out with habitat management. They spent the morning looking at different aspects of the vegetation and landscape and capturing the shapes and colours around the reception hide.</p><p>The winner and highly commended entries cannot be named as they are students under 18 but congratulations to all of them for their fantastic photos and efforts.</p><p><b>Wading bird</b></p><p><b>Winner </b>- Colin Spruce.</p><p>The judges were really impressed with the composition of Colin's photograph, the colours, the reflections and the fact that it encapsulates the bird's natural behaviour without disturbance.</p><p>Highly Commended - Unfortunately these photographs that have been selected by the judges were not named so we are unable to congratulate them, hopefully they will see that they have been successful.</p><p><b>Animal</b></p><p><b>Winner</b> - Rose Habberley. </p><p>Rose's photograph of a marsh frog crawling up and maybe over the log asks the question "Where is it going? Will it get to the top?" The judges liked the split of the photo, the log, the frog and the vegetation are all given the same amount of space, neither taking over the photo. All these aspects together with the colours were what the judges were taken with.</p><p>Highly Commended - Pat Hogarth. Pat has captured a beautiful autumn day in this photograph of two hares in the surrounding field. </p><p>A fantastic display of all this year's entries is open throughout the festive season till 7th January. We are asking for each visitor to vote for their favourite photograph of the whole competition. The winner of this public vote will see their photo on the membership card for the next season 2023/2024 which starts at the beginning of April.</p><p><span><br /></span></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950237266775759972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-70426498914591883462023-11-29T15:51:00.002+00:002023-12-09T13:17:42.295+00:00Annual Tophill Low photography competition<p>Cameras at the ready.....</p><p>This Friday, 1st December from 12pm until 12pm on 12th December entries will be welcomed from visitors and members alike to our annual photography competition. This has been reinstated following the many closures and Covid restrictions over the last few years and it's great to be back!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW5kxbI-HMrWwpuxVQL0kai3guelfIhziEA7LWmxHhAZGmV-Uk0eBVRayEjox_N-TUtlSM-FVIJm7Sf9q0Ha5MWMnGNr6GQqdUnpAWukj2Jui6HnfUyd4L4zb9QicgupewwsmpgY6re6yXbtgS4ergtjs6n062KWc8RVUvfaJhi4pISmdNBx-IMRvOTEk/s4000/chaffinch%20me.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwW5kxbI-HMrWwpuxVQL0kai3guelfIhziEA7LWmxHhAZGmV-Uk0eBVRayEjox_N-TUtlSM-FVIJm7Sf9q0Ha5MWMnGNr6GQqdUnpAWukj2Jui6HnfUyd4L4zb9QicgupewwsmpgY6re6yXbtgS4ergtjs6n062KWc8RVUvfaJhi4pISmdNBx-IMRvOTEk/s320/chaffinch%20me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>So whether you've taken a brilliant image of a kingfisher, a bee orchid, a marsh frog or the fantastic landscape of the reserve then enter your photos in the competition for a chance of winning a year's annual membership and possibly your photo on the membership card for the year, 2024/2025</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEYgTsPrQOcP3yblq3xxftG_THFpFOpcezhSfUYqvc6spYebLRhmHQUyBLRIDVbxV-WAxDbrv9Kf6V2lzaSmKRinM1sYEWnnJi-nW4W2B1E2OByBTZGOIa9YEIJGOhT98AsHmxWKfzRxv3EMb76PjMb1SfjVvYHVkwIuFOO9tcLV1MIrfOMF7D0selfzi/s4032/bee%20orchid%20me.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEYgTsPrQOcP3yblq3xxftG_THFpFOpcezhSfUYqvc6spYebLRhmHQUyBLRIDVbxV-WAxDbrv9Kf6V2lzaSmKRinM1sYEWnnJi-nW4W2B1E2OByBTZGOIa9YEIJGOhT98AsHmxWKfzRxv3EMb76PjMb1SfjVvYHVkwIuFOO9tcLV1MIrfOMF7D0selfzi/s320/bee%20orchid%20me.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>There are several categories and with any competition a few rules of entry but all is detailed below. The photographs will be on display in The Holt from Saturday 16th December until 7th January, allowing visitors a chance to view some of the many images that are taken on the reserve throughout the year. The winners will be announced on 22nd December and the winner of the visitor's choice will be announced on 3rd January and will become the new photo for our membership card for 2024/25.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4MYrXMdkjgekRzKLJUFkZGDg40EBABqFRArWt6nyV5P6LSudaDbpWri2RggYdOyJR4U2B5VV8ORrkCglB9BqWpjsIxc0GKsx1KWNpS6dcqbUgyUML_lNrJsjsMHC-NCk9XWyUhCLWYD0D35PZnPGCiJslXBNY2Mpm88YfEVnlYGly8Rzm9cNbvslWZSO/s4032/the%20prince%20me.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4MYrXMdkjgekRzKLJUFkZGDg40EBABqFRArWt6nyV5P6LSudaDbpWri2RggYdOyJR4U2B5VV8ORrkCglB9BqWpjsIxc0GKsx1KWNpS6dcqbUgyUML_lNrJsjsMHC-NCk9XWyUhCLWYD0D35PZnPGCiJslXBNY2Mpm88YfEVnlYGly8Rzm9cNbvslWZSO/s320/the%20prince%20me.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Please read the details of entry below before you submit your entry to one of the wardens.</p><p></p><p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 22pt;">Tophill Low Nature Reserve <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 22pt;">Wildlife Photography Exhibition 2023<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–
Terms of entry<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Any
picture entered must have been taken between 01/12/2023 – 12/12/2023. Entry
open to all visitors and members and it must be their own work.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Exhibitors
may enter every eligible category if they wish, but entries are limited to <b>2
images per photographer per category</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• All
pictures must have been taken within the Tophill Low recording area (I.e. the
Yorkshire Water owned site, Watton Nature Reserve or the Approach road to
Angram Farm).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Photo
post processing is permitted.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Photos
can be submitted from 12pm 1<sup>st</sup> December and entries close at 12pm on
the 12th of December 2023. No early or late entries will be considered. Entries
must remain in the exhibition for the duration of the exhibition. The
exhibition will start on the 16<sup>th</sup> December and run until 7<sup>th</sup>
January. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">•
Competition results will be announced at 5pm 22<sup>nd</sup> December 2023 via
the Tophill Low Nature Reserve blog. Public vote submission will be shared on
social media on 3<sup>rd</sup> January with the winner being displayed in the
Reception Hide and could become the new Tophill Low membership card for
2024/25.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• All
pictures must be no larger than A2 (or 420mm X 594mm) including any mount or
frame, clearly labelled with your name on the <b>reverse</b>, no images with
names on the front will be considered so public voting is fair.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• ‘Best Young
Photographer’ category is open to ages 17 years and under. Direction and
guidance permitted from an elder – but photographs must be taken by the
younger.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Photos
will be displayed and judged by a team assembled at the discretion of the
Reserve Warden. It will be the judging panel’s decision and they may refuse
entry to images considered not to meet the criteria. The panel’s decision is
final.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• The
judging panel will not involve any exhibitors in the competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• ‘Best in
Show’ will be chosen by public vote via public ballot. The ballot starts on 16<sup>th</sup>
December and closes at 5pm on the 3<sup>rd</sup> January 2024. No late votes
will be counted. The vote is limited to 3 selections per voter. Your 3
selections can be taken from any category.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• Tophill
Low Nature Reserve reserves the right to use the images supplied in the promotion
of the site and could be used for the 2024 membership card. Credit will be
given to the photographers wherever appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">• A prize
of a season’s free membership will be given to the winner in each category. The
upcoming membership season start is 1<sup>st</sup> April 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="WordSection1">
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 18.0pt;">Tophill Low Nature Reserve <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 18.0pt;">Wildlife Photography Exhibition 2023</span></b><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Categories:</span></b></p></div><p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Bird Life<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Kingfisher<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Animal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Wading Bird<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Landscape<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Invertebrate<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Wildfowl<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Botanical /
Fungi<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best Young
Photographer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 20.0pt;">Best in Show
(decided by public)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t0yL50XG7203pJYA7IeuRSJSg4LysEjj9jjEaThOv2il9K7HMR3mAtF4dUfwJFRIzI0csLwxBC9U9gqMkTxukvHDAS4iWBD-tQvFF4JM-VLnR3A_x5wX475tkGFQGlK2ZnvMcz-I8Dlyx-i9MuwMa4cZGCzruZ4fiB62sB6ocHIMpEPuNifx4pNuww3X/s4032/south%20marsh%20nov%202023%20me.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1t0yL50XG7203pJYA7IeuRSJSg4LysEjj9jjEaThOv2il9K7HMR3mAtF4dUfwJFRIzI0csLwxBC9U9gqMkTxukvHDAS4iWBD-tQvFF4JM-VLnR3A_x5wX475tkGFQGlK2ZnvMcz-I8Dlyx-i9MuwMa4cZGCzruZ4fiB62sB6ocHIMpEPuNifx4pNuww3X/s320/south%20marsh%20nov%202023%20me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Good luck from the warden team - Richard, Amy & Margaret</div><br /><span style="color: #2a4170; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10950237266775759972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-48047619690116546102023-09-16T10:49:00.001+01:002023-09-16T10:50:20.139+01:00Summer at Tophill Low <div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although in the birdwatching world the summer months of July & August are often considered quiet months of the ornithological year, here at Tophill Low the sightings log has been full of a whole range of resident and visiting species. In July and August many breeding birds will moult, allowing adult birds to renew all feathers after the damage and deterioration of their plumage caused by the whole process of nesting, breeding, feeding and fledging youngsters. New fledglings will often also moult so that by mid autumn they too have a new set of feathers. This means that in the woodland, visitors will see less of the woodland species, as birds remain hidden, to remain safe. Listen carefully though and you will hear the contact calls between parents and their young, often high pitched with short, sharp notes, keeping the family together and away from danger. </span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aHccrRYXOamVPbpeGc_s9Ki4_ZVeFei6EAIMPahiGJI8W5uIRwZuWP0PH4m4x7gcyFY22JW6mCB2bcE74DEwbrGL2SutwufZIuXoUPkFNjtGB-e8K8aC_KLN3hjZm4JYpfdH-tuca8xUsikGvs4iQFPsffNjV2V2QUELPL9VuoZUwpXkBJyybuhp4a0/s3012/Blue%20tit%20with%20food%20Maurice%20Dowson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="2002" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aHccrRYXOamVPbpeGc_s9Ki4_ZVeFei6EAIMPahiGJI8W5uIRwZuWP0PH4m4x7gcyFY22JW6mCB2bcE74DEwbrGL2SutwufZIuXoUPkFNjtGB-e8K8aC_KLN3hjZm4JYpfdH-tuca8xUsikGvs4iQFPsffNjV2V2QUELPL9VuoZUwpXkBJyybuhp4a0/w369-h554/Blue%20tit%20with%20food%20Maurice%20Dowson.jpg" width="369" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue tit - Maurice Dawson</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In the next few months our nest box volunteers will be checking boxes across the reserve to see whether they have been used this season, adding to our data set on breeding birds. Together with this information, earlier in the summer a team of volunteers helped to map the breeding birds on the reserve. This was the first time this had been carried out for several years. Maps of the whole reserve where created, plotting where different species were showing signs of breeding, whether it was birds singing, carrying nesting materials, displaying or feeding young. One highlight to note was the number of black headed gull nests on south marsh, and the number of common tern nests, both up on last year, a real success, especially when colonies of black headed gulls nearby have been severely hit by avian flu this season, in particular the colony at North Cave wetlands.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR654hzvV9bPDeUdJJq4VSGsrJnpkpj1sPk5DRWI8HOSI2xoS9jvS5RAlRvYLz3FQKjgMjMafYfMC8Q9m3zKA2KZuApQhkKb4_FkcBl6ZJtgeJoZyxQpYnJVgMiw9mYnqa7YyA1-Up1UM79OdM5Vm0sKzKzVzBeYa1_k8LTJ-czRgt7sFVhp1XkEvBRU/s4032/SMARSH%20SEPT%202023.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGR654hzvV9bPDeUdJJq4VSGsrJnpkpj1sPk5DRWI8HOSI2xoS9jvS5RAlRvYLz3FQKjgMjMafYfMC8Q9m3zKA2KZuApQhkKb4_FkcBl6ZJtgeJoZyxQpYnJVgMiw9mYnqa7YyA1-Up1UM79OdM5Vm0sKzKzVzBeYa1_k8LTJ-czRgt7sFVhp1XkEvBRU/w581-h436/SMARSH%20SEPT%202023.jpeg" width="581" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Marsh East</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Ducks are peculiar in that they moult all their flight feathers; the long, wing feathers; at once. For about a month, they can't fly and are very vulnerable to predators. To provide some protection, particularly for the brightly-coloured males, the moult starts with their bright body feathers. These are replaced by dowdy brown ones, making them look much like females. This eclipse plumage is temporary until the new flight feathers regrow. As in this eclipse plumage all the ducks look like females it can be very difficult to tell them apart; they also hide away a bit more so again the marshes seem quiet of birds. Hence at this time of year these ducks can be overlooked, but a couple of regular visitors managed to spot not just one, but two female blue winged teal, in amongst the ducks on south marsh. These birds were first seen on 23rd August and can still be found this weekend, the middle of September. Distinctive with a large pale blue wing patch, these duck are an autumn visitor from north America where they can be found from Nova Scotia all the way to Texas. A small number are recorded in the UK each year. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0Si3x0LDR-FyEngbKn6TK98vaKMhXmq4DpzgQVWWHX2IPNCm-zDnSJR4UXxsyGT6ue6fQ-5H4wvqGGcpuQPDZ7uw-MwV-c_QK4OymkPLVBtKogLskYEUUoccCGY9Ca-O4JATteU5XOMjA3dRzExT7MdCNzsw6LuR2P5XLriAbMZX9pPuGu5USpp4hxA/s1982/blue%20winged%20teal%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1982" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0Si3x0LDR-FyEngbKn6TK98vaKMhXmq4DpzgQVWWHX2IPNCm-zDnSJR4UXxsyGT6ue6fQ-5H4wvqGGcpuQPDZ7uw-MwV-c_QK4OymkPLVBtKogLskYEUUoccCGY9Ca-O4JATteU5XOMjA3dRzExT7MdCNzsw6LuR2P5XLriAbMZX9pPuGu5USpp4hxA/w577-h466/blue%20winged%20teal%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" width="577" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue wing teal - Lee Johnson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Kingfishers and marsh harriers are the reserve’s iconic species, with many visitors coming to Tophill just to enjoy great views of these birds. Both species have been successful this year in terms of breeding which means that sightings have been across the reserve for both species. Watching a newly fledged marsh harrier trying to gauge whether a willow branch will take its weight has to be a highlight of watching these birds this summer.
As we plan and manage the different habitats across the site each year then it is very rewarding to see how species, that have been targeted in these plans, make use of the reserve. This has been the case for the passage waders that visit the south marshes every year to refuel for their onward journey to their wintering grounds. Work carried out on the ditches that allow the water levels on the south marshes to change have been cleared, vegetation around the edges has been cut back and the valuable mud exposed. A total of twelve green sandpipers were seen in mid August, there have been regular counts of 12 common snipe, lapwings have reached over 200 birds, all good to see. However, all these counts have been surpassed by an unprecedented count of 53 black tailed godwits on site at the end of June. Other species of wader have been greenshank, spotted redshank, ringed plover, dunlin, little stint, ruff, avocet and wood sandpiper. A respectable variety for an inland site and its thanks to all the volunteers and their hard work helping the Tophill Low team manage the reserve. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8WSn2yjau3wg_q9bYfpHOwo-suUOMQ_xpzSN4-1NdVKwhnhMoqzAZewMatpG6GzxzCyAncq5P4tfIYhxBGJW07r6WB_SRbHXcd3PvR1-zkMlBYT7QuT8XGYfa2zMpmMA61aPs1tsTZ11-CPt48M5KPNRyugDCmGZ13mMTAOGDnTImwRP_yCss7oKxOI/s2736/Common%20sandpiper%204%20Maurice.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2736" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8WSn2yjau3wg_q9bYfpHOwo-suUOMQ_xpzSN4-1NdVKwhnhMoqzAZewMatpG6GzxzCyAncq5P4tfIYhxBGJW07r6WB_SRbHXcd3PvR1-zkMlBYT7QuT8XGYfa2zMpmMA61aPs1tsTZ11-CPt48M5KPNRyugDCmGZ13mMTAOGDnTImwRP_yCss7oKxOI/w563-h375/Common%20sandpiper%204%20Maurice.JPG" width="563" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common sandpiper - Maurice Dawson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When visitors find it difficult to locate the birds in the summer months, attention is drawn to the other wildlife on the reserve. Butterflies are perhaps the easiest to identify and a number of butterfly counts were carried out to submit sightings to the national Big Butterfly Count in early summer. Interesting records were marbled white in north scrub grassland, this species has been recorded here for several years, but only in this area. Another was a hummingbird hawkmoth near the office buildings, along the butterfly, buddleia border. A total of 18 species have been recorded. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1P6I8r3GZT22GqKwAzTRR3UNoocjhhO-jrS2bG5IwZQcfgVvkt2FTF4b7Args0Nb4FRIwE-iRZYLjxfnxcC0YrNpDgYaA39ZFoQ4nnE6Z1S1rhTR7QrWOYdserltCmlxWPnw70kWDejuvpkcyVdn57LvAjNDy0pCyDWLptSmXEAYQAMHsTtu2U72tpY/s324/marbled%20white%20butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="324" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1P6I8r3GZT22GqKwAzTRR3UNoocjhhO-jrS2bG5IwZQcfgVvkt2FTF4b7Args0Nb4FRIwE-iRZYLjxfnxcC0YrNpDgYaA39ZFoQ4nnE6Z1S1rhTR7QrWOYdserltCmlxWPnw70kWDejuvpkcyVdn57LvAjNDy0pCyDWLptSmXEAYQAMHsTtu2U72tpY/w566-h426/marbled%20white%20butterfly.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marble White - Margaret Boyd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dragonflies and damselflies are less recorded although many visitors see them. Their fast and flighty nature makes them a bit more difficult to identify but with some careful watching, especially in areas like the reception pond, a range of species have been noted. One that is relatively new to the reserve, and to this area, as its distribution moves ever northward, is the Willow Emerald damselfly. This has been seen ovipositing into a willow branch just by the reception pond. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiANIodZxan_N46EqUPNYmwS5k6Eo3XzZmgzDMZZ0CCL4-Q9DlAr5-ui1Tjq84n2w33HCdp-aPRHybkD9-1hHa5qTIdESEGdBTnOtUxtF554CxBBtrw5ABGUsBGa_CR_hjsJ2tcaEhyIjsv_NYZVF2pZ2lzuhRUA9kC1at_FoyJMmCeBZtR6TCsAOWejU/s2785/Willow%20emerald%20ovipositing.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2785" data-original-width="1857" height="683" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiANIodZxan_N46EqUPNYmwS5k6Eo3XzZmgzDMZZ0CCL4-Q9DlAr5-ui1Tjq84n2w33HCdp-aPRHybkD9-1hHa5qTIdESEGdBTnOtUxtF554CxBBtrw5ABGUsBGa_CR_hjsJ2tcaEhyIjsv_NYZVF2pZ2lzuhRUA9kC1at_FoyJMmCeBZtR6TCsAOWejU/w454-h683/Willow%20emerald%20ovipositing.JPG" width="454" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willow Emerald - Pat Hogart</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Marsh frogs seem to have bred successfully with the reception pond full of tadpoles developing nicely into adult frogs. Great crested newts have been seen by people pond dipping this year which is the first time that they have been noted in reception pond. Unfortunately, one met an untimely death in the jaws of a grass snake just recently.
Roe deer are often seen on site, otters less often but as is quite normal on the reserve, north marsh is the best location for sightings. A family of young hedgehogs had to be caught and rehomed to a rescue centre after they were spotted trying to fend for themselves around the picnic area a few weeks ago; apparently they all seem to be doing well and have been given the best chance we can.
All visitor sightings are so valuable so we would encourage visitors to jot down their records in the sightings log, either in the birders hide at reception or in the log in the reception hut near the car park. With the support of visitors we can continue to log our wildlife and really get a bigger picture of how fantastic the reserve is for local wildlife.
A big thank you for your help in this.
</span></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856936973729848248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-15114502437754543172023-05-30T15:50:00.003+01:002023-06-10T21:52:51.849+01:00Thirty years of Tophill Low - Open Day 2023 <p>On Sunday the 11th of June we have the welcome return of the Tophill Low Nature Reserve open day. It doesn't seem like it, but the last was 4 years ago pre-covid! </p><p>It also marks 30 years since the (public) opening of the reserve in 1993 so worth celebrating. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYL90M-fl2pxcBum7UFM-XwpFO1jY5AAnLQiTebIoWGwpMR1eNMEbk7qChj9AR7lnmZU2TSmci5met_NK-u4fP1FRFnkrIqenJ-msPMNuT0EyWjuitlW3nbHdY5KW7YX1Iy-nvu7BHn1sdm4sHXxhB91gGj76h8-LXXT8I85BugNv-GBCBhkYU33HcNw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1138" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYL90M-fl2pxcBum7UFM-XwpFO1jY5AAnLQiTebIoWGwpMR1eNMEbk7qChj9AR7lnmZU2TSmci5met_NK-u4fP1FRFnkrIqenJ-msPMNuT0EyWjuitlW3nbHdY5KW7YX1Iy-nvu7BHn1sdm4sHXxhB91gGj76h8-LXXT8I85BugNv-GBCBhkYU33HcNw=w640-h405" width="640" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>Admission is free from 10am to 4pm with extra car parking laid on a short walk from the reserve (blue badge holder parking available on request). A perfect day out for any level of interest for all ages and abilities - something for everyone including food and drink! </p><p>As ever we're giving the opportunity to a great range of friends of the reserve to showcase their work too - at the time of writing these include; </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig_s-1qxSF_D_O_BHZxwIczxYEHX0Qz8VBUkm_opbAU-aWftGNmoNc2vSv6ZojrHAT6ohhJirgBqFE_UTb9dK4O_pRyptQNuX0-qDlpH3IeVr3J0XL6Wvt9F32Aaywv7LJF3MwwECcJb3pm4wbLVPmxhKtND1wRr38MNNeH0t5eDeT0o6QM6dklRO2Hw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img alt="" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="179" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig_s-1qxSF_D_O_BHZxwIczxYEHX0Qz8VBUkm_opbAU-aWftGNmoNc2vSv6ZojrHAT6ohhJirgBqFE_UTb9dK4O_pRyptQNuX0-qDlpH3IeVr3J0XL6Wvt9F32Aaywv7LJF3MwwECcJb3pm4wbLVPmxhKtND1wRr38MNNeH0t5eDeT0o6QM6dklRO2Hw=w81-h81" width="81" /></a></div><br />Membership, displays and native wetland plant sales <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPtNeV2Nq_s3G6m8cxLX6kgjvzDyqGdfTIrkHvDrOEgeW2_fjlEfInGtgG3aIv4TTqXvFZwyLJAYQ3FAOTVMdvagZsP1uverlHBq_NBoMxGCko03pmpokbtWi9xuZa77FZcPmYvQ2t9v19CeW9nFaj-cLpESScCd2OkcfgvRcEaW371IT0foIJkYWAg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="498" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPtNeV2Nq_s3G6m8cxLX6kgjvzDyqGdfTIrkHvDrOEgeW2_fjlEfInGtgG3aIv4TTqXvFZwyLJAYQ3FAOTVMdvagZsP1uverlHBq_NBoMxGCko03pmpokbtWi9xuZa77FZcPmYvQ2t9v19CeW9nFaj-cLpESScCd2OkcfgvRcEaW371IT0foIJkYWAg=w79-h78" width="79" /></a> Displays and children's activities </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxeVLNRd-T_KyDXfv85HwcC6JTGx31A_kPBOc5qCt_c9X9dFrBeAX6YYbtZPad0CNTC8p7X654dfvsybPuMTZ04R1N17b6xm0oAB1LVE6pXzvtnmnJeIrkSY_P0nGY5V4bFtGM3aIDIElzl_LKzAFsyZG3PF3XWXVhdwLf-q7ZSv3PeJeWF-OJEk-AjA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="169" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxeVLNRd-T_KyDXfv85HwcC6JTGx31A_kPBOc5qCt_c9X9dFrBeAX6YYbtZPad0CNTC8p7X654dfvsybPuMTZ04R1N17b6xm0oAB1LVE6pXzvtnmnJeIrkSY_P0nGY5V4bFtGM3aIDIElzl_LKzAFsyZG3PF3XWXVhdwLf-q7ZSv3PeJeWF-OJEk-AjA=w78-h112" width="78" /></a> Displays on their work and possible chance to meet a bat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Driffield & Langtoft </b><b>Hedgehogs </b><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Awareness of hedgehog conservation and care - inc a possible chance to meet one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFy1XBITx8UDtBy4qW9V12Dme_-kw4et2-SSJbyyrDv6tzRjtDQrx4xIzjWDIzWDwP5VmcDumxxzbQ96sjRQsw79vHfO1amNKeqzybXRsuH7weAiYxV0NPfYEiUE6QNK2rn8VsZJk8JnTdWIVyU2SDx1IY3JscCHMAKpT25FrGCRHEOzl4yzFUaQFYsA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFy1XBITx8UDtBy4qW9V12Dme_-kw4et2-SSJbyyrDv6tzRjtDQrx4xIzjWDIzWDwP5VmcDumxxzbQ96sjRQsw79vHfO1amNKeqzybXRsuH7weAiYxV0NPfYEiUE6QNK2rn8VsZJk8JnTdWIVyU2SDx1IY3JscCHMAKpT25FrGCRHEOzl4yzFUaQFYsA=w104-h104" width="104" /></a> Stands and activities </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-Do4amGMT3FMrqf4UZuvq5se4Fu4PL0m95ps_IdGPxmeBixlLmQ4Dl-a0uzHFEk66vp-z6IpBZg98qqd12xXt8jv83vy_ibYBBnTRRgJu7bc42yA2WoWtagZCbbw7rgABLifzCJCpAbDpw8ijwlmJPZ7NaiLHrAJFzgCxAiW_Kiv3p4OEG3HsM6MHw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp-Do4amGMT3FMrqf4UZuvq5se4Fu4PL0m95ps_IdGPxmeBixlLmQ4Dl-a0uzHFEk66vp-z6IpBZg98qqd12xXt8jv83vy_ibYBBnTRRgJu7bc42yA2WoWtagZCbbw7rgABLifzCJCpAbDpw8ijwlmJPZ7NaiLHrAJFzgCxAiW_Kiv3p4OEG3HsM6MHw=w91-h90" width="91" /></a>East Riding Archaeological Society - history and exhibits </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56N8YCozSrApVcyLXyhoxy_UOoJ2dSKeONv7xIIRGadJ22CNCIrUMqOq5jfF3k8r69WLLA10rHr7E--mUp_xrKOQoZjJ4kFM04FvNp2WXH6VHF89Y_GCokqlDDneLsFf-d_MXyFSGeDRfOJTOApXltqFgnBBlb71264JwUtD9ijYRCaYFdhFXhu-sfg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="305" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg56N8YCozSrApVcyLXyhoxy_UOoJ2dSKeONv7xIIRGadJ22CNCIrUMqOq5jfF3k8r69WLLA10rHr7E--mUp_xrKOQoZjJ4kFM04FvNp2WXH6VHF89Y_GCokqlDDneLsFf-d_MXyFSGeDRfOJTOApXltqFgnBBlb71264JwUtD9ijYRCaYFdhFXhu-sfg=w90-h138" width="90" /></a> Bird ringing demo and motus stand</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rMpHCIRjAgOWFNDXuKiBaklZEvM2bnDxOxyVQnrQfTbkHWSEBlJ2sXQPvtvk3hl3ySVbZPHb_kQz4M7iePEpUF2cAYG_bwh63TOrdSESt4MajM1w3KQyntwfQ1ksXqiYHt5uksEIaLT5GlD5Xteon7cSAlvojrj3YWVWhXGXBkkVUwxkP_rZ6dTNTw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="389" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0rMpHCIRjAgOWFNDXuKiBaklZEvM2bnDxOxyVQnrQfTbkHWSEBlJ2sXQPvtvk3hl3ySVbZPHb_kQz4M7iePEpUF2cAYG_bwh63TOrdSESt4MajM1w3KQyntwfQ1ksXqiYHt5uksEIaLT5GlD5Xteon7cSAlvojrj3YWVWhXGXBkkVUwxkP_rZ6dTNTw=w205-h67" width="205" /></a> New and used binoculars and telescopes to try and buy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0MzmlxY4LXVPHpwlescxrIaXwlxfMXTHI8-ocAqqf2-NtzcUxdAsg7s45k05cbgUYJVdZexFaFvXb3-_Wsmsn0TnCbgBu_2RrBuiDm4_rN_rTH5Pt-lz1h4IJFejKE4H2wbHTvq3dfzsBqQZnN1EN3rqO_xGplpbncheIuvLhGjx_ERm9i4iwPkmA_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0MzmlxY4LXVPHpwlescxrIaXwlxfMXTHI8-ocAqqf2-NtzcUxdAsg7s45k05cbgUYJVdZexFaFvXb3-_Wsmsn0TnCbgBu_2RrBuiDm4_rN_rTH5Pt-lz1h4IJFejKE4H2wbHTvq3dfzsBqQZnN1EN3rqO_xGplpbncheIuvLhGjx_ERm9i4iwPkmA_A=w91-h91" width="91" /></a> Displays on the Trusts river conservation projects in East Yorkshire </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaDNrqUDnXiaY39o2nMBIlrU_HFUbDP4mwoql5vKIDy45cEV2Q0dK1GUUOV6UrcULkNBtYrharNuaWtAP5D8of3KcU8rS67yYISJolgwJ77j_dK50KyYGqfwZ1uwg-8oQMccF81O-o8h8j5dS4gdWDK63SyGxs_aMsNRmQh7UUEXXe_Mtx-PbAfrzuKA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="938" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaDNrqUDnXiaY39o2nMBIlrU_HFUbDP4mwoql5vKIDy45cEV2Q0dK1GUUOV6UrcULkNBtYrharNuaWtAP5D8of3KcU8rS67yYISJolgwJ77j_dK50KyYGqfwZ1uwg-8oQMccF81O-o8h8j5dS4gdWDK63SyGxs_aMsNRmQh7UUEXXe_Mtx-PbAfrzuKA=w268-h85" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Awareness and information on Invasive Non Native Species in Yorkshire and how you can help </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJYy0udBPCMvIGAbCoeqrU46WdJx_VraTzXXrat8M6e3cuyowHTm8UdyEYPfmhJZK5uIY8FaUgxB9SQIPsa37RjCRjwNmkAB-R6YmYz2tVqcElwcYtN0Yj9jRbwquGUsn2I6zn4ufi2hWROPmNp2IqrinutxdNC2E1TWI9sJ-ZVvWdaWv9LcFYwZwvsw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="250" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJYy0udBPCMvIGAbCoeqrU46WdJx_VraTzXXrat8M6e3cuyowHTm8UdyEYPfmhJZK5uIY8FaUgxB9SQIPsa37RjCRjwNmkAB-R6YmYz2tVqcElwcYtN0Yj9jRbwquGUsn2I6zn4ufi2hWROPmNp2IqrinutxdNC2E1TWI9sJ-ZVvWdaWv9LcFYwZwvsw=w103-h125" width="103" /></a>Humberside Police Wildlife Crime prevention officer - displays and police vehicles </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Vgv1OYx4cqgOTzijFiUyt_O9WKBBDVRa4J58C5boo7WppjhjpwtCqjcqIpzH71MMa2oTo0LxMtBIzNoRspfJ6ftVbyjs7d_MSg5K0Rzsai0F8hIqirXG6VVlR4Z7PaS1inHTy1bVEpOXcZZbbM7iw3NKPjo_nbByJVAgE_ugFBh4OHdPguRFQ83o0w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="1000" height="55" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7Vgv1OYx4cqgOTzijFiUyt_O9WKBBDVRa4J58C5boo7WppjhjpwtCqjcqIpzH71MMa2oTo0LxMtBIzNoRspfJ6ftVbyjs7d_MSg5K0Rzsai0F8hIqirXG6VVlR4Z7PaS1inHTy1bVEpOXcZZbbM7iw3NKPjo_nbByJVAgE_ugFBh4OHdPguRFQ83o0w=w295-h55" width="295" /></a> Wildlife photography </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC4CXRqOo_5nGL026Qntha3VbZ89TkacJ0ltQJ6aC3wnI6c837btb74lYAkCgDEH8mEpPpje4_OJA-FdQnTQsMO5sTShlVMB1v_K2oqFOXoEpme81dJhsFQvtcDWzaAjCmU2Ws4BPFyvdxGxR9REwFEXtS5KEoWlhKntRjA14fTOv3ME0x9VKPZ9yrRA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="236" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhC4CXRqOo_5nGL026Qntha3VbZ89TkacJ0ltQJ6aC3wnI6c837btb74lYAkCgDEH8mEpPpje4_OJA-FdQnTQsMO5sTShlVMB1v_K2oqFOXoEpme81dJhsFQvtcDWzaAjCmU2Ws4BPFyvdxGxR9REwFEXtS5KEoWlhKntRjA14fTOv3ME0x9VKPZ9yrRA=w125-h112" width="125" /></a>Yorkshire coast nature wildlife tours </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXe2Mt-YOSCUFOlEowU2t5vfXa-nFZZTebHVhG_goa1GBTnmFwD-Vdxoc-Hzo1cbxLoIRpEL55pCSsWlbvVflzqu7svM3cSmtS1oQtWB-WFDm7Sk_jWlW8gLZ_CyafW04AXAKWPtxui7wob9asr4CAQLeyy8e5t_hKKVGyuoWyxBon635Ogx7z2ALu0A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="200" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXe2Mt-YOSCUFOlEowU2t5vfXa-nFZZTebHVhG_goa1GBTnmFwD-Vdxoc-Hzo1cbxLoIRpEL55pCSsWlbvVflzqu7svM3cSmtS1oQtWB-WFDm7Sk_jWlW8gLZ_CyafW04AXAKWPtxui7wob9asr4CAQLeyy8e5t_hKKVGyuoWyxBon635Ogx7z2ALu0A=w145-h94" width="145" /></a> Accessible access advocates </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwy-Ws7dPBGvnBzjPPgXLLDWAg6d0SE32tonZ8VLxEVOb4dvk9igvd42N7g5IbQLePE8gC-Af5Y_YeFd-MEtc7CITRo0Fl1gY0lABBEPq7e4a78puKtiFEDVNe37DVgp14__V8uGFg6xRF-j8igzGRjc-22fcGYtHWGQMBKwODbTT46AXeXp7OalZvw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="532" height="34" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHwy-Ws7dPBGvnBzjPPgXLLDWAg6d0SE32tonZ8VLxEVOb4dvk9igvd42N7g5IbQLePE8gC-Af5Y_YeFd-MEtc7CITRo0Fl1gY0lABBEPq7e4a78puKtiFEDVNe37DVgp14__V8uGFg6xRF-j8igzGRjc-22fcGYtHWGQMBKwODbTT46AXeXp7OalZvw=w197-h34" width="197" /></a> Sustainability team </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9caBMcwRRz8Qpztr4cmrQ92T5WM56vBfBrsQi4vdGhCuxYXmnkVa-ugPWO9Da2wN-TRDUFuVIgZwrm1E8-_Md8A8ChcPcPr8C1x_Aq0XUEaBTRaYMo72-VRvCMh8FSEHCQdBrWqd4J_iG3T4I1NgD1LhZnMXoWE5lAaguRN7ToTGsTpGc9W9be34sgw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9caBMcwRRz8Qpztr4cmrQ92T5WM56vBfBrsQi4vdGhCuxYXmnkVa-ugPWO9Da2wN-TRDUFuVIgZwrm1E8-_Md8A8ChcPcPr8C1x_Aq0XUEaBTRaYMo72-VRvCMh8FSEHCQdBrWqd4J_iG3T4I1NgD1LhZnMXoWE5lAaguRN7ToTGsTpGc9W9be34sgw=w153-h117" width="153" /></a>Awareness and displays on badger protection </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEBW2Gn_t61SSLQf_tyJu0A4WK3SpaM4oRUnNpMsmQ9n7_YLVF3p6nSgyyGkA1oJmMRn4ks8OfigRIbM2TZt2_msPa8eAXCa-LKb7IeD-FM4wPIDJO_oRczequvcRwTIFG2qENksd5Ma1txArDd3mDyAFOIezwMqqIbaOotAtIDzgWmDuxMskG4jXbgw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEBW2Gn_t61SSLQf_tyJu0A4WK3SpaM4oRUnNpMsmQ9n7_YLVF3p6nSgyyGkA1oJmMRn4ks8OfigRIbM2TZt2_msPa8eAXCa-LKb7IeD-FM4wPIDJO_oRczequvcRwTIFG2qENksd5Ma1txArDd3mDyAFOIezwMqqIbaOotAtIDzgWmDuxMskG4jXbgw=w106-h108" width="106" /></a></div><br />Yorkshire Dragonfly Group - displays and information</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8d7hsHbUAz_WOvDDAjia3BMuxeReuJYZp-cGYDLjAYoXLqKm8qRpNhhf-0n3FVzhEkNz8XJYK9aV9w5boOWYhsIAvUjXDS-bvt7orIWnO-Hd_XXWxWqIR2xByz4Y7K7HJjDPFNY7eyk5vyp6EDtUEGn790c7lV4tkxFhOQFvyK5YYt8sZjD7yeNVtIw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8d7hsHbUAz_WOvDDAjia3BMuxeReuJYZp-cGYDLjAYoXLqKm8qRpNhhf-0n3FVzhEkNz8XJYK9aV9w5boOWYhsIAvUjXDS-bvt7orIWnO-Hd_XXWxWqIR2xByz4Y7K7HJjDPFNY7eyk5vyp6EDtUEGn790c7lV4tkxFhOQFvyK5YYt8sZjD7yeNVtIw=w149-h113" width="149" /></a>Conservation farming </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizxR1iMMz5LosBNEg_rXLjFvmeV2RjlrkEDigcXHdZ27dn9qHT_6Qux52QFCq0bfmZTCZfvNcZw9myFafN0BZTRkkkv9Ui_uMsSIdXBwMvFLA-EVKwyyEjRhg09qFq5mRMSWdmR7QLCpedVLpuiChFKNZ6bn23mHSRM6jSuMxPqK0VotkXQsRlU0i4fA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="158" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizxR1iMMz5LosBNEg_rXLjFvmeV2RjlrkEDigcXHdZ27dn9qHT_6Qux52QFCq0bfmZTCZfvNcZw9myFafN0BZTRkkkv9Ui_uMsSIdXBwMvFLA-EVKwyyEjRhg09qFq5mRMSWdmR7QLCpedVLpuiChFKNZ6bn23mHSRM6jSuMxPqK0VotkXQsRlU0i4fA=w103-h116" width="103" /></a> Tophill Low research group </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIi6CsMJe4JiRS3JybnT9aKKj4hZ6z-k6jb6Ze9iaEOqXfw3bZWmcaDYBBvHbktr_cGEFmLwDOYR1qJ-zLUhuk0BIZUqRQbF0ws_3tI4ZJUaIrHIsy3k99zyesiyk_pWyqz1hVibPB4iFtBLkVR_Zfmkl2cubCxMYAmkFVlhrRiEea-2ePWR8qv_Qw6A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="543" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIi6CsMJe4JiRS3JybnT9aKKj4hZ6z-k6jb6Ze9iaEOqXfw3bZWmcaDYBBvHbktr_cGEFmLwDOYR1qJ-zLUhuk0BIZUqRQbF0ws_3tI4ZJUaIrHIsy3k99zyesiyk_pWyqz1hVibPB4iFtBLkVR_Zfmkl2cubCxMYAmkFVlhrRiEea-2ePWR8qv_Qw6A=w103-h117" width="103" /></a> Tony McLean Wildlife photography</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFUky8DInDe1nmCeiqgJsavumfXhVf16ZBfpiGRIrZeykOpd5BHNQH76HSTgyY9wQa2bFmjWvsCBK824HvF8fwhza1PTXmfxhA_BCR7pqpJjT7m8I74iXlpr9Hmv-yOWjKvSyWaiK2Vupxx4nyNS-CzDoOY1RbJaGpLo7RyinCDQ1nMAWbQfopbySYBQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="222" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFUky8DInDe1nmCeiqgJsavumfXhVf16ZBfpiGRIrZeykOpd5BHNQH76HSTgyY9wQa2bFmjWvsCBK824HvF8fwhza1PTXmfxhA_BCR7pqpJjT7m8I74iXlpr9Hmv-yOWjKvSyWaiK2Vupxx4nyNS-CzDoOY1RbJaGpLo7RyinCDQ1nMAWbQfopbySYBQ=w102-h104" width="102" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> J&J goat meats </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3T9PT1czveTQ7aWasc5MOfOzdpNcf0Tx8G0mniQ8_vumaoIzO12Euqn7CsztIntkOAL2dVRgPNPJRR1Ob9KdwN1PlHa3jP672vO2CWo2QI2f9I-XYpgfFgUt-K4_Uz2T48A0OLZzzSmgmgXpOzlyOcfCIu9yrgHXr7s8dM_N4E7qlH7pSVGHDOWMyxQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3T9PT1czveTQ7aWasc5MOfOzdpNcf0Tx8G0mniQ8_vumaoIzO12Euqn7CsztIntkOAL2dVRgPNPJRR1Ob9KdwN1PlHa3jP672vO2CWo2QI2f9I-XYpgfFgUt-K4_Uz2T48A0OLZzzSmgmgXpOzlyOcfCIu9yrgHXr7s8dM_N4E7qlH7pSVGHDOWMyxQ=w101-h101" width="101" /></a>For one day only! A return of twitchers take-away for drinks and refreshments </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNEUKD8EQZfK3xHRmezR9RNxsAve0aWfRuvFwj8p9GUN4ujRTHT1cBL4JtWyLvZTLhMZinDT_kO4z89LOc3yQ6kRKAyhub2i2-9EU46fByJ76dbxiGQ2XSGguTzoRNp5FKRhywuKwG35GZnxnBPC-Z2KuRSUFTdFbuXOUE5FFSmwmSA1SGdqnhf0c-NA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNEUKD8EQZfK3xHRmezR9RNxsAve0aWfRuvFwj8p9GUN4ujRTHT1cBL4JtWyLvZTLhMZinDT_kO4z89LOc3yQ6kRKAyhub2i2-9EU46fByJ76dbxiGQ2XSGguTzoRNp5FKRhywuKwG35GZnxnBPC-Z2KuRSUFTdFbuXOUE5FFSmwmSA1SGdqnhf0c-NA=w100-h100" width="100" /></a>FE/HE college running courses in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Management amongst others </div><br /><br /></div></div><br /><i>*All exhibitors subject to personal / work commitments - attendees may change. </i></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div><p></p>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-54784814545226588262023-05-19T15:25:00.003+01:002023-05-19T15:25:26.020+01:00Become a Nest Box Volunteer<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Become a Nest Box Volunteer</span></h1><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a fantastic volunteering opportunity here at the
reserve for interested people to get involved and become an active member of
our fabulous volunteer team. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a dedicated welcome day on Tuesday 30<sup>th</sup>
May to bring new people on board, everyone is welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeON7fkLYwId1SjFf5qxWkUP8JDCW-WlUHbqiqNngi0DfjF6uVbfth5qR21vVtdY_mNxftWDLi5SGG6yQkemd97wDsP2MqW9CeUqOsXxwTCKjrSy4bdVINxSzy6gWnHceJxysiDh-7EVZ95mZf53Pzg1O0qtJShgHRXOwNL6Zt9W0y800xeEvsBjD/s1278/Poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1278" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeON7fkLYwId1SjFf5qxWkUP8JDCW-WlUHbqiqNngi0DfjF6uVbfth5qR21vVtdY_mNxftWDLi5SGG6yQkemd97wDsP2MqW9CeUqOsXxwTCKjrSy4bdVINxSzy6gWnHceJxysiDh-7EVZ95mZf53Pzg1O0qtJShgHRXOwNL6Zt9W0y800xeEvsBjD/w558-h314/Poster.png" width="558" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Our nest box volunteers help to build, position, monitor and
record the variety of species that use the numerous nesting boxes across the
reserve. We have a range of small nest boxes in the woodland that are
particularly for small birds such as tits and robins but that is just the
start. You may have noticed the larger boxes for tawny owls and barn owls on
the reserve, but we also have specialised boxes for treecreepers within the
woodland and tern boxes on the islands in the south marshes for our visiting
common terns. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z6J0aaNZ75xQ2K6ZN8-O_q3CgCXpXYyaUo5uzqXqOx2nRo2k5QnukWMFmdM1UQuSne5l1LRkG0nf65AcUcz680fLZWelEPuHrP3ShNLqhfhML4_6w35-S1peX3VJFaUBQB1EPj3xZ2k_68NHw1T3ZNnzEItBqqnpFK1uURTZQLf8I3iVDwwRfeZ0/s4032/Tree%20Creeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z6J0aaNZ75xQ2K6ZN8-O_q3CgCXpXYyaUo5uzqXqOx2nRo2k5QnukWMFmdM1UQuSne5l1LRkG0nf65AcUcz680fLZWelEPuHrP3ShNLqhfhML4_6w35-S1peX3VJFaUBQB1EPj3xZ2k_68NHw1T3ZNnzEItBqqnpFK1uURTZQLf8I3iVDwwRfeZ0/w401-h535/Tree%20Creeper.jpg" width="401" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treecreeper nest box<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And it’s not just nesting boxes for the birds we also have a
range of bat boxes and in recent years have established a stoat monitoring
scheme that relies on boxes being visited by stoats.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nf6HLVt3Q6z6ZfoTYvgaTkRds1nu6ZhWe1J-0rfaGrOZFBudUVQSkiiFrTEe2Fqxwj3dKgOAL8eXGPpw3YYHDVwt8ziNUBdRWjLClGSzMUPRqDuoih3ci_T04FGxsnhtR464KxR6hUaQHP2cE681o3oL1sgTdFdcBvKtfs06gguPJsNirXgkQNAO/s4032/Bat%20Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nf6HLVt3Q6z6ZfoTYvgaTkRds1nu6ZhWe1J-0rfaGrOZFBudUVQSkiiFrTEe2Fqxwj3dKgOAL8eXGPpw3YYHDVwt8ziNUBdRWjLClGSzMUPRqDuoih3ci_T04FGxsnhtR464KxR6hUaQHP2cE681o3oL1sgTdFdcBvKtfs06gguPJsNirXgkQNAO/w451-h601/Bat%20Box.jpg" width="451" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bat box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBmsiI_F44NsGApcTMpl80Qu6lNeu79AnAXOhr3NR_EAmGu2XUFBOuZot1HJM8shvAIx9dvCfKntM-tiTK3caH2QQD2OkP5XwNa2-wq_m6qqknp2uIFdkxM1ftY7_O0XuCP9Vy6TisK7wZapNzfdv8IJH1Uz9sWIvjLVCu51mAWG2sMgMEVkB-opp/s591/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="591" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBmsiI_F44NsGApcTMpl80Qu6lNeu79AnAXOhr3NR_EAmGu2XUFBOuZot1HJM8shvAIx9dvCfKntM-tiTK3caH2QQD2OkP5XwNa2-wq_m6qqknp2uIFdkxM1ftY7_O0XuCP9Vy6TisK7wZapNzfdv8IJH1Uz9sWIvjLVCu51mAWG2sMgMEVkB-opp/w539-h497/Picture6.png" width="539" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoat Box Survey</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"></p><span style="font-size: large;">The remit of the volunteering team is to keep the reserve
and other Yorkshire Water wildlife sites supplied with suitable numbers of nest
boxes. These are made in our workshop on site, often to specific dimensions
according to the species. The team then sites the boxes on the reserve,
wherever there is a need for them and from then onwards the team is responsible
for checking, cleaning, maintaining and most importantly monitoring the use of
these boxes.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdFUVCwhA63aePXod8DuYY2bzAKrPXgYCoHQ-_ghTQd6DUAe-0bRwGnBXDLndA1HqZxjpG-MQZfcPTdj5XSmFRUy-HG4D4bSfKT2Aw2Q-ggkWGm4QvBNWkZP9azmKsZtqmaRBOykWmR30IPzWoR6sbnxGWdLraiOk118gTGibfu0ShqStoEZ3hNuf/s687/Nest%20box%20Team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="687" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdFUVCwhA63aePXod8DuYY2bzAKrPXgYCoHQ-_ghTQd6DUAe-0bRwGnBXDLndA1HqZxjpG-MQZfcPTdj5XSmFRUy-HG4D4bSfKT2Aw2Q-ggkWGm4QvBNWkZP9azmKsZtqmaRBOykWmR30IPzWoR6sbnxGWdLraiOk118gTGibfu0ShqStoEZ3hNuf/w522-h412/Nest%20box%20Team.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nest Box Team Survey<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The records that the nest box team collect are then shared
with a range of organisations. The BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) organise
the nationwide nest box scheme, to which we send Tophill Low data. Similarly,
any records of bats using the bat boxes are sent to East Yorkshire Bat Group. Volunteers
may choose to join the bat group when they monitor and survey the bats. Projects,
such as the study on stoats, helped to map the population size on the reserve of
this mustelid, helping contribute to data collected from only a handful of
other sites in the UK. This project is something that could be developed further in the future.
Any new members of the team would be supported to enhance our nest box
provision if it fitted into the reserve management plan and could continue to
collect important data, either for the reserve or for national surveys.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNgCILpj54OKNVbcfUWtqUb6d8KAmYvWz4E0gsaE_be2EBz1DV7nKS6U612DjbZkXwHWFhHya1yXsZk3Xfal1c836jAT1xr5--3XnA9hqskMtuiC-cZ4PzAQJeYvM3ycIziPC-WgVmqXEfQ-yRC0INK9zARfkZWZtljEM3j_BEijx4OyN8TAuygXW/s417/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="417" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNgCILpj54OKNVbcfUWtqUb6d8KAmYvWz4E0gsaE_be2EBz1DV7nKS6U612DjbZkXwHWFhHya1yXsZk3Xfal1c836jAT1xr5--3XnA9hqskMtuiC-cZ4PzAQJeYvM3ycIziPC-WgVmqXEfQ-yRC0INK9zARfkZWZtljEM3j_BEijx4OyN8TAuygXW/w540-h278/Picture3.png" width="540" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stoat Box Survey</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">We are entering a new phase with our nest box team, and we
want this group of volunteers to lead on this dynamic aspect of our
volunteering team.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Please come along on Tuesday 30<sup>th</sup> May from
10.30am to meet the site team and hopefully join our volunteers.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856936973729848248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-85855900363704825662023-01-08T20:43:00.003+00:002023-01-08T20:43:52.168+00:00Michael Clegg bird race day<p>Today saw our annual year listing event - formerly held on the 1st of the 1st, since the charity bird race became 'non-motorised' we've synchronised with the annual Yorkshire Wide Michael Clegg bird race for the good cause. </p><p>This year funds raised go towards the Spurn Little Tern colony at Beacon ponds. If you'd like to donate in recognition of efforts then the page is <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/spurn-little-terns-michael-clegg-bird-race-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined">here</a>. </p><p>So how did we get on?; </p><p>Early efforts with Margaret Boyd and Lee Johnson delivered several hard to get species; </p><p>Pink footed goose and goosander on D reservoir. Smew dutifully stayed on both D and Watton NR with the great white egret. Lee's chiffchaff and golden plover at the south end were complimented by some long range house sparrows at Wilfholme pumping station and a transient red kite a nice bonus. </p><p>Rob Worsfold and myself tackled the access road (formerly a 5 minute job by car!) so instead we made the long walk yielding numerous buzzards, a nice cache of collared dove at Easingwold Farm and tree sparrows at Angram Farm. The main aim was to relocated the corn buntings seen from car earlier and one was picked up in the hawthorns adjacent to the sunflower seed crop (amongst larger flights of linnet, yellowhammer and linnet). At the WTW entrance a scan of a sisking flock in the London Plane tree yielded a lesser redpoll.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-URwtn9Y9AIMKAWj-8iSGbuY97zKZjiM6-KxJLi4oZnBjFdz6vhGB2xCIV3_-NVe8g_pi-C7QISss8Bz8jbyYGJ6QXDOt5rRvOi4CIf4kDI8oduzwXYinXQt-pWu604iXBUOyl7KQwCuwUsIdyRl149pxgD_C_9hoUorcxpJExYDawYQQffOJI9Q-fQ/s4032/IMG_0754.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-URwtn9Y9AIMKAWj-8iSGbuY97zKZjiM6-KxJLi4oZnBjFdz6vhGB2xCIV3_-NVe8g_pi-C7QISss8Bz8jbyYGJ6QXDOt5rRvOi4CIf4kDI8oduzwXYinXQt-pWu604iXBUOyl7KQwCuwUsIdyRl149pxgD_C_9hoUorcxpJExYDawYQQffOJI9Q-fQ/w640-h480/IMG_0754.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG1uYYjdw8DwfmdqabxARurZOiuicu72ba2rCcjb2DqrzpXfS3MM6VEtO6O1CltHzjvsVStC4RosJ4lYwqo3HGxo_2MNQxhol0XdS6eN7FncCWJSiBz7Qo0D7uzL0ysEtLULFVFsHcoar9ho_DrGF1AoOTl04SYMegokDvoiu3V30lgfwknvtITj32g/s4032/IMG_0759.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG1uYYjdw8DwfmdqabxARurZOiuicu72ba2rCcjb2DqrzpXfS3MM6VEtO6O1CltHzjvsVStC4RosJ4lYwqo3HGxo_2MNQxhol0XdS6eN7FncCWJSiBz7Qo0D7uzL0ysEtLULFVFsHcoar9ho_DrGF1AoOTl04SYMegokDvoiu3V30lgfwknvtITj32g/w640-h480/IMG_0759.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p>The 10am guided walk led by Amy and Margaret found a full suite of thrushes, curlews, lapwings, cetti's warbler and marsh harriers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckc4hIXIPywR7hTuO1mPlbWSbd66-Q3Rd0RWRO2uitXtJW8om1qpAmJQ-DbTjR30pdwxyznprMUCddSn_frwlVUf0Pr5oILlIH4gd7EB3n_-zFvHrDk-NSxIhX0LMKmCzxhfCspSZhAOk33Fx0X4zDBlH78vuKyb4_cw-BQfcBuS7-b8b6fsBAdeH0A/s1024/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-14.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckc4hIXIPywR7hTuO1mPlbWSbd66-Q3Rd0RWRO2uitXtJW8om1qpAmJQ-DbTjR30pdwxyznprMUCddSn_frwlVUf0Pr5oILlIH4gd7EB3n_-zFvHrDk-NSxIhX0LMKmCzxhfCspSZhAOk33Fx0X4zDBlH78vuKyb4_cw-BQfcBuS7-b8b6fsBAdeH0A/w640-h480/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-14.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLckKt09pFVF5RBXafb3GugjL4yPTXLTEkpIGP1Bw5XwRHNtPN6WAp4-al0UoozWY7VcGIGogIe935e_KO_gqXMgvYbbggN2G5b9bDPJAdMXVvzSAlIHBjlhhWfEv2RlKY67jdYrDjtPGxdhmWfl7CVQSpgo5wgJgwI3hmn9A4COawFTSkPl51NKJAwA/s1024/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-15.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLckKt09pFVF5RBXafb3GugjL4yPTXLTEkpIGP1Bw5XwRHNtPN6WAp4-al0UoozWY7VcGIGogIe935e_KO_gqXMgvYbbggN2G5b9bDPJAdMXVvzSAlIHBjlhhWfEv2RlKY67jdYrDjtPGxdhmWfl7CVQSpgo5wgJgwI3hmn9A4COawFTSkPl51NKJAwA/w640-h480/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-15.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HMfZVhIHCNtCqfdUM7183cyNbK1hL9-gbZ1kkUbai_Q50VaPttvNrNJLuGA6ZYR-muDzjmZDhB7L0JhbT5SGj67_T-LNGNYUh38yjF65YlH40-MQyxCzn4athbRVCmFYpVYNb70hz2Gdl1AV6qCm6mIQ_e7BqfGw1EkKD1azczpnA3dCvEzGWvrTIQ/s1024/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-14.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HMfZVhIHCNtCqfdUM7183cyNbK1hL9-gbZ1kkUbai_Q50VaPttvNrNJLuGA6ZYR-muDzjmZDhB7L0JhbT5SGj67_T-LNGNYUh38yjF65YlH40-MQyxCzn4athbRVCmFYpVYNb70hz2Gdl1AV6qCm6mIQ_e7BqfGw1EkKD1azczpnA3dCvEzGWvrTIQ/w640-h480/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-14.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALGm_xUlTM9lsyWyJpdfwFLLX5gLXW2X_LsWLmtrenIyXbPc3MDSEjGNR0em0E-YoYisaomKcmQ_XrqTAu6EWZqonPwSynDfZnnR5MTCMjzbr46AWjgYM6ziTLk_uZRWslpyiHVRyJLcPgiNXZ9CH9fFJ0CouWatv4Qx1ieGXlZezBnIjXd2gVpETUg/s1024/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-15.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALGm_xUlTM9lsyWyJpdfwFLLX5gLXW2X_LsWLmtrenIyXbPc3MDSEjGNR0em0E-YoYisaomKcmQ_XrqTAu6EWZqonPwSynDfZnnR5MTCMjzbr46AWjgYM6ziTLk_uZRWslpyiHVRyJLcPgiNXZ9CH9fFJ0CouWatv4Qx1ieGXlZezBnIjXd2gVpETUg/w640-h480/PHOTO-2023-01-08-17-36-15.heic" width="640" /></a></div><p>With the majority of wildfowl readily available from the reception hide the pm walk north was slimmer pickings by this stage. A sneak peak of the currently closed to public north end saw three woodcock, tawny owl, jay, another marsh tit (alas no willow today), three snipe in hempholme meadow, water rail adjacent and little grebes on the river with one of several kingfishers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv320IfqVoB4xQnj7LqmT8HLA6Z-1mrzN7B5JOIeWzTtXL1qZZ4_DFMOryBE2qVWLatQn6VSV-_ilML9L4-3BBUylMk3OTIQQEnujzXHzMseY7K5wkY7N9N3D450UxRigmz_2RJr7_iVm5QJbE_gwsHqu6b_XQkB_fvOTP8HiX1n9dMLzjg_8H790rQ/s4032/IMG_0760.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv320IfqVoB4xQnj7LqmT8HLA6Z-1mrzN7B5JOIeWzTtXL1qZZ4_DFMOryBE2qVWLatQn6VSV-_ilML9L4-3BBUylMk3OTIQQEnujzXHzMseY7K5wkY7N9N3D450UxRigmz_2RJr7_iVm5QJbE_gwsHqu6b_XQkB_fvOTP8HiX1n9dMLzjg_8H790rQ/w640-h480/IMG_0760.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p>Treecreeper turned out to be the last species of the day; a fruitless late bid for a roosting redshank or gull exotica with Martin yielded no more. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBaY1VltWUS8TcGZjXv1YraafVbOXa4acPnVNgxEuWq_oenH9IiVvSxoNiGJx_-HIhEhz9JopuoRddVB4tItrgpNj43CEQ1-cUQlgMzHXNvUS3nO6oi-uvPYy37a5hoQbMZQPkv4dyTJ282vrxQRUNyLaNgS_ak4IlNFROG6X-_tGpVz-ZxwGwah5Xg/s4032/IMG_0769.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBaY1VltWUS8TcGZjXv1YraafVbOXa4acPnVNgxEuWq_oenH9IiVvSxoNiGJx_-HIhEhz9JopuoRddVB4tItrgpNj43CEQ1-cUQlgMzHXNvUS3nO6oi-uvPYy37a5hoQbMZQPkv4dyTJ282vrxQRUNyLaNgS_ak4IlNFROG6X-_tGpVz-ZxwGwah5Xg/w640-h480/IMG_0769.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1NRJ84HgmaNrEnnZHsxVow5e8DzA37S12iXGJycPeu4h-n6mocGyURsW_ObfP5nyXIkM4_ByMa0Rgn7qtEdMzfdHffShZYwCj__VixNvLYBBMdw3pf8sT4d3W3uYsBiyF2IHO6K5Lj3l6uVRUkzUMkh0qoFkCPZTTBcn3-ItXuqEBG9EFE1QjdIogQ/s4032/IMG_0767.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1NRJ84HgmaNrEnnZHsxVow5e8DzA37S12iXGJycPeu4h-n6mocGyURsW_ObfP5nyXIkM4_ByMa0Rgn7qtEdMzfdHffShZYwCj__VixNvLYBBMdw3pf8sT4d3W3uYsBiyF2IHO6K5Lj3l6uVRUkzUMkh0qoFkCPZTTBcn3-ItXuqEBG9EFE1QjdIogQ/w640-h480/IMG_0767.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OYWAFafKl5C1-bDIVlBXKm9nzXjxa5v_46ZcKueLLxBE-9VzA7jNWZQaqn0X5I1UU0xB0bozy2vECRcrkHpYCylPpTlPiHM508qh1aYd2XBUZ6E12x6DEV6yxU9s3ir6b32oxdxwPneuKq-JvwHQ52wRuJy-znudSY0PGFJffXbdXYlwNfLDpdZDhw/s4032/IMG_0762.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OYWAFafKl5C1-bDIVlBXKm9nzXjxa5v_46ZcKueLLxBE-9VzA7jNWZQaqn0X5I1UU0xB0bozy2vECRcrkHpYCylPpTlPiHM508qh1aYd2XBUZ6E12x6DEV6yxU9s3ir6b32oxdxwPneuKq-JvwHQ52wRuJy-znudSY0PGFJffXbdXYlwNfLDpdZDhw/w640-h480/IMG_0762.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p>But the tally took us to a record breaking 86 species! A great effort and still a few omissions like partridges, pintail and the redshank. </p><p>Full list; </p><div style="text-align: left;">1. Little Grebe<br />2. Great crested grebe<br />3. Cormorant </div><div style="text-align: left;">4. Bittern</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Great white egret </div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Little egret </div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Grey heron </div><div style="text-align: left;">8. Mute swan </div><div style="text-align: left;">9. Pink footed goose</div><div style="text-align: left;">10. Greylag goose</div><div style="text-align: left;">11. Canada Goose</div><div style="text-align: left;">12. Mallard </div><div style="text-align: left;">13. Gadwall</div><div style="text-align: left;">14. Shoveler </div><div style="text-align: left;">15. Wigeon </div><div style="text-align: left;">16. Teal </div><div style="text-align: left;">17. Tufted duck </div><div style="text-align: left;">18. Pochard</div><div style="text-align: left;">19. Goldeneye</div><div style="text-align: left;">20. Smew</div><div style="text-align: left;">21. Goosander</div><div style="text-align: left;">22. Red kite</div><div style="text-align: left;">23. Marsh harrier</div><div style="text-align: left;">24. Common buzzard </div><div style="text-align: left;">25. Kestrel </div><div style="text-align: left;">26. Sparrowhawk</div><div style="text-align: left;">27. Peregrine </div><div style="text-align: left;">28. Pheasant</div><div style="text-align: left;">29. Moorhen </div><div style="text-align: left;">30. Coot </div><div style="text-align: left;">31. Golden plover </div><div style="text-align: left;">32. Lapwing</div><div style="text-align: left;">33. Curlew</div><div style="text-align: left;">34. Woodcock</div><div style="text-align: left;">35. Black headed gull </div><div style="text-align: left;">36. Herring gull </div><div style="text-align: left;">37. Great black backed gull</div><div style="text-align: left;">38. Common gull</div><div style="text-align: left;">39. Feral pigeon </div><div style="text-align: left;">40. Stock dove </div><div style="text-align: left;">41. Woodpigeon </div><div style="text-align: left;">42. Collared dove </div><div style="text-align: left;">43. Barn owl</div><div style="text-align: left;">44. Kingfisher </div><div style="text-align: left;">45. Great spotted woodpecker</div><div style="text-align: left;">46. Skylark</div><div style="text-align: left;">47. Pied wagtail </div><div style="text-align: left;">48. Grey wagtail </div><div style="text-align: left;">49. Wren </div><div style="text-align: left;">50. Dunnock </div><div style="text-align: left;">51. Robin </div><div style="text-align: left;">52. Song thrush </div><div style="text-align: left;">53. Redwing </div><div style="text-align: left;">54. Fieldfare </div><div style="text-align: left;">55. Mistle thrush </div><div style="text-align: left;">56. Blackbird</div><div style="text-align: left;">57. Chiffchaff</div><div style="text-align: left;">58. Goldcrest </div><div style="text-align: left;">59. Great tit </div><div style="text-align: left;">60. Coal tit </div><div style="text-align: left;">61. Blue tit </div><div style="text-align: left;">62. Marsh tit </div><div style="text-align: left;">63. Long tailed tit</div><div style="text-align: left;">64. Magpie </div><div style="text-align: left;">65. Jackdaw </div><div style="text-align: left;">66. Rook </div><div style="text-align: left;">67. Carrion crow </div><div style="text-align: left;">68. Starling </div><div style="text-align: left;">69. House sparrow </div><div style="text-align: left;">70. Tree sparrow</div><div style="text-align: left;">71. Chaffinch </div><div style="text-align: left;">72. Linnet</div><div style="text-align: left;">73. Lesser redpoll</div><div style="text-align: left;">74. Goldfinch </div><div style="text-align: left;">75. Siskin </div><div style="text-align: left;">76. Bullfinch </div><div style="text-align: left;">77. Reed bunting </div><div style="text-align: left;">78. Yellowhammer</div><div style="text-align: left;">79. Corn bunting </div><div style="text-align: left;">80. Cetti's warbler</div><div style="text-align: left;">81. Greenfinch </div><div style="text-align: left;">82. Jay </div><div style="text-align: left;">83. Treecreeper</div><div style="text-align: left;">84. Tawny owl </div><div style="text-align: left;">85. Common snipe </div><div style="text-align: left;">86. Water rail </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-77842069588482292852022-12-28T22:19:00.002+00:002022-12-28T22:19:49.333+00:002022 - Time to reflect...<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">2022 - A smew sandwich!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are many birders who will keep a yearly list of their
bird sightings, but few will begin and end the year with the sighting of a
fabulous male smew. Visitors to the reserve this year were able to do just
that, although the middle “filling” of bird sightings may have been a bit
patchy in between due to the extended closures of the reserve at times
throughout the year. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Time to reflect………<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The male smew attracting many to start their new year
listing had spent several weeks feeding on Watton Nature reserve and stayed
well into January, only to be ousted out of its top spot by the arrival of a
male Baikal teal in amongst the visiting wigeons in mid January. This winter
visitor from Siberia was sighted feeding on nearby Swinemoor during the day and
accompanying the flock of wigeons to roost on D reservoir from mid afternoon. A
single Slavonian grebe was an added bonus for people coming to view the teal
and the unfrozen water on D and O reservoir provided a wealth of other wildfowl
to view; red crested pochard and pink footed geese in the mix. The frozen
lagoons and marshes meant that kingfishers frequented Barmston drain instead.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u2nPd-R8gIaEuU4WZFUqA3VW_tMbj5Av2OylkT7-yIhHUqp-rCjT7U2ZRO1kmEh1dkuy4bophSsaeu47JDCjqCexPLH0yRmPP9TJelkdV_jYp1ZFP2EYO6R3Epn_nQ8B2J9ElW40zU2Z9kQZsvNpEim_L3zOnIvD85wnRjFyXKhLiYwoIBKppw-KiQ/s1877/smew%202%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1877" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u2nPd-R8gIaEuU4WZFUqA3VW_tMbj5Av2OylkT7-yIhHUqp-rCjT7U2ZRO1kmEh1dkuy4bophSsaeu47JDCjqCexPLH0yRmPP9TJelkdV_jYp1ZFP2EYO6R3Epn_nQ8B2J9ElW40zU2Z9kQZsvNpEim_L3zOnIvD85wnRjFyXKhLiYwoIBKppw-KiQ/s320/smew%202%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Male smew on D reservoir - credit Margaret Boyd</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN2R94bGki7zFYAr5uoGkoMLO0N1Os05xh1zdMbSjuThCixVpDbaYrzJzIepM_ve35uN4SmsCD5XPCxkg2ScoPRreL16pmioliE0HMEI30DGFo9pm-lLSNbZF5y4iIhOqbzjckYmJ2nDkssPeRwMzlJjfGIVIjcfiwoWYdG3gdnTBfHqjv7A_KNazEA/s1067/Baikal%20teal%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1067" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN2R94bGki7zFYAr5uoGkoMLO0N1Os05xh1zdMbSjuThCixVpDbaYrzJzIepM_ve35uN4SmsCD5XPCxkg2ScoPRreL16pmioliE0HMEI30DGFo9pm-lLSNbZF5y4iIhOqbzjckYmJ2nDkssPeRwMzlJjfGIVIjcfiwoWYdG3gdnTBfHqjv7A_KNazEA/s320/Baikal%20teal%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Male Baikal teal on D reservoir - credit Lee Johnson</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">In terms of habitat management, tree felling started on
south scrub, making way for the arrival and construction of one of the earth
mounds, later in the year. Brash hedges were constructed by our gang of
volunteers in order to make use of the material and in doing so provided
suitable nesting habitat for small woodland birds and mammals. By mid February
the tree felling was beginning to prove dangerous for visitor access and it was
decided that this, combined with the increase in heavy machinery arriving on
site for several projects, mean that the reserve would be closed to visitors
for several months.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was difficult to report the various wildlife events to
our visitors when they occurred whilst we were closed, wildlife continuing to
flourish despite the disruptions due to the various engineering projects. February
saw the territorial behaviour of tawny owls in reception woods, calling to each
other, very close to the path. Chiff chaffs, then sand martins arrived from
early March, volunteers witnessing their arrival and then the departure of
whooper swans as they went about their conservation tasks. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD2pqB-P169meoKKYCwDM7Htf58Z2r-W5dBvtxytZeHBY79Okeq1o3X18O7bhViI12k_SPe-yBvrHopGQFloaYYcu7BAfy2gC7tNFxta84zP1cdjv3wj8h1rjKGRW-30n0u-1ThLiNY9JxkhnElTKDyDtc5wrNQoL9lmmi-9m0EFaTno42L5joI6rbQ/s3264/D%20res%20hide%20no%20trees%202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD2pqB-P169meoKKYCwDM7Htf58Z2r-W5dBvtxytZeHBY79Okeq1o3X18O7bhViI12k_SPe-yBvrHopGQFloaYYcu7BAfy2gC7tNFxta84zP1cdjv3wj8h1rjKGRW-30n0u-1ThLiNY9JxkhnElTKDyDtc5wrNQoL9lmmi-9m0EFaTno42L5joI6rbQ/s320/D%20res%20hide%20no%20trees%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Old east hide overlooking D reservoir</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once the movements of vehicles and the ongoing projects were
planned, we introduced a series of guided walks, enabling visitors to come back
onto the reserve, albeit in a restricted way. As well as the chance of being
able to view some wildlife it was also an opportunity to find out what was
happening in the various areas of the reserve and what the impact on the
habitats might be. Visitors were able to note the arrival of willow warblers,
blackcaps, sedge warblers and a pair of little ringed plovers investigating
nesting sites on south marsh. A pair of oystercatchers had, by mid April, laid
and hatched two young, which successfully grew to hopefully a size that was
viable. Common terns arrived at the end of April and by the end of the season
it was thought that 8 pairs had bred. A common scoter on O reservoir and a short
stay of a black necked grebe on D reservoir were passing visitors. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FWatuLQ9Cz4sftxtbln2grqOaNv_RxlfG6eoMY0RAex_BJGAdnWF9b0bt6X-qSITv6e8cxdczcAJZZ1pHCbSGQjZTj4jQKvG-HALPPvEJUh5mU7QKfNADLkH6A8dVMUTxIyIdKrdhUN3JW5JLUeTzYxK1BkzEuGqZDee3mAS1Sff7ktWU4FGvIxhHw/s3264/IMG-0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FWatuLQ9Cz4sftxtbln2grqOaNv_RxlfG6eoMY0RAex_BJGAdnWF9b0bt6X-qSITv6e8cxdczcAJZZ1pHCbSGQjZTj4jQKvG-HALPPvEJUh5mU7QKfNADLkH6A8dVMUTxIyIdKrdhUN3JW5JLUeTzYxK1BkzEuGqZDee3mAS1Sff7ktWU4FGvIxhHw/s320/IMG-0278.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Building the earth mound overlooking D reservoir</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The main news for April though was the sighting, on several
occasions of TWO bitterns, following the booming of a male for several weeks on
south marsh west. This is an area of the reserve that had been given a lot of
attention the previous winter, establishing a reedbed made up of deep channels,
lined with different ages of reeds. Although there was no definite sighting of
juveniles, we are confident that these birds had a successful breeding season,
a welcome addition to the reserve breeding bird list.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVTHxHDGX20CYzw_mvUx5JxsS25c8K_0sGZlH2hrzZYyarZKHmARoQoZwxxx4z9atCYzVPS9ejpMo3odv3UO5E2Ra2lPjxyo-Zi8ORrPKgY2iwhQSgJU_jMCbFP-zigDglOn8W-KLDJDaIrylGI45SVUIQeFXw2a26PDtdlfS7qtvRaRywvmEG1y5g/s871/SMW%20cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVTHxHDGX20CYzw_mvUx5JxsS25c8K_0sGZlH2hrzZYyarZKHmARoQoZwxxx4z9atCYzVPS9ejpMo3odv3UO5E2Ra2lPjxyo-Zi8ORrPKgY2iwhQSgJU_jMCbFP-zigDglOn8W-KLDJDaIrylGI45SVUIQeFXw2a26PDtdlfS7qtvRaRywvmEG1y5g/s320/SMW%20cutting.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cutting reeds on south marsh west - bittern habitat</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our volunteer gang are a talented bunch and between building
long lengths of brash walls, the willow tunnel was maintained, the buddleia
hedge trimmed back and the arrival of Tiddy Mun sculpture provided so much
interest to visitors, in particular the school groups that have continued to
visit throughout the year. The nature trail has so much on offer to show and
talk about that we are often trying to rush back for the returning bus, having
been distracted along the route. Pond dipping continues to excite and fascinate
visiting school children and their staff, the fauna of the reception pond
changing with the seasons and from year to year. A bank of data is now building
to show the succession of plants and animals that have colonised it. We have
introduced bog bean and marsh cinquefoil this summer, hoping that it takes
hold, to add to the variety. Some clearing of reedmace was needed of the first
time this summer as it had started to encroach from the sides; the dry weather
made the difficult task possible.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dKG4dZjsTr5ahpytd-31LZ_y7aG_soyQmScHYpB3pC62tMUCRgEVRgqatVJ6Kg7ogP9mXdidqYhHPLCrT-mTH8Qjzp3LuakJkJtpTGd1QSprcvP2qsXTOcNyc-O3XG4UyCyFkr4gVREhVR_HAa6xcZhE6tofzM7AzcModa__W6Fof2j61njHvxk8Cg/s4000/August%202022%20reception%20pond%20clearing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dKG4dZjsTr5ahpytd-31LZ_y7aG_soyQmScHYpB3pC62tMUCRgEVRgqatVJ6Kg7ogP9mXdidqYhHPLCrT-mTH8Qjzp3LuakJkJtpTGd1QSprcvP2qsXTOcNyc-O3XG4UyCyFkr4gVREhVR_HAa6xcZhE6tofzM7AzcModa__W6Fof2j61njHvxk8Cg/s320/August%202022%20reception%20pond%20clearing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeULBSAraWNe9zMBii985eGGCWbIGo_8fbICYXyvRBbjYkWBlxKSPn6J_2C7RuM1ntz9eHu-H29ADvArzoCV9v0smQ2k01JS79CDe-XdyQMFT_9EjA9rxua-UmEyru7w-ccy7Cn5sNnKjpCspVSf6XQ87Y81d-1Pwc-kwzW8tH2Qo6tPPgaXtHjfDKmA/s3264/August%202022%20reception%20pond%20clearing3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeULBSAraWNe9zMBii985eGGCWbIGo_8fbICYXyvRBbjYkWBlxKSPn6J_2C7RuM1ntz9eHu-H29ADvArzoCV9v0smQ2k01JS79CDe-XdyQMFT_9EjA9rxua-UmEyru7w-ccy7Cn5sNnKjpCspVSf6XQ87Y81d-1Pwc-kwzW8tH2Qo6tPPgaXtHjfDKmA/s320/August%202022%20reception%20pond%20clearing3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clearing reception pond</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">More change was afoot in May as the two hides – east hide
and L shaped hide were dismantled, the new volunteer hub arrived, and the
sightings hut returned. On the reserve, breeding successes included 95 black
headed gull nests recorded, a pair of grey partridge were noted at Hempholme and
a family of willow tits were observed. Rarities in the form of a spotted
sandpiper (D res wall) and a Temmick’s stint (south marsh east) were observed
by a handful of people, but the star of the show was the arrival of a great
reed warbler at the southern end of the site, reeling its loud song for several
weeks. With other records in the Yorkshire area, we hope that if and when it
returns there will be a mate to sing to. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N5t_qZfsDJqf8sNOtc3oLYcZBrnpy1D6OF5PKDl7FMJ6hADuWyH0tXwyX5TJKB5X9mMRAILYJMDOFjWT3mxpcQ87GKJWzUFIAGpIn-uGJJbuskt7FsC0QTz8_ej3kQdqZozC3NRxy0-tGIjOJfmX4HgRsOCWnVp9pjbVXPFjW2q6dD5B8b84FIEkVQ/s2421/Great%20reed%20warbler%20Lee%20Johnson%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1973" data-original-width="2421" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4N5t_qZfsDJqf8sNOtc3oLYcZBrnpy1D6OF5PKDl7FMJ6hADuWyH0tXwyX5TJKB5X9mMRAILYJMDOFjWT3mxpcQ87GKJWzUFIAGpIn-uGJJbuskt7FsC0QTz8_ej3kQdqZozC3NRxy0-tGIjOJfmX4HgRsOCWnVp9pjbVXPFjW2q6dD5B8b84FIEkVQ/s320/Great%20reed%20warbler%20Lee%20Johnson%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great reed warbler - Credit Lee Johnson</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw9-RQsaaZdae7pwQ3E_DME9t7e-HXDaJArmVUvnHYmFkmSYk3YCwyPE4COtBtFCQ6rFT8dfPbrtPGh_9rn6IrgJj8W7JtGC2m4XyCssMW33DZEXw1tV6jv8wN2i1ZoTJwdFGIoslFsZ0vEXRcNTMn2S4vVD_y4sQZBAXiyuJrdiev-LIM2HU66TxgA/s616/Spotted%20sandpiper%20photo%20Lee%20Johnson%20May%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="616" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw9-RQsaaZdae7pwQ3E_DME9t7e-HXDaJArmVUvnHYmFkmSYk3YCwyPE4COtBtFCQ6rFT8dfPbrtPGh_9rn6IrgJj8W7JtGC2m4XyCssMW33DZEXw1tV6jv8wN2i1ZoTJwdFGIoslFsZ0vEXRcNTMn2S4vVD_y4sQZBAXiyuJrdiev-LIM2HU66TxgA/s320/Spotted%20sandpiper%20photo%20Lee%20Johnson%20May%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spotted sandpiper - credit Lee Johnson</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">June brought a slowing down of bird sightings and an
emphasis on the glorious display of orchids along O reservoir ditches; bee,
common and marsh forming a beautiful carpet, yet the lesser obvious common
twayblade was equally a delight to spot, all to the backdrop of the “song” of
the hundreds of marsh frogs across all water bodies.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo12SmLw7myv3MqTwWX_-pT7MTDwJTiRz4H5aRlImEDIkNjf78SwF8DrkR874u4tUb9wCzLYuGGOosildEleDXjrlW7aozHpgDrpHfi2-Z4D2rOQu2vxtdiNcB6b1HkLahDszIfYATSH3ntfM-wkMaYj20BAHRbH5QP8NNcKNUJu2os99dXTVjTeY5aQ/s3264/bee%20orchid%203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo12SmLw7myv3MqTwWX_-pT7MTDwJTiRz4H5aRlImEDIkNjf78SwF8DrkR874u4tUb9wCzLYuGGOosildEleDXjrlW7aozHpgDrpHfi2-Z4D2rOQu2vxtdiNcB6b1HkLahDszIfYATSH3ntfM-wkMaYj20BAHRbH5QP8NNcKNUJu2os99dXTVjTeY5aQ/s320/bee%20orchid%203.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bee orchid </div>
<p class="MsoNormal">One aspect of the various engineering projects and one that
will have the most visual impact is the construction of the two earth mounds
overlooking the reservoirs. This started in July, meaning that once again the
reserve was closed to visitors for their safety; heavy lorries carrying tonnes
of rubble passing along the approach road constantly throughout the day. As
well as the earth mounds, we took the opportunity of using vast concrete slabs
to construct a huge hibernaculum, ready for amphibians, grass snakes and also
roosting bats. By next spring this new construction will be covered in
vegetation, only the entrance tunnels visible above the newly created pond. At
the end of August both mounds were complete and now visitors can see the
potential, we wait in anticipation for the hides to be erected next year,
giving great views across the wider Hull valley.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3C2LnvzZWPa6hV4JYk9NlrdhabMRw79-yM_r77K6zR4O6cfDLGRNEsNaI8PiMEZXo5EOmLyjhr22HZQw0YHwDSxSBuoVQzVpG0AkXlflN4ObZ6dt6UT_8tx2ywfeMw-tJxAEpH0CQMSBEL4iEj9ZQkeg5S5yU-TzyCsV02tioIpqjUDXnfwa1ZXGvQ/s1024/7146a08e-2161-4de5-8457-51996aa4e7c8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3C2LnvzZWPa6hV4JYk9NlrdhabMRw79-yM_r77K6zR4O6cfDLGRNEsNaI8PiMEZXo5EOmLyjhr22HZQw0YHwDSxSBuoVQzVpG0AkXlflN4ObZ6dt6UT_8tx2ywfeMw-tJxAEpH0CQMSBEL4iEj9ZQkeg5S5yU-TzyCsV02tioIpqjUDXnfwa1ZXGvQ/s320/7146a08e-2161-4de5-8457-51996aa4e7c8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">O reservoir mound ready for hide installation</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">By July it was clear that at least 3 (if not 4) pairs of
marsh harriers had bred successfully. The pair on south marsh west having
fledged five young. The shelduck family on south marsh east raised 4 young to a
viable size but the pair of little ringed plovers were unfortunately unsuccessful
this year. A pair of great spotted woodpeckers nested right next to the path in
reception woods was another successful breeding species. Early wader passage
saw the arrival of ruff, common and wood sandpiper and ringed plover, all
dropping into south marsh east. More work by the volunteer team meant that the
water level could be dropped further. North lagoon, by this time having dried
out completely, in readiness for dredging later in the autumn, winter.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Late passage waders: lapwings, black tailed godwits, ruff,
dunlin, greenshank, wood and green sandpiper all dropped into south marsh in
August. A single wheatear also landed briefly on its migration south, great
white egret was once again noted on the reserve and a juvenile black necked
grebe made an appearance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Volunteers concentrated their efforts cutting grass around
the reserve, but no longer using motorised machinery, time and again taking up
the scythes to cut the grass, saving fuel and cost and keeping an old tradition
alive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully by September we were able to reopen the reserve
to visitors, and it was great to welcome people back to enjoy its special wildlife.
New footpaths have been put in place to enable easy movement around the reserve.
North marsh is a favourite area for many visitors and time has been spent by
different groups of volunteers clearing the area so that the channels and
islands can now be clearly viewed. Always popular for feeding kingfishers and water
rails and in recent weeks it appears that an otter is raising a couple of kits near
the riverbank. Whilst cutting some areas there was evidence that harvest mice
had nested amongst the reeds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">North lagoon, now completely dry in September, still
attracted a range of dragonflies: migrant hawker, ruddy darter and emperor
dragonflies, late season fliers. Earlier banded demioselles were seen across the reserve this year. Butterflies still on the wing in September
included speckled wood, comma and red admiral. Eight little stints made a
reserve record number to be observed at one time on south marsh east and a
cattle egret was a good reserve record.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjubpbjgs92qSMv3lBEa-bKmg4yyQEGm4a0W3UamYTBSPI8i9Hz2WWjpU9KIdwaojzMyRidI0V7QidleakAJOGBD-I2tRXAsjhl4lQRlJWzyFJmtJ1-SbMiT3W1gMczCeDjddb0xjy3XLMoFGik8zyT3hEbgjtjeNIY3OVDK8sIMqkCKex8mGaJbnN4A/s2756/Banded%20demoiselle%20female.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="2756" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjubpbjgs92qSMv3lBEa-bKmg4yyQEGm4a0W3UamYTBSPI8i9Hz2WWjpU9KIdwaojzMyRidI0V7QidleakAJOGBD-I2tRXAsjhl4lQRlJWzyFJmtJ1-SbMiT3W1gMczCeDjddb0xjy3XLMoFGik8zyT3hEbgjtjeNIY3OVDK8sIMqkCKex8mGaJbnN4A/s320/Banded%20demoiselle%20female.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Banded demioselle </div>
<p class="MsoNormal">As autumn progressed, numbers of wildfowl built up as is
normal, on D reservoir: pochard, shoveler, goldeneye, gadwall, coot and wigeon
regular visitors. The first smew of the winter, a female red head was spotted
on D reservoir, along with red crested pochard and black necked grebe. Dunlin,
avocet and golden plover provided the interest on south marsh east.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another new addition to the reserve arrived in November in
the form of a new poly tunnel. This is to be used to propagate wetland plants
which we intend to share with other nature reserves, building partnerships so
that we can share best practice and increase the biodiversity of the Hull
valley. Students from Kingsmill school, Driffield and East Riding college help
throughout the year, arriving each week to help with a variety of conservation
tasks, a huge thanks to them. They are keen to be involved in these new
projects, making a start planting acorns, ready for transplanting once they germinate.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7vRbSq58QjHTcm9RptNoHNqhv0n3l8QYhERqVIc8kC0nrozZRTaQogb7_WIxm5iHIyOWDFnVEBoNiyZWltojbNPITjUIlZ7yeLV3xZ2Tac7RK_uz94uQqpnanCdp3zPyg9GhuqBqlE47VTtudh1FR5O2Bs6PigvwGhqrwjcJ3MpNjPARx5tWL355bQ/s4032/polytunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7vRbSq58QjHTcm9RptNoHNqhv0n3l8QYhERqVIc8kC0nrozZRTaQogb7_WIxm5iHIyOWDFnVEBoNiyZWltojbNPITjUIlZ7yeLV3xZ2Tac7RK_uz94uQqpnanCdp3zPyg9GhuqBqlE47VTtudh1FR5O2Bs6PigvwGhqrwjcJ3MpNjPARx5tWL355bQ/s320/polytunnel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New poly tunnel</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we end the year and days shorten, south marsh west is
attracting a small roost of starlings, redwing and fieldfare head to south
scrub, both roosts attracting a couple of marsh harriers, sparrowhawk and the
occasional peregrine. Little egrets head to D woods to roost each evening and
the gull roost numbers are into the thousands.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Early December saw extremely low temperatures, even parts of
the reservoirs freezing over. Kingfishers heading to the open water of Barmston
drain. Colder weather no doubt brings in winter migrants, siskins and lesser
redpolls feeding on alders near the lagoons and on D reservoir and Watton
nature reserve two male smews, to finish the year how we started and plenty in
between!<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9Jdnf-wdeTMJa_G7Kx2fPyQ4WPYW09RR_0xJjshqH2C3mCe-Gz_YYReG7KlT9oFvzyskTeDJFOVIv7yA9Y6AFQSjI78jl0Idp5_ObveUOMsIxdmbci0401MTGPKhGw2I3coO-KAytcDcEUikm-3ASkv6QanuM9tB0-VSVBb__39tSk0tIf3Cs3XuQQ/s4032/FROST.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9Jdnf-wdeTMJa_G7Kx2fPyQ4WPYW09RR_0xJjshqH2C3mCe-Gz_YYReG7KlT9oFvzyskTeDJFOVIv7yA9Y6AFQSjI78jl0Idp5_ObveUOMsIxdmbci0401MTGPKhGw2I3coO-KAytcDcEUikm-3ASkv6QanuM9tB0-VSVBb__39tSk0tIf3Cs3XuQQ/s320/FROST.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cold snap hits early December</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks as always to our team of volunteers who do such an invaluable
job helping manage the habitats for the great wildlife that consider Tophill
Low home.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now for next year……….<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR_vzFbxdMXWVzrakH0mgNjHZ0KihglgRkMUv1ARAW7dngtSaj0ehA6TrJ-3d0cPazWrlSDB883-v9c_XyBqYl2HFG9BijP_qB-DyRBm32M2gZrjMCBlOtct4HfQ7epmt0CR7zUwza9S7U4tTugjgI5dlmloH37u_Ht5Ut77te4cR9_zVjYq28ajuRQ/s4032/sunset%20over%20SMW.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR_vzFbxdMXWVzrakH0mgNjHZ0KihglgRkMUv1ARAW7dngtSaj0ehA6TrJ-3d0cPazWrlSDB883-v9c_XyBqYl2HFG9BijP_qB-DyRBm32M2gZrjMCBlOtct4HfQ7epmt0CR7zUwza9S7U4tTugjgI5dlmloH37u_Ht5Ut77te4cR9_zVjYq28ajuRQ/s320/sunset%20over%20SMW.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-90381961819356449052022-11-25T19:55:00.000+00:002022-11-25T19:55:26.482+00:00Re-opening all week<p>As promised, we have reviewed visitor access to different
areas of the reserve and considered what other engineering works are to be
carried out. We have decided that we can now open to the public daily including weekdays starting from tomorrow, 26<sup>th</sup> November. Member access will continue
to be the same as always with access to the reserve outside office hours and
access to the Izzard hide.</p><p>Many regulars will be thrilled to hear that the North Marsh hide is now open again and the habitats freshly cleared; </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DhRNafmBbr_K9-c9BsjEyu5MCNSEskb6XeMkVcO-BpiQ3nroMkIoLi8KlKbZxK201qLZ-JY4oA5KmiaOLlafFI2l03oEJEKfQxmdMQ5G6Kcumd_kqJxaIuhRH84qF0X04GuXmEJ06_eGV8yjRuDdeaSP0DkZX6EyyBrHN9ZLjjaqfNxemQYS2xDrTQ/s4032/north%20marsh%20finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DhRNafmBbr_K9-c9BsjEyu5MCNSEskb6XeMkVcO-BpiQ3nroMkIoLi8KlKbZxK201qLZ-JY4oA5KmiaOLlafFI2l03oEJEKfQxmdMQ5G6Kcumd_kqJxaIuhRH84qF0X04GuXmEJ06_eGV8yjRuDdeaSP0DkZX6EyyBrHN9ZLjjaqfNxemQYS2xDrTQ/w640-h480/north%20marsh%20finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAW6B6NvRp-iF8ORkvuxsXURRGZu2PtdpRTxVZfQXb6UX7xdM3ntiL91qmor5KoZ5F4IkU7lhgLO-utrKGE2ZDl7v4E2-4hIjzqzZlIt7xxwrvEyN-Avrp1nt6C41hi3K5p_JRyfpy97FH_-suWgy8mhu1ulv7cVjp4qpsBcZBJe_jB733vKD83jRSQ/s1600/north%20marsh%20s.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAW6B6NvRp-iF8ORkvuxsXURRGZu2PtdpRTxVZfQXb6UX7xdM3ntiL91qmor5KoZ5F4IkU7lhgLO-utrKGE2ZDl7v4E2-4hIjzqzZlIt7xxwrvEyN-Avrp1nt6C41hi3K5p_JRyfpy97FH_-suWgy8mhu1ulv7cVjp4qpsBcZBJe_jB733vKD83jRSQ/w640-h480/north%20marsh%20s.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Currently North Marsh is the most northerly hide accessible and the back to backs on south marsh the furthest south. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Y2YbYLybSGSqNOp2ruEpD9JyaJ90LYBhaeMmIs3alL3Uon6pqlGXqhGRkulUyD0xfhvsFJLMTLNvlwi389u1Jm1euLxRrKL-MR0PirqI5IPmAe7QgJ4S54EEbpSEQD0EVW-lcd1-2PRngKaGm-_mYfY7zoK5lZmZ4F_QcPpktNbcvn0Scl0vpysQJg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Y2YbYLybSGSqNOp2ruEpD9JyaJ90LYBhaeMmIs3alL3Uon6pqlGXqhGRkulUyD0xfhvsFJLMTLNvlwi389u1Jm1euLxRrKL-MR0PirqI5IPmAe7QgJ4S54EEbpSEQD0EVW-lcd1-2PRngKaGm-_mYfY7zoK5lZmZ4F_QcPpktNbcvn0Scl0vpysQJg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The two fantastic vantage points that we have built are still
awaiting hides on them, so access is not yet permitted as it causes too much
disturbance until these are in place. We will have to wait a while longer for these areas to be
accessible to visitors. Watton nature reserve can still only be viewed from the
public bridleway, which is along Barmston drain, outside our reserve. We aim to
get the hide and path to it through south scrub back open by next weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDHkt_9TCzReLPimdbCVKGBbC4JlbFqCU0KzSnXRL_IIcHj0xWIuyIzrNEwOn2QRyyohoRVhyYAF52KqNvS2_8AUwxCN6BGjX52e222mM29RAweYlo9zv68q3XWYSbB13G1bHRnCqI9UhkW4J6_qj37guyJ6pAHDTlTl80SeMX0d6ecAHy4MH8RiyZ-Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDHkt_9TCzReLPimdbCVKGBbC4JlbFqCU0KzSnXRL_IIcHj0xWIuyIzrNEwOn2QRyyohoRVhyYAF52KqNvS2_8AUwxCN6BGjX52e222mM29RAweYlo9zv68q3XWYSbB13G1bHRnCqI9UhkW4J6_qj37guyJ6pAHDTlTl80SeMX0d6ecAHy4MH8RiyZ-Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And we hope in coming weeks to restore full access to a renovated Angus McBean hide on Hempholme. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, one aspect of visiting our reserve, similar
to others across the UK, is that you may notice birds that are or have been
affected by bird flu. </p><p class="MsoNormal">For us this seems to have arrived in earnest with the migratory pink footed geese before spreading into the naturalised greylag flock. Typically symptoms of affected birds will be fitting or similar stereotypical behavior for which unfortunately we cannot cure or interject. </p><p class="MsoNormal">This can be upsetting, and we are trying our best, when it
is safe to do so, to remove any carcasses. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzZ1Lp_-bOy3oOxxlq-C3RpXwnKihTW8QFTnOGR2kojq_fiIEKIViWgef-mPK_UWZHYpHGJ61FsCXJ6XvTddgFyBBSK54gzwDP7ri5EFlKQtyXO22UYMIKSjnnJLuX4z_h8lfg-7by8AuM4RBpkhd_BR_6i0vCzy-qgDSuzkM_DX_OUUZm5z74x0lXQ/s757/Bird%20flu%20signs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="757" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzZ1Lp_-bOy3oOxxlq-C3RpXwnKihTW8QFTnOGR2kojq_fiIEKIViWgef-mPK_UWZHYpHGJ61FsCXJ6XvTddgFyBBSK54gzwDP7ri5EFlKQtyXO22UYMIKSjnnJLuX4z_h8lfg-7by8AuM4RBpkhd_BR_6i0vCzy-qgDSuzkM_DX_OUUZm5z74x0lXQ/s320/Bird%20flu%20signs.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">In order to prevent the transfer of bird flu between Tophill
Low and other places we are implementing some simple procedures that will help.
This involves your help as you arrive and leave the reserve by scraping your
footwear and dipping in disinfectant at the entrance to the reserve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Xa0aEH8ZUHVRj22iykA2eMunGEE6UYkGcIoBRb8y-0U_UE0wiOwT-lQgHXEdn_jP-6-3WXrt7n_hNLsQiC7o85laeiMAkF7Q1FruutOhTu83URfqvsXrmaGx9Bf8rZiipMyjg5V_JU9eAZ7hgfqNUwAvjY2Aa2AXK0XxjAm0nezBb6MoX1uAxZFPw/s4032/bird%20flu%20station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4Xa0aEH8ZUHVRj22iykA2eMunGEE6UYkGcIoBRb8y-0U_UE0wiOwT-lQgHXEdn_jP-6-3WXrt7n_hNLsQiC7o85laeiMAkF7Q1FruutOhTu83URfqvsXrmaGx9Bf8rZiipMyjg5V_JU9eAZ7hgfqNUwAvjY2Aa2AXK0XxjAm0nezBb6MoX1uAxZFPw/w640-h480/bird%20flu%20station.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">We have
some substantial boot scrapers and simple instructions to follow. We are also
asking you to clean footwear at the entrance to Izzard hide as this is an area
where birds often walk across the path. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcW8JHsPI-6O_uEQfY8wsffayuB1GyjcJG24xGK1m8JidBDW-KeSJ7uz2hVUuL065YWKmgnk4mhnV-dxw6w56g4-kK7JYOgZDRehWinocqpXIdewD0eex4yrlYX04RVyAkoGwqZqyX2TN6yh3dobphzv07_m7gD3zQXQVahUb-CGuFNYIdmoXWwHc6Q/s4032/izzard%20bird%20flu%20station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcW8JHsPI-6O_uEQfY8wsffayuB1GyjcJG24xGK1m8JidBDW-KeSJ7uz2hVUuL065YWKmgnk4mhnV-dxw6w56g4-kK7JYOgZDRehWinocqpXIdewD0eex4yrlYX04RVyAkoGwqZqyX2TN6yh3dobphzv07_m7gD3zQXQVahUb-CGuFNYIdmoXWwHc6Q/s320/izzard%20bird%20flu%20station.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">These biosecurity measures are to stop
the spread of bird flu between nature reserves. The infection is not airborne
and the risk of contracting it is very minimal however good hand washing and
simple hygiene is the way to keep everyone safe and always is good practice.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG1P4KO2iSRKHqSbWZvI2_EdO9_EgOMpJba9VqRnUroSPYf4qqdVI1GIMXfi1g5tO5rpXsV3oWS9Ou8TZhw5DW-4m6C_9kFeMXUWMFR62ltpZXra0jyPVje_X0E6k1MObzgABj3fw4ZTQDib-ZUB860Zb9i7iX6DaiWocOzcXa9C3LQ5wr8AfpPqdyQ/s953/Biosecurity%20sign.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="953" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG1P4KO2iSRKHqSbWZvI2_EdO9_EgOMpJba9VqRnUroSPYf4qqdVI1GIMXfi1g5tO5rpXsV3oWS9Ou8TZhw5DW-4m6C_9kFeMXUWMFR62ltpZXra0jyPVje_X0E6k1MObzgABj3fw4ZTQDib-ZUB860Zb9i7iX6DaiWocOzcXa9C3LQ5wr8AfpPqdyQ/s320/Biosecurity%20sign.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Visitors will notice that on the area near our butterfly
border there is a new and exciting additional building, our brand new polytunnel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2h-2zfxjhF8QqqhFzA6rAr-waIdB7Wwm4Wejx-wHWdd_yDJqkL7bUxOxtnJHj6AriSvcOXTBcn5pt-8B8e5p_Yhu-VHrpa5ZNVE0QMXPZ9w-WUv3M4TCqbMaAhzq3wAc17XS8jfHx-EDUQKi2ZssmAYdLcUJepRF9HYrYfUTNsh1jJjxsc4enFh9bg/s2048/polytunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2h-2zfxjhF8QqqhFzA6rAr-waIdB7Wwm4Wejx-wHWdd_yDJqkL7bUxOxtnJHj6AriSvcOXTBcn5pt-8B8e5p_Yhu-VHrpa5ZNVE0QMXPZ9w-WUv3M4TCqbMaAhzq3wAc17XS8jfHx-EDUQKi2ZssmAYdLcUJepRF9HYrYfUTNsh1jJjxsc4enFh9bg/w640-h480/polytunnel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Here we intend to propagate wetland and woodland plants, starting with greater
water parsnip. A plant that has done very well at Tophill in recent years yet
is a nationally rare wetland plant. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxkekPgGEdC6EoYqA3_PZg4PgjHujgjSLSxZqf4VwOh56cDwGWKnCtWvoggIC2iDsNyiri9UU9fZQrrX1GGvwrOIprE-RJvmLVMVofdW1SUMQj7jXlzNWJzMKSXKvarAAcV2BvQhQa-yJ1hzBfN6UnNXaB4-MwQxPav_KEemd7WIkWOgvKJJx8vVQo1g" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxkekPgGEdC6EoYqA3_PZg4PgjHujgjSLSxZqf4VwOh56cDwGWKnCtWvoggIC2iDsNyiri9UU9fZQrrX1GGvwrOIprE-RJvmLVMVofdW1SUMQj7jXlzNWJzMKSXKvarAAcV2BvQhQa-yJ1hzBfN6UnNXaB4-MwQxPav_KEemd7WIkWOgvKJJx8vVQo1g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is an upgraded version of our old unit below which was lost to the footprint of the new water treatment works upgrade - a compensation from the scheme for disturbance to the reserve over recent months.</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSCoa4wEi2E555r2yP0cTRvw0Tz6klVd41JCSWLTt0flrY0MgpeAs8lDJBMSOuYIKTBgcb91DN5a1IKRO4vYAb1Nd1PBk2mRR3PdxfrMmMYzYjaKHmwqINiFcNSsp5zZ78SiUeR1udTN3k1HeAV8H9ksJaMnqVCXhgxCdJgJ_8FXSE18kHVQu6XEdBWg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="817" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSCoa4wEi2E555r2yP0cTRvw0Tz6klVd41JCSWLTt0flrY0MgpeAs8lDJBMSOuYIKTBgcb91DN5a1IKRO4vYAb1Nd1PBk2mRR3PdxfrMmMYzYjaKHmwqINiFcNSsp5zZ78SiUeR1udTN3k1HeAV8H9ksJaMnqVCXhgxCdJgJ_8FXSE18kHVQu6XEdBWg=w640-h402" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh86AxIyLpb12zhkBkSlKBy6QMfMntEG4xyeEuEJAJLcb1oq4dhNO7R4GybqBmmJ84ASwZt659vQiP12_BZsSp8qlGMnyISWHnPgtVZbMPJ_XGsTEajHun4do3ROIGqv_JxDv0BgzSOepR6xlP9kDl2DRZ8fJJXUln1ORqXDcyQCtl9T_fsGNWTRVf22w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh86AxIyLpb12zhkBkSlKBy6QMfMntEG4xyeEuEJAJLcb1oq4dhNO7R4GybqBmmJ84ASwZt659vQiP12_BZsSp8qlGMnyISWHnPgtVZbMPJ_XGsTEajHun4do3ROIGqv_JxDv0BgzSOepR6xlP9kDl2DRZ8fJJXUln1ORqXDcyQCtl9T_fsGNWTRVf22w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our aim is to source plants of local provenance like bogbean, marsh lousewort, marsh pea to name a few that we can both increase biodiversity at the reserve, and spread to other local nature reserves. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAPWHuoPBygyLKxmX9JLCyo9bF4vYjU2RFozFH-nmaAeeDYnZwww5r_lB5D3CNcyqkGDEAgD12YU4ti3gsZQPdBdXOmTugPS6z57YYRtn-n2qlCYJqlc3FGQV-Lh42-LoWLh_T5X7VuLPx2YGpGw17jMwaYVIyR8DGiAqr8pSdJdVB1iH_DV8XByXXZA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="940" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAPWHuoPBygyLKxmX9JLCyo9bF4vYjU2RFozFH-nmaAeeDYnZwww5r_lB5D3CNcyqkGDEAgD12YU4ti3gsZQPdBdXOmTugPS6z57YYRtn-n2qlCYJqlc3FGQV-Lh42-LoWLh_T5X7VuLPx2YGpGw17jMwaYVIyR8DGiAqr8pSdJdVB1iH_DV8XByXXZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In a similar way we will be able to propagate
woodland species and so increase the biodiversity of our woodland areas. The students
from Kingsmill school and East Riding college, alongside our team of volunteers
will be instrumental in the work being carried out so that in future years they
can see the benefits of their labour. Recently they have planted plenty of
acorns and are hopeful of seeing them germinate in the spring. They will be
grown on in the polytunnel, protected from herbivores before being planted out
in the woodland. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The wet and cold weather, typical of autumn has meant the
eruption of fungal fruiting bodies around the reserve. The vast majority of a
fungal organism lies beneath the surface and its long mycelium strands can
extend metres from the fruiting body that we see erupt above the surface in
readiness to disperse its spores and begin the next generation. The names for
many fungi in the woodland are very descriptively apt, with names like jelly
ear, turkey tail and dog sick slime mould, all describing perfectly the
appearance of these fungi. We leave plenty of dead wood on the ground in the
woodland that is idea habitat for many fungi and in turn also good for invertebrates.
Southcoates Lane primary school and Bugthorpe primary school have been busy
investigating in our insect arena to find minibeasts, using pooters and pots to
collect and study them. Great fun for these year 1 and 2 children.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the shorter days it has been possible to see flocks of
numerous species fly into the reserve to roost before leaving at the end of a
working day. Last Friday a few staff members and colleagues witnessed a small murmuration
of starlings all jostling for position in the reedbeds on south marsh west. All
was still until a peregrine flew through them, unsuccessful it flew away only
to be replaced by three marsh harriers also looking for a late snack. The
starling flock is beginning to increase each week, so we are hoping for a
spectacular sight in late December. Starling numbers are increased from flocks
joining from the continent as weather conditions plummet and feeding becomes difficult.
There has also been a huge influx of blackbirds, fieldfares and redwings
recently, all seen on the reserve. Following them, along the east coast, have
been small numbers of waxwing so fingers crossed they may grace the south scrub
berry laden bushes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The gull roost is building on both reservoirs, always a
challenge for any birder! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good scan
through the flocks could turn up a Mediterranean gull or a kittiwake, both have
been seen recently. Curlew and lapwing are roosting on south marsh and there is
a big flock of mixed finches – greenfinch, siskin, goldfinch and chaffinch,
feeding on the wildflower area. The car park is often a great place to start
looking for finches, often the place to see siskin and the path along from
north lagoon a good place to spot lesser redpolls feeding on the alder catkins.
The D reservoir is attracting large numbers of wildfowl -tufted duck, pochard,
great crested grebe, goldeneye, shoveler and gadwall. We have also seen whooper
swans regularly on D reservoir and small flocks of pink footed geese flying
over. A great white egret and several little egrets are common sights around
the reserve and of course kingfishers too on any of the water bodies. Woodcock
have been flushed from just off the nature trail path on a couple of occasions
this week, great to see these birds using the wet woodland habitat.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are several areas where you will see that our
volunteers have managed the different habitats. One in particular that has
taken a large amount of volunteer hours has been the clearing of much of the
vegetation on north marsh. The island now has a clear section down the middle
and the ditches are much clearer and wider to aid wildlife viewing. Amy was
rewarded very early morning this week with amazing views of a female otter
carrying what looked like prey under a willow tree. Earlier she had heard
several high-pitched calls, indicating the presence of young kitts. So if you
have the patience and the time then a visit to north marsh may be rewarding.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-38861690723957786902022-11-01T16:57:00.000+00:002022-11-01T16:57:48.888+00:00Temporay closure - November<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Temporary closure of the reserve<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision that
from <b>THURSDAY 3<sup>RD</sup> NOVEMBER TO FRIDAY 25<sup>TH</sup> NOVEMBER
INCLUSIVE</b> the reserve will be <b>CLOSED ON WEEKDAYS</b> to <b>ALL</b> visitors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The reserve will be fully open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday
and Sunday for all visitors during this temporary closure with membership access as normal. The gates will be completely locked at dusk on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We hope that on revisiting the reserve since its closure in
February that you have noticed some of the many improvements that have been
made to the different habitats around the reception hide and the south end of
the reserve. We are sure that you can appreciate that some of these changes
have been brought about by the very nature of this operational site.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwfktWMAjq3EKctASCL3sP-iPRUXES6HnpiXk0U5x9h8na_XbSZQ3z6SNBv-jBOSpfibI1st0A4zwcXWLgVPEiboyIZUwMBhACspiogHHbMfYM7RbXMGqx5AkWO7QXjiUPS228W-QH_zvr-RGw4LahyIzJlqhjZE47DD5F9selmKu_zib0_fymWDHHQ/s4032/Moxi%20truck%20O%20res%20access.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwfktWMAjq3EKctASCL3sP-iPRUXES6HnpiXk0U5x9h8na_XbSZQ3z6SNBv-jBOSpfibI1st0A4zwcXWLgVPEiboyIZUwMBhACspiogHHbMfYM7RbXMGqx5AkWO7QXjiUPS228W-QH_zvr-RGw4LahyIzJlqhjZE47DD5F9selmKu_zib0_fymWDHHQ/s320/Moxi%20truck%20O%20res%20access.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In recent weeks you will probably have noticed that some
more contractors are working on the site. These are to start the work on the
new filter bed facility within the treatment works, to put in a new drain
around D reservoir and to dredge north lagoon. Other work that has been going on
during the last couple of weeks, but less in sight of the public, is that we
have begun to re – instate the network of paths through D woods.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgLCsJmL2blSkX5XB0qze7rLw9CYT-XKci6Ln5r35rTbxPx2o6qraz26zpYwYN_lWGFO5U5AVxYaIaCZiXQh7ggr03kYjrBEfnDM0q0ZK-OXj5Zb1gsaXxUEi_l6yIzjohXEuy2STgEaO-LNycJCKm3q3O2LFWla3m4bumpN1C2UNpTyyYGHlIOEYXg/s4032/New%20paths%20D%20woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgLCsJmL2blSkX5XB0qze7rLw9CYT-XKci6Ln5r35rTbxPx2o6qraz26zpYwYN_lWGFO5U5AVxYaIaCZiXQh7ggr03kYjrBEfnDM0q0ZK-OXj5Zb1gsaXxUEi_l6yIzjohXEuy2STgEaO-LNycJCKm3q3O2LFWla3m4bumpN1C2UNpTyyYGHlIOEYXg/s320/New%20paths%20D%20woods.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKffpXn8g65jbGzrXvSk7M7YKDZo51ZXHrXwLigBLAj2q_IdwYpB8A5KarjmnEEaADskB99BRCbd_f_WykJJH3uuy2MmMLJetiSlw6paEft4qalsB8N0FDUP5wFXCu3uRcokBLJhc8tW6LwA7-ry7WrA2bn4eHZfh67dMhDPVS-DP1Va6m1S7y9TIeyA/s4032/New%20paths%20to%20north%20marsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKffpXn8g65jbGzrXvSk7M7YKDZo51ZXHrXwLigBLAj2q_IdwYpB8A5KarjmnEEaADskB99BRCbd_f_WykJJH3uuy2MmMLJetiSlw6paEft4qalsB8N0FDUP5wFXCu3uRcokBLJhc8tW6LwA7-ry7WrA2bn4eHZfh67dMhDPVS-DP1Va6m1S7y9TIeyA/s320/New%20paths%20to%20north%20marsh.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Parts of these schemes are now moving back to areas around O
reservoir and as such require the movement of a number of heavy duty vehicles
around O reservoir, along and across the perimeter of the treatment works, so
directly impacting our access road and car park. This means that the safety of
visitors is at risk and therefore we have made the decision to close during weekdays
to <b>ALL</b> unaccompanied visitors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We anticipate that this temporary closure will only be for
the period stated but we will need to review working patterns and public safety
before we intend to re-open after 25<sup>th</sup> November.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By this date we hope that the footpath to Watton nature
reserve hide will be in use, allowing visitors views across to Watton where
pink footed geese, pintail, flocks of roosting curlew and lapwing have all been
seen recently. Also in a few weeks, we anticipate that we will be near to approaching
completion on the paths and habitats that make north marsh such a special place
for many of our visitors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We thank you for your understanding and patience and hope
that you will enjoy visiting at the weekends and experiencing what Tophill Low
has to offer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please keep looking at our social media posts for updates.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The reserve team – Richard, Amy & Margaret<o:p></o:p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-28862178185542229542022-09-20T15:44:00.003+01:002022-09-20T15:44:52.457+01:00One week on.....<p>September 2022</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our first week back open at the reserve has been a quiet
return for visitors. Many regular visitors have taken the opportunity of
enjoying a slow walk around the nature trail, where speckled wood, comma, red
admiral and large white butterflies have all been spotted. The fantastic Tiddy
Mun sculpture has been delighting people as it peers out from the reeds along
the nature trail, along with Old Stinker. Both sculptures have had to be kept
wet through these dry weeks over the summer, so that the clay and willow doesn’t
dry out too much. The reinstated feeders outside reception hide have been
visited by the usual woodland bird species; blue, coal and great tit,
goldfinch, chaffinch, greenfinch and the occasional visit from a great spotted
woodpecker. A pair of great spotted woodpeckers bred successfully in one of the
dead trunks close to the nature trail path, with two young fledging. On a few
of our guided walks and with a couple of school groups, the young could be
heard from the path below.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vTvkc4dp7vF1KQwMQpAHJRdNeKflxb1pB0qxBtKZR-K2p6DmDFibBprz7TfNeit5a9tSQQRtj8SLmA47g1KJIn-AeQ3p-SSo6MHMnA_vBNGuoKxYRVMjF-Nl5jptBR_CYEyIdrVh-6lLo0ykOqW8_S__40ejF-NfbY648uvRe4TdumyHxqcq3__83Q/s3264/Close%20up%20Tiddy%20mun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vTvkc4dp7vF1KQwMQpAHJRdNeKflxb1pB0qxBtKZR-K2p6DmDFibBprz7TfNeit5a9tSQQRtj8SLmA47g1KJIn-AeQ3p-SSo6MHMnA_vBNGuoKxYRVMjF-Nl5jptBR_CYEyIdrVh-6lLo0ykOqW8_S__40ejF-NfbY648uvRe4TdumyHxqcq3__83Q/s320/Close%20up%20Tiddy%20mun.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tiddy Mun sculpture along the nature trail</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Numbers of wildfowl on D reservoir are starting to build up,
a sure sign of the change from summer to autumn temperatures. The first
goldeneye (3) were seen this last week on D reservoir and a flock of pint
footed geese flew over. Several little gulls have been sighted along the wall
of D reservoir, along with grey wagtail and common sandpiper, showing that’s
its always worth a look along the edges as well as the main body of water. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2GO-QGaNt3fHEFE79efeolytcxIHeSsPH7tP6ARaQunzkDeJXoywl46TDCFAkO4Z08hvQ3w8TAYQl4NWKCf4tVxZLAhEiHzRsuy9rfOh7mUB3_s9yepzMMT-0bRRlpbMmqBD_qNCjgY1TaXL9r42nBkPMLeOYum69nXRsDiY6Iu8OTv5v6v1bBHBgA/s816/IMG_8719_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2GO-QGaNt3fHEFE79efeolytcxIHeSsPH7tP6ARaQunzkDeJXoywl46TDCFAkO4Z08hvQ3w8TAYQl4NWKCf4tVxZLAhEiHzRsuy9rfOh7mUB3_s9yepzMMT-0bRRlpbMmqBD_qNCjgY1TaXL9r42nBkPMLeOYum69nXRsDiY6Iu8OTv5v6v1bBHBgA/s320/IMG_8719_edited-1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Greenfinch (credit Maurice Dowson)</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although north lagoon, a favourite haunt of kingfisher and
visitor alike is now totally dry, and the earth cracked after weeks of hot
weather, there have been plenty of photos on social media of our much loved
kingfishers in other places; mainly south lagoon and south marsh. The lagoon
area is also a good place for Cetti’s warblers, still singing and still elusive,
hiding down in the thick vegetation.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The south marshes have been a hotspot of bird activity in
our first week back, the exposed mud attracting passage waders such as
greenshank, green sandpiper, common sandpiper, snipe, little stint (maximum of
8 at once), dunlin, ringed plover, ruff and curlew. Other water birds seen have
been a cattle egret, a great white egret, water rail, garganey and pintail. And
it’s amazing how much we take the resident marsh harriers for granted as they
are seen daily. Any sightings are welcome as they can give us a great overall
picture of how the reserve is being used by various species. If you don’t use
the digital platforms of Birdtrack or eBird to record your sightings, then you
can always add them to the sightings book in the hut at the bottom of the
reception ramp or let a member of staff know.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpPhn6aONVP0MOeDz22JbzQLVClF68tBqNH2ntJJRvp_Iei3f04fUYZVLBsmxE4TTPul96aupeVGA8vvHWZW3rit5zD40lwwr8RAb43oqO3Vnc06Ourrgcu3jvPVUOJ_dbEUckR_JJuqaIpojxZEMQDdvvPMxOSVrfpo9vkTv-DQUq6UP78t_315FvQ/s2736/Common%20sandpiper%20Maurice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="2736" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpPhn6aONVP0MOeDz22JbzQLVClF68tBqNH2ntJJRvp_Iei3f04fUYZVLBsmxE4TTPul96aupeVGA8vvHWZW3rit5zD40lwwr8RAb43oqO3Vnc06Ourrgcu3jvPVUOJ_dbEUckR_JJuqaIpojxZEMQDdvvPMxOSVrfpo9vkTv-DQUq6UP78t_315FvQ/s320/Common%20sandpiper%20Maurice.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common sandpiper (credit Maurice Dowson)</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Habitat maintenance and management has continued throughout
our site closure and continues throughout the year. Last week we had a team of
volunteers from the Environment Agency helping out with clearing some of the
reeds on north marsh to make more open water. A task that has to be repeated
every few years. Once the new paths have been reinstated and the north marsh
hide is back in use, then we hope that you will notice the difference. One result of removing the vegetation was to find evidence that harvest mice use the area. Their nests are a beautiful, tiny construction.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-09IXjzXqNGncEjkbYED2EfZqBg-lKlEJR5fuVZXzjnpfT7MRAO1s1d-91UvBAJJDCrLcxVM6rk3lJK3URd-GaEHtdtjQiD6vAqO170KZx-94H1QxhUCX1CGVF2t-5aah2H4SCFhTx2oyr98YMotcV8pSqzODAlFdVa9-Hdy1eH3cGky88Nd8wbb2MQ/s1249/North%20marsh%20Team%20EA%20photo%20Sep%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-09IXjzXqNGncEjkbYED2EfZqBg-lKlEJR5fuVZXzjnpfT7MRAO1s1d-91UvBAJJDCrLcxVM6rk3lJK3URd-GaEHtdtjQiD6vAqO170KZx-94H1QxhUCX1CGVF2t-5aah2H4SCFhTx2oyr98YMotcV8pSqzODAlFdVa9-Hdy1eH3cGky88Nd8wbb2MQ/s320/North%20marsh%20Team%20EA%20photo%20Sep%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Volunteer team, north marsh</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3a4ikvsVyW6bDJDgtfQfpCdRn2c1xcqEJ8BhASiySXPEkIaIUeBQYUG3hcyjKd_yS-bJlWB21EY7Z-dIGykAdw4L0ZYhQpks1lK7XZU2-LQwanQOOOL09a4BJXwlqo8cLYI2L3eVbI-2nyUVJlfaUPIO-fx5VffasM2ZVFOtczrIjHHV9S9rLhfCSKg/s1249/North%20marsh%20EA%20team%20Sep%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3a4ikvsVyW6bDJDgtfQfpCdRn2c1xcqEJ8BhASiySXPEkIaIUeBQYUG3hcyjKd_yS-bJlWB21EY7Z-dIGykAdw4L0ZYhQpks1lK7XZU2-LQwanQOOOL09a4BJXwlqo8cLYI2L3eVbI-2nyUVJlfaUPIO-fx5VffasM2ZVFOtczrIjHHV9S9rLhfCSKg/s320/North%20marsh%20EA%20team%20Sep%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Habitat management, north marsh</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQboVvnUJY-uwVrq0YBdWeIZYXYVUJ5cMEPhL7j2f2Cg_aCWcZz3QC5h_lj8YCq1pNqSnTH8XPyarRbUgGqN0dmCG7Ulg4dov2aKtMh8i0BqYUKQXah3zNn2kx-jQ9SOkx-p6XsCFtYqQvG5dyixZ-NaXfWMRkdmltpuzGCxWTfxREok5ZBJHplBqd8g/s1249/North%20marsh%20and%20dormouse%20nest%20find%20Sep2022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQboVvnUJY-uwVrq0YBdWeIZYXYVUJ5cMEPhL7j2f2Cg_aCWcZz3QC5h_lj8YCq1pNqSnTH8XPyarRbUgGqN0dmCG7Ulg4dov2aKtMh8i0BqYUKQXah3zNn2kx-jQ9SOkx-p6XsCFtYqQvG5dyixZ-NaXfWMRkdmltpuzGCxWTfxREok5ZBJHplBqd8g/s320/North%20marsh%20and%20dormouse%20nest%20find%20Sep2022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Harvest mouse nest</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another team of volunteers keeps note of how the many nest boxes
have been used each season. This week they checked on the barn owl box that is
in the northern end of the reserve. Although there has been no evidence of successful
breeding in the box this year, a collection of owl pellets means at least one
individual is feeding in the area. And the box is being put to good use, giving
a nesting site for a colony of hornets! Richard is seen here extracting a
hornets nest from Hempholme hide a few years ago. On a similar theme please
take care on the ramp down to the pond from the reception pond as unfortunately
one of our volunteers got quite badly stung when she disturbed a wasp nest
recently.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDupMWC2ZGNLpRgSqbbeKwtvWlz7UsekGZQtLepEmtJbHj8OIPOvM61qh2ekh1Os__v4bfeG20P2AtD8a8bTIm522fRnG5s7rllTLbFnU26riGtloErvmgZ8OJ5t5GBMiX46u30Dg4pCMjiT8AwNrrueyiWqb4uAqUHz9wg_xEUUq14kFAkGAaz1vBg/s1200/hornets%20nest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDupMWC2ZGNLpRgSqbbeKwtvWlz7UsekGZQtLepEmtJbHj8OIPOvM61qh2ekh1Os__v4bfeG20P2AtD8a8bTIm522fRnG5s7rllTLbFnU26riGtloErvmgZ8OJ5t5GBMiX46u30Dg4pCMjiT8AwNrrueyiWqb4uAqUHz9wg_xEUUq14kFAkGAaz1vBg/s320/hornets%20nest.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hornets' nest</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">We hope that, as visitors, you have enjoyed the reserve once
more and continue to return as we head into autumn and winter when we hope to
lift some of the restrictions from the north end of the reserve.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-65719092315263083012022-09-09T16:24:00.000+01:002022-09-09T16:24:59.045+01:00Access updates<p>After much discussion and making sure that the site is safe, we have decided to open the reserve on Monday 12th September so that our valued visitors can take the opportunity of visiting our fantastic reserve. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEI6uJgnTCCasyqx1yhyg2r4g0vyEjDxgzbjK7yYewbrPNJ58jfOhNYpUJp_xyxQS6DqjTEMwqzEykvrksD7M56L7TpejsNzHYAlEFMjjSHtNJ9BdLJAM_hsT6tYucw4Onny2gDUEHFBvUD0UWRbrDGuvdcMKNPkcSeeeyC0E6-Ts2qsa0h5yiqXxbA/s4000/Entrance%20to%20the%20reserve.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEI6uJgnTCCasyqx1yhyg2r4g0vyEjDxgzbjK7yYewbrPNJ58jfOhNYpUJp_xyxQS6DqjTEMwqzEykvrksD7M56L7TpejsNzHYAlEFMjjSHtNJ9BdLJAM_hsT6tYucw4Onny2gDUEHFBvUD0UWRbrDGuvdcMKNPkcSeeeyC0E6-Ts2qsa0h5yiqXxbA/s320/Entrance%20to%20the%20reserve.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reception hide</div><p>We have to inform people however that the whole reserve will not be totally accessible. Work on various parts of the site is still underway or will be continued in the near future so please do expect to see contractors. The decision was either partial opening or not opening for yet more months. Due to the nature of further works we are able, by restricting access in certain areas, to safely allow visitors back so they can enjoy the wildlife that is special to Tophill.</p><p>The north end of the reserve, i.e. D woods, north marsh and Hempholme WILL NOT BE OPEN. Visitors will be able to view the wildfowl on D reservoir from reception hide and the birders hide. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf9HfrL-vxmtHFrrPnXWz5_q1IS0D4UnNfhFmrPsZubqQnGVnt7z9JRcTK72PJB2dmWxQwDy6Kllt0vRRkBJwELmLHT0dg3YRESvpmuF0HH0TlfP9O8CaEI3SCf3xPeuVlXawEtzd_0cTznuOh6g7FWADqx2YPr4We144POCwXEBNUkZ--P54M62uvw/s1265/North%20end%20access%20Sept%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1265" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSf9HfrL-vxmtHFrrPnXWz5_q1IS0D4UnNfhFmrPsZubqQnGVnt7z9JRcTK72PJB2dmWxQwDy6Kllt0vRRkBJwELmLHT0dg3YRESvpmuF0HH0TlfP9O8CaEI3SCf3xPeuVlXawEtzd_0cTznuOh6g7FWADqx2YPr4We144POCwXEBNUkZ--P54M62uvw/s320/North%20end%20access%20Sept%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No access to the north end of the reserve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq90hz1o331sqYwdT8vjUO0zefmxxKNh3oijik58qWEBGLo4E_beBkwCZ_XvcTXrXsphPxKTTlV4UviMvAs5Rm0DwSKQwyViJXRlqmD6Xi1eRe_2pjjzwWX4IDMAd_k2yJXDcNKOtPJKpM_1yOn81Ptw1ddtyZonFAAc_kpkghyV19b6gPaXPUlcrjYw/s4000/Reception%20hide%20overlooking%20D%20reservoir.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq90hz1o331sqYwdT8vjUO0zefmxxKNh3oijik58qWEBGLo4E_beBkwCZ_XvcTXrXsphPxKTTlV4UviMvAs5Rm0DwSKQwyViJXRlqmD6Xi1eRe_2pjjzwWX4IDMAd_k2yJXDcNKOtPJKpM_1yOn81Ptw1ddtyZonFAAc_kpkghyV19b6gPaXPUlcrjYw/s320/Reception%20hide%20overlooking%20D%20reservoir.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Reception hide overlooking D reservoir</div><p>Access to the reception pond, reception woods, north lagoon and south lagoon hides is permitted. Please be aware that work will soon commence on north lagoon which is now completely dry. This is part of the capital scheme of the water treatment works which requires north lagoon to be dredged and therefore useable in the future by the treatment process. It will also allow us to upgrade some of the habitat around the lagoon which will be of benefit to our wildlife.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ3JcQ9sfOgXoQoBh5TSvn05ebxiBA8D0bKsNqdQxY3-7pFLwiuuhKGAUzJQGgghSt3rlLYspkUcbbanwUl8tv2Z_FfwkQFW0g16M-wI-UbpYcKVow9VrdcAb2T_u5S4m88PRjGkDWfevldxOm_aNtUu_4tHzlpnjUKIjBULwFrcpEHDO3AFcUVx5Eg/s3264/Cracked%20mud%20north%20lagoon.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ3JcQ9sfOgXoQoBh5TSvn05ebxiBA8D0bKsNqdQxY3-7pFLwiuuhKGAUzJQGgghSt3rlLYspkUcbbanwUl8tv2Z_FfwkQFW0g16M-wI-UbpYcKVow9VrdcAb2T_u5S4m88PRjGkDWfevldxOm_aNtUu_4tHzlpnjUKIjBULwFrcpEHDO3AFcUVx5Eg/s320/Cracked%20mud%20north%20lagoon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">North lagoon is now dry, ready for dredging</div><p>O reservoir can be viewed from the viewing screen overlooking the reservoir wall, this is the only place to view birds on O reservoir. Access to the west of O reservoir is not possible at the moment so south scrub and Watton hide are not open to visitors. The hide (L shaped hide) that used to overlook O reservoir has been removed and will be replaced by an accessible hide in coming months which will be situated on the extensive mound that has now been constructed and will give great views over the reservoir and the wider area. Until the hide is in place access to the mound will not be permitted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi977prrM2wTeXqhzwTLlOsTrxDNPidaFZcPfXNNTmy69q4wGCRGqhUPih9YeUoO73614P5QkG1gLF63_wqtKXCZY9_ZQWpcCfvhh1NIkZ_veceaIKpxeddvXClsyf-YLTjEMO4NK_6d0SjlHEWXcDW9v3lu6tgoqC-0sIBxA2_ncO5lOJgjeV2sZuqgQ/s1266/South%20end%20acces%20Sept%202022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1266" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi977prrM2wTeXqhzwTLlOsTrxDNPidaFZcPfXNNTmy69q4wGCRGqhUPih9YeUoO73614P5QkG1gLF63_wqtKXCZY9_ZQWpcCfvhh1NIkZ_veceaIKpxeddvXClsyf-YLTjEMO4NK_6d0SjlHEWXcDW9v3lu6tgoqC-0sIBxA2_ncO5lOJgjeV2sZuqgQ/s320/South%20end%20acces%20Sept%202022.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Limited access to O reservoir</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgQnMGKlb_qQkZXX4wJQgddkyJ758XoYwLMEocjstxqOMQmP4tq-vKH8PTV_LUQVLo1E1iqqZcdmft-zSoRRAU8Peoo2k-t_R-lbkfvAatODTsJo_AB03PE2rFCrRYKxQTy5-LhrGwvqdJz3i2zpJX4R9dskTr15QsM5MncVhYg83XNDc7uWpSaz6JA/s4032/O%20res%20mound,%20concret%20in%20place.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgQnMGKlb_qQkZXX4wJQgddkyJ758XoYwLMEocjstxqOMQmP4tq-vKH8PTV_LUQVLo1E1iqqZcdmft-zSoRRAU8Peoo2k-t_R-lbkfvAatODTsJo_AB03PE2rFCrRYKxQTy5-LhrGwvqdJz3i2zpJX4R9dskTr15QsM5MncVhYg83XNDc7uWpSaz6JA/s320/O%20res%20mound,%20concret%20in%20place.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New mound awaiting hide, overlooking O reservoir</div><p>Visitors can access the hides overlooking the south marshes at the east and west end and the hide that views south marsh west. Members only are allowed to access the Izzard hide on the members card access code as before.</p><p>All members who have a membership card that is valid for the 2020/21 or 2021/22 season which are cards that have the little egret (2020/21) or the otter (2021/22) photos ARE VALID TILL MARCH 2023 and will be accepted by the ticket machine. </p><p>All other visitors will be able to purchase day tickets from the ticket machine by either cash or by using card payment. Our admission prices remain the same - £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for concessions, £1.50 for children, children under 5 years are free.</p><p>Whilst the reserve has been closed staff and volunteers have noted bird sightings around the reserve and although the coverage of observers has not been as extensive as when the reserve is open to visitors there have been some noteworthy sightings since we closed at the beginning of February. The overstaying male smew stayed on Watton nature reserve till the middle of March. Around this time a bittern was first noted on the reserve and began to start to "boom" at several sites at the south end of the reserve. At several times over the coming months two birds were seen, the booming continued and sightings were regular so we can assume that these birds made a successful attempt at breeding, a true success for our habitat management of this area of the marsh over the winter. A single spoonbill was on north lagoon on 1st April and on 1st May a spotted sandpiper was recorded feeding on D reservoir wall, a highlight in the spring wader passage. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x6PD8tPM0Yu6WzIxYmiS3dWveQEeheKJBRDub2LI8nrO6cqv269yp_Bm8fVF19Ud-LO-iRpfISI_vDQw8n-KFGCj7KBgeK1n5rjLpR2iUCJ5VmBDsBrEtvyrnhVIVQnSCZlDv35cUEVRyhvkY0rd6n27teSsppS8mVtYl3Vr46dHN-_XueS8IWjCgg/s616/Spotted%20sandpiper%20photo%20Lee%20Johnson%20May%202022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="616" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x6PD8tPM0Yu6WzIxYmiS3dWveQEeheKJBRDub2LI8nrO6cqv269yp_Bm8fVF19Ud-LO-iRpfISI_vDQw8n-KFGCj7KBgeK1n5rjLpR2iUCJ5VmBDsBrEtvyrnhVIVQnSCZlDv35cUEVRyhvkY0rd6n27teSsppS8mVtYl3Vr46dHN-_XueS8IWjCgg/s320/Spotted%20sandpiper%20photo%20Lee%20Johnson%20May%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spotted sandpiper (credit Lee Johnson)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">On 24th May a great reed warbler was singing along Barmston drain, near Watton nature reserve and continued in its plight to sing for a mate for several weeks, obviously to no avail but with several other records at other sites in the UK, a sign of changing climate and changing species. Later in the summer a red footed falcon was recorded over D reservoir by Chris Straw, one of our volunteers who also managed to see a juvenile black tern on the reservoir. A range of waders feeding on south marsh included wood sandpiper on several occasions, along with plenty of common and green sandpipers, greenshanks and both great white and cattle egrets. Unfortunately the pair of little ringed plovers were not successful in their attempt at breeding this year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx58fSBrBuoWYuMv-gTPyTg-i0bnXxlofxH6pquJz9qUhhojTax4Awm2tq-J5olnubnDCc5_KP3TqY-GgjsMBLFAjslQFAS1WobxIeU2UBzQN8WTiBb7PjwkzWtJaUTuB1EiV9Sw_IomTWcMEJhrvNn-CMvaKmz37FN5lnLhmsv9EvwozqjVgXq6nOA/s2527/Gret%20reed%20warbler%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2527" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx58fSBrBuoWYuMv-gTPyTg-i0bnXxlofxH6pquJz9qUhhojTax4Awm2tq-J5olnubnDCc5_KP3TqY-GgjsMBLFAjslQFAS1WobxIeU2UBzQN8WTiBb7PjwkzWtJaUTuB1EiV9Sw_IomTWcMEJhrvNn-CMvaKmz37FN5lnLhmsv9EvwozqjVgXq6nOA/s320/Gret%20reed%20warbler%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great reed warbler (credit Lee Johnson)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwYAOq58Zb5F5ryIwjsMfAFpjnlOwC_b5ihxOzZOXLI1YYB-mP34tzGSbAn5V85J_BiUxTOYT2P2r__FvzMZSqX31izDe6TI7gA3FDSFwF2AbQf9sub0YErGrY0EukeKgHceXenlXlAQQT0XQc1oGEqL3ln8pjXBgd61R_NZuNMa9WupNjOc_sJVJRw/s2603/Cattle%20egret%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2257" data-original-width="2603" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwYAOq58Zb5F5ryIwjsMfAFpjnlOwC_b5ihxOzZOXLI1YYB-mP34tzGSbAn5V85J_BiUxTOYT2P2r__FvzMZSqX31izDe6TI7gA3FDSFwF2AbQf9sub0YErGrY0EukeKgHceXenlXlAQQT0XQc1oGEqL3ln8pjXBgd61R_NZuNMa9WupNjOc_sJVJRw/s320/Cattle%20egret%20Lee%20Johnson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cattle egret (credit Lee Johnson)</div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p>A juvenile black necked grebe appeared on D reservoir in late August for several days and just when birds were stopping off at other local sites a spotted crake arrived at Tophill on south marsh east on 25th August. As we go to post hobbies have been seen recently over Watton nature reserve, green and common sandpipers on south marsh and 2 garganey also on Watton nature reserve.</p><p><br /></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-13455456252666323092022-07-22T14:50:00.000+01:002022-07-22T14:50:45.840+01:00The big guys move in<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Reserve updates July 2022<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next stage of our engineering project at the reserve has
now started. The arrival of some huge machinery, much of which passes through
the car park, highlights the need for the site to remain closed for visitors. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jDdCsYZVtYmy0sLk-f1T0_i1N16kqt3PQIWmvJ0B8XqzDuYq1yRv32gkZqFVJqol0NNNx7VZZhqN86Buw72MUwA_IkP7uUdvcI5mB7NI7J8Kv__SeJlspM6QvRLCJ3-6dKeKCsaaSMfzjO_S8BpqmJDQhRkOajx_oyQXFemyWEbJgnu5wQQ5JvpsgQ/s1174/A%20big%20digger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jDdCsYZVtYmy0sLk-f1T0_i1N16kqt3PQIWmvJ0B8XqzDuYq1yRv32gkZqFVJqol0NNNx7VZZhqN86Buw72MUwA_IkP7uUdvcI5mB7NI7J8Kv__SeJlspM6QvRLCJ3-6dKeKCsaaSMfzjO_S8BpqmJDQhRkOajx_oyQXFemyWEbJgnu5wQQ5JvpsgQ/s320/A%20big%20digger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGqavNhKF_qpzqIPP5cz9_GKtDO6B99tMDWdQVECHD-4ZOod5GgZABGcHK7pcue0QkRrgP598eDJrjrr7Mi-A8Hq5hfhTAnDrDE4153opbG5WELHKQbGoPZs2JVtI6wDu4LOC2EM5KpveRcg0ZwHDxnLNNilEfLOqC-H_GkPp7mDaSjAj0cTLRHzteA/s4032/Large%20diggers%20near%20reception%20hide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGqavNhKF_qpzqIPP5cz9_GKtDO6B99tMDWdQVECHD-4ZOod5GgZABGcHK7pcue0QkRrgP598eDJrjrr7Mi-A8Hq5hfhTAnDrDE4153opbG5WELHKQbGoPZs2JVtI6wDu4LOC2EM5KpveRcg0ZwHDxnLNNilEfLOqC-H_GkPp7mDaSjAj0cTLRHzteA/s320/Large%20diggers%20near%20reception%20hide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pzVb9G1HefedDCR-oViEhYAltpn2ppLscD83xBy5wkY0zRNKjKM-2bkDCd4abdF8Hiou1YRbniWB-YyGbqVF_CZkfnW1ds3S9V6vwvUzDakZGFu263oMbY7TmB-UmiwlG-VojNtNdIKhScwVg36lSlN2gSThn2bRRi0JAU0i7pTXPMQ6lSTyiwxPZw/s4032/Large%20machinery%20moving%20rubble%20onto%20O%20reservoir%20hide%20site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pzVb9G1HefedDCR-oViEhYAltpn2ppLscD83xBy5wkY0zRNKjKM-2bkDCd4abdF8Hiou1YRbniWB-YyGbqVF_CZkfnW1ds3S9V6vwvUzDakZGFu263oMbY7TmB-UmiwlG-VojNtNdIKhScwVg36lSlN2gSThn2bRRi0JAU0i7pTXPMQ6lSTyiwxPZw/s320/Large%20machinery%20moving%20rubble%20onto%20O%20reservoir%20hide%20site.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Work has now started on the removal and redistribution of
Tophill ‘mound’. This is to make way for the new treatment works and filtration
beds. Truckloads of rubble etc are being taken from behind the residential area
to one of two sites on the reserve: the east side of D reservoir and the south
end of O reservoir. The rubble is going to create two new mounds upon which our
two new hides will be situated. This will allow access for all visitors and fabulous
views over the reservoirs and in the case of O reservoir, the wider Hull
valley. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today (Tuesday 19<sup>th</sup>) I accompanied the site
manager to get some footage of the work in progress. Nearly 80 % of the mound
material that will be the base for the new D reservoir east hide is now in
place, raising the ground level so I could see over the reservoir wall. After
each 20cm depth of material has been spread over the surface a second machine
compacts the material down, thus making the mound a solid structure. At the
front, facing the reservoir there will be a gabion wall to further support the
mound, a concrete platform will form the base for the new hide and the access
path will start and finish at opposite sides of the D woods.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bgp3ZbeILZK_sBYK97ApXtvo5TUlOYYb27hi0BI-0q8v4YxchLJvXyh4dxanRw-Pt-G8kgkQXe_XzE_3EVby7FOXzSeEmlM7ONMIGsDlbwHR7Ycw7L4usdV6D6RiBMRcRXdAY5KEHCXnTeGOyErUSyFG1bNIJ9Z9EbZRS_ChxYr4tP2_ec8fTC6x5w/s4032/Building%20the%20mound%20for%20D%20reservoir%20hide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Bgp3ZbeILZK_sBYK97ApXtvo5TUlOYYb27hi0BI-0q8v4YxchLJvXyh4dxanRw-Pt-G8kgkQXe_XzE_3EVby7FOXzSeEmlM7ONMIGsDlbwHR7Ycw7L4usdV6D6RiBMRcRXdAY5KEHCXnTeGOyErUSyFG1bNIJ9Z9EbZRS_ChxYr4tP2_ec8fTC6x5w/s320/Building%20the%20mound%20for%20D%20reservoir%20hide.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preparation of D reservoir mound</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYR31A-HvFmJUkvljZxGZlyKOVB1WQS8aVbIOkkd6nSkTXeiAzAkl45C7aUtQ8LQnZH7mkzoJ6p41vvNwz1igMS-qWD_YwiwmjWIfyus4IOzQhmSaIoEq2t6_crC8OKCsM7NjPNBdA9Wb_LPpJQh09w89jqEbauyVlaBcEzLqoo_BehnTARWEkUr8dg/s1174/D%20res%20new%20hide%20ramp%20in%20construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYR31A-HvFmJUkvljZxGZlyKOVB1WQS8aVbIOkkd6nSkTXeiAzAkl45C7aUtQ8LQnZH7mkzoJ6p41vvNwz1igMS-qWD_YwiwmjWIfyus4IOzQhmSaIoEq2t6_crC8OKCsM7NjPNBdA9Wb_LPpJQh09w89jqEbauyVlaBcEzLqoo_BehnTARWEkUr8dg/s320/D%20res%20new%20hide%20ramp%20in%20construction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv9jYmOFEPvYbyZ4wC2dxV82VE-GSOQ7WEbhsf9JoI2N3zkiJ9s6rAq6gYopNktwCDAsl2mbWWovtUxaDQnc__OF2sdn7nc-iE8Dzh39l4i6ndVOWpu4sMWOv7kELVyqaN6tRyH8zEEDht0tnQv77vFhKZWr2HV2ef3uEEAB2cNSU37JmI5wKx9cXjg/s4032/Mound%20overlooking%20D%20res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv9jYmOFEPvYbyZ4wC2dxV82VE-GSOQ7WEbhsf9JoI2N3zkiJ9s6rAq6gYopNktwCDAsl2mbWWovtUxaDQnc__OF2sdn7nc-iE8Dzh39l4i6ndVOWpu4sMWOv7kELVyqaN6tRyH8zEEDht0tnQv77vFhKZWr2HV2ef3uEEAB2cNSU37JmI5wKx9cXjg/s320/Mound%20overlooking%20D%20res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_GrGyKvR5vlU3fh4hiGGPCyb39bgDFXuVhTCn4pl8ERHoV6s2-6DFJIDpEt1XsslAC51O8XnzZMV_FKbQ_-V3477HsSrsJMj4J5N43Y7ML5ZilmIuJkkCwnuYryvf-FCKJDqVo1563WUqu_ffy6EbyA2UW-PzkspP92uBeUdQv1CeaCq7_KmrSYDSQ/s4032/Machinery%20D%20mound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_GrGyKvR5vlU3fh4hiGGPCyb39bgDFXuVhTCn4pl8ERHoV6s2-6DFJIDpEt1XsslAC51O8XnzZMV_FKbQ_-V3477HsSrsJMj4J5N43Y7ML5ZilmIuJkkCwnuYryvf-FCKJDqVo1563WUqu_ffy6EbyA2UW-PzkspP92uBeUdQv1CeaCq7_KmrSYDSQ/s320/Machinery%20D%20mound.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The new mound which will allow the new hide overlooking O
reservoir is a much bigger structure and is less complete. Once built the top
of the mound will sit 6m above the ground level, approximately the same height
as the old hide roof. On top of that the new hide, which will be two storey
will be positioned.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXLyLX0Uv5DILj31JiX7MogYF4NlZ0n3xTmYwmzwfIlX_6FX9W7qgbVPfIe4O0bYoiwZ3oXNppQXzNW4Ebx07hzUeCa_Uxii209Ui8cO5rx5l_YGOKk8D_Ge1dAShz-QM2tsd0GAsa74VfUTV0U39cyo27eYP-bzNUlMq7xHiA0i9PLLC35Ttfxla8Q/s4032/Mound%20prep%20O%20res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXLyLX0Uv5DILj31JiX7MogYF4NlZ0n3xTmYwmzwfIlX_6FX9W7qgbVPfIe4O0bYoiwZ3oXNppQXzNW4Ebx07hzUeCa_Uxii209Ui8cO5rx5l_YGOKk8D_Ge1dAShz-QM2tsd0GAsa74VfUTV0U39cyo27eYP-bzNUlMq7xHiA0i9PLLC35Ttfxla8Q/s320/Mound%20prep%20O%20res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Preparing O reservoir mound</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSz2pR8t9oh-m3rV9oh9J8bc0h0n8Sv3GpUshbGl0iXko7vxfFxwSIEZzZ1rBNDgUlFCBS9CDmG1kttWYU3gZbKrgKycyo2tcuS0r0k6-EZML9Cb83Amo4LUwRzSftNh8BZ1zClMk1kk-kEoh2PYnnuh80GdADtVUKhvO8KZbWqMyWRZ5GJOVJwfucQ/s4032/Dumping%20material%20for%20O%20mound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSz2pR8t9oh-m3rV9oh9J8bc0h0n8Sv3GpUshbGl0iXko7vxfFxwSIEZzZ1rBNDgUlFCBS9CDmG1kttWYU3gZbKrgKycyo2tcuS0r0k6-EZML9Cb83Amo4LUwRzSftNh8BZ1zClMk1kk-kEoh2PYnnuh80GdADtVUKhvO8KZbWqMyWRZ5GJOVJwfucQ/s320/Dumping%20material%20for%20O%20mound.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dumping material in preparation for O reservoir mound</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Each wagon carries 30 tonnes of material every 15 minutes to
each site from the area of the new treatment works, passing along the reserve
access road each time. Due to this volume of machinery moving at such a
frequent rate we can no longer conduct any guided walks in this area at
present. Once the situation changes and we can safely accommodate visitors on reserve
walks then we will schedule and advertise these.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Late June and July are sometimes the quietest times of the
year for birdlife. Raising new fledglings is the biggest issue for our woodland
birds and there is a lot of alarm calling and contact calling within family groups
of tits, thrushes and warblers. On the wetlands, the black headed gull chicks
have now all fledged leaving south marsh a lot quieter. Volunteers and visitors
on the guided walks have seen five juvenile marsh harriers on south marsh west,
as well as one juvenile near south lagoon. The pair of oystercatchers
successfully raised two chicks and we hope that four shelduck reached a viable
size after an initial count of eleven youngsters on south marsh east, a welcome
sight to see this species breeding at the reserve. We hope that we have seen
some success in breeding for common terns with an increase in the number of
birds on south marsh this year, a maximum count of 16 birds, far more than last
year. Gadwall, mallard, greylag, coot, tufted ducks all appear to have had a
successful breeding season on south marsh. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On our guided walks visitors and volunteers have regularly seen
bittern, in some cases two at once on south marsh west. We have yet to record
any evidence of breeding but we wait in hope to catch a youngster on the move. Hopefully
the presence of this iconic reedbed species is a result of the management
practice that took place over last autumn and winter, when different areas of
the reedbed were cut to a variety of levels and a new channel dug along one
edge.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN7UO7hznffYuCs1N5AeJCMwe-49yq9C2sSKIjcFpFVZe2KKQYkA-ZqnOuoPk-oU5D2ks8ap7oJLChJqI7csOXT8tHx36Huc_Xnv5xshWt9WcsieySnA6LpDWd91XxpEz2FxvWTuTUoeBdKzfuIZzksDYHox3J_zgdKHMOiWb8zmrkyAmgzeMAgo_ew/s3264/Guided%20walks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN7UO7hznffYuCs1N5AeJCMwe-49yq9C2sSKIjcFpFVZe2KKQYkA-ZqnOuoPk-oU5D2ks8ap7oJLChJqI7csOXT8tHx36Huc_Xnv5xshWt9WcsieySnA6LpDWd91XxpEz2FxvWTuTUoeBdKzfuIZzksDYHox3J_zgdKHMOiWb8zmrkyAmgzeMAgo_ew/s320/Guided%20walks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visitors enjoying a guided walk</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEMX5VY382npdmjqP90__wsynwFpsw8yt0QDl7QlAZ9UTq6EYqKn7Ad3P2pu5YUU3Zh-m28fZl8Z8-V_x7d_p19PlqlpgYEFuQyiyQRipAEkXuaAYftl78W42kQ5PyPJznycJDXQywnLSjAb35pYOx0V68T5_XK4tlouGDV6aREKgn3y9eUgtQ4zb5A/s889/bittern%20maurice%20dowson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="889" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEMX5VY382npdmjqP90__wsynwFpsw8yt0QDl7QlAZ9UTq6EYqKn7Ad3P2pu5YUU3Zh-m28fZl8Z8-V_x7d_p19PlqlpgYEFuQyiyQRipAEkXuaAYftl78W42kQ5PyPJznycJDXQywnLSjAb35pYOx0V68T5_XK4tlouGDV6aREKgn3y9eUgtQ4zb5A/s320/bittern%20maurice%20dowson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>Bittern </span><span>Photo Credit Maurice Dowson</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMfgzQgf51MSBG_ouMQ60N6oaQOGmkFjQVQWGZ7-cF0igyDgXvsyWqdlyOuQmc1InNh0N_JWisj_Pu15XganF4zLkliPYjKaIJY4dXADGjazGFSV37dfDKX6L6o5bp8A7Jp6uFLd7-OFeFoOm3LOvtXa6D_3yoewxy7eJ9mbUTTxuMDF35QK8kbR3gg/s1261/common-tern-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1261" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMfgzQgf51MSBG_ouMQ60N6oaQOGmkFjQVQWGZ7-cF0igyDgXvsyWqdlyOuQmc1InNh0N_JWisj_Pu15XganF4zLkliPYjKaIJY4dXADGjazGFSV37dfDKX6L6o5bp8A7Jp6uFLd7-OFeFoOm3LOvtXa6D_3yoewxy7eJ9mbUTTxuMDF35QK8kbR3gg/s320/common-tern-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4qf8pCpdcbYGOEultpHVTmQYzsPYieOaoskoMhLugC6lTnCx6_UP1sDWybttAzWl-ikL32fxfU4o6yY47swO_FTp2xNmG9MQmgNH6VzkdjGKrECiKj835AHUh3hDAUjG3o_b9zJVHeyyNRoIxyeaFDlhO3A74VGkGzj1PnHT8ZpwAbn0Y9cdBGyp5A/s1261/greylag-and-goslings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1261" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4qf8pCpdcbYGOEultpHVTmQYzsPYieOaoskoMhLugC6lTnCx6_UP1sDWybttAzWl-ikL32fxfU4o6yY47swO_FTp2xNmG9MQmgNH6VzkdjGKrECiKj835AHUh3hDAUjG3o_b9zJVHeyyNRoIxyeaFDlhO3A74VGkGzj1PnHT8ZpwAbn0Y9cdBGyp5A/s320/greylag-and-goslings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There have been some signs of autumn, with a few waders
passing through recently: common sandpiper, wood sandpiper, ringed plover and
ruff have all been sighted, all on south marsh.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">North lagoon has now lost all of its water and the exposed
mud has become very dry and cracked within the last few weeks with the hotter
weather. We had hoped that if it had remained wet then passage waders may have
been enticed down to feed. The water however has rapidly evaporated quickly
than anticipated, therefore will probably be dredged earlier than planned,
ready to be put back in use for the water works and be filled again. The ‘No
Fishing’ sign is certainly being adhered to! Kingfishers have been noted
feeding regularly on south lagoon and south marsh, spreading themselves around
the reserve as they usually do, following fledging.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI_uTULMxiVScy2lDPOAvWotCMb4m3MS8pQVeW6c2I32tYKsLB4yWWTtu97gtnBZ2IExJTP4eGxvDGg4nNzD6s6ef9TjzF3cgoKsjIF8S7Ks_tNWWesXGt7dMSNy0N27MN9aFhlixJvZ2swyZNlUvapw24yzeYSBMdD-a1Y-9iUbf9UEvY-IXkGn_lQ/s3264/No%20water%20north%20lagoon%20July%202022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEI_uTULMxiVScy2lDPOAvWotCMb4m3MS8pQVeW6c2I32tYKsLB4yWWTtu97gtnBZ2IExJTP4eGxvDGg4nNzD6s6ef9TjzF3cgoKsjIF8S7Ks_tNWWesXGt7dMSNy0N27MN9aFhlixJvZ2swyZNlUvapw24yzeYSBMdD-a1Y-9iUbf9UEvY-IXkGn_lQ/s320/No%20water%20north%20lagoon%20July%202022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">North lagoon July 2022</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3sKdI3Cy5iDpIIR7PB4SGlSXY4VyICYSmnKXzYqWMC792BwQSD_P7Vy-IpP71NItth61kcYWT2gA9y6v0PIOTJqDC4wWtg3oS-EARTxIJBChlsB6aXDg0UY-qe1rW5AmK3A2LhV95DumjVaLGuP7nE2E3FBawQLkPJKBKo8KhtVTYNaymcvCujolfA/s3264/North%20lagoon%20JUly%202022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3sKdI3Cy5iDpIIR7PB4SGlSXY4VyICYSmnKXzYqWMC792BwQSD_P7Vy-IpP71NItth61kcYWT2gA9y6v0PIOTJqDC4wWtg3oS-EARTxIJBChlsB6aXDg0UY-qe1rW5AmK3A2LhV95DumjVaLGuP7nE2E3FBawQLkPJKBKo8KhtVTYNaymcvCujolfA/s320/North%20lagoon%20JUly%202022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of our wildflowers are now passing from bloom to seed,
with the bee orchids and the common orchids now nearly over. The yellow rattle,
an important flower in our meadows is also setting seed and the seed has been collected.
This is the plant that outcompetes grasses which can sometimes take over. It
also helps to make the meadows nutrient poor, ideal conditions for many
wildflowers, so it is an important plant. Our volunteers have been visiting
other local wetland areas to collect a range of other seeds. These will be
planted and propagated in our new polytunnel, due to arrive on site soon, then
they will be introduced to various areas on the reserve. We have already successfully
introduced some bog bean and marsh cinquefoil in the reception pond. Our main
problem was protecting the plants from being eaten by water voles – now that’s
a good problem to have! In preparation for the work that will be carried out in
the polytunnel, volunteers had a very informative visit to Nosterfield nature
reserve, near Ripon. Here they have a very established polytunnel and wet beds in
which they grow wetland plants. Each species requires different water levels
and the set up at Nosterfield allows for this with separate areas with
different water levels. Once plants have been raised the team then distribute plants
to other reserves and partnerships, something that we aim to do ourselves in
the near future. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VjHHdyG4C0Oik6QBA3l5f5ZB5hoqN4ywnlbJuLC0P1tRcaJfd04vBck2s-WDcwSjzqCzz1K1OYwq2Uc6k6bwULD2jCb1hwph7HP6cX3l68Wvle4xBSeZiqwTwx_oRjhvCCSK8Phg63olSE8azgneRy8c13D-HKfUICUIbpTmzTBptJE_H5X6qIOM7Q/s937/Bog%20bean%20flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VjHHdyG4C0Oik6QBA3l5f5ZB5hoqN4ywnlbJuLC0P1tRcaJfd04vBck2s-WDcwSjzqCzz1K1OYwq2Uc6k6bwULD2jCb1hwph7HP6cX3l68Wvle4xBSeZiqwTwx_oRjhvCCSK8Phg63olSE8azgneRy8c13D-HKfUICUIbpTmzTBptJE_H5X6qIOM7Q/s320/Bog%20bean%20flower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flowering bog bean</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc8rNMZ7OoEMLjM0xx5hSq1MweEv6UlwRZUIJa_t8YqNx54gYv1KGxumpwfZYSk7RqyQjqVlZ2RhoRbUCavtDvWnoXspqUb2ucVPyknA4UJx-Qudbx6FLvs40AYl702iQ9_IWzqo6LEVlCl9iLb7y4oCi8LRVScHPYx7gUFGKuO200zW8SKwf8jnnmg/s3264/Marsh%20cinquefoil%20progation%20reception%20pond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc8rNMZ7OoEMLjM0xx5hSq1MweEv6UlwRZUIJa_t8YqNx54gYv1KGxumpwfZYSk7RqyQjqVlZ2RhoRbUCavtDvWnoXspqUb2ucVPyknA4UJx-Qudbx6FLvs40AYl702iQ9_IWzqo6LEVlCl9iLb7y4oCi8LRVScHPYx7gUFGKuO200zW8SKwf8jnnmg/s320/Marsh%20cinquefoil%20progation%20reception%20pond.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our own wetland plant propagation in reception pond</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthi83Rb4BZ2XJU4becCUNc2a8m3-UmVGNRdo1cBzB9BZDT6R8mtHLO4ruKiN2hCzzcicRNA9yhAcECJDfZsKsK-CxAjyt01MaNETCcXROz3lVFMoHzRoUDJpi8eNolawoySSyIzpVLExyigM-F1xjJkSEKAIxsgzL48J51aZRbvku5krwJONDzue3A/s3264/Nosterfield%20plant%20propagation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVthi83Rb4BZ2XJU4becCUNc2a8m3-UmVGNRdo1cBzB9BZDT6R8mtHLO4ruKiN2hCzzcicRNA9yhAcECJDfZsKsK-CxAjyt01MaNETCcXROz3lVFMoHzRoUDJpi8eNolawoySSyIzpVLExyigM-F1xjJkSEKAIxsgzL48J51aZRbvku5krwJONDzue3A/s320/Nosterfield%20plant%20propagation.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nosterfield nature reserve wetland plant propagation set up</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8cX1jJ0TaATlZ-SszUu47CJl4ala5V4B6xjVHy8zfwpDd8cE72yfEXOxfl0eUstkd-w3pe2qN2_6ZzuGk4hpIiT-ckN8znU0Tylhm8YHszPV_S-TtyDJJuEf4IhNSTOdr-h5bYASaz9B4JYkzZH9E9n9cuIKwraA1z26NWnOmuz0MWcRf-n-jQZL7w/s3264/Nosterfield%20wetland%20polytunnel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8cX1jJ0TaATlZ-SszUu47CJl4ala5V4B6xjVHy8zfwpDd8cE72yfEXOxfl0eUstkd-w3pe2qN2_6ZzuGk4hpIiT-ckN8znU0Tylhm8YHszPV_S-TtyDJJuEf4IhNSTOdr-h5bYASaz9B4JYkzZH9E9n9cuIKwraA1z26NWnOmuz0MWcRf-n-jQZL7w/s320/Nosterfield%20wetland%20polytunnel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nosterfield nature reserve poly tunnel </div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our volunteer team, as always, have been busy learning new
skills on a few events this week. Last year we were lucky to have<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> scything enthusiasts Martin Stevens and
Heidi Marwan of the Scythe Association of Britain and Ireland approach the
reserve for a venue to exercise their skills. A resurgence in interest in
this technique has seen the widespread adoption of the much lighter and, in
modern hands, more efficient Austrian scythe which makes the activity much more
user friendly, and in many comments ‘a joy to use’. With the need to start
cutting our hay meadows on site this essential training has meant we can start
this major task in a way that does not create hand arm vibration, emit fumes
and carbon, or need a spill kit, a three day specialist course and personal
protective equipment to operate. All benefits for both the reserve and the
volunteers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdNYRli0DgZPz6bHtDB_baBRw9GEOpliPWbC391pvL8Jo9dxavSF9V05T4mjL8T302Q_ZUwK7rHgfOXFSy-yzT5ebG1dcnUTa4LSbRe83rMIlQVN-14qCatnsQuksVH5f4Im1TdGZfjA6gVxKZclL9WVOJZ0N0K7LMveKtngX3XEY8Y8L6Z20gCCc7w/s1174/Amy%20Watsham%20Assistant%20Warden%20scything%20at%20Dunswell%20Adits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdNYRli0DgZPz6bHtDB_baBRw9GEOpliPWbC391pvL8Jo9dxavSF9V05T4mjL8T302Q_ZUwK7rHgfOXFSy-yzT5ebG1dcnUTa4LSbRe83rMIlQVN-14qCatnsQuksVH5f4Im1TdGZfjA6gVxKZclL9WVOJZ0N0K7LMveKtngX3XEY8Y8L6Z20gCCc7w/s320/Amy%20Watsham%20Assistant%20Warden%20scything%20at%20Dunswell%20Adits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj0cv9LRhT1kIYd2AamAYajoWBzDv2ZzR8Wxtk-spEGXCZj-2p0df0KbH_z7ziMinli-9pE9E_u8WGqPv70Qf-8eNJR0Xt2AYvTrbjxn13hpw4Vrn2wXfRuDJb7QNRip2KQjDKDscSEPWxtdzpmO3aJ-Tg1yavTpIvSqBrXeTwvkv2daCmOZCXMVOGA/s1174/dylan,%20heidi%20and%20Martin%20at%20work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjj0cv9LRhT1kIYd2AamAYajoWBzDv2ZzR8Wxtk-spEGXCZj-2p0df0KbH_z7ziMinli-9pE9E_u8WGqPv70Qf-8eNJR0Xt2AYvTrbjxn13hpw4Vrn2wXfRuDJb7QNRip2KQjDKDscSEPWxtdzpmO3aJ-Tg1yavTpIvSqBrXeTwvkv2daCmOZCXMVOGA/s320/dylan,%20heidi%20and%20Martin%20at%20work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9YT14zfz5rO5UAc3Nl--9qi20DOphcvq0yRjKflL6lh2zffHfA0h0YhsXSz3wI3KdxreF-2FMmjrKgVkmlghUiO0e8QcKzSwwX-sb7pd5lIcZuQzI5X_UesZhVgrLvP1HDFXPeQ1uvs06Ug2IAO8mOD4BH4gMz3Djfvyf9UpgCETlY6GCFSFKirXwg/s1174/Martin%20Stevens%20instructs%20volunteers%20at%20Dunswell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9YT14zfz5rO5UAc3Nl--9qi20DOphcvq0yRjKflL6lh2zffHfA0h0YhsXSz3wI3KdxreF-2FMmjrKgVkmlghUiO0e8QcKzSwwX-sb7pd5lIcZuQzI5X_UesZhVgrLvP1HDFXPeQ1uvs06Ug2IAO8mOD4BH4gMz3Djfvyf9UpgCETlY6GCFSFKirXwg/s320/Martin%20Stevens%20instructs%20volunteers%20at%20Dunswell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ooWxgVHPSniszDPyGt5b5nrsHt4y918Jogv1t8uLqZ_-xqNq-mn07CKrCw8dXQ1-tBWrVIPkh60CTzXi2zqP_WwCtUQBhGU1TlyJIADqqdW5DEtzw0P7gKg0MbT_-NaHIag3WSnYWLRmVpZzI43Q8qp3ywAS8ujCwP3yYgeXAlWFgKdJIP3dVMYVwQ/s1124/scything%20at%20boltby%20reservoir%20November%202021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ooWxgVHPSniszDPyGt5b5nrsHt4y918Jogv1t8uLqZ_-xqNq-mn07CKrCw8dXQ1-tBWrVIPkh60CTzXi2zqP_WwCtUQBhGU1TlyJIADqqdW5DEtzw0P7gKg0MbT_-NaHIag3WSnYWLRmVpZzI43Q8qp3ywAS8ujCwP3yYgeXAlWFgKdJIP3dVMYVwQ/s320/scything%20at%20boltby%20reservoir%20November%202021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Scything at Boltby reservoir, autumn 2021</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCOzd47Qjqtxq3swIuuTb0EH_83qU43pSVSPI_AIM6l4JAXQgnHpNc0uoXEc5udJ7gK4y361lTJ5WU6NG0EgxUgLiroWZVxqpUZkdWX5NzcBJEXrufllB6uO4ZZo1M7jyuRm-IP0bBgxykNuFS9CtMjaupFB0FJg2KDR1rd9pkE8duLo3MAltzrbsrw/s1174/boltby%20july%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCOzd47Qjqtxq3swIuuTb0EH_83qU43pSVSPI_AIM6l4JAXQgnHpNc0uoXEc5udJ7gK4y361lTJ5WU6NG0EgxUgLiroWZVxqpUZkdWX5NzcBJEXrufllB6uO4ZZo1M7jyuRm-IP0bBgxykNuFS9CtMjaupFB0FJg2KDR1rd9pkE8duLo3MAltzrbsrw/s320/boltby%20july%202022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Boltby meadow July 2022</p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">At Boltby reservoir
near Thirsk scything last year has helped deliver stunning meadows of oxeye
daisy and bethony which are home to adders, palmate newts and the rare argent
and sable moth. Near Dunswell on the outskirts of Hull are ‘adits’ –
horizontal bore holes cut into the chalk which gather water beneath protected
meadows, one of which has been earmarked for biodiversity enhancement to
protect species like lapwing and skylark on the very boundary of the city, and
it is here volunteers are training on the tools under Martin and Heidi’s instruction
on a classic hay meadow setting. Likewise, another event at Yorkshire
Water’s Brooks Bank Farm near Sheffield hosted a scything masterclass by
professional Danny Hodgson, in conjunction with the Sheffield and Rotherham
Wildlife Trust, to manage meadows and wader scrapes<span style="color: red;"> </span>as
part of the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape Partnership. The partnership has
allowed us to manage meadows, woodlands and wetlands on a landscape scale to
deliver bigger, better and more connected wildlife conservation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">We will continue to
work to improve and maintain our habitats on the reserve whilst the different
engineering projects continue around us. We will keep visitors updated as much
as we can, both on the works and the wildlife that continues to thrive at
Tophill Low. We greatly value your support and understanding whilst the reserve
is closed and thank you for your interest in Tophill Low.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-25703381235494503002022-05-27T15:28:00.000+01:002022-05-27T15:28:00.713+01:00Reserve updates and New dates for tours<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Tophill Low update<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the reserve continues to remain closed to
general visitors due to the ongoing engineering works taking place at the
adjacent water treatment works. This is involving large machinery which continues
to cause safety issues for visitors, and the need for closure of the reserve. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6p_4QY37ngdMWjRI9ZcchZaVTIwh6Je2hIE960JNRjmdnOGy94iYwDhWwMPt1tQ_8pZVqG5A7B4DQbHDmV_bR9xJC7BecDdvBnVIIBbNR3nCyzez_J1PXWIN7Yw7DTXqdt4TqOO5mYog_ghASsKDIVnYP7O-09ZoVYC2UY1BE741WGiHwDGOkITNfw/s1174/Large%20machinery%20on%20site.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6p_4QY37ngdMWjRI9ZcchZaVTIwh6Je2hIE960JNRjmdnOGy94iYwDhWwMPt1tQ_8pZVqG5A7B4DQbHDmV_bR9xJC7BecDdvBnVIIBbNR3nCyzez_J1PXWIN7Yw7DTXqdt4TqOO5mYog_ghASsKDIVnYP7O-09ZoVYC2UY1BE741WGiHwDGOkITNfw/s320/Large%20machinery%20on%20site.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In recent weeks our contractors Houltons have been reworking
the old wildlife centre into a new welfare hub for the workers that will be
constructing the new filter beds at the water treatment works. This has
resulted in a lot of heavy goods vehicles blocking the access road for large
amounts of time as vehicles are unloaded. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyUuurfZ082VrXSEsL-x10FyWhEijBWzKSenbPuHHRYIqDWzPAoPyH3r1oZFCCNNXcvhdaoGvm0xth4hDa7b33VY0G31xoVktSCZVy0WxotX1u1C9uVyK-puCgULufKGhl_blZMbf9qzpXKAydEsl3ssvSXM4LcBSEi3UZFpaLS-cjcHeI61x-ICnNw/s3264/work%20on%20old%20wildlife%20centre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyUuurfZ082VrXSEsL-x10FyWhEijBWzKSenbPuHHRYIqDWzPAoPyH3r1oZFCCNNXcvhdaoGvm0xth4hDa7b33VY0G31xoVktSCZVy0WxotX1u1C9uVyK-puCgULufKGhl_blZMbf9qzpXKAydEsl3ssvSXM4LcBSEi3UZFpaLS-cjcHeI61x-ICnNw/s320/work%20on%20old%20wildlife%20centre.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkMIlXUuM1Cga3tZniEr1kwpvdmafL0eNTAkeD-T51zJa7I3Raw-MPT1O2qJNRKDNZ0hOHhbbdVGTMKm937pMWOwU6zitu7662YJk4QjyyUIHzC58PNly70ppUHVq5uzRFOsmB_NwUugS_Th-zJg1gQJIdoQMk1cH8bdOSTKaIF1pSzTsrpaMU_JaqA/s3264/Vechilces%20blocking%20road.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkMIlXUuM1Cga3tZniEr1kwpvdmafL0eNTAkeD-T51zJa7I3Raw-MPT1O2qJNRKDNZ0hOHhbbdVGTMKm937pMWOwU6zitu7662YJk4QjyyUIHzC58PNly70ppUHVq5uzRFOsmB_NwUugS_Th-zJg1gQJIdoQMk1cH8bdOSTKaIF1pSzTsrpaMU_JaqA/s320/Vechilces%20blocking%20road.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE8Ye3DC6zYrkpTw861HVOWRw41HiFronGTlAQMmXq8HKvmxDOn6FUIOHRwZDF86rLQIl0WKh2lcA7JGtLUfq7jgm10z6Ma5rypdh8Sjk4JXxLuy9QhXZPx6Rk4OKQ1O_LQwq7lb0osEyuLZf8CVgCI_6_wobRaOK-sFnUVQyM_NNpmZZidNpwy_aUQ/s3264/Roads%20blocked%20by%20vehicles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE8Ye3DC6zYrkpTw861HVOWRw41HiFronGTlAQMmXq8HKvmxDOn6FUIOHRwZDF86rLQIl0WKh2lcA7JGtLUfq7jgm10z6Ma5rypdh8Sjk4JXxLuy9QhXZPx6Rk4OKQ1O_LQwq7lb0osEyuLZf8CVgCI_6_wobRaOK-sFnUVQyM_NNpmZZidNpwy_aUQ/s320/Roads%20blocked%20by%20vehicles.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Two existing hides, east hide overlooking D reservoir and L
shaped hide which overlooked O reservoir have finally been removed in readiness
for the instalment of two new, accessible hides which will be positioned on top
of the two mounds that will be constructed in the same areas. Again, this has
involved large machinery. Once down we could see why these hides were reaching
the end of their life span, rotten wood surrounded by concrete was all that was
left in the support bases. Another one of our hides, overlooking Watton has been relocated to allow full access for all visitors observing Watton nature reserve.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1Yj4TeuJM63tXVYfOIjLdAtx1eTdxoeivZh2obtOGmP6JuVSw4pNW_EF8GthaQgwKIhqNKS1D6EAMFl8Ttyp0TF4Ki3exl1M4udyijraIXO3ygNTM9VP6BvhfhjLm3iVLepzoaedGBQ3LK0l2aYlev0ykU9rksGgJgBdhDvhBiIPwywOz0l6d05E4Q/s1174/East%20hide%20removal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1Yj4TeuJM63tXVYfOIjLdAtx1eTdxoeivZh2obtOGmP6JuVSw4pNW_EF8GthaQgwKIhqNKS1D6EAMFl8Ttyp0TF4Ki3exl1M4udyijraIXO3ygNTM9VP6BvhfhjLm3iVLepzoaedGBQ3LK0l2aYlev0ykU9rksGgJgBdhDvhBiIPwywOz0l6d05E4Q/s320/East%20hide%20removal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5L9GOnpzyXAjIRFaRPy4Pm4_lK82hHiyEK0vOvG-i0Uo0UxRRFHjCH4mcylIYO9nvZSWz0pAszzqTFjwIKmyTiX46fCtdKEamT6GWdtG5F-EvjM_RvkQTY_yK8sGDX2bj_2qwbuRs3QBeSkSjQ3k0GmtVyhLMc8rH-d4oR_TQJe53IK59rlbFTNFJw/s3264/new%20position%20of%20watton%20hide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge5L9GOnpzyXAjIRFaRPy4Pm4_lK82hHiyEK0vOvG-i0Uo0UxRRFHjCH4mcylIYO9nvZSWz0pAszzqTFjwIKmyTiX46fCtdKEamT6GWdtG5F-EvjM_RvkQTY_yK8sGDX2bj_2qwbuRs3QBeSkSjQ3k0GmtVyhLMc8rH-d4oR_TQJe53IK59rlbFTNFJw/s320/new%20position%20of%20watton%20hide.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An addition to the site has been the arrival of the new
volunteer hub, which is now in place near the reception hide, across the access
road from the classroom. Once in use this will provide the facilities for
volunteers to have their breaks and lunches, pure luxury in comparison to
sitting outside the present office building, often in inclement weather and
always spilling over into the car park. For all the hard work that the
volunteers do they really deserve some comfortable space to recover from their
labours.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmgAL8FxN6usHdXuKck87S0VtH6I-lFChYyptK0ZI5c-XuNAmoW1UI8BRktzb_Tzh_Z9cVz8oJZ3-g0L7xnkEq1Mej0Pu_LqoO7dXi9IyxYJUMpJ7_ytxozKx98uXT3dlIc7W_YAzmR-5Cg-jvkkCF3cxypz0cwhTBqd6S89sTFavwEXWAgmZwOsDUg/s1174/Installing%20volunteer%20hub%20facilities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmgAL8FxN6usHdXuKck87S0VtH6I-lFChYyptK0ZI5c-XuNAmoW1UI8BRktzb_Tzh_Z9cVz8oJZ3-g0L7xnkEq1Mej0Pu_LqoO7dXi9IyxYJUMpJ7_ytxozKx98uXT3dlIc7W_YAzmR-5Cg-jvkkCF3cxypz0cwhTBqd6S89sTFavwEXWAgmZwOsDUg/s320/Installing%20volunteer%20hub%20facilities.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMJp2CP51dCZjn6JDVIkWqku0Y5RlwQ0WhEsNKNarp2-IOYGfcyKaLJvYSVLjQvlIG9SN2O-yQH-sU28BSgjbcTFgRSksPipavXC8nhldDp4cZmF3b5YMijNA-y93HoJHmLmwP2ri_bkqJm1qUXAkQWuVrYVNN17YEUVLuX44zpAHv1FmCTP1U2WFVw/s1174/Placing%20the%20new%20volunteer%20hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMJp2CP51dCZjn6JDVIkWqku0Y5RlwQ0WhEsNKNarp2-IOYGfcyKaLJvYSVLjQvlIG9SN2O-yQH-sU28BSgjbcTFgRSksPipavXC8nhldDp4cZmF3b5YMijNA-y93HoJHmLmwP2ri_bkqJm1qUXAkQWuVrYVNN17YEUVLuX44zpAHv1FmCTP1U2WFVw/s320/Placing%20the%20new%20volunteer%20hub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-agwgiYzHLZrnqqXpQvpuIsXGenP6sCKUWmB-HHXhWMZHoHZ9kHz1ag6_TtFKp2ZmpKSxDfaJAPNnaN5QPOhthlS5v8jQ-tJb1lc6OyqB31r92EQGUfeTvSs4OJOP3uvMhNtux1lsaugX-9FyC0vjtFk7I3m57kg68ZRGNJ-5DNg0J9XX4Wju3EhuOA/s1174/Arrival%20of%20the%20new%20volunteer%20hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-agwgiYzHLZrnqqXpQvpuIsXGenP6sCKUWmB-HHXhWMZHoHZ9kHz1ag6_TtFKp2ZmpKSxDfaJAPNnaN5QPOhthlS5v8jQ-tJb1lc6OyqB31r92EQGUfeTvSs4OJOP3uvMhNtux1lsaugX-9FyC0vjtFk7I3m57kg68ZRGNJ-5DNg0J9XX4Wju3EhuOA/s320/Arrival%20of%20the%20new%20volunteer%20hub.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our volunteer team have continued to provide the site team
with hours of hard work on a wide variety of tasks. New fencing has been
installed along Barmston drain, brash walls have been completed within reception
woods, the willow arch leaving north lagoon has had some care and attention,
drainage ditches have been slowly cleared, fences have been repaired and much
more. One job has been to revamp and paint the old familiar sightings hut. This
has now been placed just inside the reserve on the path to reception hide. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgQ0Cnld6WtKhUJrtPvQn9Zxn6ZKqqDt44-dZi-5T09nz532SEmkmefxK7teYPS3LpvNfl3Dn5q5r-b0oqAv-LEt7RTR-XGZHbDTqhnpdLdJNDF3JC6sVZL_q65f8suBtkaRP1k8I4PgpnMBOd7gT3_KMElVFIvMq-xlXtzO7eUaUs6rZcbhYOWdUYQ/s3264/Old%20sightings%20hut%20revamped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgQ0Cnld6WtKhUJrtPvQn9Zxn6ZKqqDt44-dZi-5T09nz532SEmkmefxK7teYPS3LpvNfl3Dn5q5r-b0oqAv-LEt7RTR-XGZHbDTqhnpdLdJNDF3JC6sVZL_q65f8suBtkaRP1k8I4PgpnMBOd7gT3_KMElVFIvMq-xlXtzO7eUaUs6rZcbhYOWdUYQ/s320/Old%20sightings%20hut%20revamped.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sightings of birds throughout 2021 are in the process of
being logged and a report compiled. It has been interesting which species are
often recorded regularly and others which are not noted. According to the
sightings records from last year no one saw a woodpigeon or magpie on the
reserve! This links to one of the new instalments that we wish to introduce at
the reserve. This will be a different way in which visitors can contribute to
this vast data collection, whether it is the observation of a kingfisher
carrying food, a family of long tailed tits or a passing red kite, we want your
records. In order to find out which method our visitors like best to submit
their sightings, and to be involved, we would like you to take part in an on -line
survey. By following the link below and answering the 10 questions you will be
helping us in this task. Thank you for your time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <a href="https://puxg9tj89xs.typeform.com/to/NXG9JU2y"><span style="color: blue;">https://puxg9tj89xs.typeform.com/to/NXG9JU2y</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recent observations around the reserve, either by
volunteers, site staff or on one of our guided walks (More about them later)
have shown some interesting happenings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We believe that this year there are three pairs of marsh
harriers breeding on the reserve: one at north marsh, one at south marsh east
and the third between north and south lagoon. Recent school groups have seen
both the male and female coming into the reeds at north lagoon, delighting
observers. Similarly, we have had great views on south marsh on our walks.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have been reporting bittern on site for a few months now,
with a male calling earlier on in the spring. There have been several sightings
on south marsh west, and on one occasion two birds were noted. As yet, we have
no evidence of breeding, but we can hope.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Common terns have returned to south marsh east, with 16
birds, hopefully 8 pairs, ready to breed in amongst the black headed gull colony.
In the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>black headed gull colony last
week, 95 nests were counted, an increase from 75 last year. A pair of oystercatchers
have 2 young at present and a family of gadwall had 7 ducklings yesterday. The
pair of little ringed plovers have chosen to nest further out into the marsh
this year but no sign of eggs yet. Mute swans have a brood of 5 young on north
lagoon, yesterday seen dragging themselves across the mud as the water level
continues to fall, ahead of complete drainage of the lagoon. This will be
completed in late summer after which the lagoon will be dredged, allowing it to
be refilled in time, from the water treatment works.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A family of willow tits moving through O reservoir woods was
an exciting sight this week. Willow tit numbers have declined steeply, by 94%
since 1970 across the UK, so this would be a significant record for the
reserve. Their preferred habitat is wet woodland or scrubby wetland, excavating
their holes in rotting wood. Their diet is predominately wetland invertebrates
which are abundant in damper areas; Tophill Low and its habitats hopefully
providing these ideal conditions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another potential breeder on the site could be grey
partridge as a pair have been sighted on a few occasions in the Hempholme area.
Once very common and widespread, it has undergone serious decline throughout
most of its range and is a Red List species. Watch this space to hear of its success.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of our regular visitors and readers will have taken advantage
of our guided walks in recent weeks to gain an insight into what has been happening
on the reserve. These walks have proved to be very popular. In response we are
putting on five more walks in June. Again, these walks can be booked via
Eventbrite website and are free to members, non-members are asked to pay the
normal admission price. Please follow the link below to book on one of these
walks, places are limited so please book NOW!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-reserve-walk-tickets-350341219017">https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-reserve-walk-tickets-350341219017</a><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhgVk3TykXWOBjS4YzosXW2u3jkGLDdW6XQyNSbrJ6bpQOGGh05kwBiVtnCQrLIWoFeJGLCrQgfHNYvoNkID5mHp3NCmEBoZrNtGohTvmWi_uJzq2b_CB5XNiiaiNvDXt-6TQ6xr9IvMuSh1-0dgx6cAz3ch437Cw5tEdGU_66T5KR84ItwvaIpdyYw/s3264/Guided%20walks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhgVk3TykXWOBjS4YzosXW2u3jkGLDdW6XQyNSbrJ6bpQOGGh05kwBiVtnCQrLIWoFeJGLCrQgfHNYvoNkID5mHp3NCmEBoZrNtGohTvmWi_uJzq2b_CB5XNiiaiNvDXt-6TQ6xr9IvMuSh1-0dgx6cAz3ch437Cw5tEdGU_66T5KR84ItwvaIpdyYw/s320/Guided%20walks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>School groups have continued to visit the reserve for their outdoor learning, pond dipping being a favourite activity. My recent publication in an academic journal (Education 3-13) highlights the importance of this experience to pupils' wider curriculum and language. The abstract gives a summary of the research findings that were carried out with visiting pupils. The link is below:<div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03004279.2021.1899261?download=true" target="_blank">https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/03004279.2021.1899261?download=true</a><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRWfKSdkEhK59ogxRgZLUNxhYbesnsvQokEAVJI80ugYyE6lERZQEPf4HF1iDeEqD6ect_I5FarsiIYO-uP0qkyrHX3bGVb3Cwt_dmSuaw6-QtlS5QQ7DXDGctkNtVrYca821RHnlE0AJf5jkSXq052cNjUE2m0QGvX3yGy_0xajsWyUk1S147_hplg/s1024/pond%20dipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRWfKSdkEhK59ogxRgZLUNxhYbesnsvQokEAVJI80ugYyE6lERZQEPf4HF1iDeEqD6ect_I5FarsiIYO-uP0qkyrHX3bGVb3Cwt_dmSuaw6-QtlS5QQ7DXDGctkNtVrYca821RHnlE0AJf5jkSXq052cNjUE2m0QGvX3yGy_0xajsWyUk1S147_hplg/s320/pond%20dipping.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgv4a95eAl2lHZh5rjYVzDC40MJrO6reh6Qgztf_5sE0RgiuUksioJiIyJ_i6NOsZrIWq6Ox5yuXJlZ3Ap_7oFbhv_8JRrug7myWYc_uel8AaGggW4eQYoG46vb6aU4zunC5Dssqfrt9iYXg6TQM2G9hyZHJQkH8ihOFG_1z3jQ4rWk6Rp9LOGlAD5w/s3264/School%20children%20pond%20dipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgv4a95eAl2lHZh5rjYVzDC40MJrO6reh6Qgztf_5sE0RgiuUksioJiIyJ_i6NOsZrIWq6Ox5yuXJlZ3Ap_7oFbhv_8JRrug7myWYc_uel8AaGggW4eQYoG46vb6aU4zunC5Dssqfrt9iYXg6TQM2G9hyZHJQkH8ihOFG_1z3jQ4rWk6Rp9LOGlAD5w/s320/School%20children%20pond%20dipping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">School bookings are now being taken for the autumn term and for any visiting school groups are FREE so please let any teachers know that they can book via our dedicated education pages on the Yorkshire Water site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hopefully we will see some of you booked onto one of our guided walks in the coming weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-220231088885406342022-04-05T15:16:00.000+01:002022-04-05T15:16:54.489+01:00Tophill tours - limited access to reserve <p>As promised is an update on the current opening status of Tophill
Low;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXR7iScVD9HcnVuFfxNg33pxfFt8ZY8wA9VGMZoIuwQGAD6bI0C8PaEr7qwjOWMW1fP0h6TZErHmntFJh12VjOgIYNtottW81_Ptr83DLY5b2CgPYzwHsRlBc95V8yYtk1lrB3F5dibxWp5zcn2RqJ2tyMWqaeLSSwPp7txwmnk8dHptP6Ew3KunXQg/s4032/IMG_6680.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXR7iScVD9HcnVuFfxNg33pxfFt8ZY8wA9VGMZoIuwQGAD6bI0C8PaEr7qwjOWMW1fP0h6TZErHmntFJh12VjOgIYNtottW81_Ptr83DLY5b2CgPYzwHsRlBc95V8yYtk1lrB3F5dibxWp5zcn2RqJ2tyMWqaeLSSwPp7txwmnk8dHptP6Ew3KunXQg/w640-h480/IMG_6680.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Currently forestry work is all but completed, but there is
much disruption to footpaths and hides, which is shortly to be compounded by
major landscaping work, and as such we are currently unable to admit visitors unsupervised
to site; And we must set the expectation this will be the case into the
summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst it’s a great shame to restrict access to our much-loved
reserve, the long-term benefits of new habitats, bird hides, accessible paths,
reductions in disturbance to local communities by minimising haulage &
carbon emissions, whilst delivering savings for bill payers yet providing facilities
we could not fund through the reserve budget alone, mean this short term disruption
for visitors is unavoidable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, we are conscious that many regulars and visitors
are desperate to see the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such we’ll be running a
series of guided reserve walks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Risk assessing
the hazards we can maintain this level of supervised access in the interim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Places will be strictly book in advance only and are limited
in numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially dates will be through
April / May and we’ll add more subject to interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The tours will meet at 10am in the car park – again strictly
<b>pre-book </b>only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tours will be approximately
2 miles in length and last 2-2.5hrs in time, where visitors can visit those
hides and routes accessible at that time with one of the Warden team showcasing
the best wildlife and taking questions on the current projects and work
undertaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Please be aware that many of the paths are very uneven and therefore unfortunately, not accessible to all at this current time.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please note all participants need to remain together as part
of the supervised walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Our safety policies dictate all persons must be supervised on what is still
an operational Water Treatment site, and on all walks we need to don high
viz. We will linger for photographic opportunities but we can't leave folks unaccompanied in hides either during or after walks. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All dates and bookings are undertaken online via Eventbrite –
Link <b><u><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-reserve-walk-tickets-314507970807?utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=checkoutwidget" target="_blank">HERE</a></u></b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For members (with cards valid to 2020 or 2022) admission is
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For non-members standard admission applies payable
at the ticket machine on site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Note we will still be granting a membership extension to those whom have missed out due to the closures as planned, once we're fully up and running again. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To demonstrate why we’ve been, and why we will be closed to unrestricted access, here’s some images of
what we have been undertaking in recent weeks so you can see why having families and folks in camou gear wandering round is just too difficult to manage safely;</p><p class="MsoNormal">Conversion under way on the old wildlife centre;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbqGjvzAhqQmMmbcYy3239iT9E6_JQEPLAanNTjN8nw-D9AyEBSB-QeJZlK-AGYuaRWELqdix1hnnRn1TTQoxkAiRHqt1ROtDiGEoK23UAnrsguwuiw8DrpmrvRHVGmKSyH4ZtY3YCiwW5vnG8Sc_RNHnHBUnBMNqo2j84IbMqC32zXyJmM6X4NVbcA/s4032/IMG_6695.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbqGjvzAhqQmMmbcYy3239iT9E6_JQEPLAanNTjN8nw-D9AyEBSB-QeJZlK-AGYuaRWELqdix1hnnRn1TTQoxkAiRHqt1ROtDiGEoK23UAnrsguwuiw8DrpmrvRHVGmKSyH4ZtY3YCiwW5vnG8Sc_RNHnHBUnBMNqo2j84IbMqC32zXyJmM6X4NVbcA/w640-h480/IMG_6695.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With prep underway for the new volunteer quarters at the other end of the car park;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNG81cyDvbR5dvzcXrwv7_lbm_SMQPi3MUbL24elhRlZjjDHPfJPOIKOR4AYZjG-Bp86uosIY3vlNmENITsCC6b1UFc3Ug1ZKRQK_d-o4KlH6KAV2QmXAdcC3WFc_AikPi6Vn6amulXMQ5Nctktd3hxuhyMIL60CVKo9TzUTPAwfNKI6-qBw-JYXONg/s4032/IMG_6475.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNG81cyDvbR5dvzcXrwv7_lbm_SMQPi3MUbL24elhRlZjjDHPfJPOIKOR4AYZjG-Bp86uosIY3vlNmENITsCC6b1UFc3Ug1ZKRQK_d-o4KlH6KAV2QmXAdcC3WFc_AikPi6Vn6amulXMQ5Nctktd3hxuhyMIL60CVKo9TzUTPAwfNKI6-qBw-JYXONg/w640-h480/IMG_6475.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>Poplar removal in the car park by Fountains Forestry / RG Blakey; <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg-V-5vegg7LJIDVU6RJ0Vu_4mf3w2-ypFyk42bGVj_F4HZN1CTQiafTuK02ETM4nwCAfNg8-cKLs9kedl8BQDnUhrM9qwgf3HEub0MXEpElsaVMxQm-Du62YRUx7bibTcniRZVm71HlPX8hE8bwMGax28BrA-pyvLJfWlhLSyS5bNQqjQgtlTuAqoQ/s4032/IMG_6281.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWg-V-5vegg7LJIDVU6RJ0Vu_4mf3w2-ypFyk42bGVj_F4HZN1CTQiafTuK02ETM4nwCAfNg8-cKLs9kedl8BQDnUhrM9qwgf3HEub0MXEpElsaVMxQm-Du62YRUx7bibTcniRZVm71HlPX8hE8bwMGax28BrA-pyvLJfWlhLSyS5bNQqjQgtlTuAqoQ/w640-h480/IMG_6281.HEIC" width="640" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobyo6sD0O8sZkqDERQdZM0Czj8xlf4LRT3tFButpJ04p2017qfFlQBfpSxzo9KYzI3Wf_HLWaK6W69ftY9fYUO5pUI6Rub4VSF7MIjDzgPpTCjwt4Op8KKHkEF61AfrInxrHt5XuE8gUCr9jVz6cZ1LjZbpTca251IxMcQKXyW6o_nI5AYW49j9xu9w/s1600/461edebe-6d94-42d8-90c1-c66c48601a20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobyo6sD0O8sZkqDERQdZM0Czj8xlf4LRT3tFButpJ04p2017qfFlQBfpSxzo9KYzI3Wf_HLWaK6W69ftY9fYUO5pUI6Rub4VSF7MIjDzgPpTCjwt4Op8KKHkEF61AfrInxrHt5XuE8gUCr9jVz6cZ1LjZbpTca251IxMcQKXyW6o_nI5AYW49j9xu9w/w640-h480/461edebe-6d94-42d8-90c1-c66c48601a20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimrop_uJzI8LQXWBgzKDTd0SGL0vYjqma2ECrpgq1S7mvgVeAeX85YZ49KU2mRaaOwvnGrZ_LAwshG0si10lJeWD36_xZ66Jn2FdY45qEMDVxWfsdQTHIbwdQCrKny8ugQtipI1lhxCBGfOmNA8_KezeHsX7-c1_PrXQi4JCzdKv3-WM5ooRbWAH2Fg/s1600/75c33e66-5bf0-4258-a56b-76cf6c5e8981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimrop_uJzI8LQXWBgzKDTd0SGL0vYjqma2ECrpgq1S7mvgVeAeX85YZ49KU2mRaaOwvnGrZ_LAwshG0si10lJeWD36_xZ66Jn2FdY45qEMDVxWfsdQTHIbwdQCrKny8ugQtipI1lhxCBGfOmNA8_KezeHsX7-c1_PrXQi4JCzdKv3-WM5ooRbWAH2Fg/w640-h480/75c33e66-5bf0-4258-a56b-76cf6c5e8981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2D3QRTwecL5_0_34uJNwaNHEXQQAkFG7u1VoRsJjObznkfnPH2WF8Nesv5fc_wMIcPj64rbmDgTfZw3xu4UpwrgpRrJwetghEoZlZEVIHwTyIUQiEWVZ2QhZWjYp3fVRScUNRziUcvY7CPKL2O-r5NqWFW5ZaIYbQk0C3RAEQkaiLRhRXM9RO6xihQ/s4032/IMG_6273.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2D3QRTwecL5_0_34uJNwaNHEXQQAkFG7u1VoRsJjObznkfnPH2WF8Nesv5fc_wMIcPj64rbmDgTfZw3xu4UpwrgpRrJwetghEoZlZEVIHwTyIUQiEWVZ2QhZWjYp3fVRScUNRziUcvY7CPKL2O-r5NqWFW5ZaIYbQk0C3RAEQkaiLRhRXM9RO6xihQ/w640-h480/IMG_6273.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitswJy_pZRTvKh8uW20mvXPGO0Ilmt175h8qFzaMnkDzwcJRwy5QlGM500BXVnrMEdWVYfLOtJTzNSzRC9IC9t9k3s4PKj81qE1VAbxsRhJWn_OlLGqDNaiUOZXg-IxN67HYBiOFrBDVGap4y6MexV8fwO8IrDHRBTsoNNHrRpAd7aUDXnLHpxX5wUMw/s4032/IMG_6276.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitswJy_pZRTvKh8uW20mvXPGO0Ilmt175h8qFzaMnkDzwcJRwy5QlGM500BXVnrMEdWVYfLOtJTzNSzRC9IC9t9k3s4PKj81qE1VAbxsRhJWn_OlLGqDNaiUOZXg-IxN67HYBiOFrBDVGap4y6MexV8fwO8IrDHRBTsoNNHrRpAd7aUDXnLHpxX5wUMw/w640-h480/IMG_6276.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ-F2dDf8C3Fus55eS3pz0-dxlDa8bz2vzJ5W2DJOAqol5flr39EGO5R_2e2juaD_12YHhz8XQLbiMnghd76rwLNQOy9phm9o9j7Oqp-VvqoxIBpFax-pmSFfDEb-uqA59AOJ2WS__iwDh4t6JEkOuIhr-RePyVS9ifz0BLnRYMVJLzAI9NK6vQcw7Q/s4032/IMG_6292.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQ-F2dDf8C3Fus55eS3pz0-dxlDa8bz2vzJ5W2DJOAqol5flr39EGO5R_2e2juaD_12YHhz8XQLbiMnghd76rwLNQOy9phm9o9j7Oqp-VvqoxIBpFax-pmSFfDEb-uqA59AOJ2WS__iwDh4t6JEkOuIhr-RePyVS9ifz0BLnRYMVJLzAI9NK6vQcw7Q/w640-h480/IMG_6292.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm9aPHSZDEexwFy5i5FJu-jTLk87JNbkvCCNEbwaFO2318_jqmsQYvrHcRQSedaCkiCHfDcsN2Otifc8Iwh6q8lrSNFX29DPyU8-kGLGqiNJohGi_sitSq_Kzt0QZC6idvxDX4OZ3My8xMxA_l1wOw4Qx_JL0iDflRohWFkOsonHTJcS-EU7FiX7iEA/s4032/IMG_6301.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpm9aPHSZDEexwFy5i5FJu-jTLk87JNbkvCCNEbwaFO2318_jqmsQYvrHcRQSedaCkiCHfDcsN2Otifc8Iwh6q8lrSNFX29DPyU8-kGLGqiNJohGi_sitSq_Kzt0QZC6idvxDX4OZ3My8xMxA_l1wOw4Qx_JL0iDflRohWFkOsonHTJcS-EU7FiX7iEA/w640-h480/IMG_6301.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm035qbmEILvIfO8VMqmQBIP5jxwJDxZgEE1j7EOg6wKYpxLTBXrtmEcZYAsfSbbTZS6xA7s9qexNT5EIpnGm0k5679QmV0xeMHm-IOVYOL57b-jM6nqD5WHGuRN4wHV6rpWmLyPo-ig6DxK4NqIRN4GIpPE-4yqVx9_UBvD3n1kZVeevuddLRsjXRPw/s4032/IMG_6303.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm035qbmEILvIfO8VMqmQBIP5jxwJDxZgEE1j7EOg6wKYpxLTBXrtmEcZYAsfSbbTZS6xA7s9qexNT5EIpnGm0k5679QmV0xeMHm-IOVYOL57b-jM6nqD5WHGuRN4wHV6rpWmLyPo-ig6DxK4NqIRN4GIpPE-4yqVx9_UBvD3n1kZVeevuddLRsjXRPw/w640-h480/IMG_6303.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div>All logs and chip are being dispatched for biofuels; unglamorous as it may be in the current world green energy is much in demand;</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn22Y1OZ4jXsNa3aXUPqZqxWR2SFOHQstxqH_0rNVT9BVbruk6QtwOCqVycHrHHCzOwbqfeq4480ak9RX3EWi_VmYE32VQykwSpQoxECm9vtSvtvPw49Z85ZCRcmRpMpM4MzUD7fKb67jP1BQ-sK93QaspvbSiAL927v3Qc2_uxmp8DgUbbEKf3COtA/s4032/IMG_6517.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn22Y1OZ4jXsNa3aXUPqZqxWR2SFOHQstxqH_0rNVT9BVbruk6QtwOCqVycHrHHCzOwbqfeq4480ak9RX3EWi_VmYE32VQykwSpQoxECm9vtSvtvPw49Z85ZCRcmRpMpM4MzUD7fKb67jP1BQ-sK93QaspvbSiAL927v3Qc2_uxmp8DgUbbEKf3COtA/w640-h480/IMG_6517.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhamfndn4KTwWXvw2sda9MzPQgKTpabXVQH7upCCRRGVFIhFxuVfd8iljDWAjowScLXlH0eK8X7QchCZXXAP-yxg0Mqo_MT6d0KXefbYuWa6XqCy_jjE1XgU1X4kMlWkerIULxCCXE6YU02IFDtnDworc71wRrqVM9rwcUOB49On3OGTZc5nwVIKGy_Q/s4032/IMG_6506.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhamfndn4KTwWXvw2sda9MzPQgKTpabXVQH7upCCRRGVFIhFxuVfd8iljDWAjowScLXlH0eK8X7QchCZXXAP-yxg0Mqo_MT6d0KXefbYuWa6XqCy_jjE1XgU1X4kMlWkerIULxCCXE6YU02IFDtnDworc71wRrqVM9rwcUOB49On3OGTZc5nwVIKGy_Q/w640-h480/IMG_6506.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKznhm3htRTcVw8T9S4tgg_nVjs7kOgebRr1lwGbQjnQ0NJ44g5pJzvQqEPdnhsRzyFtWPXnxefPsyqrh0YQmraa7jiUYdvGiYEPp1bWy2cFLRtDIJvLFHN12e60XcfQ-noi2q35uCldohiuXqwCIvre0clSChk6UDZF1ElUda93FrX3mpbIwN-jyow/s4032/IMG_6511.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKznhm3htRTcVw8T9S4tgg_nVjs7kOgebRr1lwGbQjnQ0NJ44g5pJzvQqEPdnhsRzyFtWPXnxefPsyqrh0YQmraa7jiUYdvGiYEPp1bWy2cFLRtDIJvLFHN12e60XcfQ-noi2q35uCldohiuXqwCIvre0clSChk6UDZF1ElUda93FrX3mpbIwN-jyow/w640-h480/IMG_6511.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYya8Mr0_7593YH5TUMBRFsAtBGkk7Pdf0GYmckHlZiGVleuGIYY1QGomPWzaYJm9jYKZm4rqiXBEBEqFQV-tu_z0SXl2pRJCM-YXE83zn2nL7JPbS0IqzO9zCDNbKUwYInwznvHRPqJPEsaoryuUek4Jn_2eeCcr9a_FPl7rtaMNRxv_OUPtEdQ3ag/s4032/IMG_6645.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYya8Mr0_7593YH5TUMBRFsAtBGkk7Pdf0GYmckHlZiGVleuGIYY1QGomPWzaYJm9jYKZm4rqiXBEBEqFQV-tu_z0SXl2pRJCM-YXE83zn2nL7JPbS0IqzO9zCDNbKUwYInwznvHRPqJPEsaoryuUek4Jn_2eeCcr9a_FPl7rtaMNRxv_OUPtEdQ3ag/w480-h640/IMG_6645.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lu_6k4GI3_HDFMKkOM4Lj-oR6o5_JDhzAitGCuN-yqNhuw1buz60-fbm4ZtW2uPKexnzVYGYk9fVzPvBWgZdDP88zFbs3ypHOyJPvBpbyUQjWTjNB4Zv9n8q9EKOWxROwgL9dLU38blG_7ZxreRFPC70wZQy6cf8rM26cxmhbTES3GOR-cfvzr8EYQ/s4032/IMG_6649.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lu_6k4GI3_HDFMKkOM4Lj-oR6o5_JDhzAitGCuN-yqNhuw1buz60-fbm4ZtW2uPKexnzVYGYk9fVzPvBWgZdDP88zFbs3ypHOyJPvBpbyUQjWTjNB4Zv9n8q9EKOWxROwgL9dLU38blG_7ZxreRFPC70wZQy6cf8rM26cxmhbTES3GOR-cfvzr8EYQ/w640-h480/IMG_6649.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1fFOhCB_Nj3DxyjziBEYqzh6VbiZVOlm7JI8gQB6r_96B_ud1tTSAxAco79uDjEPaDR4NfmZONG7rVq4BCTXbuuZ2gDH_S-7DQYOhTazKg4_pphXJRrcqCOjVG_JGUVMFzBQ4XjAYTv-CYHaPjbndBvL_4vUmEfV1A3HIm2eaqTvv9rR-x81_m0Vsg/s4032/IMG_6642.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1fFOhCB_Nj3DxyjziBEYqzh6VbiZVOlm7JI8gQB6r_96B_ud1tTSAxAco79uDjEPaDR4NfmZONG7rVq4BCTXbuuZ2gDH_S-7DQYOhTazKg4_pphXJRrcqCOjVG_JGUVMFzBQ4XjAYTv-CYHaPjbndBvL_4vUmEfV1A3HIm2eaqTvv9rR-x81_m0Vsg/w640-h480/IMG_6642.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Add into the mix storm damage to be sorted also;</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFk0dZt2idFN-MAucck9QAtVPF3SsztlgeZWX-qF8LcGKQyZYcZ7b6eYfb3B9AyhD_LmCtTmzFAKIevYT-spP3g0Sgg8Oy5NT9O6r9stoUFaQvF7xjc_68eRh5WYuovl0v5SjjBf-MDIxvdGzZDSRtCuO2lFN2A70b6agIs9kTCfZXj7-ndTol9ErFw/s4032/IMG_6500.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFk0dZt2idFN-MAucck9QAtVPF3SsztlgeZWX-qF8LcGKQyZYcZ7b6eYfb3B9AyhD_LmCtTmzFAKIevYT-spP3g0Sgg8Oy5NT9O6r9stoUFaQvF7xjc_68eRh5WYuovl0v5SjjBf-MDIxvdGzZDSRtCuO2lFN2A70b6agIs9kTCfZXj7-ndTol9ErFw/w640-h480/IMG_6500.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Elsewhere paths being upgraded by Galliford Try; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh616WAYPEVoCI85N1hmrKDWEDyOIp69n1GweNk14Dy_MM-kbbP756gYNXzBtt0iF_A2ZVMd9kbwJBvydjnIo24FCHlpDzREfYyD8gWnTAs2v4H9tp1ezbujkjFa0xrtihriwwX2etIq6jKHWyx9IUVbnvf-xn5srRGzktsE-AjNLJfB0JXyuGbo4rQ/s1600/61a91840-f342-45d6-900c-17088f184daf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh616WAYPEVoCI85N1hmrKDWEDyOIp69n1GweNk14Dy_MM-kbbP756gYNXzBtt0iF_A2ZVMd9kbwJBvydjnIo24FCHlpDzREfYyD8gWnTAs2v4H9tp1ezbujkjFa0xrtihriwwX2etIq6jKHWyx9IUVbnvf-xn5srRGzktsE-AjNLJfB0JXyuGbo4rQ/w640-h480/61a91840-f342-45d6-900c-17088f184daf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWmKg-hEMEcq_59OyyDPO1mot3qnjaR5LexfPWY1KkjOrb2NSrVQRLmXHfEEoI5r5hQVFdrqOJ9OeEzGCoNxHHvT0aZW5UMmRBYNVGeOA5yjvq_sJbpaN4gh7OAeiArNcTeVJ48P9YMKRT9LJBmdSGXw0vkaaEJ5VFBYjopUocaLuBzumZ4wI0G6eiw/s1600/a425e7ae-3283-4d93-868b-240995052e6b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWmKg-hEMEcq_59OyyDPO1mot3qnjaR5LexfPWY1KkjOrb2NSrVQRLmXHfEEoI5r5hQVFdrqOJ9OeEzGCoNxHHvT0aZW5UMmRBYNVGeOA5yjvq_sJbpaN4gh7OAeiArNcTeVJ48P9YMKRT9LJBmdSGXw0vkaaEJ5VFBYjopUocaLuBzumZ4wI0G6eiw/w640-h480/a425e7ae-3283-4d93-868b-240995052e6b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvui7kvwvGXIus78qedJ5YpjHuPdaX1qLHXtrizI7fo9twvfoIVnISvX8GESYTK9sOBxrq-havBNBeuCB2pEB-r-tppPjWJ3cR9OgfW0x1VipIG9Tqj1YT3AYuudVh8kDEbFfaFVtU-5PVvCxXdikKbMif7uyo0MOt_OKGuSO8hI2KS3fJDPU_0_58PQ/s1600/90368769-ad33-4849-ae9c-6c3761627986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvui7kvwvGXIus78qedJ5YpjHuPdaX1qLHXtrizI7fo9twvfoIVnISvX8GESYTK9sOBxrq-havBNBeuCB2pEB-r-tppPjWJ3cR9OgfW0x1VipIG9Tqj1YT3AYuudVh8kDEbFfaFVtU-5PVvCxXdikKbMif7uyo0MOt_OKGuSO8hI2KS3fJDPU_0_58PQ/w640-h480/90368769-ad33-4849-ae9c-6c3761627986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVdns3YcsV8x2k7ybmUslVNNeMgjf6ELmHJ96dDfs4MiFYas9qeaZk63UyeqwccuMU0FIq3NfSDcMzdxPKlhOIOyiKrUJ-CRYNKY_vOl7dpFO2GLGoXMaW3LVqQvm_WNJB7g3sdJnjMjsYxLkOvV8XoPaJXDeqOZVYvfRSk17bQ5D5-9S8J926-ItUw/s4032/IMG_6686.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVdns3YcsV8x2k7ybmUslVNNeMgjf6ELmHJ96dDfs4MiFYas9qeaZk63UyeqwccuMU0FIq3NfSDcMzdxPKlhOIOyiKrUJ-CRYNKY_vOl7dpFO2GLGoXMaW3LVqQvm_WNJB7g3sdJnjMjsYxLkOvV8XoPaJXDeqOZVYvfRSk17bQ5D5-9S8J926-ItUw/w640-h480/IMG_6686.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BoOivMmznga0vwiLHWJDD3U2Yq_umCIojgtyrGTB7wHupIYzMV1bNh6stehcM_LiGr0wRO0kIpV_haY8mUDmMigUOMmtCnf7W4WHjWGsaR2XS-oFRpdH4POtozI-7_6llDeuneUxxYLguFw14bcBw-mspkgcZtDc_barfA20dCEDqhqMeh44rq4UJA/s4032/IMG_6360.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BoOivMmznga0vwiLHWJDD3U2Yq_umCIojgtyrGTB7wHupIYzMV1bNh6stehcM_LiGr0wRO0kIpV_haY8mUDmMigUOMmtCnf7W4WHjWGsaR2XS-oFRpdH4POtozI-7_6llDeuneUxxYLguFw14bcBw-mspkgcZtDc_barfA20dCEDqhqMeh44rq4UJA/w640-h480/IMG_6360.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnAZ-1Z6juc3odPUuMqKaqDtxGvf_nUsXu0OozKKSGi6FuHkgoQxXlDfPj1zMpWHSleqljqLPHwi3W5rYOqzuBjmuZyGreO6LhT4wOagfGNLTtuVf446mqZ6YrHJ8BtgIV6VxJ_xbwRZef6XtvP2ZhA8QlxqEUDfAfppamfrEIbydtvoYdUmAyh416A/s4032/IMG_6358.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnAZ-1Z6juc3odPUuMqKaqDtxGvf_nUsXu0OozKKSGi6FuHkgoQxXlDfPj1zMpWHSleqljqLPHwi3W5rYOqzuBjmuZyGreO6LhT4wOagfGNLTtuVf446mqZ6YrHJ8BtgIV6VxJ_xbwRZef6XtvP2ZhA8QlxqEUDfAfppamfrEIbydtvoYdUmAyh416A/w640-h480/IMG_6358.HEIC" width="640" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFcTGh6sAED7z5FvaXrNtSozXV1emOakNnPcjMFOYwTrsgikeicywBWxGusBPQCAVA160SDXsyAna7tEUbHdv2cD9qnK4LTF6J1nkBdKLrYPCNzgWHt_dg6xJZBOsi6n2mU1MOQO4gbEOCzrO5SzL8MH0YtidbPtWiVP0k6tBO8TKuWoNVW1zhJgWCA/s4032/IMG_6379.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFcTGh6sAED7z5FvaXrNtSozXV1emOakNnPcjMFOYwTrsgikeicywBWxGusBPQCAVA160SDXsyAna7tEUbHdv2cD9qnK4LTF6J1nkBdKLrYPCNzgWHt_dg6xJZBOsi6n2mU1MOQO4gbEOCzrO5SzL8MH0YtidbPtWiVP0k6tBO8TKuWoNVW1zhJgWCA/w640-h480/IMG_6379.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLle47Mw--S7VkWDN2RlEKaur9XmjtH1_iITco_wQKP54ohW-O7BQX67HNPl1T0GaOpkzPc9a_ITOnnUBhnVwOhpZPBq3JX-SMT_m73mbTaqbj6acDlA1HcGvla6hl4Rz469xko0geaCM7ada29xezAu18_ZWaoUsMxDre1wNT_JmOk5LnQVcsqve5w/s4032/IMG_6473.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLle47Mw--S7VkWDN2RlEKaur9XmjtH1_iITco_wQKP54ohW-O7BQX67HNPl1T0GaOpkzPc9a_ITOnnUBhnVwOhpZPBq3JX-SMT_m73mbTaqbj6acDlA1HcGvla6hl4Rz469xko0geaCM7ada29xezAu18_ZWaoUsMxDre1wNT_JmOk5LnQVcsqve5w/w640-h480/IMG_6473.HEIC" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0FZct6aFTZGIBZRjRAnfJAciPV02Z_b5dkBKFRKQAjf7DGut3gg4Wf0bwQISDjbaK4EDx0eh1ECuW29Chgq2LEVY0e5_-cOwy5BmJCpCuspWYTeJRoxUlLZ_BK5NhwGqP_VvLSLcktUzbaE1OdU6J82WRSMmFowryaswPsaTvepbf0rw6p1ZmFkxwg/s1600/b58de0b7-b8f4-4d39-9ebb-cbfb4c4f1ef8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0FZct6aFTZGIBZRjRAnfJAciPV02Z_b5dkBKFRKQAjf7DGut3gg4Wf0bwQISDjbaK4EDx0eh1ECuW29Chgq2LEVY0e5_-cOwy5BmJCpCuspWYTeJRoxUlLZ_BK5NhwGqP_VvLSLcktUzbaE1OdU6J82WRSMmFowryaswPsaTvepbf0rw6p1ZmFkxwg/w640-h480/b58de0b7-b8f4-4d39-9ebb-cbfb4c4f1ef8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Defoliating the spoil mound prior to landscaping to ensure no nesting birds are impacted; <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5Y5akDrCMX2dcNTaGAf7xQgQM-1KPOMnVC-kbxRNr1THNX39Y05LZgtEkHb0KqjcfDvSuLdAckLQxn-zkbW1T31h7XwsANDRSVkXIsO0TBL78ktQALGZESAR-bdu9e-7zpIlW8XmlMpJAk_gXL4jFeYMwYLB89xJdHY3LzH79g2d9mwz5iYNDsgl7Q/s4032/IMG_6258.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5Y5akDrCMX2dcNTaGAf7xQgQM-1KPOMnVC-kbxRNr1THNX39Y05LZgtEkHb0KqjcfDvSuLdAckLQxn-zkbW1T31h7XwsANDRSVkXIsO0TBL78ktQALGZESAR-bdu9e-7zpIlW8XmlMpJAk_gXL4jFeYMwYLB89xJdHY3LzH79g2d9mwz5iYNDsgl7Q/w640-h480/IMG_6258.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Revealing the scale of work to follow;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTuZOUtHCK9K3zekJzMkAVAvd9UwN2i2ET17mjJg1doVowonvmkW7Jm8Te9asfUVceTnffO1GPHMVB0e_4Xm9BHn2PFaTDdL8f3TmAjmpH2Es4-WZqBGh1j5kNXXuDr-25GM2iprGEApMh3R3kohcKDo-5FtN-yx2x-BSVXVQgarTUhQ1TYp0ur50Ew/s4032/IMG_6699.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTuZOUtHCK9K3zekJzMkAVAvd9UwN2i2ET17mjJg1doVowonvmkW7Jm8Te9asfUVceTnffO1GPHMVB0e_4Xm9BHn2PFaTDdL8f3TmAjmpH2Es4-WZqBGh1j5kNXXuDr-25GM2iprGEApMh3R3kohcKDo-5FtN-yx2x-BSVXVQgarTUhQ1TYp0ur50Ew/w640-h480/IMG_6699.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL99dUncjy8R9WEfRfLxBXB-qA9VhcPt1ZU0gkt5ydmCAsJhQcoBMOtczp8l1zHw5WruCk-XJXYqi7zIKYvQ7jaQBu52yLScv2K7kyJKXAtTOy6XU_aS0Au0hI11W0jONlH2YqcmGULLLhVvYS2T1zsAsxrFZfF9MQCnUS47i_J1WUlYMTkRzOAnz62A/s4032/IMG_6710.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL99dUncjy8R9WEfRfLxBXB-qA9VhcPt1ZU0gkt5ydmCAsJhQcoBMOtczp8l1zHw5WruCk-XJXYqi7zIKYvQ7jaQBu52yLScv2K7kyJKXAtTOy6XU_aS0Au0hI11W0jONlH2YqcmGULLLhVvYS2T1zsAsxrFZfF9MQCnUS47i_J1WUlYMTkRzOAnz62A/w640-h480/IMG_6710.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DlzsCiMiQA5B4ThEAtP7bgk-k69-UmBHfp3PMebJhLNNZvHPo4LvJ3HvLSIVGSLhO5Wvp_1njYO7eMMGh9YSHSpqar0asnyv6oxVgKHgAZvakDWEU5oa8d2cUW4vfptT57Z6mvNpkV0e6MEX575B765J4gMRvZyR5OoYo9Tz8w2T444C5iyDy4r5Mg/s4032/IMG_6714.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DlzsCiMiQA5B4ThEAtP7bgk-k69-UmBHfp3PMebJhLNNZvHPo4LvJ3HvLSIVGSLhO5Wvp_1njYO7eMMGh9YSHSpqar0asnyv6oxVgKHgAZvakDWEU5oa8d2cUW4vfptT57Z6mvNpkV0e6MEX575B765J4gMRvZyR5OoYo9Tz8w2T444C5iyDy4r5Mg/w640-h480/IMG_6714.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0h6rT1zniWGzGv_VqjwsLKKWFwi77aRmegCd5uGhRWkoWux1-q8ePPA_WQJK8ZMgxge1ZI9nK1EeU4NIj9gxcQWjPechBw3_kBrKj-1fZxQzDMBIxMTVXot60sPBDzpEIQWIVHxm-V8bQRRfyCyDZA2s2CE4fGYxCYGna0BlLwdKREEUPR9MySYxAOg/s4032/IMG_6703.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0h6rT1zniWGzGv_VqjwsLKKWFwi77aRmegCd5uGhRWkoWux1-q8ePPA_WQJK8ZMgxge1ZI9nK1EeU4NIj9gxcQWjPechBw3_kBrKj-1fZxQzDMBIxMTVXot60sPBDzpEIQWIVHxm-V8bQRRfyCyDZA2s2CE4fGYxCYGna0BlLwdKREEUPR9MySYxAOg/w640-h480/IMG_6703.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div>Much of this needs to be rehomed in coming weeks hence the need for continued restrictions - much of this will be transferred by 'Moxy' truck <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(wikipedia)</span>:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEpXEytJQZV6DrvzTx24FgsQ9TiSSBYmr4DyKg_TNhRUGdCqozzZkaU-VAPJeNin73iB3agVLUK2HAca07ajTSZGykR6SE6oKkOGnkwwBOsBvVl97lQx87NG2kWB8cfJiLDfBi_azgFSUQhfwi5E5a8g1kA9COsVoQ1uRhvYWy6RC7Jq6u5C2N4754Gw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEpXEytJQZV6DrvzTx24FgsQ9TiSSBYmr4DyKg_TNhRUGdCqozzZkaU-VAPJeNin73iB3agVLUK2HAca07ajTSZGykR6SE6oKkOGnkwwBOsBvVl97lQx87NG2kWB8cfJiLDfBi_azgFSUQhfwi5E5a8g1kA9COsVoQ1uRhvYWy6RC7Jq6u5C2N4754Gw" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As before you can imagine our concern with members of the public present. As dramatic and alien to Tophill Low as it seems we've been here before - here's South Marsh West being dug in 1991:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIve0ASaEQxTv8YfknVy_V5abqmQTdl3ORqJTRxI5ZMMjE_VrOfbBcVrNeCNo_buxrca1zEFCIIk0e_gmje1YVf2mctK0KRwT8AgVoG2f6wEIFVlo0vRowUwemMXEPzfNsFyb0bB4O1JIf3xWuVYVK7w8t7nqYqdN7V9cNR6m7_8j4Cip_kSROy5h12w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIve0ASaEQxTv8YfknVy_V5abqmQTdl3ORqJTRxI5ZMMjE_VrOfbBcVrNeCNo_buxrca1zEFCIIk0e_gmje1YVf2mctK0KRwT8AgVoG2f6wEIFVlo0vRowUwemMXEPzfNsFyb0bB4O1JIf3xWuVYVK7w8t7nqYqdN7V9cNR6m7_8j4Cip_kSROy5h12w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">And before that here's the view from East Scrub in 1958 (O res wood and the now departed Tophill Farm in the background):</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBthJQi5--coupSacacXmkqdN1lJNsW66tEtUbzLkifjyQc9fSsCEklscT3k3MTOJ4PEhCDuMjTGFTzxv-8X_PwsSaBMxJWKNFTjAUz9uJ0Zy2IRisTfrjUSD-0N2LmTHVtTOZgw0aCE7B0rdsrMqJnuo0JiK2YeU5eSvT0CVLFvIqyTt3pq-sZiDMQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="2084" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBthJQi5--coupSacacXmkqdN1lJNsW66tEtUbzLkifjyQc9fSsCEklscT3k3MTOJ4PEhCDuMjTGFTzxv-8X_PwsSaBMxJWKNFTjAUz9uJ0Zy2IRisTfrjUSD-0N2LmTHVtTOZgw0aCE7B0rdsrMqJnuo0JiK2YeU5eSvT0CVLFvIqyTt3pq-sZiDMQw=w640-h298" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Without re-utilising the material on site we would have to remove all of it up the single track lanes to Tophill Low; The final exit (or not) of the tunneling scheme crane illustrating why we'd want to avoid this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe1kzBJiTn4dbsCFp6NkLOT7irID0o1GcA6cOu8jCwcH3HdAkBKSnM1PhJKLI8-jopRL257_B7_hhHa06VY_Sugw1YNcHXvNaPZH2-Vo3hFaUH8yVQ72DcKlnPAc16aYGQAtgjtZd3grijy2PEXLqONaJC5Y_3UQaZ9nyOL9qnyQJjS1nWXSREal0Og/s1600/3f3ee91d-ade5-470c-b1f7-b8b7f1540a91.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCe1kzBJiTn4dbsCFp6NkLOT7irID0o1GcA6cOu8jCwcH3HdAkBKSnM1PhJKLI8-jopRL257_B7_hhHa06VY_Sugw1YNcHXvNaPZH2-Vo3hFaUH8yVQ72DcKlnPAc16aYGQAtgjtZd3grijy2PEXLqONaJC5Y_3UQaZ9nyOL9qnyQJjS1nWXSREal0Og/w640-h480/3f3ee91d-ade5-470c-b1f7-b8b7f1540a91.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we've previously covered Tophill Low is a dynamic reserve and still a very active water treatment works supplying Hull, so although a disruptive phase, it is the whole origin of the reserve as we know it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That said it's not all landscape scale - this cleared ditch will allow us to better manage the south marsh for wading birds:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13ag6QbQBjRF7Fs6oDNYWQanAsvh_dSEqi9wVZ8eipnEN0PU1Qs_30jiBPd8-pmoKt3zdPVEow5oI0pevK_1F-n6xQAkern3d4FLFeCcPdJDCXMfjcJqL0h--ak-Pah16TFt4zUaEvopman-qyTc_kM67Oaf1NWSQzHQtIPK2hW5WBb5h37eURsAokw/s4032/IMG_6424.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13ag6QbQBjRF7Fs6oDNYWQanAsvh_dSEqi9wVZ8eipnEN0PU1Qs_30jiBPd8-pmoKt3zdPVEow5oI0pevK_1F-n6xQAkern3d4FLFeCcPdJDCXMfjcJqL0h--ak-Pah16TFt4zUaEvopman-qyTc_kM67Oaf1NWSQzHQtIPK2hW5WBb5h37eURsAokw/w640-h480/IMG_6424.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A seal of approval from one individual...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzlL5Yyv66CWSCpGkD0CD5Tddzj6E7-78RhEDiuo5O9q4swrkvvtKrbyuQtSTtgRP1AWDQaTj7nn6t9ETyY7Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div>We've still been able to keep volunteers present under supervision; A lot of clearing up has been undertaken and some spectacular brash walls created:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ADXkODMksPLWHpOpMR-EZvlUODWCyafZmnDJHTLx3uNwy_R_YK5_KjkLn1QM4FTiFesPVOidjLd70KYnZz3mm5cYmEBCjATtuMu6ABnI1KszPQ33C4uXHZbNVCiXt0kjCTUntvZ0w-8CkwxczPhb57gJ-nczb-322_KoIrXAyxlEzy6_3cJXs8LBQw/s4032/IMG_6629.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ADXkODMksPLWHpOpMR-EZvlUODWCyafZmnDJHTLx3uNwy_R_YK5_KjkLn1QM4FTiFesPVOidjLd70KYnZz3mm5cYmEBCjATtuMu6ABnI1KszPQ33C4uXHZbNVCiXt0kjCTUntvZ0w-8CkwxczPhb57gJ-nczb-322_KoIrXAyxlEzy6_3cJXs8LBQw/w640-h480/IMG_6629.HEIC" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ADXkODMksPLWHpOpMR-EZvlUODWCyafZmnDJHTLx3uNwy_R_YK5_KjkLn1QM4FTiFesPVOidjLd70KYnZz3mm5cYmEBCjATtuMu6ABnI1KszPQ33C4uXHZbNVCiXt0kjCTUntvZ0w-8CkwxczPhb57gJ-nczb-322_KoIrXAyxlEzy6_3cJXs8LBQw/s4032/IMG_6629.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOCdh-w3VKltllMBGP_-5jlPsfAxDX2n0XdaKxBDCMMNBA70fg1bT819XXkcfjUCOuF8Fhe7kfE4HiPwWpwq94IhR8ViNsvmGqpDgC0zEkToNfuYN2rSq4So9DKF47ZNrd6O58UfUx4Ykty4yNVWQE3v9bh1t5WhfZ1HFMh11dDGPKS1CvkHNCHnLOQ/s4032/IMG_6351.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOCdh-w3VKltllMBGP_-5jlPsfAxDX2n0XdaKxBDCMMNBA70fg1bT819XXkcfjUCOuF8Fhe7kfE4HiPwWpwq94IhR8ViNsvmGqpDgC0zEkToNfuYN2rSq4So9DKF47ZNrd6O58UfUx4Ykty4yNVWQE3v9bh1t5WhfZ1HFMh11dDGPKS1CvkHNCHnLOQ/w640-h480/IMG_6351.HEIC" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOCdh-w3VKltllMBGP_-5jlPsfAxDX2n0XdaKxBDCMMNBA70fg1bT819XXkcfjUCOuF8Fhe7kfE4HiPwWpwq94IhR8ViNsvmGqpDgC0zEkToNfuYN2rSq4So9DKF47ZNrd6O58UfUx4Ykty4yNVWQE3v9bh1t5WhfZ1HFMh11dDGPKS1CvkHNCHnLOQ/s4032/IMG_6351.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHSQ3pZK2jl2ICvnmNyH0mcPw2hHxh2Wrn7sSsj2D793SwU3aZhMeE2tCJZU_Rb689ORMGAkn7cO8L5UJkYrGS2ynx4d_DXpwOVoHA0ShAsP0xkhMb2HTxHGq85M74tW_xqYkY7jyhpMWKB3glRJqNG0ZGjAVopWQmhGKHXuk-afE5yyWvMcjJtbGmg/s4032/IMG_6688.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHSQ3pZK2jl2ICvnmNyH0mcPw2hHxh2Wrn7sSsj2D793SwU3aZhMeE2tCJZU_Rb689ORMGAkn7cO8L5UJkYrGS2ynx4d_DXpwOVoHA0ShAsP0xkhMb2HTxHGq85M74tW_xqYkY7jyhpMWKB3glRJqNG0ZGjAVopWQmhGKHXuk-afE5yyWvMcjJtbGmg/w640-h480/IMG_6688.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Swamp walk re-pollarded:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzYRtkFQjEkxsIUbr-Wx5TzjkEHKsInc9_Hp_id-uPgIgL8kyHBCY0RWrn3atqViAM7dLAN1jzbFLvuXpx3jhId3YWYA_o3Hu7urJf2mLKQVbFof1n57CMVy3ZBA-9bjX5t_06KPhnXuWRobc-F2Mck-PUICv3J-F35VWpys-1bbt9nesrG_MQ95Npg/s4032/IMG_6683.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzYRtkFQjEkxsIUbr-Wx5TzjkEHKsInc9_Hp_id-uPgIgL8kyHBCY0RWrn3atqViAM7dLAN1jzbFLvuXpx3jhId3YWYA_o3Hu7urJf2mLKQVbFof1n57CMVy3ZBA-9bjX5t_06KPhnXuWRobc-F2Mck-PUICv3J-F35VWpys-1bbt9nesrG_MQ95Npg/w640-h480/IMG_6683.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Existing hides being maintained:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAw19fFxmeL_YVdnMHw9cEhPWQx0Gh9ak7Jm6LisSPt0jLM39u07_llxNEMhsePzT470MZl-Jf68i5XcqIrCMjo4rPVWp9awGHe3LY0Vk1VWhiC24y-CABIaxO6ANHu9D_sUGTy6gxpfqija-yPWp9Cf4BsY_AeTuFZu9Jf3Sicl52E5k6ys1xv3cHQ/s1600/3132b8a2-6cda-4327-9f7c-19f7ae8eedab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAw19fFxmeL_YVdnMHw9cEhPWQx0Gh9ak7Jm6LisSPt0jLM39u07_llxNEMhsePzT470MZl-Jf68i5XcqIrCMjo4rPVWp9awGHe3LY0Vk1VWhiC24y-CABIaxO6ANHu9D_sUGTy6gxpfqija-yPWp9Cf4BsY_AeTuFZu9Jf3Sicl52E5k6ys1xv3cHQ/w640-h480/3132b8a2-6cda-4327-9f7c-19f7ae8eedab.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some sad news is the loss of Twitchers snack bar adjacent to the reserve. Whilst announced just recently, unfortunately the service closed prior to the recent works back in January. A much missed venue by visitors, volunteers and staff alike, Netty and Andy have moved to pastures new with the property changing hands. Many thanks to them both for a great addition to the site, but alas the remote nature of the reserve coupled with flooding, covid and then major WTW upgrades has been challenging. We hope to offer a limited hot drinks service as we had prior, but I'm afraid our culinary skills won't be comparable to Netty's and we wish them all the best for future endeavors as we welcome new neighbours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nice to know we still have some rare residents still present on the marshes - work revealing harvest mouse on the marshes; </div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWlfPKEF1b_LY3j5syFo_XaxEP9i-yqg9U0SFDab1NWvtx2FTvTckDIUcUENImQZpniOB4i82EOMaBeQ3AzmGvt_xYZePrpbR2e438gsbWsncWVXt7O9t8DXBN7L9-EQObv4vqbbRmFNhD-8heivv6Oc2eAgxWhDZAlBEjm8lAJJ0DlxOEy-o409JjA/s4032/IMG_6398.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWlfPKEF1b_LY3j5syFo_XaxEP9i-yqg9U0SFDab1NWvtx2FTvTckDIUcUENImQZpniOB4i82EOMaBeQ3AzmGvt_xYZePrpbR2e438gsbWsncWVXt7O9t8DXBN7L9-EQObv4vqbbRmFNhD-8heivv6Oc2eAgxWhDZAlBEjm8lAJJ0DlxOEy-o409JjA/w640-h480/IMG_6398.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHoSTl0SsXfR6ntC2xz3Nutwc3wsYrBPQ1G9cojHebij5rhwNQ_LpUIgJOFfe3bBOLKgevWEVIaqJ17BRUYQ2iFC6GLPL8JobsCWVdR0_3D5yQbE0uwCzLOtb3BFQDAkVWXc2cBOV1O2m_YUzcweFaM7vrzRwEosEYFbfc2hr9-qRN-dzHqlL-YJaXA/s4032/IMG_6391.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHoSTl0SsXfR6ntC2xz3Nutwc3wsYrBPQ1G9cojHebij5rhwNQ_LpUIgJOFfe3bBOLKgevWEVIaqJ17BRUYQ2iFC6GLPL8JobsCWVdR0_3D5yQbE0uwCzLOtb3BFQDAkVWXc2cBOV1O2m_YUzcweFaM7vrzRwEosEYFbfc2hr9-qRN-dzHqlL-YJaXA/w640-h480/IMG_6391.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p></div></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-28072419430937676892022-02-04T16:58:00.000+00:002022-02-04T16:58:12.184+00:00 Temporary closure - 7th of February onwards<p>Regretfully the time has come in our program of works where from this Monday the 7th February we will have to temporarily close the reserve to visitors and members. </p><p>As per December's <a href="http://tophilllow.blogspot.com/2021/12/phytoplankton-has-lot-to-answer-for.html" target="_blank">blog posting</a> we knew this was coming, but works are ramping up with HGV movements and poplar felling around the car park environs making it too hazardous for public visits. </p><p>Staff will still be present but the gates will be locked. Please do not attempt to enter the reserve or 'park up and walk' as it is off limits. </p><p>We know the question everyone is asking is 'when are you re-opening?' The honest answer is we will be in a position to review that in early April. Work currently is focusing upon ensuring all vegetation management is complete prior to nesting season in March, allowing landscaping to take place subsequently. How long that takes is yet to be determined, and could be subject to delays, so we are reticent to give a 'completion date' as yet. </p><p>Thank you for all your patience, and again whilst works are substantial in scale now, this is to save us drawing out repeat operations and disturbance over several seasons. </p><p>For membership renewals there will be no March 31st expiry this year. We are keeping a tally of months lost and will broadcast a revised membership date later in the year to cover lost months when nearer re-opening. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5_cgQrgolePmmWyhySWTR6GoaslJG_Cf3kk7evG1HA59AoZat8g0-aFJMez8Kvd9vWsB0wufGWeFZkG2dx8xVY0_wFMStxFFUkgnkJTKSr-UPSl5-XuLLuLMpcMg5eWaYLD5HnDDaDxQ007G--Bg5jJMSyarGYyWr6z4Z8jabkfra--XunvvL_iq9fA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5_cgQrgolePmmWyhySWTR6GoaslJG_Cf3kk7evG1HA59AoZat8g0-aFJMez8Kvd9vWsB0wufGWeFZkG2dx8xVY0_wFMStxFFUkgnkJTKSr-UPSl5-XuLLuLMpcMg5eWaYLD5HnDDaDxQ007G--Bg5jJMSyarGYyWr6z4Z8jabkfra--XunvvL_iq9fA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQVNzNQRSobjd9MYAlr23fScOJ4fDaUYJr40QiR9NwW13MusAfgOtSX6gssLBBlm8FoIwUjfMArc3mw-mDkzZJqqhc4yQyIIIXWqtkHy-GVH5rZWvFLAnLk0SNAhsPzbBGxWMEbd5jaIzwatxvaAFIHB220TPBc3F2hH8tq7Z48giF6kvlYTl2ppw8A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQVNzNQRSobjd9MYAlr23fScOJ4fDaUYJr40QiR9NwW13MusAfgOtSX6gssLBBlm8FoIwUjfMArc3mw-mDkzZJqqhc4yQyIIIXWqtkHy-GVH5rZWvFLAnLk0SNAhsPzbBGxWMEbd5jaIzwatxvaAFIHB220TPBc3F2hH8tq7Z48giF6kvlYTl2ppw8A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKNAnzxjzTojzIzeo4wBbJzRAHD-pe_kHAwUNHQEj2NcqgzNBwu-Z9FqtEM1G90cBDdDDm3BB3gg95Jy7YYQ_tb5EJVBBdERfDkaaEjtXJY_evXyGSl2AGFp2NRMgAmd-4gt37FTSIsiHjpXQWthfDHSVUae9KY1WlqO0jhSfEANHv8ZgIfRDPOz1xfw=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKNAnzxjzTojzIzeo4wBbJzRAHD-pe_kHAwUNHQEj2NcqgzNBwu-Z9FqtEM1G90cBDdDDm3BB3gg95Jy7YYQ_tb5EJVBBdERfDkaaEjtXJY_evXyGSl2AGFp2NRMgAmd-4gt37FTSIsiHjpXQWthfDHSVUae9KY1WlqO0jhSfEANHv8ZgIfRDPOz1xfw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-12113123567286733892022-01-24T11:05:00.000+00:002022-01-24T11:05:08.330+00:00Access updates with effect from Jan 25th <p>Work continues apace on the scheme we conveyed a <a href="http://tophilllow.blogspot.com/2021/12/phytoplankton-has-lot-to-answer-for.html" target="_blank">couple of posts </a>back. </p><p>Regretfully the tunneling scheme under the river Hull is delayed. As such that means the current access restrictions continue. </p><p>Coupled to this the forestry work is moving on to the shelter belt around South Marshes. As such none of the hides on the O reservoir end of the reserve will be accessible this week with effect from the close of play on Jan 24th; </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWg8fWERQqtnf6GAUHL0oh3TwWYq3HvAiA_NZHcJhzipq9z2RMiHwkfcUFldL7fkDZMtLwRWTJj6IqiGgcQ7eFo7VCInfLK86OyIeSWVaYIyhFsCYmgqvdooA5H7-uF1l9XPCRhSUdH49WHJvlfxPtdy4YM3WVDtH6yy-U58bDNgyES2Tyel3lriyA0g=s720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="509" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWg8fWERQqtnf6GAUHL0oh3TwWYq3HvAiA_NZHcJhzipq9z2RMiHwkfcUFldL7fkDZMtLwRWTJj6IqiGgcQ7eFo7VCInfLK86OyIeSWVaYIyhFsCYmgqvdooA5H7-uF1l9XPCRhSUdH49WHJvlfxPtdy4YM3WVDtH6yy-U58bDNgyES2Tyel3lriyA0g=w452-h640" width="452" /></a></p>Our apologies. Unfortunately this is unavoidable given the machinery working on site. We will be keeping a tally of lost weeks this winter and our intention is to prolong the current membership period accordingly; So cards which were due to expire on the 31st of March will instead be extended into April / May time accordingly as we get a full picture of closure durations. <div><br /></div><div>As such no need for renewals as yet - normally in late Feb we'd be starting to think of such, but this year I would suggest that'll be in early Summer. <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQSJ7f8FOBxhLjnNY6lVct-JIr8DXA3_Q-Qij24gUgYUrt39H2rTPZ_RsUPxRGZ9JWPxKYT9JCYlb_BBxeza7JBHM2-SjOiL3T96z29xv8W8ThSUd2wse1AjxzfH2RhQd08UYjst837q0FH3apW1xjedLml1M_lMMhcqtVo9misimvuqSe9BWZeTz0Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCQSJ7f8FOBxhLjnNY6lVct-JIr8DXA3_Q-Qij24gUgYUrt39H2rTPZ_RsUPxRGZ9JWPxKYT9JCYlb_BBxeza7JBHM2-SjOiL3T96z29xv8W8ThSUd2wse1AjxzfH2RhQd08UYjst837q0FH3apW1xjedLml1M_lMMhcqtVo9misimvuqSe9BWZeTz0Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjDb02EI7OD-Q7CMZDZxr30dBnTSHpv-VpN2T4sfSJMsDw-NZeaN3pR-BvIBez4PdI7Mqqa99fW7oR3eGzSaBD8aqvpfhyWu-JnDXzoagDTw5BQLLNCck5GTX4k4U57jcF2TlGM6vKi0h-W_1aOnMMil5dY_q7mmwWy8Uwn6zZlbvfcTjjR8-l-So-6A=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjDb02EI7OD-Q7CMZDZxr30dBnTSHpv-VpN2T4sfSJMsDw-NZeaN3pR-BvIBez4PdI7Mqqa99fW7oR3eGzSaBD8aqvpfhyWu-JnDXzoagDTw5BQLLNCck5GTX4k4U57jcF2TlGM6vKi0h-W_1aOnMMil5dY_q7mmwWy8Uwn6zZlbvfcTjjR8-l-So-6A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi61Sp_rvy2tDiLotFsF6mqwhnq3Ilgb6bwlyzu2tqUC9Yu06oMx-3gZYauwvmr1MxZO3tMKPkMGeqYLKIlevTZvBiujXHd-RckHOP3ddWSC7eeiFj8zjbqyqIgnE5GUxn9JzUWFFbAW3RjRa6ibMUxPyRBsQs_yxcnw2seBVJrmDIrHuzCS2gAU4iT2w=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi61Sp_rvy2tDiLotFsF6mqwhnq3Ilgb6bwlyzu2tqUC9Yu06oMx-3gZYauwvmr1MxZO3tMKPkMGeqYLKIlevTZvBiujXHd-RckHOP3ddWSC7eeiFj8zjbqyqIgnE5GUxn9JzUWFFbAW3RjRa6ibMUxPyRBsQs_yxcnw2seBVJrmDIrHuzCS2gAU4iT2w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNRk757uzdHgjIVK5npJLKS5uRMu1GqxPEDhHIRn58BZ-L5VoOMw-SqVSI5GdpvAfdDDGE0wY2MSf25kCMF4lXnv-BGZn1PPWENMo-5cxCMXqPkpoRqGY7b2rlROnDOV7ww-IyYQsfMioTj2XBvfh2ai_Lk4pIHJ21LyI7Qz9EZjaMvTtdK6Arv3ZZUQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNRk757uzdHgjIVK5npJLKS5uRMu1GqxPEDhHIRn58BZ-L5VoOMw-SqVSI5GdpvAfdDDGE0wY2MSf25kCMF4lXnv-BGZn1PPWENMo-5cxCMXqPkpoRqGY7b2rlROnDOV7ww-IyYQsfMioTj2XBvfh2ai_Lk4pIHJ21LyI7Qz9EZjaMvTtdK6Arv3ZZUQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div>North Lagoon, Reception hide, East Hide, North marsh hide remain open around the D reservoir - still giving sporadic views of the Baikal teal gracing us in recent days; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHfJxelA3F8aYwc0hLoL6yCG6yg-tyZWot7uKntrpnTllE7T8SHA0huiXb5N84vr3Lo3TnYy8JF3GboADI0SCkZJ1Q1rs2oj6uIGXbAJbpb1XfUJ_YMd9BBE5dO4nuc8oorbu2LO1DSggxEWnDdG9gL5dLUi7gGgPtkdasTc6VJqTqN9uX9tLUHkSEMg=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHfJxelA3F8aYwc0hLoL6yCG6yg-tyZWot7uKntrpnTllE7T8SHA0huiXb5N84vr3Lo3TnYy8JF3GboADI0SCkZJ1Q1rs2oj6uIGXbAJbpb1XfUJ_YMd9BBE5dO4nuc8oorbu2LO1DSggxEWnDdG9gL5dLUi7gGgPtkdasTc6VJqTqN9uX9tLUHkSEMg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Early suggestions are it is a promising bird with clean legs and pristine primaries - certainly suggesting it is no recent escapee from a wildfowl collection - on the assumption it does nothing silly like over summer in East Park or Hornsea Mere duck feeding area, final decision will go to the rarities committee; With currently positive views as to its authenticity as a genuine vagrant from Siberia. </div><div><br /></div><div>If so, that'd be species 272 for Tophill Low since 1959 - so worth a look no doubt. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I didn't get chance to update on the bird race of the 2nd of January; </div><div><br /></div><div>Team Tophill scored a very respectable 75 species placing us 5th out of 23 for a walking only team covering one of the lowest distances logged. It was a hard slog with some species like grey heron only materialising at about 3:30pm and others like tree sparrow, barn owl, linnet and collared dove not at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>The pintail let us down badly having been here every day before and subsequently, likewise the great white egret laid low. Equally our first 'spring migrant' shelduck appeared the following day. But the drake smew did his bit wowing onlookers; </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGWGa06SsbE3brdekqXB-9sjWFCx_cIDLlen2S6t8yCCHG-KjlQXQ1jp26dEU7DVL_vcOpozmR4xPR0B2mO4S_AMx2--YETRY_LJff2BiDttfsz2XaErB6-m3-3aXlwrnLl0bGHh7KeihWOkN801oVKbNq_TZwd16pqM_cW1GauIdCRtoVXac153wGMA=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGWGa06SsbE3brdekqXB-9sjWFCx_cIDLlen2S6t8yCCHG-KjlQXQ1jp26dEU7DVL_vcOpozmR4xPR0B2mO4S_AMx2--YETRY_LJff2BiDttfsz2XaErB6-m3-3aXlwrnLl0bGHh7KeihWOkN801oVKbNq_TZwd16pqM_cW1GauIdCRtoVXac153wGMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br />The most unexpected birds were a chiffchaff in the reserve car park (we've had them before on a bird race but they aren't easy) and an unseasonal for us dunlin on SME. </div><div><br /></div><div>Given we're two years out of practice and with all the upheavals on site it fairs well against our all time 81. We raised £54 in donations (with the East Yorks RSPB team operating separately on Tophill scoring an independent 57 and additional £100) for the North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully with upgraded facilities and vantage points for next Jan we can improve on that. With a bit of luck they'll accept robotic records too given our new MOTUS array arrived last week - now we just need to get it working!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGakhxB-HkzKibY_8NniARvX9ozk0kad9lrNoR3K_ecG-rNYYDAwvVifWp6mJBVRhchQiLCcaoRwCw-W9v5cWH-goSx-fhqg_MkuyBA0TocaZidCzdmL8qfroCb3YDvfPgPWWiBw02zPPxj6pU2d3NaLT3qwnZ0rVBcEL9X2fm6bYbS5t8ENzYRy5K3Q=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGakhxB-HkzKibY_8NniARvX9ozk0kad9lrNoR3K_ecG-rNYYDAwvVifWp6mJBVRhchQiLCcaoRwCw-W9v5cWH-goSx-fhqg_MkuyBA0TocaZidCzdmL8qfroCb3YDvfPgPWWiBw02zPPxj6pU2d3NaLT3qwnZ0rVBcEL9X2fm6bYbS5t8ENzYRy5K3Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-33806382964552085452021-12-29T22:32:00.006+00:002021-12-29T22:44:09.056+00:00turtle racing <p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIwh8WjKzRNbph-wJV4f9YJkGgeBDrnhkr9uxKH4Kr7o1x0mx7ia3XBWW7JKRYE4AGr1CpmYd12IQxPtiUM3OCQfGsHgkRJxokvrGs5UZ4al9xEqnX_KCfANbvlF2g97GOXu6ZlMDzLv_/" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1889" data-original-width="2435" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaIwh8WjKzRNbph-wJV4f9YJkGgeBDrnhkr9uxKH4Kr7o1x0mx7ia3XBWW7JKRYE4AGr1CpmYd12IQxPtiUM3OCQfGsHgkRJxokvrGs5UZ4al9xEqnX_KCfANbvlF2g97GOXu6ZlMDzLv_/" width="309" /></a></span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turtle Dove - Martin Standley </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while since our last January 1st 2019 effort where we tallied an all time record of 81 species in our new year's listing day. It'll be nice to resurrect this tradition for 2022 and as it happens it coincides with the Michael Clegg memorial Yorkshire Bird Race on the 2nd of Jan (A character synonymous with Tophill and certainly an influence on myself as a young naturalist back in the 80's)</span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_y2j3Jr4mdo" width="320" youtube-src-id="_y2j3Jr4mdo"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Previously the race had always been 'county wide' and involved a car based dash to score as many birds as possible - which alas we always left to others and merely welcomed any competing teams at the reserve. </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This year the challenge non-motorised, and as such we can put on a good show at the reserve as Tophill is always a diverse winter site. As such at 10am on the <b>1st of Jan </b>we'll be undertaking our first '<b>reserve walk</b>' to recce the species ready for the 2nd. </span></span></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">On Sunday the <b>2nd of Jan</b> we'll be undertaking <b>two reserve walks as the bird race</b> proper - one at 10am, and one at 1:30pm starting from the car park. Our volunteers will be guiding us in to any notable species and tallying a running score up - standard admission charge applies but all donations gratefully received on the day for the <b>North Yorkshire Turtle Dove project in partnership with the friends of Dalby; </b></span></p><p></p><p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The North Yorkshire Turtle Dove
Project (NYTDP) is a volunteer-led initiative that works to help address the
dramatic declines in our Turtle Dove population through: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 3.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">• volunteer-based
survey work/citizen science <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 3.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">• working with
land managers to create/improve suitable habitat and improve land management
practices <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-bottom: 3.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 3.5pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">• engage local
communities and schools to raise awareness and increase participation in
practical conservation <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="Default" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11pt;">• Build links and
share best practice with national and international partners.</span></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are very lucky to still have
Turtle Doves in North Yorkshire, our work surveying these birds since 2016 has
produced an estimate of between 50 and 100 pairs, the majority nest within the
North York Moors National Park with smaller numbers in the Howardian Hills
AONB. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to helping Turtle Dove, the land
management improvements, awareness raising initiatives and surveys has also
improved the fortunes of other ‘at risk’ bird species within the project area
such as Song Thrush and Yellowhammer. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><p class="Default" style="break-before: page; page-break-before: always;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Turtle
Doves need a reliable source of water because they feed their small chicks in
the nest on milk created in their crop (known as crop milk). Without water
their breeding success declines. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How Yorkshire Birders Can
Help </span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In 2022 we have big plans to
continue our work with Turtle Dove friendly farmers within our North Yorkshire
Project area. We would like to provide more water by not only restoring more
ponds but also by creating small drinking pools close to where Turtle Doves are
still nesting. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We need you to form a team, get
sponsored and enter the annual Yorkshire Bird Race on the 2</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;">nd </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">January to
help us raise money for these drinking pools/small ponds. It’s very simple the
more money we raise the more landowners and farmers we can work with providing
better habitat for Turtle Doves and other birds in our county. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="Default"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">All the money raised from
this bird race will be spent on these habitat conservation measures. </span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="Default">We'll see how close to that 81 we can get... </p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-2071143037030264102021-12-20T00:47:00.002+00:002021-12-20T10:32:22.856+00:00Phytoplankton has a lot to answer for<p>If you’ve seen the latest James Bond instalment you’ll be
aware the scriptwriters had the task of tying together every storyline and
character from the last 20 years into one resolution; As such that’s why we’ve
been quiet at Tophill Low of late – irrespective of the tunneling works which
are due to conclude for the new year, we have been doing the same; Just on the slightly less glamorous theme of Algae. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>In short;<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We’re building a new facility in the Water Works between
2022 and 2024 to improve drinking water quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We’re working in partnership with this scheme to minimise
disruption to local communities which will see replacement O res and D res East
hides in conjunction with long anticipated habitat improvement works, which
will concentrate any disruption into a single intensive block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Please expect periods of partial or site closures in the
first half of 2022 whilst this work is undertaken subsequent to which we can
enjoy enhanced facilities and habitats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Detailed; <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So where do we start? – you’d better grab a cuppa this will
take some time; <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The whole issue has its roots in nitrates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This graph illustrates nitrate levels at the
spring line on the Yorkshire Wolds above us and the head waters of the river
Hull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgitWoY7NdUId-mgX76EoI_s_synqhGZhl1VCzbXOOm4lxYyJ2ftqQ0UEFDVdq2XYhUsTtUJIB9I71ue5y53GXziw6rRJ-1nahLMl-VnUGZRWU-CN0i5GoKgqANZ9iCZZGceMFTZ0RYhEzoWgadgOkQXvNq6NKHhKzSspkYZa1Y5VIdu7o5Axdt2GDSBw=s931" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="931" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgitWoY7NdUId-mgX76EoI_s_synqhGZhl1VCzbXOOm4lxYyJ2ftqQ0UEFDVdq2XYhUsTtUJIB9I71ue5y53GXziw6rRJ-1nahLMl-VnUGZRWU-CN0i5GoKgqANZ9iCZZGceMFTZ0RYhEzoWgadgOkQXvNq6NKHhKzSspkYZa1Y5VIdu7o5Axdt2GDSBw=w640-h264" width="640" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are various causes mooted but most would agree that
this is the output of modern farming practices, be it from the second world war
ploughing out of sheep pasture on the Wolds, to the continued application of artifical fertiliser
to land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is in some cases,
water (and dissolved nitrates) is reckoned to take 60 years to pass through the
aquifer and emerge at the spring line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The worry is that what we’re seeing now will not abate for half a
century even if every farmer on the Wolds stopped applying fertiliser tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the impermeable valleys of the Yorkshire
Dales, Yorkshire Water frequently owns the catchment, and we can stipulate what is
applied and when to tenant farmers to secure water quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, on the Wolds it is diffuse
from potentially thousands of private farms and all we can do is educate around
the most environmentally (and cost) efficient ways of maintaining crop
yields.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some success stories;
YW have a great partnership with Birdseye that has seen cover crops used to
bind and secure soils from pea fields susceptible to run off, and there’s
possibly some connection with this abundant annual seed resource in the last
couple of winters, and the vastly increased numbers of wild geese lingering in
the Wolds and Humber?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nitrates causes a range of issues not just for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On some of the SSSI designated chalk springs
species are being lost as what should be clean nutrient and competition free waters are instead
growing prolific rank vegetation because they effectively have fertiliser in
the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Down stream the river is
often choked with blanket weed causing the fly-fishing community issues as
trout runs need to be cut to allow the water to be seen, the boating community
at Bethell’s bridge have a specialist weed cutting boat to keep the river navigable
in summer, and at Hempholme Weir the Environment Agency has a weed boom and
dredger installed every summer to keep the tilting weir mechanism clear of weed
and functioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For us at Yorkshire Water we have strict limits on nitrates
imposed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate – the government regulator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of the two raw water reservoirs ‘D’
and ‘O’ built in 1959 is to dampen out peaks of poor-quality river water,
allowing us to abstract only water within tolerance and run off the 320 million
gallon reserves if not of treatable quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, now it is rare any water can be abstracted
within tolerance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such to ensure
water quality for consumers is maintained Yorkshire Water installed a £14
million nitrate extraction plant in 2015 within Tophill Low WTW which ensures
we can maintain supplies within DWI limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst this ensures there is no risk to consumers, the
problem still remains of accumulated nitrates within the reservoirs themselves,
which being shallow and of crystal clear chalk water combine with summer sun and heat to perfect conditions for algae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA0H8UKFWOurdPGKAwdwpKFHq0w-4cNNLVTvONV3SRplnbKSH_DmRfx3AERJ_8iZu1tlGZEP4Q4DXPHmJzhZsOFMhhzlu3bsURyPZwVle1FDfVkz4oqW6w_sOLdc6oajn75-Nbjilgp08pwtzP0uwFO8A0RQ_TNYk66qFEWSUrZ6_1GYYPyjAozcbvPw=s774" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="774" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjA0H8UKFWOurdPGKAwdwpKFHq0w-4cNNLVTvONV3SRplnbKSH_DmRfx3AERJ_8iZu1tlGZEP4Q4DXPHmJzhZsOFMhhzlu3bsURyPZwVle1FDfVkz4oqW6w_sOLdc6oajn75-Nbjilgp08pwtzP0uwFO8A0RQ_TNYk66qFEWSUrZ6_1GYYPyjAozcbvPw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst not harmful itself there is a possibility this is
having an affect on the SSSI wildfowl numbers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Compare the numbers below – those in orange are counts from
2006-2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those in blue from 2013 –
2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH5OrCoZAEzAINl41LGNyqDkHkTDI_jbpte0-HmBP2pj7mBBNTyZA5UMU4u5hNM0Ez2AiVOjRzn_Wg_bi8J5uqGXXuMnnn2ACSwpTVDrnJ5AiwZT5bPnPq4hP8l27HrG_Hw_0D8fVU5r6_pv6jIx06OFlT9k2KuxKwxnEDexdwI9VvNWqH3urDiw4t5w=s479" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="479" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiH5OrCoZAEzAINl41LGNyqDkHkTDI_jbpte0-HmBP2pj7mBBNTyZA5UMU4u5hNM0Ez2AiVOjRzn_Wg_bi8J5uqGXXuMnnn2ACSwpTVDrnJ5AiwZT5bPnPq4hP8l27HrG_Hw_0D8fVU5r6_pv6jIx06OFlT9k2KuxKwxnEDexdwI9VvNWqH3urDiw4t5w=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBDu8PK1jm1-ilIpXja-vwIjXFOdKoZwBrKvEmimFmD2lSweyhgRUQOv2DgWti26xAfE35k_90ifjhKbcI-krZ3RZYXs91c48cBkZ3M_qhyGkVgRb6abwg1IrzdrY8rjUpS-062xJ2Lz77AN_Ci8pIlSXw0QnqdMiTD6vJXnbBy-O3eqt-5pkpgMBfoA=s481" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="481" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBDu8PK1jm1-ilIpXja-vwIjXFOdKoZwBrKvEmimFmD2lSweyhgRUQOv2DgWti26xAfE35k_90ifjhKbcI-krZ3RZYXs91c48cBkZ3M_qhyGkVgRb6abwg1IrzdrY8rjUpS-062xJ2Lz77AN_Ci8pIlSXw0QnqdMiTD6vJXnbBy-O3eqt-5pkpgMBfoA=w400-h235" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZW6cienWKElPkUrsi5UBBV3osy8BBQBwAlGBZhbjl3TTjHDmtZrqK8fM04y2V7RpEauSOthf_mmbR-nOrMMl5nDCGjZ-avz8nvAuFNZ0UjcvVsKViw805kcT1b6QNSl9wzAXHHliR3ZKW-ODOt8-SeiFvmh6Y0kWP-MQ4dLuBiH-ekvfTalZOoVcFIA=s478" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="478" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZW6cienWKElPkUrsi5UBBV3osy8BBQBwAlGBZhbjl3TTjHDmtZrqK8fM04y2V7RpEauSOthf_mmbR-nOrMMl5nDCGjZ-avz8nvAuFNZ0UjcvVsKViw805kcT1b6QNSl9wzAXHHliR3ZKW-ODOt8-SeiFvmh6Y0kWP-MQ4dLuBiH-ekvfTalZOoVcFIA=w400-h240" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s perhaps telling the disparity in numbers is all around
the summer and autumn months when algal blooms are at their peak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All observations suggest that invertebrate
and fish populations are stable; One only has to watch the swifts last summer feeding
on emergent insects from the water in these videos; <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BDYh5pCxRZc" width="320" youtube-src-id="BDYh5pCxRZc"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ZpoULcmOQQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="0ZpoULcmOQQ"></iframe></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Or the great crested grebes in autumn gorging themselves on
jack pike after jack pike to see there’s no ‘biodiversity collapse’ – if
anything its supercharged with biomass. Darren Smith;</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbRS1f3RWJfSd528RiYNThXkwU5iylMlNtfu8B6ukWvOsGjAXZhWzkYhBDrR0Nzpa9P2ICOvMpHivBjaZw6nA3Y3kbu7HnDGENg9Yc3PfgHPtx4tA_Vc8Tdmiva0Vx7ySUhkfy48Ew4diw3PLd8Me2J6oCNvIUpF6mfzlA0xMdvU6aOkzy_WOGGxcChg=s616" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="616" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbRS1f3RWJfSd528RiYNThXkwU5iylMlNtfu8B6ukWvOsGjAXZhWzkYhBDrR0Nzpa9P2ICOvMpHivBjaZw6nA3Y3kbu7HnDGENg9Yc3PfgHPtx4tA_Vc8Tdmiva0Vx7ySUhkfy48Ew4diw3PLd8Me2J6oCNvIUpF6mfzlA0xMdvU6aOkzy_WOGGxcChg=w400-h256" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Roy Vincent:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3pynYgc7IUhrOiUybPqGG5U7bXKre4cuJM-hcjTlLyjdapIj3lRAjYvPR-KjW9JkfYenEq9VTa1o9D5uAegXUa32NSpwF9Yuv4DQ2jK2JTFu2WFb2u2TgBc6dzUezNABWCoY00hX1xXafpgISzsD2kMxzMtQ_Il9OeQLjAKK2DekgZWdCyaxg_OxoFw=s905" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="905" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3pynYgc7IUhrOiUybPqGG5U7bXKre4cuJM-hcjTlLyjdapIj3lRAjYvPR-KjW9JkfYenEq9VTa1o9D5uAegXUa32NSpwF9Yuv4DQ2jK2JTFu2WFb2u2TgBc6dzUezNABWCoY00hX1xXafpgISzsD2kMxzMtQ_Il9OeQLjAKK2DekgZWdCyaxg_OxoFw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Perhaps the issue is maybe water clarity as the reservoir
can resemble a ‘pea soup’ in late summer – this clip of D res demonstrates the
strange alien world of algal ‘forest’ beneath the surface:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9ftMjKM2nQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="n9ftMjKM2nQ"></iframe></div><p class="MsoNormal">We’re hoping to get some more images from beneath the waves
as its likely the biggest habitat at the reserve no one sees.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some have attempted to manage algae with ‘<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shade_balls#/media/File:Ivanhoe_Reservoir_view_from_north_2015-10-11.jpg">shade balls</a>’
to prevent sunlight hitting the water; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv_85FaMKD-W6LKO_rfzJDrdjiI9wt0SWJ5F5-mccI1nbP0ZOfR3P310Ee-uLHGZxJFSSYs8wW1II6iVH3jz3N0eI6doabn0OQmS0FqbghTYcxgVDfcMIq9cNUEj2hazpzXRK8rxRq-yEZa4t_Z_SNeajszBvB1qF63iyNxZ9NISfX2du1A1U82zeY8g=s869" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="869" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv_85FaMKD-W6LKO_rfzJDrdjiI9wt0SWJ5F5-mccI1nbP0ZOfR3P310Ee-uLHGZxJFSSYs8wW1II6iVH3jz3N0eI6doabn0OQmS0FqbghTYcxgVDfcMIq9cNUEj2hazpzXRK8rxRq-yEZa4t_Z_SNeajszBvB1qF63iyNxZ9NISfX2du1A1U82zeY8g=w400-h300" width="400" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">However – thankfully it’s not very compatible with the SSSI
designation or our biodiversity / plastic waste aspirations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Currently there is a lot of academic work and research being
channelled towards this conundrum looking at a whole array of factors and
solutions to reducing the algae in the reservoirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the interim the problem is that the algae would create
taste and odour issues unless we take measures to treat that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially we have a scaled-up version of the domestic water filter on
your kitchen worktop which features a carbon/charcoal element to
remove taste and odour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> One point of note is that when first installed we reckoned it'd make a cracking vantage point for raptor watching...</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8iASPIdC799taRMAVWxqPpwzEEUFWyoAewsfUiJ4I8HkrInQ6dgfO3cFevAZovnFkInbliz5g6ATYiSfAwOL__7-OsaxmmsugshInaiHjvB3Wud65YY7wrMY5zgN3YGRXB6_LeCgeB_74BjT-aNcaTosrHDYJyigzPBgX8o4lc3cQiSFdGz41rBfCw=s780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8iASPIdC799taRMAVWxqPpwzEEUFWyoAewsfUiJ4I8HkrInQ6dgfO3cFevAZovnFkInbliz5g6ATYiSfAwOL__7-OsaxmmsugshInaiHjvB3Wud65YY7wrMY5zgN3YGRXB6_LeCgeB_74BjT-aNcaTosrHDYJyigzPBgX8o4lc3cQiSFdGz41rBfCw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For us on the nature reserve the only issue is at
the Lagoon process water outfall near the boardwalks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many pass comment on ‘what the black mud is?’
– it’s the carbon filtration material; It’s inert and harmless as evidenced by both lagoons being one
of the best places for kingfishers in Yorkshire (the sticklebacks probably
taste really nice filtered!). The was the original purpose of the lagoons - they are sediment traps so accumulated mud from the water treatment process is the expected output. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5GmCMW-2gvbdnCBoNQ4e-gTudxUSjV1x_gdGbaott8d1A96qwoQ8egk4BdqLnW709ua4RdEbynkkDUbvmx_4wKdFvBwuTp2IgfspozxxUyeIg_Fu2KiAJKbJNVpx6mL8ZEdoTYuD4XqNp0wrTJaD0cJSXvbyKMxo6wXqVwuIbArwDLizfNloSoDU1jg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5GmCMW-2gvbdnCBoNQ4e-gTudxUSjV1x_gdGbaott8d1A96qwoQ8egk4BdqLnW709ua4RdEbynkkDUbvmx_4wKdFvBwuTp2IgfspozxxUyeIg_Fu2KiAJKbJNVpx6mL8ZEdoTYuD4XqNp0wrTJaD0cJSXvbyKMxo6wXqVwuIbArwDLizfNloSoDU1jg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></span>However – the discharges from both lagoons are consented by
the Environment Agency and if they fail on suspended solids exceeding their
permitted concentrations at the lagoon outfalls into watercourses, then we are hit with substantial fines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is why management for wading birds was
abandoned 15 years ago as the risks are too great in trying to lower the water
levels to expose mud as it risks ripping up the bottom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, both lagoons were never built with de-silting
in mind in the 1950’s so have never been dredged, and the carbon dosing is
compounding the issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such to
pre-empt a failure we now have to undertake this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>North Lagoon as a sediment lagoon is
currently full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
water has to settle somewhere so currently it all goes through south lagoon
which has some capacity, but until north lagoon is rectified there is no plan b
or option to desilt south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>North Lagoon dredging<o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This job is scheduled to take place in Autumn 2022.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preparatory works are to be undertaken this
winter as the bund at the northern end has slumped not allowing the lagoon to
be raised for settlement capacity and needs rebuilding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such in coming weeks contractors will be
removing willows and failing alders from the bund, and installing a pipe bridge
to allow access into the lagoon for plant after it has been dried this season; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx5aMXProlJqo5Ytr_8bNq8AgSoAJck3FcIyUh_VNEXoL7DnMCMM-8ekDU3IqYXLSUTlCqfCpNleBGeSt2LysMHCqce5S04cNHS2rAbkFhLvuQXIsbzCtOmjPEOe7mNKhaI-cwuaN77HZx8KFF6J8UvKxPZIbhdZx3oGfmkjBkpnZ8Z4BKfDBE_KvNHw=s923" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="923" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx5aMXProlJqo5Ytr_8bNq8AgSoAJck3FcIyUh_VNEXoL7DnMCMM-8ekDU3IqYXLSUTlCqfCpNleBGeSt2LysMHCqce5S04cNHS2rAbkFhLvuQXIsbzCtOmjPEOe7mNKhaI-cwuaN77HZx8KFF6J8UvKxPZIbhdZx3oGfmkjBkpnZ8Z4BKfDBE_KvNHw=w640-h468" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">As such expect some limited closures for preparatory works
this winter and in the coming autumn for the work itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Subsequent to this South Lagoon is the next to be tackled
based on the outcome of this job – and will likely utilise infrastructure being
installed off the back of the current tunneling program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That said all this is a remedy not a cure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ensuring the lagoons can function merely buys
us time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>The Quality Scheme <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a multi million pound upgrade and what we may term
‘Tophill Low III’ (following from Tophill Low II in 1999 and the original in
1959 – it’s the installation of new more efficient filter beds to deal with the
algae issues at source in the Water Treatment works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is forecast to run into 2024 and will not impact the
Nature Reserve significantly barring year one – largely at our own request.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The reason for this is that there is no spare land for the
new infrastructure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only location is
an area of ground we commonly to refer to as ‘Mt. Tophill’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll be unknown to most regulars and
features on no maps but it’s a heap of inert material left from decades of WTW construction
works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the pictures below show it is
probably the highest landform for 4 miles in any direction and as we have
remarked ‘if it was in the right place it’d be a cracking vantage point for
birding’ but unfortunately it currently only views the roofs of the surrounding
private residences so isn’t an asset we can utilise; <o:p></o:p></p>
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluenGG6f1qD2k-aFlz5_b9duqk5ESBQPklH-tmLzgclu7m2YEsIFLdFCqiVWJBlEWSTt1eqCVnvrc6Duhowl6zY0BzIMkT_Z68J_fRVzG_7l9nqg3Jlvyq8xNYPjUc9gTjlwzxMKoGZn3IxrcyGYJsLCv0xD0uRnejaT1fNzKUuscP8zqFu_Vyn-l0A=s971" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="971" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhluenGG6f1qD2k-aFlz5_b9duqk5ESBQPklH-tmLzgclu7m2YEsIFLdFCqiVWJBlEWSTt1eqCVnvrc6Duhowl6zY0BzIMkT_Z68J_fRVzG_7l9nqg3Jlvyq8xNYPjUc9gTjlwzxMKoGZn3IxrcyGYJsLCv0xD0uRnejaT1fNzKUuscP8zqFu_Vyn-l0A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivnEivKEgCBmYbO15tP8vR7C-hDGaSD2QDABFUOD-wYeVfuil7vm3TZ1B7fzit-vBUthkTokWNcZOHGH4SBrhw3cMgz_VGEyrFA_mHxVW705ZsBwpiHb8SGZJaT-sAWOf0PDuM1iIu7w5FbsnDpx9sB1EyvpBiskJyff7oZKIlon49pQFC8wTS0jbT1g=s914" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="914" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivnEivKEgCBmYbO15tP8vR7C-hDGaSD2QDABFUOD-wYeVfuil7vm3TZ1B7fzit-vBUthkTokWNcZOHGH4SBrhw3cMgz_VGEyrFA_mHxVW705ZsBwpiHb8SGZJaT-sAWOf0PDuM1iIu7w5FbsnDpx9sB1EyvpBiskJyff7oZKIlon49pQFC8wTS0jbT1g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">As it’d become overgrown it had become home to many
protected great crested newts – extensive surveys were carried out last spring
to gauge the population size;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_i1070" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:301pt;
height:225.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///c:/temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image029.png" o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1069" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:159.5pt;
height:213pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///c:/temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image031.jpg" o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9ykMSkcinCHxDUMecAcJApzBUagrK-D2uPAcQF90kktZQgNBOvUNmx3HKp_NtTH4h9bpgvMuML_1Rri2QANVpqqKDMeM0Soem1rm0AxHus6ONUlVKnF-Th-rPHT1Zu4DmMMHk1drJuu26dI-ctxl1CVPvVtsrIhXuFQnybLZUctLDOVw4FHzBQUf4UQ=s629" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="629" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9ykMSkcinCHxDUMecAcJApzBUagrK-D2uPAcQF90kktZQgNBOvUNmx3HKp_NtTH4h9bpgvMuML_1Rri2QANVpqqKDMeM0Soem1rm0AxHus6ONUlVKnF-Th-rPHT1Zu4DmMMHk1drJuu26dI-ctxl1CVPvVtsrIhXuFQnybLZUctLDOVw4FHzBQUf4UQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSTirc8R5MHQzXN9T4DthZn7EwQCZ5lIy7hxtTcoH6va6IS732i8If0R1G1fLdbHzp-eeu4UVqZOaKAbe3lDstXBGwDVY3Mv9EKYhoYBBHLiFohDzM9p4-zXb64HDUVMi2k42GCKmDHb_I_TKwoD5UdEgj3oEwHywiORAooRzymoGyzkikTy8R325bUg=s445" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="335" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSTirc8R5MHQzXN9T4DthZn7EwQCZ5lIy7hxtTcoH6va6IS732i8If0R1G1fLdbHzp-eeu4UVqZOaKAbe3lDstXBGwDVY3Mv9EKYhoYBBHLiFohDzM9p4-zXb64HDUVMi2k42GCKmDHb_I_TKwoD5UdEgj3oEwHywiORAooRzymoGyzkikTy8R325bUg=w482-h640" width="482" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">To manage that we brought in Nibbles and co goats last spring
to browse and keep all the vegetation down and deter any birds from starting
nesting within the habitat ensuring no nests would be damaged when the newt
fences were installed in July; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_eXbtJi5OTAj8SpdYH22wOTsye-I3FPxTXVJjNK_GHpPg8tfiVdB2tbWILW_VSkXli1AaIoQqQvPsNsW5soPgHnUOf_5BcptQ9-ZpHqS0beUzVxE77-dGDQwRgHYRK5FVbKhOI1iolo6HS7VM2kCrYp9c4wQ3w8LGlC_w75SeZW3MJAqotBfvaCmnQ=s880" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="880" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv_eXbtJi5OTAj8SpdYH22wOTsye-I3FPxTXVJjNK_GHpPg8tfiVdB2tbWILW_VSkXli1AaIoQqQvPsNsW5soPgHnUOf_5BcptQ9-ZpHqS0beUzVxE77-dGDQwRgHYRK5FVbKhOI1iolo6HS7VM2kCrYp9c4wQ3w8LGlC_w75SeZW3MJAqotBfvaCmnQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_i1067" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:440.5pt;
height:330.5pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square'>
<v:imagedata src="file:///c:/temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image035.png" o:title=""/>
</v:shape><![endif]--></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaZtkhPz1boo5jGS7BEd_odGq03DcCRBz_B6NUk3SPuXdBJzDgGntEUehw-289HuvypcYkvxaVVnUYfL13FgssDqdI9miEAuDgyWRvgkfUnSRlyOmutjj-nJ7nSyYru2HE1X_gKoqEMK0BkXPKdqpH5Jp1-Xgl5T8G63PwPo08dg1rtSbhjBhcujjs0w=s918" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="918" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaZtkhPz1boo5jGS7BEd_odGq03DcCRBz_B6NUk3SPuXdBJzDgGntEUehw-289HuvypcYkvxaVVnUYfL13FgssDqdI9miEAuDgyWRvgkfUnSRlyOmutjj-nJ7nSyYru2HE1X_gKoqEMK0BkXPKdqpH5Jp1-Xgl5T8G63PwPo08dg1rtSbhjBhcujjs0w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Allowing safe rehoming of 22 great crested newts and 25
palmate newts from the mound - part of over 80 from the wider collection areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip6DNf_in2cK9i6muiX0SvW8jLpodxq2C5KDQa-IiYMyDHcGZNFK6rYwdKsstIXvRrzwFeU8BgNKFe1Ze9EhfAcczknGAmrsHQ3r1nlS6e2xoCay2z5aIC1tv4XiLyXP2OfuKeCwaLz0eIXDGWKGMjwcFE0xRA2ITCmVEecPyfIBQE0ZO4CCObAvYv0g=s483" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="362" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip6DNf_in2cK9i6muiX0SvW8jLpodxq2C5KDQa-IiYMyDHcGZNFK6rYwdKsstIXvRrzwFeU8BgNKFe1Ze9EhfAcczknGAmrsHQ3r1nlS6e2xoCay2z5aIC1tv4XiLyXP2OfuKeCwaLz0eIXDGWKGMjwcFE0xRA2ITCmVEecPyfIBQE0ZO4CCObAvYv0g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">This clears the way for much of that material to be removed
from the build area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now with the volume
of wagon movements that would come at huge customer expense, in carbon emissions and
in disruption to local communities – but we have a need for it within the
Nature Reserve which will benefit the habitats and visitor facilities and save
all the above impacts.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Much of this material will remain as it will be a visual and
noise barrier for adjacent residences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The intention is that this will be landscaped and seeded with hay
collected from the O reservoir hay meadows to deliver wildflower and insect rich hay meadow to compliment the reserve and may well
see the goats back at appropriate times to graze the escarpment which it is
hoped will become a pleasant outlook for residential properties on site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Hide Replacements<o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the last few years we have had a program of replacement
for the 1980’s and 90’s stilt hides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These were class leading and well-engineered in their day often by
regulars whom still visit to this day:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitTET83lhhT3Rhq2e9TPQC7r13AOlL-lBjKo3BEWR6LrB35K1vHaNV4NQ1sVOMxG8gwKxwgkIOphXGJlPeA177hbi7lkR2dkM4UYeqyluc_ByQCb1-4SlBqTC9a2PcjShP9bKuVTAIa_u3U0F1ovYcC5H5MkYZ4Nz5uECySatdtpCBvz7fiFDrmRJugw=s942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="942" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitTET83lhhT3Rhq2e9TPQC7r13AOlL-lBjKo3BEWR6LrB35K1vHaNV4NQ1sVOMxG8gwKxwgkIOphXGJlPeA177hbi7lkR2dkM4UYeqyluc_ByQCb1-4SlBqTC9a2PcjShP9bKuVTAIa_u3U0F1ovYcC5H5MkYZ4Nz5uECySatdtpCBvz7fiFDrmRJugw=w640-h420" width="640" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately,
the materials have unavoidably deteriorated as they were built to the budget of
the original 1993 Tophill Low NR launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix93OJdCX_g5Th9sDW44Pbrn1lDbCLK2vxRygP1XbGtXmrL6tF25f2ZRQ8jFhu9P_dhCTcXlVvo5uNwE6DTgBBkTtqtDvSKoqV9LtRGL9n7AvKDWo09vsI3yTGAY-XF2o-sQAmRW-FTKlt9SgM88IGY2L4WsG6YrlTeAl7gwplBgyfnv8MUA5pb-t5Aw=s589" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="589" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEix93OJdCX_g5Th9sDW44Pbrn1lDbCLK2vxRygP1XbGtXmrL6tF25f2ZRQ8jFhu9P_dhCTcXlVvo5uNwE6DTgBBkTtqtDvSKoqV9LtRGL9n7AvKDWo09vsI3yTGAY-XF2o-sQAmRW-FTKlt9SgM88IGY2L4WsG6YrlTeAl7gwplBgyfnv8MUA5pb-t5Aw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja2nxTi9KUk315GVAMO0_vql2XhYq2Tg618ysYiCY3b63yPrVV3tdIM5RF2Nit6Py_CjxFbbjAUT_ctiUbQeLxAzRn4spo9nUF4vqiUCbLuQ8pvLoavBl_ZaQll3otnBRw2mV9SHTDu099iIW-YUAmsvuM88OH7F14kNsR4pqAWRqmFMxl6dhR1qFWbQ=s661" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="496" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja2nxTi9KUk315GVAMO0_vql2XhYq2Tg618ysYiCY3b63yPrVV3tdIM5RF2Nit6Py_CjxFbbjAUT_ctiUbQeLxAzRn4spo9nUF4vqiUCbLuQ8pvLoavBl_ZaQll3otnBRw2mV9SHTDu099iIW-YUAmsvuM88OH7F14kNsR4pqAWRqmFMxl6dhR1qFWbQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">Some hides like the South Marsh and back to back hides are
built on stable concrete slabs and have survived well and should continue to do
so with regular maintenance; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4ageaqLOrynh6Jllnq6wOKi8dMQuD7r7UE43dsbxpUqiF4nbDZagoPM0lA8aWc0G_HcZE8rKSZBeLRb9-G-7xprUPirLf_yeI0JAGYoF_ACuRGzd5je2urH-Pqz1dZrd-xr8gVN7teimTp3Qi_G3EOEri2GQJf_7AI2uzwqMwEnrSW5efusx4RvE2Q=s941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="941" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhr4ageaqLOrynh6Jllnq6wOKi8dMQuD7r7UE43dsbxpUqiF4nbDZagoPM0lA8aWc0G_HcZE8rKSZBeLRb9-G-7xprUPirLf_yeI0JAGYoF_ACuRGzd5je2urH-Pqz1dZrd-xr8gVN7teimTp3Qi_G3EOEri2GQJf_7AI2uzwqMwEnrSW5efusx4RvE2Q=w640-h492" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0AemO3yq4DGmmLSTIw0gCI8eKSnmm2XEJNy2qA8ZWuYlDVu9pkHD2OWPxfTpIulyvNxA0Cf1oD4ax2PaTNrq9X2i2La-nekyicNToUyKBxTBds986woAb8Ph2IYemWQNyNBqLHsXcP4vH3bYVmYlNyzpeNsCz5VPGpftS9R_-2vz94gNkByX_59kBAA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj0AemO3yq4DGmmLSTIw0gCI8eKSnmm2XEJNy2qA8ZWuYlDVu9pkHD2OWPxfTpIulyvNxA0Cf1oD4ax2PaTNrq9X2i2La-nekyicNToUyKBxTBds986woAb8Ph2IYemWQNyNBqLHsXcP4vH3bYVmYlNyzpeNsCz5VPGpftS9R_-2vz94gNkByX_59kBAA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The two lagoon hides and Watton NR we were able to build
new sub-structures beneath them and give a new lease of life despite their old
telegraph and larch log legs failing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZPjqaOK41upXQMmE5-iaUjbFmD_zipWbVPZfccur7cFIdsBFkepntQDyvhg-FaZ2G2bDdwcmxMbMYnIChEBzU8c4grf3JpaK1gyemPpc3d2byObANhYbXExBEkggib_UuyAJdu980W6Gk5cfCAhK6I_0AszGYSdvXgapJSmvGbuyB9zrnzlRp27PigQ=s548" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="413" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZPjqaOK41upXQMmE5-iaUjbFmD_zipWbVPZfccur7cFIdsBFkepntQDyvhg-FaZ2G2bDdwcmxMbMYnIChEBzU8c4grf3JpaK1gyemPpc3d2byObANhYbXExBEkggib_UuyAJdu980W6Gk5cfCAhK6I_0AszGYSdvXgapJSmvGbuyB9zrnzlRp27PigQ=w482-h640" width="482" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">However, where we have had elevated hides requiring major refurbishment,
we’ve had to make tough decisions on their future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such as the old south lagoon inlet hide –
their time had been and passed and no longer looked over good vistas due to
habitat change and were but a liability to pull down:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMR8tVLAcrD4Qbp0j6NP4tib4n8tyND8NPvxed8Xmf2u7V69sa1qFeRqYDAigCMVoRZGWiQvpM1jvVB9Q__QGCRJ3mTJXtl0GcrpHjTiIwsCrMPwdPhj_-A84TE8-TvDPgMgdyx0wym9fht5V60zVw0qVEYa5HuyH1farVDJY8-twgONFP3j8KJb76hw=s449" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="336" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMR8tVLAcrD4Qbp0j6NP4tib4n8tyND8NPvxed8Xmf2u7V69sa1qFeRqYDAigCMVoRZGWiQvpM1jvVB9Q__QGCRJ3mTJXtl0GcrpHjTiIwsCrMPwdPhj_-A84TE8-TvDPgMgdyx0wym9fht5V60zVw0qVEYa5HuyH1farVDJY8-twgONFP3j8KJb76hw=w299-h400" width="299" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The former D res north hide was occasionally useful in the
right light – but the majority of the time it faced due south into the
sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To get the height to see over the
walls it needed to be on stilts all of which were rotting and which would need
rebuilt at a cost of many thousands with a fairly precipitous set of steps
which won’t satisfy the equality act, or our own aspirations for an accessible
site – all to support a hide which would have had a minority of occasional users;
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT65SaNJK8rHniJMnR1JsiNrJHfx6zSV_XeKEsdx35SOkwJmvdBKQNs3w35fiTloGhTaPPM_XhsqHhQ90t5VWZbeKE8Bef85fEt7cZ73SvFddrEYa5Nte24SFYDXJmJ_u85WqspknNWyRO8mYmh2X6MURh-yuRlLNhPHpEvS7TS1cwGhMxncppn0ysnw=s768" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="768" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT65SaNJK8rHniJMnR1JsiNrJHfx6zSV_XeKEsdx35SOkwJmvdBKQNs3w35fiTloGhTaPPM_XhsqHhQ90t5VWZbeKE8Bef85fEt7cZ73SvFddrEYa5Nte24SFYDXJmJ_u85WqspknNWyRO8mYmh2X6MURh-yuRlLNhPHpEvS7TS1cwGhMxncppn0ysnw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As such we elected to do something totally different and
construct the Izzard hide instead;<o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKtj6ViPP77SHFFxZ7lZ88Tz9MLqmPG2AfaywzAQG_lzNG8-kzgcVlbN4tJAbeaSWdQZ149lJIj4Y_KRsEDrw-VQvhIKQn3ogiyr4Pgcn4H_Dgbo-oDYeuMtc3jTI6cdr-fymPdx8ISydHZEZfYwQQeM_litBSCM1Qq-1oSZpVj_6dk3MrNyALrdIVeQ=s722" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="722" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKtj6ViPP77SHFFxZ7lZ88Tz9MLqmPG2AfaywzAQG_lzNG8-kzgcVlbN4tJAbeaSWdQZ149lJIj4Y_KRsEDrw-VQvhIKQn3ogiyr4Pgcn4H_Dgbo-oDYeuMtc3jTI6cdr-fymPdx8ISydHZEZfYwQQeM_litBSCM1Qq-1oSZpVj_6dk3MrNyALrdIVeQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">And its fair to say that has yielded much more interest and
visits to site than a refurbished D would have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s not to say we have written off the idea of a D res north
hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have ideas for the future
that would deliver the originals intended function much more effectively…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The original North Marsh hide was something of a horror show
by 2008;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY-fgUs7qinY6kGl45uqXDaB8OPzUCEPCPZrDQLTdwepTIsIOLYbChwqVQBpqiiaknaUsy0lCwFgACmOnIlbTUXF0BonzjbBy0qL4YvaQwYy1OiCpZx1dMASG1N_Ju4q0OrFhw0sn0QaGcMlyMM-9kSfucaZ0zJnXIGnUy_e6kn3QVbuwvzLg16T3ztA=s577" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="577" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY-fgUs7qinY6kGl45uqXDaB8OPzUCEPCPZrDQLTdwepTIsIOLYbChwqVQBpqiiaknaUsy0lCwFgACmOnIlbTUXF0BonzjbBy0qL4YvaQwYy1OiCpZx1dMASG1N_Ju4q0OrFhw0sn0QaGcMlyMM-9kSfucaZ0zJnXIGnUy_e6kn3QVbuwvzLg16T3ztA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And was successfully replaced in 2009 with the current well-loved
structure – and was our first use of earth to create a permanent, low
maintenance accessibly entrance to an elevated hide; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkMm-s7G-UzOOOYLzKHrwWBF2PFIZbqUcRVRsQ9ZxBRWk1KbzlMcr0BXKl0Z3IPMNl_ohydvdlqgwDR7SLUkxZgfSk61zm9z0J3vfKOmyNfMz_NjP_GDmuhg3Wn32h9ALrAevIwh-rXIou9sFbgEyVpal9f8xIREK_e0kTc0eYjiQ8pXwLrohIGtuU2A=s484" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="484" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkMm-s7G-UzOOOYLzKHrwWBF2PFIZbqUcRVRsQ9ZxBRWk1KbzlMcr0BXKl0Z3IPMNl_ohydvdlqgwDR7SLUkxZgfSk61zm9z0J3vfKOmyNfMz_NjP_GDmuhg3Wn32h9ALrAevIwh-rXIou9sFbgEyVpal9f8xIREK_e0kTc0eYjiQ8pXwLrohIGtuU2A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">In doing so we also created habitat in the form of the D
woods pond: <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhatlOyjovY9VEC47YdAEzEu5ReEvXV4zad7gPW52U1iYTYsqUXeViU5x6ThzCEXtsZRUpLa52gJdBUwnkBgdhGIuqogS_uUE3hNVzdKt0T93ohqqw6l1uzcy0qDYvzOIjLsZTO5k1ISCT0wZ8N41fUUscDoTgfq5saAaAOy5kaBqGPcRkYKB3Hlc4ngQ=s741" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="741" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhatlOyjovY9VEC47YdAEzEu5ReEvXV4zad7gPW52U1iYTYsqUXeViU5x6ThzCEXtsZRUpLa52gJdBUwnkBgdhGIuqogS_uUE3hNVzdKt0T93ohqqw6l1uzcy0qDYvzOIjLsZTO5k1ISCT0wZ8N41fUUscDoTgfq5saAaAOy5kaBqGPcRkYKB3Hlc4ngQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">We scaled this up for the former D res car park hide in
2017; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisaAq2bWZiP_7jMSSeUSPrAI8QnqK6oulgEXK7G2KT4ypjCEVhOc4N7UaHLzADP8Ns2nZWpUAOPTgb-krRJcipays-fD2zpBhCzZZAoCSVvO8OgOJ5UMsNXq61-oF3Fgca559Zn4dZkmPz1_0cUHS9XPVhT39JF0nW0yY0K6Qo6qFU2A-YO3_94UpfKw=s772" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="772" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisaAq2bWZiP_7jMSSeUSPrAI8QnqK6oulgEXK7G2KT4ypjCEVhOc4N7UaHLzADP8Ns2nZWpUAOPTgb-krRJcipays-fD2zpBhCzZZAoCSVvO8OgOJ5UMsNXq61-oF3Fgca559Zn4dZkmPz1_0cUHS9XPVhT39JF0nW0yY0K6Qo6qFU2A-YO3_94UpfKw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh5UAkcxPm5c9P4tw3r0VFfp6S3NBJtTsj6YZL6Yi6M97yDthL4UmZ_Xlq5m3LuceeXXYW92Dp6MmzAiStsVvGOKAwTcoWLFJXYQMHfHzmFLjSSd9YZFPgVrXoBj7Ukv1NtgR_8P7KSdHc_Tu1hPqtVNr2VPhdNa6kfvMZwTatDupTUqUDbzuwOYwk1Q=s773" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="773" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh5UAkcxPm5c9P4tw3r0VFfp6S3NBJtTsj6YZL6Yi6M97yDthL4UmZ_Xlq5m3LuceeXXYW92Dp6MmzAiStsVvGOKAwTcoWLFJXYQMHfHzmFLjSSd9YZFPgVrXoBj7Ukv1NtgR_8P7KSdHc_Tu1hPqtVNr2VPhdNa6kfvMZwTatDupTUqUDbzuwOYwk1Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">Creating both the reception hide; <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj1aNkOki8quyosubrkalrUOpSRhgFNNAB-oSdHnsbC8AYLnC1CiLUI-peFu0xtjV7nc7R1ntCTJumUbmjBFGHNCiarW1eHK1Z3P5t5-_OxhKD_liO_kHcIWzLFlLBbbd7Wmcw2CQvYqLuYZTgkPtMIEbi-xB-1L1dtknhb074TJNOY9Kkos6q3vfEfA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj1aNkOki8quyosubrkalrUOpSRhgFNNAB-oSdHnsbC8AYLnC1CiLUI-peFu0xtjV7nc7R1ntCTJumUbmjBFGHNCiarW1eHK1Z3P5t5-_OxhKD_liO_kHcIWzLFlLBbbd7Wmcw2CQvYqLuYZTgkPtMIEbi-xB-1L1dtknhb074TJNOY9Kkos6q3vfEfA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRV8iJ-Pmms3EDq5GXUwVPZjpoUnwERLW5Z2NvqKTWvP5ewzlK98Y5W5FflICsc9cPPGZpqmN8BW3nBTR_ECws1e8ajK4Wmoo7Gg-nJ-s3dWiDmkqWArJjy-7XzqaBZE01gO5d9bX5iCw1-N9w873ocsLBdXgYO_z6GU6b8NjBalNP8l-S3r9m57NfQ=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRV8iJ-Pmms3EDq5GXUwVPZjpoUnwERLW5Z2NvqKTWvP5ewzlK98Y5W5FflICsc9cPPGZpqmN8BW3nBTR_ECws1e8ajK4Wmoo7Gg-nJ-s3dWiDmkqWArJjy-7XzqaBZE01gO5d9bX5iCw1-N9w873ocsLBdXgYO_z6GU6b8NjBalNP8l-S3r9m57NfQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">And the associated pond from the disability access ramp
creation; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXseJlmzaH69tdHCPOeu04MzZoDyMVTIoPM9OiJSwhAZiFbT_6mOCGwS5S7fVjxS5N7l9VRkrkkbpJnl8hydApZ4g5aM60nYTSzw1wfErfrfEs6_E7iExx0Syixio2jL8X2ssKaBemvF9g-oci9t7HlVW1j10s1gHOkt30rgNE9Jtu4EItu9Wrp3HXQ=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="960" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXseJlmzaH69tdHCPOeu04MzZoDyMVTIoPM9OiJSwhAZiFbT_6mOCGwS5S7fVjxS5N7l9VRkrkkbpJnl8hydApZ4g5aM60nYTSzw1wfErfrfEs6_E7iExx0Syixio2jL8X2ssKaBemvF9g-oci9t7HlVW1j10s1gHOkt30rgNE9Jtu4EItu9Wrp3HXQ=w640-h434" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">Whilst we have tried to limp on some of the others we have
reached the end of the road with them – and modern regulations such as CDM and
safety controls such as working at heights mean we can’t undertake some of the
jobs we’d have previously jumped in with volunteers and done;</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO44FzwevxdhEE2TlWzTS-Pq7EchJZVxC4EldcLcT5pUCric5C0O_ioWBZPoHk_YNq15ETeBWi-jjeE5JPB7d_v4PyPu2usXTisJ6a7KMuWTcG24_b-ngPY4bLQFtkEDoHGcCkQeFj9pTnWWaJwN_vNPaDIgbIDeuGoil7wpFTihhGTDV-q7QA9WuddA=s550" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="413" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgO44FzwevxdhEE2TlWzTS-Pq7EchJZVxC4EldcLcT5pUCric5C0O_ioWBZPoHk_YNq15ETeBWi-jjeE5JPB7d_v4PyPu2usXTisJ6a7KMuWTcG24_b-ngPY4bLQFtkEDoHGcCkQeFj9pTnWWaJwN_vNPaDIgbIDeuGoil7wpFTihhGTDV-q7QA9WuddA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Much loved by gull enthusiasts – we recognise East Hide is a
viewing location which needs to stay and cater for serious birders giving a
commanding vista of the D reservoir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas
its rotting supports, asbestos roof and non-compliant access mean we have to
look at replacement rather than refurbishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDnXl1MzluKl02xfqaoifcbPay_9YdyXEhIRewB4SWePASmT2rXvNtEfD5XWwIIKAc06MELHONpKutvn3By5HCe95pUBCka3j6RsWaq1oEPtWcO9EP0ggaPrliOx1ow6oO-q4fGxFl942xPN0S6bnkpIOaftBjrPGOsBEEhCNWd6k0qm0ORkREfEL7JQ=s942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="942" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDnXl1MzluKl02xfqaoifcbPay_9YdyXEhIRewB4SWePASmT2rXvNtEfD5XWwIIKAc06MELHONpKutvn3By5HCe95pUBCka3j6RsWaq1oEPtWcO9EP0ggaPrliOx1ow6oO-q4fGxFl942xPN0S6bnkpIOaftBjrPGOsBEEhCNWd6k0qm0ORkREfEL7JQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p>As such the plan is to develop a replacement in the same
location at the same height with similarly birder orientated design; But with
the addition of a disability access ramp which much like the reception hide
will be afforested with a more sensitive mix of berry bushes and
understorey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is our aspiration one
day to introduce dormice to Tophill Low; This is years away, but that target
means we have to bring all the woodlands and understory into a quality that’s equally
excellent for a host of woodland plants, birds and animals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We’ll also be moving the path back away from the SSSI
reservoir to reduce disturbance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrSdJjKqQAGsaq44WB5earsJIHZ1Oju9RztSWolNDaVC9uXTZZbQCdvPpE0sLS_NkWetfe0epmKWBLXLzlsOHem6ynpfOEYk1z9Qq8DMRmyEGX3qEbidlYgI7vCX56XyOhdul9bFt0kPc17XjEeg9AiwjWLgQBOszGRQM4WSSftkmGfeGf7UYl7Pha3g=s868" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="868" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrSdJjKqQAGsaq44WB5earsJIHZ1Oju9RztSWolNDaVC9uXTZZbQCdvPpE0sLS_NkWetfe0epmKWBLXLzlsOHem6ynpfOEYk1z9Qq8DMRmyEGX3qEbidlYgI7vCX56XyOhdul9bFt0kPc17XjEeg9AiwjWLgQBOszGRQM4WSSftkmGfeGf7UYl7Pha3g=w640-h508" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">This is going to mean some limited felling of pine and larch
trees, and therefore initial closures for this around new year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subsequently there will be a prolonged
closure whilst earthworks are undertaken from February which may restrict
access to the whole northern site, and subsequently through D woods until we
have new paths in place in spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The finished product should be a stable hide that is
accessible for all, much reduced in maintenance and SSSI disturbance and gives
a lot more interesting walk and more diverse habitat than previously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other hide due for replacement is ‘L’ hide on O
reservoir and is the more ambitious project of the two;</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg8bf2ZINqnuvbhp3wiDaa_B0SnzKGDG4WUBV910OqulVnvQs4Ho4vbMGIt05Xq3v1f6f191julvOppxwsyU202Po5b1jH886WicNIG9W7u79YP5Uk4Px5xxBSzJFCgvtYx_ntapUEhWZHZAXCb599xB9b_hfhZ46TtspqgeTRokLIQfPgQ4EEaslVzQ=s941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="941" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhg8bf2ZINqnuvbhp3wiDaa_B0SnzKGDG4WUBV910OqulVnvQs4Ho4vbMGIt05Xq3v1f6f191julvOppxwsyU202Po5b1jH886WicNIG9W7u79YP5Uk4Px5xxBSzJFCgvtYx_ntapUEhWZHZAXCb599xB9b_hfhZ46TtspqgeTRokLIQfPgQ4EEaslVzQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">This hide when built was started on the right concept – it’s
on a mound – but unfortunately it wasn’t quite high enough and set too far back
from the reservoir so never really worked; The near side of O res is always
hidden so you can only observe wildfowl and gulls on the far side of the res. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwejrTQY4tj0yffWUB8k3RK-Jxc9eQsW9lv7-S4zES5uA5N6kvAMTVrHRNOsU9DzZu-GrOTBpaMeXua4IrTaNlIJhzMfdy-SmUdt19iD-ZGXKsvzWCjSTtgMO2cJ5QWwg6bXh7RnWeiH1FhqfmGFuFdxKDNoz1erGL6cck5z7D20O6heE4ru6tiIDbNQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwejrTQY4tj0yffWUB8k3RK-Jxc9eQsW9lv7-S4zES5uA5N6kvAMTVrHRNOsU9DzZu-GrOTBpaMeXua4IrTaNlIJhzMfdy-SmUdt19iD-ZGXKsvzWCjSTtgMO2cJ5QWwg6bXh7RnWeiH1FhqfmGFuFdxKDNoz1erGL6cck5z7D20O6heE4ru6tiIDbNQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Likewise if it was a little higher then you could get a view of the river
towards Hempholme and Leven Carrs and the new habitats there along with their
burgeoning crane and raptor communities – but it’s not quite there. It also is still built on legs and has no disability access and
is all on failing supports again so it’s one we need to start over with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, the idea is to go higher and add to this mound and
incorporate disability access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5ZTwvpLOv0pb9GV-H6jNO0hp43H5810vx4w0OaBL-bCw3OF6NC8mB9oikwAE7MTBF0eSFmaRF7SvdQQhlRj-G0MFTFQ_6EKu-aybXHr-pOgWcSFQPTUMD6qDWoQnzslghmO00-dJBgrb-xse0UVte8ic689veusjX0U3aOradKm8yUl2OjKcxBumrwg=s909" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="909" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5ZTwvpLOv0pb9GV-H6jNO0hp43H5810vx4w0OaBL-bCw3OF6NC8mB9oikwAE7MTBF0eSFmaRF7SvdQQhlRj-G0MFTFQ_6EKu-aybXHr-pOgWcSFQPTUMD6qDWoQnzslghmO00-dJBgrb-xse0UVte8ic689veusjX0U3aOradKm8yUl2OjKcxBumrwg=w640-h574" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">We’re still developing the precise details on the hide or
viewing area specification itself but the intention is it will deliver
commanding views of O reservoir and the surrounding scrub and wetlands.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We want an open aspect that will make this a brilliant
vantage point for surveying raptors and wetland birds through the river Hull corridor
such has been had in the past <a href="http://martinhodgessbirdingblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/eyes-to-skies-for-buteo-bonanza.html">here</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This elevated position will also be host to a MOTUS
array.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read <a href="https://motus.org/">here</a> for full details. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Essentially recent advances to telemetry and miniaturisation
have allowed the development of transmitters which don’t have the prohibitive
bandwidth hosting costs of satellite tracking systems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently blackcap is the only species
sanctioned for trial in the UK as the BTO is correctly taking a cautious
approach to rolling out the technology – but in the states they have successfully
been attached to all manner of birdlife, and even dragonflies, monarch
butterflies and bats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the low
energy transmission the system relies on a transmitting animal passing within a
few km of a receiver station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the
more stations there are, the more likely it is to be picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The networks are extensive in the Americas
but embryonic in the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yorkshire
Water’s Biodiversity team have funded the installation of three MOTUS arrays in
East Yorks at the Deep in Hull, RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Tophill Low, which will
be in addition to established arrays at Spurn bird obs and the LDV NNR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Going forwards this scientific emphasis will be linked to
the bird ringing station at Tophill Low which will be re-housed in a relocated
shed with more interpretation on returns and their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Data needs to be transmitted and the receiver powered so
this is to be incorporated within an overhaul of the reserve’s failing 30-year-old
camera coaxial and power cable which will allow reliable powering of the
predator fence around SME, the moth traps and nocmig audio recordings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Essentially this new hillock will be
something of a Tophill ‘Menwith Hill’ with an array of wildlife monitoring and
tracking technologies all focused upon it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The intention is to get a reliable and high quality picture signal back
to the reception hide so we can scan the wetlands remotely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise we’re hoping high speed internet
will finally make it to Tophill which will finally allow us to get that footage
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When lockdown started in 2020 we
attempted to stream footage but the internet was so slow we could only get a
few fragments out of the barn owls before we had to give up on our near dial up speeds: <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GYQU4cyPfpY" width="320" youtube-src-id="GYQU4cyPfpY"></iframe></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The hide mound will entail a larger footprint and we’ll be
extending back into the woodland behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we’re felling elements of it, we have taken the opportunity to fell
the lot and start again with similar dormouse / scrub woodland habitat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Currently its scots pine which is none native
to the area and ash which is suffering badly from die back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of the weedy trees here are growing
strongly in the wet heavy clay soils when you consider they are the same age as
those in D woods, and nor do we want them to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ItadqYNLmTCjh04TdHB-odias_fsuO3VFU3Yegp5te8nLh6mhV6OMRk846rMIt5og9GKvvGYpeIAmS32oc5pzpEaoRY9yy_DkPIPPwSTzra_WJ_CcwK7w0YHhyuX7ti0cuf7q9O1Js6zhNJ9yu5V2_FaJRVGtWUGrwzV4B2wCaUi2yOM2MluBi7raA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1ItadqYNLmTCjh04TdHB-odias_fsuO3VFU3Yegp5te8nLh6mhV6OMRk846rMIt5og9GKvvGYpeIAmS32oc5pzpEaoRY9yy_DkPIPPwSTzra_WJ_CcwK7w0YHhyuX7ti0cuf7q9O1Js6zhNJ9yu5V2_FaJRVGtWUGrwzV4B2wCaUi2yOM2MluBi7raA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">In D woods we’re embracing canopy trees with the heronry, sparrowhawk
nests etc and all they bring – but at the southern end of the site we want low
dense nesting habitat and scrub for warblers, bullfinches and wintering
thrushes which complements our wetlands, and eliminates predator perches to
benefit nesting wetland birds. <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMFiyuQBSdB9Q7LDbh1XheZyDPJKY3HPQg75vgspl36qzgw1ATpZ9RiIK58GtanMT3qOkvXH2QFfcxzoqH3aroHevEDRudGgGHMb5PrYWIwFMTbgROrQSqDwPhHTa69KmjghVreP7MDN4reTm-DEmoLCwPBNMJr9ExC6Ce7OfT5x_Rd62o6oVjdaOydw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMFiyuQBSdB9Q7LDbh1XheZyDPJKY3HPQg75vgspl36qzgw1ATpZ9RiIK58GtanMT3qOkvXH2QFfcxzoqH3aroHevEDRudGgGHMb5PrYWIwFMTbgROrQSqDwPhHTa69KmjghVreP7MDN4reTm-DEmoLCwPBNMJr9ExC6Ce7OfT5x_Rd62o6oVjdaOydw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">If we’re on with tree works, we want to do the rest whilst
mobilised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that means also the ash
avenue which is at the very south of the site around and beyond Watton NR hide;<o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXcK6fsG8DeFonsAQA2CNfApTcDiLntCURG2DbMtFofBZXBMykwv5lRUjKDDOpto9aIkjCqX8dz3_odG3hKMEhVtdR7pcBC8H5kas2zWCFSAzCQiLolnRDBsuR0ALA1WWz8AP0CxTxkU8lkhWEH_5jtt3vHjcMpq5o3sm9Eap8PmK_OvaxSCup5wvvSA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXcK6fsG8DeFonsAQA2CNfApTcDiLntCURG2DbMtFofBZXBMykwv5lRUjKDDOpto9aIkjCqX8dz3_odG3hKMEhVtdR7pcBC8H5kas2zWCFSAzCQiLolnRDBsuR0ALA1WWz8AP0CxTxkU8lkhWEH_5jtt3vHjcMpq5o3sm9Eap8PmK_OvaxSCup5wvvSA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">This avenue is a self-generated row of ash which is now
suffering from die back and in time would become a hazard to pedestrians on the
public bridleway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is too small to be
a viable woodland and simply acts as a vantage point for carrion crows
(complete with their nest /dining table set within it) fragmenting valuable reedbed and grassland on South Scrub and Watton NR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are intending to take this down to pollard
height – trees which survive the current ash die back can regrow as dense
warbler habitat we will maintain with volunteers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMGDybcZZCWSs4njH0TosCVDirsmQSysYmWn5rZhv9uNqzMUDIv1GLiUAPAF7uOdLLLzcGoW4j61t1VZZSS-FEQSGd3AYcSRhKuONpwc1tsFSCZQ_HANKOG9EFoEat9KNgZB4nKso5rxvRCPLAJ9RCQ8z-sRb45REeiHQHaeM-B1-EQF-ZS7NH8ENnVg=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMGDybcZZCWSs4njH0TosCVDirsmQSysYmWn5rZhv9uNqzMUDIv1GLiUAPAF7uOdLLLzcGoW4j61t1VZZSS-FEQSGd3AYcSRhKuONpwc1tsFSCZQ_HANKOG9EFoEat9KNgZB4nKso5rxvRCPLAJ9RCQ8z-sRb45REeiHQHaeM-B1-EQF-ZS7NH8ENnVg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">To reach and extract timber without negatively impacting on stewardship
meadows we’ll be cutting new rides through the rank hawthorn scrub similar to
that which we did in 2009 to further diversify and create valuable edge habitat
– continuing our Higher Level Stewardship work to take S Scrub from bad on the
right below – to good on the left;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv8pRW7g3bDmq3ihw38B4BzdOnt0wUTP2aZNNMefM4zsLvaW_TwMGDu_sWO_Y3QUZY0Su6U_I66spe-Wr-e5XBwnHMnwgnIt-qEm9sotlrQjFDtSU8pY1weSUnFdfSkKejEmQ2vSdBVgMJNibJIemPkbS5GmoJgxXmAsPavCNc-ffcD42RiyNCONzzCA=s551" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="551" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv8pRW7g3bDmq3ihw38B4BzdOnt0wUTP2aZNNMefM4zsLvaW_TwMGDu_sWO_Y3QUZY0Su6U_I66spe-Wr-e5XBwnHMnwgnIt-qEm9sotlrQjFDtSU8pY1weSUnFdfSkKejEmQ2vSdBVgMJNibJIemPkbS5GmoJgxXmAsPavCNc-ffcD42RiyNCONzzCA=w640-h536" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 288.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 288pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">JJ
Hopkins, 1996</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On exactly the same concept is the pollarding of the copse
adjacent to South Marsh East.</p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7fOX4YCw2jYS7QV2hueGTMIquZ9v3iDDnxKmFObcbIdckxwLsIKcJCuxMJfp6o2WmAarFQ0-XxZuIPRAwsoLwbn-Pa7U5frlnkCy4Z7l4jHzHunNL6tdyUZs9tTbpoN3AZjOVbthwKeo-SatpBho1z29Ml6fx-NROGv-lH63eR4U9VAdDecVNPAdgdg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7fOX4YCw2jYS7QV2hueGTMIquZ9v3iDDnxKmFObcbIdckxwLsIKcJCuxMJfp6o2WmAarFQ0-XxZuIPRAwsoLwbn-Pa7U5frlnkCy4Z7l4jHzHunNL6tdyUZs9tTbpoN3AZjOVbthwKeo-SatpBho1z29Ml6fx-NROGv-lH63eR4U9VAdDecVNPAdgdg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">We’ve already been undertaking much with volunteers this
winter on SMW and need to bring these trees into a size maintainable with hand
tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuHeAPc16rU509eM5iu02LAFduvxT33dWvcfLIiCMNHdwS_2Cb0UlWe4RGAPvmqDcJ-2xo0EIemGWOWdq9jHr1h1jQ3BouJM4ya3x5c1YEgtlNwpU-0e4PYsIw-g6XQGuHOzvld2hM1mY-N_LqMHHMSg8764Msm-j6hARUwXGggs7FfKtTEP_hKF_5JA=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="940" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuHeAPc16rU509eM5iu02LAFduvxT33dWvcfLIiCMNHdwS_2Cb0UlWe4RGAPvmqDcJ-2xo0EIemGWOWdq9jHr1h1jQ3BouJM4ya3x5c1YEgtlNwpU-0e4PYsIw-g6XQGuHOzvld2hM1mY-N_LqMHHMSg8764Msm-j6hARUwXGggs7FfKtTEP_hKF_5JA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Some of you may remember the
lockdown scenes where the local common buzzards undisturbed by visitors were
using these tall trees to launch attacks which effectively wiped out much of
the breeding birds on the marsh in 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The more open the vista – the earlier warning nesting birds get of
attack and can collectively mob and deter predators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguDcavaFM_414xQsGdsbuQf7MbjTNGpGKz4jpbZcxgtatOqvn01pQ6EOnKPh9ozn1pdz1iWClveQsWdnPhtCugtcQTbf_df0vUhO5BfLxNNNku7CuunFWwtasFtbZnBdPm2zyqdA14Hv8uhjVBBnv5fRWK3YtOjF1miRKkd7XhYUQVfMC6KwB0wMRLWA=s981" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="981" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguDcavaFM_414xQsGdsbuQf7MbjTNGpGKz4jpbZcxgtatOqvn01pQ6EOnKPh9ozn1pdz1iWClveQsWdnPhtCugtcQTbf_df0vUhO5BfLxNNNku7CuunFWwtasFtbZnBdPm2zyqdA14Hv8uhjVBBnv5fRWK3YtOjF1miRKkd7XhYUQVfMC6KwB0wMRLWA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The intention is to get it away from 40 foot predator perches; </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6SXkx27RO6_GxJXm6MjSWx8L-4ybkoQePkaujt77jHtAiEOTUrpulzPC5qAWUWTl8K_1rplx_QikkLLHnFsBm0GO-PkX0f34kRVCRF61u60YFx4Lydsr3SR_8XcI5ueVAbXGeoXweo0WWV4ZAUmFiWkuRuvCdlYGKkEO_LVPC7K4jXojWvytcYnqG_g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6SXkx27RO6_GxJXm6MjSWx8L-4ybkoQePkaujt77jHtAiEOTUrpulzPC5qAWUWTl8K_1rplx_QikkLLHnFsBm0GO-PkX0f34kRVCRF61u60YFx4Lydsr3SR_8XcI5ueVAbXGeoXweo0WWV4ZAUmFiWkuRuvCdlYGKkEO_LVPC7K4jXojWvytcYnqG_g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">And instead managed as dense pollard woodland as we've already done a lot previously with volunteers - home to blackcaps, garden warblers, bullfinch - rather than carrion crow and buzzard;</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZB2xaplIjUIEVeN2IR0D99fiYiuzxLOcIDkSPdLKfyrzteCoUEmUgpNHKZMHBF-x3yMWDheK4P4YgekhOTGcsNjR9IPOR0p4-QZ5HjhXhjdYjaEnICmO8ukTpszKcVZZMe5_j9O4OzJfMVjuU0hXmMi9P1rgNn00V5yLdxzuxCrzA2Ocv0G_8i9_xdw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZB2xaplIjUIEVeN2IR0D99fiYiuzxLOcIDkSPdLKfyrzteCoUEmUgpNHKZMHBF-x3yMWDheK4P4YgekhOTGcsNjR9IPOR0p4-QZ5HjhXhjdYjaEnICmO8ukTpszKcVZZMe5_j9O4OzJfMVjuU0hXmMi9P1rgNn00V5yLdxzuxCrzA2Ocv0G_8i9_xdw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The same applies to the same predator perch / un-biodiverse
/ stunted pine plantation next to east pond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is to go leaving the hawthorn scrub for warblers augmented by more native
species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgmkwwgswHagcBpErCV2VS8avREMWCb80IeDgPkEU1R-ufVEexN_nVUYdixvXekYfxWs8PF0LG2x-W4QbVNg9r-TEWjYwDCDlT_mWZ-KPZvvfDASz842a7JvcwoEoHPRrAXvCqU1FtCdlSMvwg9W8ZufvdBonFwZwAoSaC3B_zW0Sy1yqGYgmAe-EE1Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgmkwwgswHagcBpErCV2VS8avREMWCb80IeDgPkEU1R-ufVEexN_nVUYdixvXekYfxWs8PF0LG2x-W4QbVNg9r-TEWjYwDCDlT_mWZ-KPZvvfDASz842a7JvcwoEoHPRrAXvCqU1FtCdlSMvwg9W8ZufvdBonFwZwAoSaC3B_zW0Sy1yqGYgmAe-EE1Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">We’ll finally get round to extracting the timber from O
reservoir wood felled for tree safety works last winter which will be planted
up with species more faithful to the river Hull than Balsam poplar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that means alder / downy birch / alder
buckthorn / sessile oak wet woodland species as future willow tit habitat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The felling of the poplars at O res was due
to them collapsing across the road to O res two years ago;</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGPbw-HJGTHddMumMPGC5rMHhSsbgZ9ZWusQOwUjxr2_rOV8VJXbmZV3-CPMrSB_RCvjLu45uTCmXlIWJmGAcNc07u_zgqDIQ46PR346cgWv0rttXn3hjme9ky7uJMtdIMzMWv0qFaGZcJw1vicQ7oWawMBX5Xw1i9Tnb4tCkmyBnwYiUkP-zGZVGZng=s889" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="889" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGPbw-HJGTHddMumMPGC5rMHhSsbgZ9ZWusQOwUjxr2_rOV8VJXbmZV3-CPMrSB_RCvjLu45uTCmXlIWJmGAcNc07u_zgqDIQ46PR346cgWv0rttXn3hjme9ky7uJMtdIMzMWv0qFaGZcJw1vicQ7oWawMBX5Xw1i9Tnb4tCkmyBnwYiUkP-zGZVGZng=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlTne9yigamICiafxOtCUw-Mla9auTR8THgUOVs9xdX9ayxAuB4Li_4qgvAofO9eyMSoZ5A9lwZPGR42BqMC4DgN1i7i_pJZjeGLI-rJ4hR5j0xtZ2quF8I1L9zdaVAf-M0AIgcV6qYyMwCsFqI4sFCcoJSaz905h65dix8PXfQ-3l_fCAKf1-qqU7zw=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlTne9yigamICiafxOtCUw-Mla9auTR8THgUOVs9xdX9ayxAuB4Li_4qgvAofO9eyMSoZ5A9lwZPGR42BqMC4DgN1i7i_pJZjeGLI-rJ4hR5j0xtZ2quF8I1L9zdaVAf-M0AIgcV6qYyMwCsFqI4sFCcoJSaz905h65dix8PXfQ-3l_fCAKf1-qqU7zw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76NHz9h4e3bsNiCzf1FS6uMOpeaa-nwNBzmYVXZ2GTY3Oe3XxeH5lQFEXSls2qfi72krIOgzK5PuiCuS0GzmIYmIjVYRa5ZygZJzo9yDfTU8pvdQWv5ABWRrDl8wZP6I5JCmWwbdbQoBSvbACd-_CkJQ9JFuWWvnGTf1tWPPYFB1puhFfBwlcxQsrqA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76NHz9h4e3bsNiCzf1FS6uMOpeaa-nwNBzmYVXZ2GTY3Oe3XxeH5lQFEXSls2qfi72krIOgzK5PuiCuS0GzmIYmIjVYRa5ZygZJzo9yDfTU8pvdQWv5ABWRrDl8wZP6I5JCmWwbdbQoBSvbACd-_CkJQ9JFuWWvnGTf1tWPPYFB1puhFfBwlcxQsrqA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">And unfortunately, this is a forewarning of the rest of
those at Tophill Low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were planted
as a cash crop in the 1960’s with the promise of ready money from match
wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, there’s not much
market in matches now – and we are left with a legacy of trees which are poor
for biodiversity, short-lived and worst prone to either root lifting or the
crowns shearing and collapsing unpredictably as above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had already started this program back in 2011 when we felled over
600 of them at what is now Hempholme Meadow:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9yOBEZmn55Ffe4nRwvyokMUr6_ceJTGdRlQP75fdn2ucxfp3OZrYwfEK2cFHrjr0KZunVao8XBLEWWZ50NmRHbRzHrWmf5sLDpu5yNYn5Sz8XYZMAbkS6nE47QrhedfzNQ1gbqj-YbiYjoQQQDRHRHiu-aBPrNqqoa7mYktMnn96CJRnuldmRLb6kMA=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="940" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9yOBEZmn55Ffe4nRwvyokMUr6_ceJTGdRlQP75fdn2ucxfp3OZrYwfEK2cFHrjr0KZunVao8XBLEWWZ50NmRHbRzHrWmf5sLDpu5yNYn5Sz8XYZMAbkS6nE47QrhedfzNQ1gbqj-YbiYjoQQQDRHRHiu-aBPrNqqoa7mYktMnn96CJRnuldmRLb6kMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_C43mlrynCSDoGAEBIA98UdlbH6WnQEo-IrYlOi9X--ohRPMCHVdGIp1yFmkYeFjCff1M2dGOoZhwh1yfEs_2drKqzxiJnEWv695lEVh4nWIdyPNi6yongrKkbgMhLHY4SstYNdR3BsAKZ2GyYes9EnWKc6ztbhJ06h6aLo0mT_C21BAjpNzxxq19Yg=s939" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="939" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_C43mlrynCSDoGAEBIA98UdlbH6WnQEo-IrYlOi9X--ohRPMCHVdGIp1yFmkYeFjCff1M2dGOoZhwh1yfEs_2drKqzxiJnEWv695lEVh4nWIdyPNi6yongrKkbgMhLHY4SstYNdR3BsAKZ2GyYes9EnWKc6ztbhJ06h6aLo0mT_C21BAjpNzxxq19Yg=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWb_bNko6mbqmEbvTXjuhlOyQ0esyQ-fYJkvDxg9AZ9gT8VyYBLBhXyx9s216ypokqmu22iJQRmBklVnaixTjQDaPiCF8dYTXYQHRHoPdCFDKfI6M7_PkYifL4RQVLwM2k9TUPOtyDltZ_-IUXw5ZMIy22HDPD2F3usVK8_E3o7nwc068ee6PmSMmAXg=s938" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="938" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWb_bNko6mbqmEbvTXjuhlOyQ0esyQ-fYJkvDxg9AZ9gT8VyYBLBhXyx9s216ypokqmu22iJQRmBklVnaixTjQDaPiCF8dYTXYQHRHoPdCFDKfI6M7_PkYifL4RQVLwM2k9TUPOtyDltZ_-IUXw5ZMIy22HDPD2F3usVK8_E3o7nwc068ee6PmSMmAXg=w640-h430" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the recent storms Arwen and Barra we conducted office
work from home not due to Covid, but because of the risk posed by these trees
above the warden offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve
tolerated them as long as we can – but again if we are mobilised for serious
forestry, now is the time to make that hard decision to remove them where they
are close to paths and roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
big and impressive trees, and it will be a loss from the Tophill Low’s
landscape, but it is the right time to make that call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s unfortunate they weren’t planted as oaks
etc back in 1966, but forestry at that time meant cash return – not
biodiversity, landscape value or carbon capture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfQ4-UwnbUsEfCYjHUg9XPJZ79VIS8tLOlrY71w-vk6MCdKgIpCqKY9Rl4IS6CPKhoFXkSd-puZoVOFePTWPNzmACDd9hWDxQHtWDKjbAqgd7BmQQfZ1BMrZNVqHiXSH3qz_O6O0rEFYLHvA3yarewO8uasHwd1eKwj-Y8TCmYwcoucrzNzp-JdGhgPA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfQ4-UwnbUsEfCYjHUg9XPJZ79VIS8tLOlrY71w-vk6MCdKgIpCqKY9Rl4IS6CPKhoFXkSd-puZoVOFePTWPNzmACDd9hWDxQHtWDKjbAqgd7BmQQfZ1BMrZNVqHiXSH3qz_O6O0rEFYLHvA3yarewO8uasHwd1eKwj-Y8TCmYwcoucrzNzp-JdGhgPA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, the car park will look different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d have liked to have done something like
carvings etc – but unfortunately the wood is light and porous (and hence good
for absorbing paraffin in matches) and any work would rot within a few
seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, the best we can do is
replant with more sympathetic, stable and biodiverse trees – likely oak as its
deep tap root penetrates the 1950’s landscaping well as evidenced by some great
specimens in D woods which dwarf the supposed quick growing pines around
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And to complete the picture we will be felling remaining
poplars around McBean hide and re-pollarding willows which we last did in 2011
and have become too large for our volunteers to tackle and again are all shearing unpredictably. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All material harvested will be utilised as biofuels for
renewable energy and any income used to offset the much higher costs of this
work (as the felling and extraction is complex and costly, so we’d like to
reassure that all work is being undertaken for habitats and safety and is not
for any financial gain). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One additional benefit of the poplars being removed is that
it removes the risk from the area around the butterfly border to make space for
an exciting new development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the
last few years we have had a small polytunnel setup for propagating woodland
plants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Cw0NTjuF2SqIVotJpjTGLh-y0Lq-7sjhT3XfldYqNDs3WCAYa2hofR7o467vpLI-DsFPAVWkn5-0xKt0uSJw4Agawl9_YrHL1il4M2fJPXUm8MxS7wfG4_shOMm8VBgjd1E4FwPgVz236P5KJISmAAVjM0A8X-GGyPEsr40p_Ev2XPE5UuQDRMCf1w=s817" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="817" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7Cw0NTjuF2SqIVotJpjTGLh-y0Lq-7sjhT3XfldYqNDs3WCAYa2hofR7o467vpLI-DsFPAVWkn5-0xKt0uSJw4Agawl9_YrHL1il4M2fJPXUm8MxS7wfG4_shOMm8VBgjd1E4FwPgVz236P5KJISmAAVjM0A8X-GGyPEsr40p_Ev2XPE5UuQDRMCf1w=w640-h402" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And subsequently we have been using it to propagate the rare
greater water parsnip for a Yorkshire Water commitment to re-establishing
colonies along the river Hull corridor:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia5mMce3tmpAt58xiYbmgq57fzkVgLGs7EbBtWvJygURjMzvy0UESmrG5b1_3SC-uoZvCxKn-Ak34uw_WyJRFbAv7hDRHOA6c4sUZlxFZ0062FLuFvZujZODx_mrTmSJg9oc4JeIAI_Fm_Ij2gJQvrcfvKTvCU82wyld4H-MaI3PADDZRpiCgBl8SfTQ=s780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia5mMce3tmpAt58xiYbmgq57fzkVgLGs7EbBtWvJygURjMzvy0UESmrG5b1_3SC-uoZvCxKn-Ak34uw_WyJRFbAv7hDRHOA6c4sUZlxFZ0062FLuFvZujZODx_mrTmSJg9oc4JeIAI_Fm_Ij2gJQvrcfvKTvCU82wyld4H-MaI3PADDZRpiCgBl8SfTQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnGRd2_Tz99hEURQvjq3PQCQ-J-0zCBXWg8D0BDYcl3Fq-7C4KMoSnL7mM2n-DjM9IhQBE6-hwmroB83q9JwF6LL_OMLDWPPYmQv7xTnmudpvEmpEBdPbcvR1m6XwP-wNTUup-SLJE5LFLY8Lp83th15m74JoxTm0aVLdZ6b-oQHx9HmspvZDsby32jg=s780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnGRd2_Tz99hEURQvjq3PQCQ-J-0zCBXWg8D0BDYcl3Fq-7C4KMoSnL7mM2n-DjM9IhQBE6-hwmroB83q9JwF6LL_OMLDWPPYmQv7xTnmudpvEmpEBdPbcvR1m6XwP-wNTUup-SLJE5LFLY8Lp83th15m74JoxTm0aVLdZ6b-oQHx9HmspvZDsby32jg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Amy and the team have been busy with in
recent months on Skerne Wetlands and Leven Carrs;</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcWcBE9_qsiAR3_uxuh8YNBz6rh4gMSg1KYDa-P4KeIMIQGtEpLASX4m9b0rqmDc6xRckTxLJM34e7-zBNV1sM-rttiPKmxx6CSR3ZA7w8kM4uds1WPGeo_cOTNfFjSutjhYnBoQuT9ToxWioojKF1s8_Xva_UsZ7NRwWLA-fqVGCXLM-4-AlsHlorxQ=s780" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcWcBE9_qsiAR3_uxuh8YNBz6rh4gMSg1KYDa-P4KeIMIQGtEpLASX4m9b0rqmDc6xRckTxLJM34e7-zBNV1sM-rttiPKmxx6CSR3ZA7w8kM4uds1WPGeo_cOTNfFjSutjhYnBoQuT9ToxWioojKF1s8_Xva_UsZ7NRwWLA-fqVGCXLM-4-AlsHlorxQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXM8J2CHJ37wzhU7drSGSRZjS3FFadNAq7XoxUicVPoJW07330vVAOljCBPRYf-REGmyqZUg-5NQo_4TaZSzKivfQk2AabZ7hPwlfwi2q4eVPwrE1yUMTRPH2bYRlGKdlVXTLuGGVmYxQ-MXUaMPAavN2d1nuBpRDl-84RjRQqSUDlTxlRcv0a_3QMnQ=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="940" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXM8J2CHJ37wzhU7drSGSRZjS3FFadNAq7XoxUicVPoJW07330vVAOljCBPRYf-REGmyqZUg-5NQo_4TaZSzKivfQk2AabZ7hPwlfwi2q4eVPwrE1yUMTRPH2bYRlGKdlVXTLuGGVmYxQ-MXUaMPAavN2d1nuBpRDl-84RjRQqSUDlTxlRcv0a_3QMnQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately this old facility has been lost to the
footprint of the quality scheme but in recompense we will receive a new
polytunnel inspired by the excellent facilities at Nosterfield Nature Reserve
we visited this summer;</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5xWsg5KTc_wVDxMh_zsBajrszWBpKs1sDQkQWxH5mynQr3c_Bn5XkRjOSWcW0yTdp8f9XZYOTR8Y8a9bTJX9m5q8M0NWNx-IT6zrRec4cOv3Q5wqURugTr1KjjvA1IdNAMXAZaPYSFY2l8UPRg0HOFuZ84sODCsf8m7w2OolVwvFtIbtC7HoJ_GrAGw=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5xWsg5KTc_wVDxMh_zsBajrszWBpKs1sDQkQWxH5mynQr3c_Bn5XkRjOSWcW0yTdp8f9XZYOTR8Y8a9bTJX9m5q8M0NWNx-IT6zrRec4cOv3Q5wqURugTr1KjjvA1IdNAMXAZaPYSFY2l8UPRg0HOFuZ84sODCsf8m7w2OolVwvFtIbtC7HoJ_GrAGw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIaTQPsTY9Q5q8WGDJgCtmeG2crIWDJBEuYyIrzNRZF6PJAZO3zXUE242TYDbwrGTt1uyiM0RVD2OddMt13inG1n6e8kGdC158lw2Ej42mRC9-xGi9MCgzq4qJpe_5CFApMKI3eexod7Cs0W7LNcDShgC3uvd-IskKvw4lyteGF743mdwM669P9t_sBg=s1249" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIaTQPsTY9Q5q8WGDJgCtmeG2crIWDJBEuYyIrzNRZF6PJAZO3zXUE242TYDbwrGTt1uyiM0RVD2OddMt13inG1n6e8kGdC158lw2Ej42mRC9-xGi9MCgzq4qJpe_5CFApMKI3eexod7Cs0W7LNcDShgC3uvd-IskKvw4lyteGF743mdwM669P9t_sBg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5FLddlyoRVX2BB4i-jAmUle5tZXNHe2J-T6pPUNkeq4fQwb0VbtlT0OMB0GFIcdWpJnjMSEaiG9LnkY2xKE2Gx_m5GZ-mL6pejxB2fWs56iTQztMATw4zKjmF3ORnUZSW3zbD6gVmYe35ZBAoepf4ZCIObNmSyiRRjyihr0NbnPP5YFNMVkdTbvg9QQ=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5FLddlyoRVX2BB4i-jAmUle5tZXNHe2J-T6pPUNkeq4fQwb0VbtlT0OMB0GFIcdWpJnjMSEaiG9LnkY2xKE2Gx_m5GZ-mL6pejxB2fWs56iTQztMATw4zKjmF3ORnUZSW3zbD6gVmYe35ZBAoepf4ZCIObNmSyiRRjyihr0NbnPP5YFNMVkdTbvg9QQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our intention is to develop a purpose made facility for
collecting and propagating wetland plants to re-establish around Tophill Low,
river Hull and Yorkshire Water sites in coming years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once up and running this will be an exciting
new volunteer opportunity amongst several others we’ll be promoting in coming
months…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">And to support this we're in the process of upgrading the volunteer welfare facilities post covid. Previously up to 15 volunteers were crammed within a 10x10' office - so we're installing new temporary facilities pending the 2025 quality scheme completion, whom are borrowing and refurbishing or replacing the former wildlife centre / social club as their contractor welfare facilities, which we will receive back as a swish and permanent home for Tophill Low's volunteer operations. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">------<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All this work may all seem dramatic – but Tophill Low is a
working and dynamic site which it always needs to be remembered is primarily a
drinking water production site for Hull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s easy to walk it and romanticise it is ‘wilderness’ or ‘untouched’
whereas in reality it is another step in its evolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To keep this within perspective here is
Tophill Low within many of our lifetimes in 1946 as a pastoral farm (complete
with the former Lowe – which gives us our name - the small hillock / island in
the Hull Valley bulldozed in 1959 to create reservoir embankments); <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3rrctu1742MY1rVHdvQgrBUi1U8MwBlWrIDpTxBFwmxmtXSFC9za4TcgNqWPZltcHW2WoL7_lrT40jqs-y8I6sFnmNmTP7_cu_ldyIK4k6jXHWcnshTfiXyX-K7rIf1hF6Ct-yJpAI2xC7PPDQI7vPrHP70m6hDMTrl6ea91A4DeXHGXsFxYdb4eKzg=s941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="941" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3rrctu1742MY1rVHdvQgrBUi1U8MwBlWrIDpTxBFwmxmtXSFC9za4TcgNqWPZltcHW2WoL7_lrT40jqs-y8I6sFnmNmTP7_cu_ldyIK4k6jXHWcnshTfiXyX-K7rIf1hF6Ct-yJpAI2xC7PPDQI7vPrHP70m6hDMTrl6ea91A4DeXHGXsFxYdb4eKzg=w640-h508" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWLn3nGP7Bkx-CoDh2dHKSapBiIWW1y86mugUpCd9ZaBn25CFxT9myJnfu3pqM_DnYmLxMWYMgmB-2xrQrgUPZFWRCUPDblZyIIItNPLbRNXVYIRCZiF4YkTGYmhTXNgiSEZ6kQWbNKrEMeGgtdj3J85vAoDW3Oam7gkfUl88lAw6SSwd6dif72niMQ=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="940" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWLn3nGP7Bkx-CoDh2dHKSapBiIWW1y86mugUpCd9ZaBn25CFxT9myJnfu3pqM_DnYmLxMWYMgmB-2xrQrgUPZFWRCUPDblZyIIItNPLbRNXVYIRCZiF4YkTGYmhTXNgiSEZ6kQWbNKrEMeGgtdj3J85vAoDW3Oam7gkfUl88lAw6SSwd6dif72niMQ=w640-h522" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The whole site almost without exception was levelled in
1959; <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3ZT6sxYIdtUnt81UBBOBB-wKgwqV5LWeIswnWpPz-BrfZ9-qBp3fquZSm3DEbjWzpMbUtI3Xi4OPLVwg2FlJolqiTEyafZ5Ldskt7C3NGtdhJLnjpa0oZvcGtm6OXWftCclRjkn9q0iQIobNMHAWrhmXb4S79m7LQd491BmPVov1DI3CY6MeBkNmEzg=s939" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="939" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3ZT6sxYIdtUnt81UBBOBB-wKgwqV5LWeIswnWpPz-BrfZ9-qBp3fquZSm3DEbjWzpMbUtI3Xi4OPLVwg2FlJolqiTEyafZ5Ldskt7C3NGtdhJLnjpa0oZvcGtm6OXWftCclRjkn9q0iQIobNMHAWrhmXb4S79m7LQd491BmPVov1DI3CY6MeBkNmEzg=w640-h504" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiif_KLgubQpxfYhHd__uoNn3li51-7R1YMl0fqEtpJBJRzt7OXWjr8Qu-mhw8Nsx2TbrPYMSAyr-bpljodTFlLLE3OSJW6FKM0z_B1kMdLpOuccDyOnP0KATXgLTUWBtI7d_JvqGKD8EXIiO7w9MV9Vu_Ew1dCF4sG_RyN2Nxc4k3swZohwvGfsi9A4A=s941" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="941" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiif_KLgubQpxfYhHd__uoNn3li51-7R1YMl0fqEtpJBJRzt7OXWjr8Qu-mhw8Nsx2TbrPYMSAyr-bpljodTFlLLE3OSJW6FKM0z_B1kMdLpOuccDyOnP0KATXgLTUWBtI7d_JvqGKD8EXIiO7w9MV9Vu_Ew1dCF4sG_RyN2Nxc4k3swZohwvGfsi9A4A=w640-h510" width="640" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9cT9rUcOiOyPAuxFppc3hgysNf5VDkPUrML6gwDFwh2jlTz45XgoddwyNaBTUtJ0Z191nAw3l2I_Sd0TmFQHe610uABmCrFAehBujQRILKmMcKcHpCpnmlu3S-HiJF1aRuDe-EJBaOe97doYP_7BqozuNntUmrL8d0eSzo89IAEttfQuaM4nUWRwUTA=s1084" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="938" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9cT9rUcOiOyPAuxFppc3hgysNf5VDkPUrML6gwDFwh2jlTz45XgoddwyNaBTUtJ0Z191nAw3l2I_Sd0TmFQHe610uABmCrFAehBujQRILKmMcKcHpCpnmlu3S-HiJF1aRuDe-EJBaOe97doYP_7BqozuNntUmrL8d0eSzo89IAEttfQuaM4nUWRwUTA=w554-h640" width="554" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is now the car park!; <o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNeCm6xF2z_vk5_Khmd0tnRlD5Kqb98HyebMmhrnBOXvUPgvfb7T4nz9gw2j174My5mY0SCx2sblnETxoHpv-xWL6WZwf_ehTccfRk-0y2i6Y6gkVq4h_a5to1_-mTUGWTAvXVHev_opM9EDkfB2_1XVJj8S1GE-EN-6nyVd8WVa0fiE8ZlgBfbQdp8g=s940" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="940" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNeCm6xF2z_vk5_Khmd0tnRlD5Kqb98HyebMmhrnBOXvUPgvfb7T4nz9gw2j174My5mY0SCx2sblnETxoHpv-xWL6WZwf_ehTccfRk-0y2i6Y6gkVq4h_a5to1_-mTUGWTAvXVHev_opM9EDkfB2_1XVJj8S1GE-EN-6nyVd8WVa0fiE8ZlgBfbQdp8g=w640-h516" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgorEAL_3vFT8IppwaO-8dE_MWJCUWsI5ZVa3GZ4lxAL-tPOFd9Hqm0aPfOLIkcwv6VM4ChF4nx9cCI3BiZIu24oIp_FIYeE0DqFnih8Iy97kWazC7XLjJ5WYihqMpeL8XmUQG45vHAriMSuAC4LLc7MkiLIe1LzZgCtiBwuXM3zP0FipFXuQ6oxzhHBA=s1618" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1618" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgorEAL_3vFT8IppwaO-8dE_MWJCUWsI5ZVa3GZ4lxAL-tPOFd9Hqm0aPfOLIkcwv6VM4ChF4nx9cCI3BiZIu24oIp_FIYeE0DqFnih8Iy97kWazC7XLjJ5WYihqMpeL8XmUQG45vHAriMSuAC4LLc7MkiLIe1LzZgCtiBwuXM3zP0FipFXuQ6oxzhHBA=w640-h470" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">By 1979 the site was still barely vegetated – many of the
trees we’re managing now did not exist; South Scrub is pure grassland, the
south marshes were yet to be excavated and we even had a cricket pitch still!;<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjURQJBbEPJBt0iW9N3PdPLnsRgY7jNvPt4naGgxj-OXzbew5y0Qa_kuLjPLO-pj4_rdl4M8cUaueMze320BcLf8nkYN3PMxorHcm9MzDlzPacoy-LKc_DQHrxSHkkyrCHE--Vah-WNDUW9bkpNDh2mv7GphELnYGpBhCn8KcT0wjZmLq0e1BsQiYlzBg=s925" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="925" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjURQJBbEPJBt0iW9N3PdPLnsRgY7jNvPt4naGgxj-OXzbew5y0Qa_kuLjPLO-pj4_rdl4M8cUaueMze320BcLf8nkYN3PMxorHcm9MzDlzPacoy-LKc_DQHrxSHkkyrCHE--Vah-WNDUW9bkpNDh2mv7GphELnYGpBhCn8KcT0wjZmLq0e1BsQiYlzBg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a>This is from the mid 90’s with poplar
trees much less intimidating and another substantial thinning at the time (hard to make out to newer visitors but this is
now the car park entrance and toilet block).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGSQxQXc3k34LVgd10AtHnPY6YHndgX7l87dfPbpmoVqzMfio1fjMs0qlnbQYVQfkGwU58PEFtiHOSUl2dwbtWiLCdfH33LfaSaQRMxmElkp5EiIJRdv7vwks4kZDbSWyCo1oALlTZSI04IS1SvpHvALJJabMhD4__SXtwdIa2BZdjm5ar96mwxJaa_A=s942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="942" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGSQxQXc3k34LVgd10AtHnPY6YHndgX7l87dfPbpmoVqzMfio1fjMs0qlnbQYVQfkGwU58PEFtiHOSUl2dwbtWiLCdfH33LfaSaQRMxmElkp5EiIJRdv7vwks4kZDbSWyCo1oALlTZSI04IS1SvpHvALJJabMhD4__SXtwdIa2BZdjm5ar96mwxJaa_A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">What has always been consistent as now is that there are
areas of the site which are not worked or disturbed; allowing wildlife to
colonise and fully exploit all the new habitat opportunities the dynamic
environment Tophill Low offers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
expect some disruption over coming months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Undoubtedly it would have been great to undertake this during the
lockdowns etc to minimise impacts – but as you’d imagine contractors and plans
have equally been delayed during this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re still yet to attain our pre-flooding / pandemic visitor and
volunteer numbers so we’d rather condense all this and complete it so we can
get back to a permanent normality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As such there will be closures to parts of and potentially
the whole site depending upon contractor activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will try and advertise work schedules on
the blog so visitors know what to expect when planning their visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we know more on the impact and scale of
this we will be determining the effects on the costs and schedule for current
March 31<sup>st</sup> membership renewal date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the first instance we will be closing South Scrub and
Watton NR hide with effect from approximately <u>Tuesday the 4<sup>th</sup> January until
further notice </u>due to initial forestry and access work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tunneling program is winding down with one crane now being dismantled;
but we see restrictions on the O reservoir access continuing into Jan. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-------------------------</p><p class="MsoNormal">As you'd imagine planning that lots takes some of our time - but what do we do with our spare? Well we also have another project besides Tophill - our Water Work for Wildlife project:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1p7cGBpck9-p2RZhRWm7U03QGas-e4oIXvgcoEPBjYaBj88NM5ZzgnY2JXOia9YPh8Pk8eCgQ1dNwlcbBJoKH3ck5sJ6mbruXKMwt5HViFSMn_kXxoeUVTFKr3zR9OIJfeScDfJpmEm7eU0xOyv1tWEJf6l-0m82RuKv675oHU09C_1XBJx8KqWnIPA=s1529" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1529" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1p7cGBpck9-p2RZhRWm7U03QGas-e4oIXvgcoEPBjYaBj88NM5ZzgnY2JXOia9YPh8Pk8eCgQ1dNwlcbBJoKH3ck5sJ6mbruXKMwt5HViFSMn_kXxoeUVTFKr3zR9OIJfeScDfJpmEm7eU0xOyv1tWEJf6l-0m82RuKv675oHU09C_1XBJx8KqWnIPA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We're aiming through this program to enhance biodiversity on many other sites in Yorkshire Water's ownership that fall outside the statutory duties of SSSI management. Perhaps one many Yorkshire birders will be familiar with is Rodley Nature Reserve - still an active Yorkshire Water site with former active land leased to trustees whom have done an excellent job of managing the site for nature over the last 20 years. One area they requested assistance with was re-landscaping their duck marsh so we were able to assist with re-landscaping it in March to essentially create another South Marsh East in North Leeds:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-_jEaxlPmy8tgc3XsqfhTpSyrvcXNRMLVpyMl403LnbLXmXJsaMovxL6YVaJ6fQj-6FGVUIya9yC2tH8ZxUe4y-vYRNLsH8ixEM8epUNdTtWB1Ab9clMZECivgDBuNPPizMB6OiWYhc2Bmt7IsPzzw37BAedGDg38MBA6REF3y9QlHPAfIZx3MR6IzA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-_jEaxlPmy8tgc3XsqfhTpSyrvcXNRMLVpyMl403LnbLXmXJsaMovxL6YVaJ6fQj-6FGVUIya9yC2tH8ZxUe4y-vYRNLsH8ixEM8epUNdTtWB1Ab9clMZECivgDBuNPPizMB6OiWYhc2Bmt7IsPzzw37BAedGDg38MBA6REF3y9QlHPAfIZx3MR6IzA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPjd_INVyYQLGacPqZ8GF0rOHLUiq8fwmwbOgw9yMI5UdDykUf85h-X8Fs8u0YXxwOeIESqGo7ZnNBjj_ZTwhWkgNTsRXon79jPkd6SmHyOFkYIOhUXy2oOZfXMfM_7rl3alOGXc4JEyk2MF7q2nEOZxjKQQ31AHvS3r-BznmxO-dHmNmjoXGBvTZm-A=s319" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="319" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPjd_INVyYQLGacPqZ8GF0rOHLUiq8fwmwbOgw9yMI5UdDykUf85h-X8Fs8u0YXxwOeIESqGo7ZnNBjj_ZTwhWkgNTsRXon79jPkd6SmHyOFkYIOhUXy2oOZfXMfM_7rl3alOGXc4JEyk2MF7q2nEOZxjKQQ31AHvS3r-BznmxO-dHmNmjoXGBvTZm-A=w640-h479" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzQX5CAcl4f-HhYccnI82cU2CQ0NYLUH5hye1P8ESYicXNfPwTN-JuGvI9EHPjuSRqubxGArLXsa5s1zxWQr7pkFpwjMew3uLpFDMaAhG9UpAckftlscx39yWqJHaTJwd_ux9nXo4qzEy97WbliSB5q4ftJ8rRnvPzuo7QE3qpuHSnWE7wf6cDusUDiQ=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzQX5CAcl4f-HhYccnI82cU2CQ0NYLUH5hye1P8ESYicXNfPwTN-JuGvI9EHPjuSRqubxGArLXsa5s1zxWQr7pkFpwjMew3uLpFDMaAhG9UpAckftlscx39yWqJHaTJwd_ux9nXo4qzEy97WbliSB5q4ftJ8rRnvPzuo7QE3qpuHSnWE7wf6cDusUDiQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIn4Li0pjznxYqqq-Fv9o4rF8AW_VxtPhWvbGP7lj2_xHYs3X_LZ_mFLPjC7l8IRwq8K-C-Faf57ZxhFbJL1IISiJYfUd79YVXQn1H_25GSZSNOcWDhBpEQz8iZ5EQdkzOGVty3hvrBbt7d-nDGfF1-c7_WCBDqycmgROyaEtCk1M-v9EcuCKeSBKWLQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIn4Li0pjznxYqqq-Fv9o4rF8AW_VxtPhWvbGP7lj2_xHYs3X_LZ_mFLPjC7l8IRwq8K-C-Faf57ZxhFbJL1IISiJYfUd79YVXQn1H_25GSZSNOcWDhBpEQz8iZ5EQdkzOGVty3hvrBbt7d-nDGfF1-c7_WCBDqycmgROyaEtCk1M-v9EcuCKeSBKWLQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz_MsRZ-bMO5OkQefepmed-WdmkyuqQNYiiD0e2Pp-s-fUv21pCLrGbFIqza4l5eo2JxSNxR6xhsrb1xr7R3l9rpNwJMlFelJU1d7QUxY817lBwWLNLbZD9vk01rgbuPiXzja4DEeBdMWNSQKkNOkhbMtO6G4Uc1dfoMEeej3Nu9hCnDeFCLQiLqFxuw=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgz_MsRZ-bMO5OkQefepmed-WdmkyuqQNYiiD0e2Pp-s-fUv21pCLrGbFIqza4l5eo2JxSNxR6xhsrb1xr7R3l9rpNwJMlFelJU1d7QUxY817lBwWLNLbZD9vk01rgbuPiXzja4DEeBdMWNSQKkNOkhbMtO6G4Uc1dfoMEeej3Nu9hCnDeFCLQiLqFxuw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAeB8tYt1-W6TlyYF6IJA24O-bSmM3-J4OUepiJKfnBKJXoXI7_tR_jB-1ORGEfV3JicbtZTkVTuhOPUY5nQ9vE2btd02YRvqNUTp7llqidF50mWUJcKrRVRChd41jWzJBPuPG8kk9IPJCHCr-rs_GlYw_DCcU4pc2a0su85o8-DXGcYK4aYqNq0PUXA=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAeB8tYt1-W6TlyYF6IJA24O-bSmM3-J4OUepiJKfnBKJXoXI7_tR_jB-1ORGEfV3JicbtZTkVTuhOPUY5nQ9vE2btd02YRvqNUTp7llqidF50mWUJcKrRVRChd41jWzJBPuPG8kk9IPJCHCr-rs_GlYw_DCcU4pc2a0su85o8-DXGcYK4aYqNq0PUXA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyAXYhct7G7oH1yOJfid0Ou1HG24ugWzet-46ogUTydYYoT8tCj4k_k6GEF0zNsR3agDAfbkryCUapKkglqtk9ndntCmI5fwpSbXfhkBGQqTTB0v6rTychsThoRNCI5e73811KmM4qhHtJng23trF_JdU1tV6N21lz6ba2ndEyNd2tGrMH-s97WEgFwQ=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyAXYhct7G7oH1yOJfid0Ou1HG24ugWzet-46ogUTydYYoT8tCj4k_k6GEF0zNsR3agDAfbkryCUapKkglqtk9ndntCmI5fwpSbXfhkBGQqTTB0v6rTychsThoRNCI5e73811KmM4qhHtJng23trF_JdU1tV6N21lz6ba2ndEyNd2tGrMH-s97WEgFwQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtjSkfS_u2f5jx8VA8k-Y2SiEWYxTn575tmwBP3aYaeLx35e-af_cM_FWL6nPGUS5meTcFQd9epyMfqjLlts0no0EoFTZqQJ5oEMbTZK4xG9JrtzPhEdzKIUlm9yHnExFEObb8cmDvzchJnJNFWTmbdHqpyqmjjXSkZN3utOYsMA-Q9z0LLO5BVv1KKA=s5184" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtjSkfS_u2f5jx8VA8k-Y2SiEWYxTn575tmwBP3aYaeLx35e-af_cM_FWL6nPGUS5meTcFQd9epyMfqjLlts0no0EoFTZqQJ5oEMbTZK4xG9JrtzPhEdzKIUlm9yHnExFEObb8cmDvzchJnJNFWTmbdHqpyqmjjXSkZN3utOYsMA-Q9z0LLO5BVv1KKA=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjij_87VgmPPbZO3ZP_wgC6fbVN53NGk4YZkirsmHO4oqXHWEVLyyry8s0zwrCYyyQzyWMlRPo2eYvl734YhMqAW1w_wRmenGAgKFu8abxd22T0J_yAcg5YT6tOiqbsb8dvaV2gaf5OmX8oJyUYJANXCHZLT_FNKxqQmbYs6dtc3te9QWMDPU7YEk8idA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjij_87VgmPPbZO3ZP_wgC6fbVN53NGk4YZkirsmHO4oqXHWEVLyyry8s0zwrCYyyQzyWMlRPo2eYvl734YhMqAW1w_wRmenGAgKFu8abxd22T0J_yAcg5YT6tOiqbsb8dvaV2gaf5OmX8oJyUYJANXCHZLT_FNKxqQmbYs6dtc3te9QWMDPU7YEk8idA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFO_aM3o1RetCJZSr2or-ISwtynK1DgKVwxxMaBrfKLwsqigE3B1-ZTZ6zQ0UTa-2qvQrLNcdx4qcDrAxVKvvyc8WjvYsX29M4s4x3u4CBXcxZbLm_a0zMFsm12j0FOiqUzI7CRJFhrsFouoR-5qPesQd-X5hT2ZTthXyikW8yMF9dupi5x8JZTPgB1g=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFO_aM3o1RetCJZSr2or-ISwtynK1DgKVwxxMaBrfKLwsqigE3B1-ZTZ6zQ0UTa-2qvQrLNcdx4qcDrAxVKvvyc8WjvYsX29M4s4x3u4CBXcxZbLm_a0zMFsm12j0FOiqUzI7CRJFhrsFouoR-5qPesQd-X5hT2ZTthXyikW8yMF9dupi5x8JZTPgB1g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDDQg1cjSgu33PuC-lPhNQJh5U4WP0qRrUuVwnUrXO4hQqhpSsoJ-LtV5JbLuUFAfr2DT_CH01F8uTGyJNrY4entc--BHbPCtUy1r8Zb9LAbCo2p7_3gFzzong6larr3x52H7w_3AQvn8Ejg5F3UKjr712j_jBwJJ1-GaTljLXGmXR1UTgvVMOJ1m6_A=s1155" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1155" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDDQg1cjSgu33PuC-lPhNQJh5U4WP0qRrUuVwnUrXO4hQqhpSsoJ-LtV5JbLuUFAfr2DT_CH01F8uTGyJNrY4entc--BHbPCtUy1r8Zb9LAbCo2p7_3gFzzong6larr3x52H7w_3AQvn8Ejg5F3UKjr712j_jBwJJ1-GaTljLXGmXR1UTgvVMOJ1m6_A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>This project has been really well received by the wildlife and visitors alike - and has reportedly been the 'habitat to go to this season' so a great result and certainly a team we'd like to forge closer links with. Another project we've been working on down near Barnsley has been restoration of a great crested newt pond where the species was only hanging on with the pond over-shaded and desiccating:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrkcB862SYikOVNnqDchsyq-Umh4cyvXMirv8cOhcosZjuvl097EblnFhxgGYZuRpwI0HiYtojkUgGZqGWXehEG1kqvCfBB3icWzfNKhpOFU0qP5RFy8l3_6N5bkA1db5p6cvAo8hyeISNrjfOw26Xt0DCRlGpKyjvL4lWlBeKpRGTB_5RY3T1utEbg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigrkcB862SYikOVNnqDchsyq-Umh4cyvXMirv8cOhcosZjuvl097EblnFhxgGYZuRpwI0HiYtojkUgGZqGWXehEG1kqvCfBB3icWzfNKhpOFU0qP5RFy8l3_6N5bkA1db5p6cvAo8hyeISNrjfOw26Xt0DCRlGpKyjvL4lWlBeKpRGTB_5RY3T1utEbg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1tU-Z8DqFbmcHmJsWAJ3QgUvOetNg0ly8QPDNXY2tnkOCZd8mhqVjGhbeGqqJKehBXACf4FzoDOhkNCPnHdHKzF_rsg-I3b3lgEePTQMj-Z51ZfjzGyXsqfYYXWM2TrZMs1Cb2pKCbOTIaVsUfMF5yvOvM1HNd82HJby_4PVeLAJ8BnyPIBOQeBykAw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1tU-Z8DqFbmcHmJsWAJ3QgUvOetNg0ly8QPDNXY2tnkOCZd8mhqVjGhbeGqqJKehBXACf4FzoDOhkNCPnHdHKzF_rsg-I3b3lgEePTQMj-Z51ZfjzGyXsqfYYXWM2TrZMs1Cb2pKCbOTIaVsUfMF5yvOvM1HNd82HJby_4PVeLAJ8BnyPIBOQeBykAw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div>We were able to successful clearance work alongside reservoir engineering to completely overhaul the pond and look forward to seeing how many newts utilise the new much improved habitat:</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWlK9VE0LxQZcNp-EymQA3dco2ZjL3UAl9biEMF63wXe2Bn2Z2vjPgkA5nVU6syPYKL3rLinODlN3inx4p17MJKhJlo13Vwmudij8Rq4MV2wZyX2cQIlbDdwQk7zywEvAGeg0t2Id5ThW06qMGXvSUbiIAiZ59klR7Q2GqWExWTSajMwMHfr9MvNQHvA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWlK9VE0LxQZcNp-EymQA3dco2ZjL3UAl9biEMF63wXe2Bn2Z2vjPgkA5nVU6syPYKL3rLinODlN3inx4p17MJKhJlo13Vwmudij8Rq4MV2wZyX2cQIlbDdwQk7zywEvAGeg0t2Id5ThW06qMGXvSUbiIAiZ59klR7Q2GqWExWTSajMwMHfr9MvNQHvA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_39ZN2dtzNrqnoYDS3RrFVqoWgk1awAO0OmyVlguEO8gx3AxWx6okzUAzZgYEVuhT1ux-pC8kQxgpKbT0k5_4Afjs7aRhYoeEcz1T1i0LMqVnD0A8jcODsjIi655F-TE3bREBDV7Z6Fal-EdZ1KH2RW5J5bUS6RUK-qfgSPQ_NiUn7qPicE3ny3XIDA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_39ZN2dtzNrqnoYDS3RrFVqoWgk1awAO0OmyVlguEO8gx3AxWx6okzUAzZgYEVuhT1ux-pC8kQxgpKbT0k5_4Afjs7aRhYoeEcz1T1i0LMqVnD0A8jcODsjIi655F-TE3bREBDV7Z6Fal-EdZ1KH2RW5J5bUS6RUK-qfgSPQ_NiUn7qPicE3ny3XIDA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div>Heading up to the North Yorkshire Moors we have undertaken some great management work on another one of our reservoirs in conjunction with the Freshwater Habitats Trust and British Dragonfly Society:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVRINdKye8LTbWpW3twmM1K_ZuDXHXUhgFqM8FCnO8bDXEoy-M3npW6HHjYqlOj81KPa2HfuwbCwk_JYPbYfAI2_GPOVCD0-CRcDp31WxqPH7C1F0joEBdt15kIFBmSBVIKqMc_RvA9hV8-bBsl_FN9WZm6Torl6FwNjwIEew_eKmkKNrZSqNbXsOX5Q=s1249" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVRINdKye8LTbWpW3twmM1K_ZuDXHXUhgFqM8FCnO8bDXEoy-M3npW6HHjYqlOj81KPa2HfuwbCwk_JYPbYfAI2_GPOVCD0-CRcDp31WxqPH7C1F0joEBdt15kIFBmSBVIKqMc_RvA9hV8-bBsl_FN9WZm6Torl6FwNjwIEew_eKmkKNrZSqNbXsOX5Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisp5PvmxJqmGSmlEu_t9jLf9ySyAA47Yi5DBw22MT2L3KtxjUviOs0msmesC24gHd_aW-KCBx8SCgJihkUtIvSl445y1ZmAS1xJjiuUY5dgq7rLGRePD3A2Ww0FfOjqZW6_2LN3Hlq5q44c-TKbFrVAxugTWyTjfXhkorMrAUDSGwRNAKTwGFamVVlbw=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisp5PvmxJqmGSmlEu_t9jLf9ySyAA47Yi5DBw22MT2L3KtxjUviOs0msmesC24gHd_aW-KCBx8SCgJihkUtIvSl445y1ZmAS1xJjiuUY5dgq7rLGRePD3A2Ww0FfOjqZW6_2LN3Hlq5q44c-TKbFrVAxugTWyTjfXhkorMrAUDSGwRNAKTwGFamVVlbw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBkyOYowWcHrYCQz_zp1Cs9P7GVpmgzMfeE_DrjmbJWr5rEpByFxcYjCs2mh2BCauUtrmTiBA1MiQ2W3-4FMr9ZJmg0qfWEuTtMH-s6GWCJXUfdNTeit0b0LjkllN-SybfMcYORlpZf_zecmYdC3OmAq9VvE808M12WOtZhchWSRi3XF_y1T7rE0eJDA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBkyOYowWcHrYCQz_zp1Cs9P7GVpmgzMfeE_DrjmbJWr5rEpByFxcYjCs2mh2BCauUtrmTiBA1MiQ2W3-4FMr9ZJmg0qfWEuTtMH-s6GWCJXUfdNTeit0b0LjkllN-SybfMcYORlpZf_zecmYdC3OmAq9VvE808M12WOtZhchWSRi3XF_y1T7rE0eJDA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8AJfNUiq9KmuWRf_hmw0cM8vXwRoVZ048kA95rm5GXvf_IuQ2rU_Gucwatyah-UBg2-KpZ0xoWA_VUNE8c6yT9q5qV5U5kBcFClqXnUgGfy_mNsA96i1pIVyDSGwUnk6AkILGPF8q-h6bqDegBMq-fuE3Jlq5ifD4tBaSo4iRSofz_kR47htKFSU62g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8AJfNUiq9KmuWRf_hmw0cM8vXwRoVZ048kA95rm5GXvf_IuQ2rU_Gucwatyah-UBg2-KpZ0xoWA_VUNE8c6yT9q5qV5U5kBcFClqXnUgGfy_mNsA96i1pIVyDSGwUnk6AkILGPF8q-h6bqDegBMq-fuE3Jlq5ifD4tBaSo4iRSofz_kR47htKFSU62g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And then heading west near Harrogate we have been digging a whole lakeland landscape within windblown glades in one of our woodlands to host a re-introduced population of water voles:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWCaEb067J6mW4rJb8ZowFFRkWCn8cSRoP-RJIC62mnlAZUgv2k_BMwnZc7VUsqz77gN9a9wqiwyiMrrAPyE_i3_EqUQUjQ1ha7z7wEe-vJRWiEVprCQCS919sneWvskyctphvDI_MvIZX2R9JB1QFfpsHHW3x-vqiI_1TGjqUl8SYhwtJ9wUtoVdMTw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWCaEb067J6mW4rJb8ZowFFRkWCn8cSRoP-RJIC62mnlAZUgv2k_BMwnZc7VUsqz77gN9a9wqiwyiMrrAPyE_i3_EqUQUjQ1ha7z7wEe-vJRWiEVprCQCS919sneWvskyctphvDI_MvIZX2R9JB1QFfpsHHW3x-vqiI_1TGjqUl8SYhwtJ9wUtoVdMTw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYEuTYWODTiJs3ORppabCmyuAV2WJZ06orQ8k2It3S1DQoy-_7gBVh9-M99IEIMuUivVYEaojWAtH2fJZHPthV4lpfGML26PnkCYEw-nQrVrCH-5CAaDKNRWt63slhw5EDlwkQKqRb78AsOPaZ6IFn87q2EKkdDiBkPn9qHk9FJScnwnCC-PoZUPSlA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYEuTYWODTiJs3ORppabCmyuAV2WJZ06orQ8k2It3S1DQoy-_7gBVh9-M99IEIMuUivVYEaojWAtH2fJZHPthV4lpfGML26PnkCYEw-nQrVrCH-5CAaDKNRWt63slhw5EDlwkQKqRb78AsOPaZ6IFn87q2EKkdDiBkPn9qHk9FJScnwnCC-PoZUPSlA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoslkpk2txlmlAKTGLFCYGSWHCHeL7nMYhxPHDEkwg-cYcrBFqkXDurCHoLTuEefwBncjtK_moaUO6Z2IS0IacWVHG3JVCxoCkUPw5Yc7C7xGPsJAqhWypH1G5MFdtuZ5pvsxdIqJTuO1iGu9DwgLh7hoH9sEo_LROEIRCjg130OsjToyxEtVOaa4a5A=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoslkpk2txlmlAKTGLFCYGSWHCHeL7nMYhxPHDEkwg-cYcrBFqkXDurCHoLTuEefwBncjtK_moaUO6Z2IS0IacWVHG3JVCxoCkUPw5Yc7C7xGPsJAqhWypH1G5MFdtuZ5pvsxdIqJTuO1iGu9DwgLh7hoH9sEo_LROEIRCjg130OsjToyxEtVOaa4a5A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqXQc8nZ-NlIwtnUVM8tgK7WPdcavhcT2veW2O5zrgB2PoYAHUGC-BpsJWSZfuNAZt7BMSTd2z7_0HE0zNpiTnGOjxn84wr7tvrdJUTpcFwvSpNcKTztDtJiRCVjFubxJNxQzbG48uPST55udpqbmy2aZRTgZv08tUmupd1pnQtAoiQeJhTsEFL-pP7w=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqXQc8nZ-NlIwtnUVM8tgK7WPdcavhcT2veW2O5zrgB2PoYAHUGC-BpsJWSZfuNAZt7BMSTd2z7_0HE0zNpiTnGOjxn84wr7tvrdJUTpcFwvSpNcKTztDtJiRCVjFubxJNxQzbG48uPST55udpqbmy2aZRTgZv08tUmupd1pnQtAoiQeJhTsEFL-pP7w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW_Fg2vY6StPEoFSDKmUuwzNjUoJWKLeBN8RFyy3YoTEArDRo3H8MEpP0FigmO0baLYkMdHumUnar4edKDjm55s0-vAjK88c_qUbZI56xvmzWT0kzmcIBrue4cNhPRPI76nFIcpQz7phA-dC9nVp6kLE8AnFnnLbkRXLOca3YnptWOMzEtQLClDfwcow=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW_Fg2vY6StPEoFSDKmUuwzNjUoJWKLeBN8RFyy3YoTEArDRo3H8MEpP0FigmO0baLYkMdHumUnar4edKDjm55s0-vAjK88c_qUbZI56xvmzWT0kzmcIBrue4cNhPRPI76nFIcpQz7phA-dC9nVp6kLE8AnFnnLbkRXLOca3YnptWOMzEtQLClDfwcow=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Some of our sites simply need recognising for what they are rather than big works - this site close to Hull is one we've recently taken back into direct Yorkshire Water management as its a cracking floodplain meadow with bags of potential for botanical interest - not to mention breeding lapwing and snipe:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTSHPSkJnQb2n2MUwqIPS4qrfaFbr-fRMy7y709pq2LQfKFTpZ7XQ-zsvIQUzCkalizwSQ6n-beWzcIqOUhpVFadKNUAO9adVp3uxjvn4JErKUtdOU2q8VN2Su-C6qVMvTttlKnoT03aRIbAJ0cckzVPS0Bz1itJDL5j-6-FjQEqPPVBKzb4FhUUSSwQ=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTSHPSkJnQb2n2MUwqIPS4qrfaFbr-fRMy7y709pq2LQfKFTpZ7XQ-zsvIQUzCkalizwSQ6n-beWzcIqOUhpVFadKNUAO9adVp3uxjvn4JErKUtdOU2q8VN2Su-C6qVMvTttlKnoT03aRIbAJ0cckzVPS0Bz1itJDL5j-6-FjQEqPPVBKzb4FhUUSSwQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEFxzUX1KkJKQd_Nv5m4qENsWQ05_02ABLhPp-XoxuZrK9Zd5y_bnXncOlX9cp8FZrv-_-H61TimTVLbvsQiv0fSOmHTwIrLw3taJu5XOmnTUi4FxOzXlAWjKps1zN9ThQSpI38IDtHKTVD4HOw1aqp6tTs-hNo1Qlq9bGl4ggoyVvyYD8uscTXkHI9A=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEFxzUX1KkJKQd_Nv5m4qENsWQ05_02ABLhPp-XoxuZrK9Zd5y_bnXncOlX9cp8FZrv-_-H61TimTVLbvsQiv0fSOmHTwIrLw3taJu5XOmnTUi4FxOzXlAWjKps1zN9ThQSpI38IDtHKTVD4HOw1aqp6tTs-hNo1Qlq9bGl4ggoyVvyYD8uscTXkHI9A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-7JVSW_JzOBZFdhd_AT0jzQysDCf9Sc-CcvyQXTf4PYGvKfCm4veEz9wOl_QvvKCuKQU3LVUdkX2tFe1l3zDDxlhQakn_Pkj2fMd4vtFipoWaUFiVYIGxh4_Mbiq5ubwm6w8sT_gOtcbdROUzWe4dMr6-llqQWH1ml7Lqc4YHPONlL6x2Btd720qa_Q=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-7JVSW_JzOBZFdhd_AT0jzQysDCf9Sc-CcvyQXTf4PYGvKfCm4veEz9wOl_QvvKCuKQU3LVUdkX2tFe1l3zDDxlhQakn_Pkj2fMd4vtFipoWaUFiVYIGxh4_Mbiq5ubwm6w8sT_gOtcbdROUzWe4dMr6-llqQWH1ml7Lqc4YHPONlL6x2Btd720qa_Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ1_DtbJ7GjviUjCVUVjjdJ8ZWw9z1gyhKnu6FCAutr_Fhz_ZK-NU39mUg4iUtMQxfgLYtgbNMyEv6oy4WM6Bv2Be0VgkfYyppzoYjB5o2Yp2tI7_pV3GLtyWiAMRGScN5amUGU-dp9Ud29F5Lm0ojbZgd16ugcfyDuP4t1zlClPwmM_jcBzeG_QM4Gw=s1174" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1174" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ1_DtbJ7GjviUjCVUVjjdJ8ZWw9z1gyhKnu6FCAutr_Fhz_ZK-NU39mUg4iUtMQxfgLYtgbNMyEv6oy4WM6Bv2Be0VgkfYyppzoYjB5o2Yp2tI7_pV3GLtyWiAMRGScN5amUGU-dp9Ud29F5Lm0ojbZgd16ugcfyDuP4t1zlClPwmM_jcBzeG_QM4Gw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And there is plenty more in the pipeline - how about a site with 120+ goosander?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgHuDWux0HIN5kzx_xEKAfF63an8eIy_CC8PjdTDah6IsX3KpKbGpPO1gB9nq7TNUnk0cUOUYWpm5hfgI9U5Np_gmdEkjRkrKaBEE-A6aHHWms3MszEwKRh9ds7SRpMP5SKVvhhte3NbUpCP4lTeNAWCWEn0SIO2bKvW-71EaXFKLwTaOYTMQ_LpzEQ=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAgHuDWux0HIN5kzx_xEKAfF63an8eIy_CC8PjdTDah6IsX3KpKbGpPO1gB9nq7TNUnk0cUOUYWpm5hfgI9U5Np_gmdEkjRkrKaBEE-A6aHHWms3MszEwKRh9ds7SRpMP5SKVvhhte3NbUpCP4lTeNAWCWEn0SIO2bKvW-71EaXFKLwTaOYTMQ_LpzEQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgobDz8VVGMRfX-3N8HQ_p5NfqIc01iVQ0hDLla5WUvAObkXNlvbiexwSx9H2L9v0gX7c8ivzx8hwB8xILxcNgfSE3jk06V_lbpMHSiOm3J6XjNBaCLmxNDB8Lm6mk_gzjcWbzLukfAMVcooOWhhp0r4HafNABQ4rZd_CwsqMdGbbeDzce3RMDcg1idRA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgobDz8VVGMRfX-3N8HQ_p5NfqIc01iVQ0hDLla5WUvAObkXNlvbiexwSx9H2L9v0gX7c8ivzx8hwB8xILxcNgfSE3jk06V_lbpMHSiOm3J6XjNBaCLmxNDB8Lm6mk_gzjcWbzLukfAMVcooOWhhp0r4HafNABQ4rZd_CwsqMdGbbeDzce3RMDcg1idRA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGSqLb2KpVGTaASgjVJlmFeZWNcl9UK5MFYL0ILIiKaULFGOE3p_ejf-plwNpWlFHV4bga0pmRtJhwQofMl-R09rOCT7_RxPSRYL0AouoRr0QxA2sJzI3dgvLBFheTgHbFQUQYpVNauhbeajRpvpoc4S6F_zFFdhJhXN2T5ykk-go94Y2gNcL_rnIJrw=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGSqLb2KpVGTaASgjVJlmFeZWNcl9UK5MFYL0ILIiKaULFGOE3p_ejf-plwNpWlFHV4bga0pmRtJhwQofMl-R09rOCT7_RxPSRYL0AouoRr0QxA2sJzI3dgvLBFheTgHbFQUQYpVNauhbeajRpvpoc4S6F_zFFdhJhXN2T5ykk-go94Y2gNcL_rnIJrw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or how about a bit of rewilding before rewilding was a thing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHuDh6zfKip1ggoENg6AQoJSxM4SZ_EHKIsrd_UfvBj1mYpOY8sHdqd5TvQywmRYCYrH5MvREsbuAYYDb3_WpV3ED0UzYWlVdp1t9Rbjk4_0GOAsxlqFjDpsW8N4Y85g1ugiCWm4nig7EZp-y490_IKCaEoVkgnAYWiGe0GAudJky8NeMOxnQZBf3nfw=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHuDh6zfKip1ggoENg6AQoJSxM4SZ_EHKIsrd_UfvBj1mYpOY8sHdqd5TvQywmRYCYrH5MvREsbuAYYDb3_WpV3ED0UzYWlVdp1t9Rbjk4_0GOAsxlqFjDpsW8N4Y85g1ugiCWm4nig7EZp-y490_IKCaEoVkgnAYWiGe0GAudJky8NeMOxnQZBf3nfw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGkbgqlv-HtMEglMZvfgyNBiXR9nCR-f2B3DJwZKeQsrIsf0jkjzfczydyFMf6qhZvD6i_NprTgiaaEtEg6PIn6O41NgdilT5azB_JDE6xhc5mRZZPbXJPEnYUGOSVu1BW_3w7Un7PC6gLFcmoLGCaHNApdyPM2TkWD61pBiV7YBfG90qHazDiIxTbBg=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGkbgqlv-HtMEglMZvfgyNBiXR9nCR-f2B3DJwZKeQsrIsf0jkjzfczydyFMf6qhZvD6i_NprTgiaaEtEg6PIn6O41NgdilT5azB_JDE6xhc5mRZZPbXJPEnYUGOSVu1BW_3w7Un7PC6gLFcmoLGCaHNApdyPM2TkWD61pBiV7YBfG90qHazDiIxTbBg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9W4tTjOKKf8U1Nr-P5X6d_F4QJIJwDi1AYD4XzQ-LIL_bBTnuy-b9gsVwy4eUSRdjpOcW0rLdwS3vLrCcAZBxVTDl10UpDauGsZ1wAff2MWLSOeEZNVK5SL4q1jEGD0aorGuBTj5lgoKFAOk4aEZeFDDL0Qq1nKO6EYVUJquFaycbzrF2hJNq1AGew=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha9W4tTjOKKf8U1Nr-P5X6d_F4QJIJwDi1AYD4XzQ-LIL_bBTnuy-b9gsVwy4eUSRdjpOcW0rLdwS3vLrCcAZBxVTDl10UpDauGsZ1wAff2MWLSOeEZNVK5SL4q1jEGD0aorGuBTj5lgoKFAOk4aEZeFDDL0Qq1nKO6EYVUJquFaycbzrF2hJNq1AGew=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div>And some other gems from the wider Yorkshire Water estate:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieKc_AxhPMogjH41nPEiDNYXnPjnEaYbZJnVRjXk7ENB7UEW2GTea93FrUmuKQ7TpyfykKJnJCsOY0a_t3D6xiqGyuqSeBHxtUR8qOdnR1b8jts8CGPHB_NSXqEzRdVG6tWvNiX47HQl5melalLGUE0QOHiQYwFq2Kwe2BqhsqYwNFaftWxkwj4lEi-Q=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieKc_AxhPMogjH41nPEiDNYXnPjnEaYbZJnVRjXk7ENB7UEW2GTea93FrUmuKQ7TpyfykKJnJCsOY0a_t3D6xiqGyuqSeBHxtUR8qOdnR1b8jts8CGPHB_NSXqEzRdVG6tWvNiX47HQl5melalLGUE0QOHiQYwFq2Kwe2BqhsqYwNFaftWxkwj4lEi-Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR-bMrLg-C6ndyVgDQyIgHQaSLQoTbBDXwy901OPiChVAgwA4rrpfo2OWDNuzyY2izgWaRzkpXAZOMt_8IgBtG_Ki46RjD8TlUlmnMGAx8cKqC3iQFowkUfHIakA-66SGUJTXJ1beU8J__LqvnFNbVZQhMKDVgAF9RNqV6kE7KGJCP-s2GEAs23IyQEg=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhR-bMrLg-C6ndyVgDQyIgHQaSLQoTbBDXwy901OPiChVAgwA4rrpfo2OWDNuzyY2izgWaRzkpXAZOMt_8IgBtG_Ki46RjD8TlUlmnMGAx8cKqC3iQFowkUfHIakA-66SGUJTXJ1beU8J__LqvnFNbVZQhMKDVgAF9RNqV6kE7KGJCP-s2GEAs23IyQEg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2VmFpdYQax2_T2IC__SOC0q5tAz2xIs89UGxs72aCZce1Cm0OyzHGRufLYKc3JyZ0mwINsVofLu_SC9u6ExF-19qPQKE87MBVyv2h4k5TPLN0rLYDOIwlfrCU7Y17n-p0KGM2zAVkPytoP4v3qRLWr2afty8llQAIUnQ5CCq_lb3uarOuJSYJccfUgA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2VmFpdYQax2_T2IC__SOC0q5tAz2xIs89UGxs72aCZce1Cm0OyzHGRufLYKc3JyZ0mwINsVofLu_SC9u6ExF-19qPQKE87MBVyv2h4k5TPLN0rLYDOIwlfrCU7Y17n-p0KGM2zAVkPytoP4v3qRLWr2afty8llQAIUnQ5CCq_lb3uarOuJSYJccfUgA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpTxgSBThWI9YNnAchq57znnWTHDYdOx71jcJRrmEDNv2trgW1xVGgDQRZqru-6rVaI2RXi7T7tQHh3-oqpVQqOIOAOvsatfkFdS2ll3EvEzoNh-QuQZSt3Y_4Ck6LrBeabEndUrGXOz_Y8fZO3eed5scnte1FN3IHbRlvJIwMUelmRBO1ncwO5UuVeA=s1382" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1382" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpTxgSBThWI9YNnAchq57znnWTHDYdOx71jcJRrmEDNv2trgW1xVGgDQRZqru-6rVaI2RXi7T7tQHh3-oqpVQqOIOAOvsatfkFdS2ll3EvEzoNh-QuQZSt3Y_4Ck6LrBeabEndUrGXOz_Y8fZO3eed5scnte1FN3IHbRlvJIwMUelmRBO1ncwO5UuVeA=w640-h244" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTT4Jra_IfOqH4AkfpuS_qaRc5nLAGFvbR0x3iQgLG2kWp36sgZowUq74MPrCtk0wXz2j62D2KDiQ1ILjeq6ngY29d8Ugn2uMpHspIEK0lqUq1EyVIE1JVoQp1bmjHY58j65bOC8ZnA4QebUUdoW0yeh0PQrBa8hnqJ0ZRQepVDMZBQkBTxxX-QdqsPA=s1040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTT4Jra_IfOqH4AkfpuS_qaRc5nLAGFvbR0x3iQgLG2kWp36sgZowUq74MPrCtk0wXz2j62D2KDiQ1ILjeq6ngY29d8Ugn2uMpHspIEK0lqUq1EyVIE1JVoQp1bmjHY58j65bOC8ZnA4QebUUdoW0yeh0PQrBa8hnqJ0ZRQepVDMZBQkBTxxX-QdqsPA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So all in all exciting times and lots to look forward to - more details on all these projects in due course...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">----------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As such we're looking forward to the new year and some back to basics Tophill birding. Normally we'd have our own Tophill bird race on the 1st of Jan - but given the Michael Clegg memorial bird race is on the 2nd we have decided to put together a Tophill Low team for that - so feel free to join us (with sponsorship money!) for guided walks at 10am and 1:30pm to try and record as many species as possible on the day. We'll also be doing a recce on the 1st Jan as a nod to our own tradition. This will all be subject to the unknown of covid restrictions so please keep an eye on the blog for more details nearer the time... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for everyone's continued support over the last year in very challenging circumstances on many fronts - it is appreciated. </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-86196929964925104832021-10-08T12:39:00.000+01:002021-10-08T12:39:04.992+01:00A boring update<p>There's a whole host of major work and planning behind the scenes going on at the reserve presently soaking up most of Amy and I's time; Hence big thanks to Margaret for keeping the blog updates going this summer. In due course we'll be able to reveal all the works around the plastic newt fencing etc but in the here and now, the current undertaking is the 'Thrust Bore' under the river Hull. </p><p>This work has been undertaken as surveys revealed structural issues with one of the two 1950's water mains. This could be due to the scour of the river Hull during winter flood events over the last couple of years. As such it was decided new mains should be installed as a priority before any further deterioration. </p><p>The operation involves sinking two 8m / 30ft diameter shafts around 40ft below the river Hull on each bank. The launch and main operation was from the east bank at Baswick; </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PktniwqnZ15kev8jk2Rfi2bJy-BZI9-mq15LNd6t48Ae2xA2H75NJV7vDDY5X6eUZl4Z0QnA9Ail9c2FF74QjiCJUl459hf2Lf1Ahh5E110e0fwp0KsIIVEXwyGX7skJkmrLzsP2_2_T/s897/east+bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PktniwqnZ15kev8jk2Rfi2bJy-BZI9-mq15LNd6t48Ae2xA2H75NJV7vDDY5X6eUZl4Z0QnA9Ail9c2FF74QjiCJUl459hf2Lf1Ahh5E110e0fwp0KsIIVEXwyGX7skJkmrLzsP2_2_T/w480-h640/east+bank.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuqxF_rhLK-OgQzf_EYSUc209pQH6VXCGYQjLZoIXRKG6hS8LI4iwjCYIhx3zL1SZy6F0ibDaF6QfApUnEvSEenjkSS3Cxf-ej_4yksl6A5h22bWpfWfIZyLDW3cr8Ipavr3s4qeNbtY2/s953/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="715" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuqxF_rhLK-OgQzf_EYSUc209pQH6VXCGYQjLZoIXRKG6hS8LI4iwjCYIhx3zL1SZy6F0ibDaF6QfApUnEvSEenjkSS3Cxf-ej_4yksl6A5h22bWpfWfIZyLDW3cr8Ipavr3s4qeNbtY2/w480-h640/river.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>And passed to our west bank at South Lagoon. This was somewhat tricky as the reception pit started out as a marsh which had to be checked and signed off by ecologists before being prepared; <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKzTo537iPoqop2E5EL5yeeo01vpEAskktjBbTYDUcAXUbWkAaBD3N0XOsy4_8AFx1weLJBXYCTx4sPK1NyM_rLeHp80hH8Kk76H9U2FGkzTJkiyEV09kPxsaUZmAaYlIUMqydOV7wKMf/s928/south+lagoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="698" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKzTo537iPoqop2E5EL5yeeo01vpEAskktjBbTYDUcAXUbWkAaBD3N0XOsy4_8AFx1weLJBXYCTx4sPK1NyM_rLeHp80hH8Kk76H9U2FGkzTJkiyEV09kPxsaUZmAaYlIUMqydOV7wKMf/w301-h400/south+lagoon.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div></div><div>Excavation of the shaft unearthed this huge lump of bog oak - anaerobically preserved and thousands of years old (Another example on site is the bough in front of Izzard hide - we intend to use this for similar purposes); <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7fhWt-dUwa-Qmrqlc5Ayiv3VicDToXTaVdWSQyIMzFRS7E1_eW0ilD1ZKQobW8yQmH1YuuYG5A-wSZr3Jp-JP9sTizlSfnyPz0lz3GLJshv7lnm0DDQu1tizYNyGOo_P-wIllf13zG6d/s704/bog+oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="704" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7fhWt-dUwa-Qmrqlc5Ayiv3VicDToXTaVdWSQyIMzFRS7E1_eW0ilD1ZKQobW8yQmH1YuuYG5A-wSZr3Jp-JP9sTizlSfnyPz0lz3GLJshv7lnm0DDQu1tizYNyGOo_P-wIllf13zG6d/w400-h313/bog+oak.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here's the completed shaft from above:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPEG2FuYD8jqAB2jwLsPpJo6kFvqmCalS2qR389Unu0ErjNmIqGHwvpcuhLRnhZLr9jUx_EqEFtVbV4_6LSd7f8VL0owx-2IL9e0af88ncjoYgEHPTIIc422K3_Ig5LVisUeOiZVwzeFk/s664/reception+shaft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="664" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPEG2FuYD8jqAB2jwLsPpJo6kFvqmCalS2qR389Unu0ErjNmIqGHwvpcuhLRnhZLr9jUx_EqEFtVbV4_6LSd7f8VL0owx-2IL9e0af88ncjoYgEHPTIIc422K3_Ig5LVisUeOiZVwzeFk/w640-h488/reception+shaft.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nc7kZQipJmj0cS11DVwfZU18TmuxmEbneUd2FsQ6XrUeJHe9exzLHm0_UC7wJLjCUiCcWDazASVOhVwaBp_XoyoM8AHnUIpA1c4EPTR35FHi70xsTStyRmsAUIsG2azKulVHl3pu8-cz/s826/shaft+reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="619" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nc7kZQipJmj0cS11DVwfZU18TmuxmEbneUd2FsQ6XrUeJHe9exzLHm0_UC7wJLjCUiCcWDazASVOhVwaBp_XoyoM8AHnUIpA1c4EPTR35FHi70xsTStyRmsAUIsG2azKulVHl3pu8-cz/w480-h640/shaft+reception.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The machine used was a 'Thrust Bore'; Essentially same as the channel tunnel; The milling head rotates and chews its way through, with aqueous silt discharged into dedicated settlement lagoons:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6rGOo_afTB9WVPVyTjV4eD9rgGIFWcTbHst_HDBcAkw7nBQ7D0zohog7xciR6kedcB6Ss1Is5dF1sZNrB1iXRnnsMoU25F4HjgmN0gW9qPeZFtXgIkt1DF3TVJB5nqCAqis3s2IL6igW/s966/thrust+bire+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="724" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6rGOo_afTB9WVPVyTjV4eD9rgGIFWcTbHst_HDBcAkw7nBQ7D0zohog7xciR6kedcB6Ss1Is5dF1sZNrB1iXRnnsMoU25F4HjgmN0gW9qPeZFtXgIkt1DF3TVJB5nqCAqis3s2IL6igW/w480-h640/thrust+bire+machine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div>Behind it are fed 1.2m diameter concrete pipes one at a time; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGMOGEO7nbtVnq5iKfapHhcbcmhqb7OM4NLs62PLE6wLOraCnrdu7xaEX4CPz4BPCdiG2YKnyvZ5iVRrm-NWZ14bf82SAIQJvNpGdXUv9kyPG9KEnQrO0CYZaTCgk43oRqumCZrLuEjRI/s894/pipes+ready+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGMOGEO7nbtVnq5iKfapHhcbcmhqb7OM4NLs62PLE6wLOraCnrdu7xaEX4CPz4BPCdiG2YKnyvZ5iVRrm-NWZ14bf82SAIQJvNpGdXUv9kyPG9KEnQrO0CYZaTCgk43oRqumCZrLuEjRI/w280-h400/pipes+ready+2.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>As each pipe is added a hydraulic ram shunts the hole train fowards before returning for the next one:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdijX9U2Dc6TE3dfGgWv0d8t1QGFlzDR2D1KJRU4sSveuODnRvMtQFw-qJ8EOmSkTCFxGi5Xs_AIZYKvoNwZYN20L4kwRQI3zZF8tpfNzX_iKrj0s7evl6IkgM92teol2dHA2s667LEj3m/s848/tunnel+hydraulics+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="848" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdijX9U2Dc6TE3dfGgWv0d8t1QGFlzDR2D1KJRU4sSveuODnRvMtQFw-qJ8EOmSkTCFxGi5Xs_AIZYKvoNwZYN20L4kwRQI3zZF8tpfNzX_iKrj0s7evl6IkgM92teol2dHA2s667LEj3m/w640-h474/tunnel+hydraulics+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Precision guidance means that it emerges at the exit perfectly:</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOfPByTmNPTwQi7lYvANprv3qVS3rnOdfk1eLn61YXMdYH3tWwegXysDri30qzxmuInCKcVklItWHMJvtyCHa9ni7ZmS_Jj1j3nVHpWGVEerKCwIaghQTNzlFk2hwrCzfLEZNxelYJ_oq/s1006/seal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1006" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOfPByTmNPTwQi7lYvANprv3qVS3rnOdfk1eLn61YXMdYH3tWwegXysDri30qzxmuInCKcVklItWHMJvtyCHa9ni7ZmS_Jj1j3nVHpWGVEerKCwIaghQTNzlFk2hwrCzfLEZNxelYJ_oq/w400-h305/seal+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the machine enters the pit the shaft needs to be flooded to equalise pressure with divers sent in to tighten a gland around the emerged pipeline. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b-SewwlWECrqvwvrPfmq9_gHxb8GO1dGZkv05CtWE3lZ5kK4YTyF1DFcRvjj04cOzJ3cx8rWItdPeqcV16CJXuuXyEPfIEEfgqLLpQ2NUARHsZ1xg5MRumnl4pHFGU3G2inyF6zdF4Pd/s761/machine+through+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="530" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-b-SewwlWECrqvwvrPfmq9_gHxb8GO1dGZkv05CtWE3lZ5kK4YTyF1DFcRvjj04cOzJ3cx8rWItdPeqcV16CJXuuXyEPfIEEfgqLLpQ2NUARHsZ1xg5MRumnl4pHFGU3G2inyF6zdF4Pd/w446-h640/machine+through+2.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXv0RO-QKmBeXqrYPbaNeDl60kclZbI4nj1_K-rlN-0S3yM_LK8o9JKa4J4AR5gH4Ui3FyMFVDyQoejQ1fCO1OOkCtTABe11rj89vCRTcThyeLdufdqwtzNgsUg_rcDz42eUCkvCQe2m_/s2048/tunnel+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMXv0RO-QKmBeXqrYPbaNeDl60kclZbI4nj1_K-rlN-0S3yM_LK8o9JKa4J4AR5gH4Ui3FyMFVDyQoejQ1fCO1OOkCtTABe11rj89vCRTcThyeLdufdqwtzNgsUg_rcDz42eUCkvCQe2m_/w480-h640/tunnel+machine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>So currently the job has gone very well with both pipelines laid. </div><div><br /></div><div>Big thanks to everyone at Tophill Low for their patience with this work thus far and we are aware of the inconvenience for people having to walk an extra distance on grass to reach such as Izzard hide. We have been made aware of a minority of individuals ignoring the signage etc which is disappointing and creates a hazard so <u>please adhere to all signage</u> as we may have to review membership privileges for repeat offenders. </div><div><br /></div><div>However we are aware that we are coming into winter with muddier paths and at least this significant phase of work is complete, so we've worked with Ward and Burke to ensure we can deliver a safe pedestrian access that cuts down the need for walking around one side only. So as of this weekend a safe pedestrian walkway will be provided around the perimeter of the compound under the 'O res viewing screen'. </div><div><br /></div><div>There will still be no access via the lagoons with the footpath remaining closed at North Lagoon and strictly no access into the work compound at the O reservoir main gate. All O reservoir access will continue to be via O reservoir woods bridge and the access road for the foreseeable future - likely into the new year; As before combination code available at the reception hide. </div><div><br /></div><div>Further details to follow on additional works and route closures for other projects will follow shortly. </div>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12453578322034319619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-39236037583226944562021-09-29T17:34:00.000+01:002021-09-29T17:34:07.825+01:00Moving into autumn<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">September is very much a month of
departures and arrivals as we note the very last dates of our summer migrants
and the earliest dates of the arriving winter wildfowl. Sunshine and warmer
weather extends the flight season for dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies.
Ruddy darter dragonflies are still being seen now at the very end of the month
particularly around reception pond and the approach ramp up to reception hide,
as well as migrant and southern hawker dragonflies. Small tortoiseshell and
speckled wood are also still in good numbers feeding on some long lasting
brambles and the remnants of the buddleia flowers along the nature trail. Small
white butterflies are also still in flight at the end of September.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpP1pPpO6hEeIc0uf9_tQSzkS1XpFUokV1Bzgxfvxzcz2n1bozsUzgUa8ttKRzVSISuOe63-yuYGzwYGDybiT7WyxnmdZTfaqrIA5AoO7WlnePW_JcDoM-7LhikILbFFrvMGMpLIzvUTC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpP1pPpO6hEeIc0uf9_tQSzkS1XpFUokV1Bzgxfvxzcz2n1bozsUzgUa8ttKRzVSISuOe63-yuYGzwYGDybiT7WyxnmdZTfaqrIA5AoO7WlnePW_JcDoM-7LhikILbFFrvMGMpLIzvUTC/" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Ruddy darter soaking up the sun on the reception ramp handrail</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BrSG5HHMubgGQOhNJ88mVssnevA-_UE-bU0f4os5F4SnzWiF8Oi-zPlWF5paCmxRDY-o1nVvC9DShbmBuWiY6z9LzcZV1UqV4OTq_vmUz-FmlcTOiZk2kl8xVLORVeDJxqIOwENyv5b1/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1786" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BrSG5HHMubgGQOhNJ88mVssnevA-_UE-bU0f4os5F4SnzWiF8Oi-zPlWF5paCmxRDY-o1nVvC9DShbmBuWiY6z9LzcZV1UqV4OTq_vmUz-FmlcTOiZk2kl8xVLORVeDJxqIOwENyv5b1/" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Speckled wood </div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">One of our volunteers, John has
been recording a number of different types of invertebrate, taking his time to
study the vegetation along the paths and often the wooden rails which warm up
in the sun. The photographs that John takes give you an idea of the variety
seen, especially the many different types of ladybird. Often visitors will miss
seeing the small wildlife on the reserve but once you can slow down and take
time to look carefully you will be amazed at the amount and variety of our mini
fauna. In our education sessions one of the skills taught is to look for things
in the natural environment by perhaps finding different colours or textures,
focusing on details, giving a wider picture of the natural environment, and
feeding relationships within it.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGiQWF1thYQ9r5RH7tldWlKksGFY2KVEBOzzBkv2upKY6L06Sz1qPySKSZypnDyKQyVrbltuNHlC0OAZI0rVl4AsciKihXhNYJr0xPzV2WiMbhuHEEznIeGwqbsMhKZLfLQQn0dO3GC0U/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="677" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGiQWF1thYQ9r5RH7tldWlKksGFY2KVEBOzzBkv2upKY6L06Sz1qPySKSZypnDyKQyVrbltuNHlC0OAZI0rVl4AsciKihXhNYJr0xPzV2WiMbhuHEEznIeGwqbsMhKZLfLQQn0dO3GC0U/" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">22 Spot ladybird (photo by John Barnard)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdFmbtqL1vSS1iv_NaKigIVQrO4pdjhhWemIeVynxFAdzjXHIRFy8JbPG_hRi8duz9jrXDgopiwK3PJYJ2K7bdM0UrqXASj1zDnGaiCguzRn8RKRNnC7PMnuyOT2acYU92ymzOBSjqBdF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="922" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdFmbtqL1vSS1iv_NaKigIVQrO4pdjhhWemIeVynxFAdzjXHIRFy8JbPG_hRi8duz9jrXDgopiwK3PJYJ2K7bdM0UrqXASj1zDnGaiCguzRn8RKRNnC7PMnuyOT2acYU92ymzOBSjqBdF/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">14 Spot ladybird (photo by John Barnard)</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Summer warblers had moved on by
the beginning of September with only a garden warbler and a common whitethroat
noted on the 3<sup>rd</sup> September. Hirundines were feeding over D reservoir
on several occasions throughout September, two swallows over harassing a marsh harrier on
24<sup>th</sup> and a late party of about 50 house martins on the 28<sup>th. </sup>A
female garganey was spotted on south marsh up until the 11<sup>th</sup> and
perhaps the last sighting of yellow wagtail for the summer was on the 12<sup>th</sup>. Hobbys have been reported across the reserve
all summer so presumed they have bred nearby. With the warmer September days
there have been a number of sightings right up to the 24<sup>th</sup>, feeding
on dragonflies over D reservoir and south marsh.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Passage waders visiting south
marsh continued from August with dunlin on 1<sup>st</sup> to 6<sup>th</sup> September
and again on 11<sup>th</sup> -13<sup>th</sup>, with 4 birds on 23<sup>rd</sup>.
Common and green sandpiper have been recorded throughout the entire month on
south marsh, a common sandpiper often seen feeding on D reservoir wall. Snipe have
been recorded throughout the month with a top count of 5 on several occasions,
all on south marsh. Curlew arrived on 6<sup>th</sup> and again have been
recorded throughout the month. There was a ruff on 3<sup>rd</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup>
, a curlew sandpiper on 4<sup>th</sup> and a little stint on 6<sup>th</sup> and
11<sup>th</sup> . An injured black tailed godwit has been around for a while
but was joined by a flock of 20 birds on 21<sup>st</sup>. Juvenile little
ringed plover was on south marsh on 6<sup>th</sup> and there were several
sightings of ringed plovers on 10<sup>th</sup> till 13<sup>th</sup>. On 17<sup>th</sup>
September a juvenile pectoral sandpiper arrived, probably one from the east
Siberian population, blown off course, and is still on south marsh on 28<sup>th</sup>
September. Lapwing have been recorded on south marsh and on Watton nature
reserve and a flock of 50 golden plovers flew over O reservoir on 26<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf6261a4uScFxEe4bmFnyV9EH0RxcNtYzxBWCLwxZ9AxabqjCRaoLjRpdNJqqT9h-xkDnVe5VnihMs0gy98L8dQgHz2K0hqB6nmG141lX4V2wd4-d4pZx2HxsDxXMP2OeuY4KCJT-8QXC/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvf6261a4uScFxEe4bmFnyV9EH0RxcNtYzxBWCLwxZ9AxabqjCRaoLjRpdNJqqT9h-xkDnVe5VnihMs0gy98L8dQgHz2K0hqB6nmG141lX4V2wd4-d4pZx2HxsDxXMP2OeuY4KCJT-8QXC/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pectoral sandpiper on south marsh (photo by Pat Hogarth)</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaZn9jdEM5o5MLd0nvTJ0OhE50qHrmv5pFtek5IDG-6dB5pepns8RRSxcBnjybutSdnJx5hM4vNihqwo5DN1-EZrM-baY1thERB5OyJyGQM7Al0dpWTgWha4mcuOejmin09Hs5zJpXQfP/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaZn9jdEM5o5MLd0nvTJ0OhE50qHrmv5pFtek5IDG-6dB5pepns8RRSxcBnjybutSdnJx5hM4vNihqwo5DN1-EZrM-baY1thERB5OyJyGQM7Al0dpWTgWha4mcuOejmin09Hs5zJpXQfP/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lapwing on south marsh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yhwYrpY3Ho1sRWrQEONWiHOpPuhgJgfl6yExfTFIvB_RLukWixbyjd9vd_HinfBxiKUKWCim_Wtk5gllAoNzPXZKmqfpTE4DPiCOHFpEMCg8lgeYUorDhMODzE4WEn4CzTEL5yfGNA63/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yhwYrpY3Ho1sRWrQEONWiHOpPuhgJgfl6yExfTFIvB_RLukWixbyjd9vd_HinfBxiKUKWCim_Wtk5gllAoNzPXZKmqfpTE4DPiCOHFpEMCg8lgeYUorDhMODzE4WEn4CzTEL5yfGNA63/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green sandpiper on south marsh</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A great white egret was sighted
on north lagoon on 21<sup>st</sup> September, then flying over the riverbank
later that day. North lagoon also attracted a visiting bittern on 14<sup>th</sup>.
On D reservoir the gull roost is building up with a Caspian gull in amongst the
flock on 5<sup>th</sup>. Pochard, tufted
duck and coot have increased in numbers from the beginning of September, with
maximum numbers of 40, 150 and 250 respectively. Great crested grebes have been
giving great views of their fishing prowess, coming up to the surface with
rather large young pike. A black necked grebe was seen on D reservoir on 5<sup>th</sup>
and then again from 16<sup>th</sup> to the end of the month, often very distant
at the far end of the reservoir. A red necked grebe on 23<sup>rd</sup> and then
again on 26<sup>th</sup> is thought to possibly be the same bird that has been
seen on Hornsea mere. A male scaup was recorded on 24<sup>th</sup> and again on
26<sup>th</sup> September on D reservoir. Two female goldeneye and two pintail
have also been noted from mid September, the weather and viewing conditions
possibly determining the sightings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A pair of yellow wagtails on 12<sup>th</sup>
were the only ones noted during the month but two grey wagtails were feeding on
O reservoir wall on 7<sup>th</sup> and at Hempholme on 24<sup>th</sup>. The
tawny owl is often spotted during the day in reception woods, jays across the
sight now, whereas they used to be only spotted in the northern areas of the
reserve. A covey of eight grey partridge seen on the approach road was a nice
addition to the site’s records for September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Woodland birds are making good
use of the feeders outside reception hide with small flocks of goldfinches and
greenfinches regular visitors. Great spotted woodpeckers can also be seen on a
daily basis alongside blue, coal, great and long tailed tits. Treecreepers have
been seen along the nature trail through reception woods.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">At north lagoon, as well as water
rails coming out onto the flatten reed beds in front of the hide, grass snakes
have been using the area as a hunting ground for marsh frogs in the last couple
of weeks, giving visitors very good views from the hide. Several common
pipistrelle bats have been roosting under the louvres on the front of reception
hide in the past few days.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAQH8oYHoMPEXRNjBOhg_KZT-AOt2TS1YbO9MwraZ5bJ5QMEiYfA0YlXdaCPSDLMclXFUuKT8T-F3O6gA8-bcayf6soJx28kwKInayR4oG_4sOG2y4CWDirOlUiOWLKw-PRlPxq9CnMBv/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1072" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAQH8oYHoMPEXRNjBOhg_KZT-AOt2TS1YbO9MwraZ5bJ5QMEiYfA0YlXdaCPSDLMclXFUuKT8T-F3O6gA8-bcayf6soJx28kwKInayR4oG_4sOG2y4CWDirOlUiOWLKw-PRlPxq9CnMBv/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common pipistrelle bat under the wooden louvres on reception hide (photo by Mike Day)</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Today a flock of 8 pink footed
geese landed on Watton nature reserve, a true sign that autumn has well and
truly arrived.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-34175344864602049622021-09-20T14:08:00.000+01:002021-09-20T14:08:23.233+01:00Busy, busy, busy for our volunteer team<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once the breeding season has finished and the risk of
disturbing breeding birds across the reserve has subsided, then the role of the
volunteer team here at Tophill comes into its own and will continue throughout
the autumn and winter months.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the first jobs that is tackled is the cutting of the
meadows, particularly in areas where large machinery is unable to access. We
have contractors who manage the main cut, as visitors will have seen on
Hempholme meadow. This has not been cut for several years as it has been too
wet to allow machinery onto the ground. The grazing cattle and goats can now be
seen, and their grazing will help keep the sward much lower.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rJEsUN_TywK76vChSoR0dAlL616R9hudy40ursioaDAeNyAg-SCQ8ZUexcitCdOwOXHBRmm6WQbS2qg8PxTrZcRWoWAOMiCan_Wo9XizoeW8Ji-g2hgIs3rLceBB61TuYkcRgB58H8wH/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rJEsUN_TywK76vChSoR0dAlL616R9hudy40ursioaDAeNyAg-SCQ8ZUexcitCdOwOXHBRmm6WQbS2qg8PxTrZcRWoWAOMiCan_Wo9XizoeW8Ji-g2hgIs3rLceBB61TuYkcRgB58H8wH/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hempholme meadow viewed from Angus McBean hide after cutting </div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the other grassland areas our volunteer team has been
helped this year by a local group of people from the Scythe Society who use
traditional methods and scythes to cut the grass, making the task seem effortless.
Once the grass has been cut visitors will notice that the grass is collected
and made into mounds, scattered around the grassland. We have been using a
relatively new piece of kit, a thermal image camera for some survey work and
when you direct the camera on these grass mounds you can see how attractive
they are for grass snakes, as they become very hot in the centre, very quickly.
An ideal place for snakes to hibernate or to lay eggs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2OP0hxgMqcZW-oy3sR7a2teYLvFJ41VXRz6Pd6ZXyEC9RSE3uExynUeOUPyKqPWuzTVJHpksWbpR2cSAt7JXnluxGDLooVuitm5SfTQ0zwPhVb8g3o_8zdOl7wB8F2recKqG6Fhy-V1v/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2OP0hxgMqcZW-oy3sR7a2teYLvFJ41VXRz6Pd6ZXyEC9RSE3uExynUeOUPyKqPWuzTVJHpksWbpR2cSAt7JXnluxGDLooVuitm5SfTQ0zwPhVb8g3o_8zdOl7wB8F2recKqG6Fhy-V1v/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hay piles after cutting</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKULh5jDvtXQ04v_G76pWIvd-g6QSVQL5ID9EjOA6svRB7HRNT1dDNsQVQV88skhIGK67upwU2rLltkWpdc0eCevY5nK1jemueUAUDk02oxg4oy1Txd0V-GJFwcGnBEPjV44xQ4-Sh4VXO/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKULh5jDvtXQ04v_G76pWIvd-g6QSVQL5ID9EjOA6svRB7HRNT1dDNsQVQV88skhIGK67upwU2rLltkWpdc0eCevY5nK1jemueUAUDk02oxg4oy1Txd0V-GJFwcGnBEPjV44xQ4-Sh4VXO/" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thermal image of hay piles showing the heat inside them after only a few days</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The kingfishers were feeding regularly on north lagoon,
delighting many visitors, often people who had never seen kingfishers before.
But the reeds in front of the hide were obscuring the view so the volunteers
donned waders and treacherously waded out into the deep mud to cut back the
vegetation, as well as taking the opportunity to paint the front of the hide,
keeping it protected from the elements. In addition to better views of the
feeding kingfishers, water rails and grass snakes have been seen more clearly
too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoQMcOu_-2_Wn4_LlV4M1pqT6crQE0DoY-dum-lA8gZLaEq2ut11wlge7aEDXHNt5Y-vuSS4EtFoKPSmcb2xwOksPPy-dHj85gaP1L9MSmxV45_mR0jA0haK_CGztVQmq3oma447Hthed/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoQMcOu_-2_Wn4_LlV4M1pqT6crQE0DoY-dum-lA8gZLaEq2ut11wlge7aEDXHNt5Y-vuSS4EtFoKPSmcb2xwOksPPy-dHj85gaP1L9MSmxV45_mR0jA0haK_CGztVQmq3oma447Hthed/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">North lagoon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKcTEjo1hGn1eoQJg6_EMrROyueOw8fNaT2IrkWcI03c5CShvzWJB3SYWR_lZHJ4obWR9BlkYjdZFcGxhgkme6D2XhGfu9YRM27QUX-4Y6raA0p-qX3QwNjOOpUnDy8xOJsrUJQiP7wfI/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKcTEjo1hGn1eoQJg6_EMrROyueOw8fNaT2IrkWcI03c5CShvzWJB3SYWR_lZHJ4obWR9BlkYjdZFcGxhgkme6D2XhGfu9YRM27QUX-4Y6raA0p-qX3QwNjOOpUnDy8xOJsrUJQiP7wfI/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Area in front of north lagoon hide</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In D woods, the small pond has been engulfed by vegetation
so again our volunteer team has been busy cutting back and clearing the pond.
This will allow more light to reach the water and hopefully with a bit more
rain there will be more water retained in the pond, encouraging water
invertebrates to breed, in turn attracting moorhens and water rails.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgqW_816KlLyIQPa393IRALXRoQx5LML_7URKzWg_LK8UG-_cU5AMGSU6x7zmvrMr7nacRMNRjApjb4ugLrG1Av9FPz1zGOqDh8WbqMrfAkNoGkEk3bbs2RiUSXmcVFD2riLGWnQqXkVF/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="750" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgqW_816KlLyIQPa393IRALXRoQx5LML_7URKzWg_LK8UG-_cU5AMGSU6x7zmvrMr7nacRMNRjApjb4ugLrG1Av9FPz1zGOqDh8WbqMrfAkNoGkEk3bbs2RiUSXmcVFD2riLGWnQqXkVF/" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">D woods pond "before"</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vgXImdKCSbNefTH4m2sLIQhX2UgSb2peJgo8HnRTAxushSBjnIImQkKyUM4_q4hwzslKBN4q3T4iSEGG2upUgzydC6_7qGfkfs1dAfvCW7Bsi-uDOylxCXlkRfS6i61Aifxi9QgZvs4k/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="680" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vgXImdKCSbNefTH4m2sLIQhX2UgSb2peJgo8HnRTAxushSBjnIImQkKyUM4_q4hwzslKBN4q3T4iSEGG2upUgzydC6_7qGfkfs1dAfvCW7Bsi-uDOylxCXlkRfS6i61Aifxi9QgZvs4k/" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And "after"</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nearer to the reception hide the team have been cutting back
brambles and “weeding” around the selection of fairly newly planted trees,
making sure that they get more established in this part of the woodland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPyD5ElaZqDA-klVqGkhf7QA6Kf936usiBvuBVlIygzucevLtSEnCI4mzCwOvrpEe0NirLqobgRQzSUPM-BYdXg-5cvZOlQA6QFhqDTJjZowtkAFGL7O2D3jLJEoeZQ7vu0LOeFez_T98/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPyD5ElaZqDA-klVqGkhf7QA6Kf936usiBvuBVlIygzucevLtSEnCI4mzCwOvrpEe0NirLqobgRQzSUPM-BYdXg-5cvZOlQA6QFhqDTJjZowtkAFGL7O2D3jLJEoeZQ7vu0LOeFez_T98/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Newly planted trees cleared of brambles at the bottom of the reception ramp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTszfTJa6P_p2dIg4-LOeBKNqiAGimElGgPCPgz7lUnWYkNmrps8A9nipzoBAK2b_A2MMs-2U8tihrLlDtT2ANn8Hn2r7982PiQ7rKxjt7qcWHNojirQn1U4CGlhHV6JVAqfhJ3QPH9XE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTszfTJa6P_p2dIg4-LOeBKNqiAGimElGgPCPgz7lUnWYkNmrps8A9nipzoBAK2b_A2MMs-2U8tihrLlDtT2ANn8Hn2r7982PiQ7rKxjt7qcWHNojirQn1U4CGlhHV6JVAqfhJ3QPH9XE/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bramble clearance in reception woods</div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to these bigger jobs, our volunteer team also
carry out the monthly WeBS wildfowl count, survey and record plant species
around the reserve, maintain the cabling to enable video cameras on various
nesting sites, monitor and maintain the hundreds of nest boxes and keep the
paths clear of encroaching vegetation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They are certainly kept busy. We can’t thank them enough for
all their hard work and dedication and for all the working hours that they give
to maintain the reserve for the wildlife and its visitors. Their efforts are
hugely appreciated.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-84885705008725201502021-09-01T13:42:00.002+01:002021-09-01T13:42:23.875+01:00Summer at Tophill<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A mixed bag of weather has defined the summer months of July
and August at the reserve, with scorching hot days followed quickly by plunging
temperatures and cool northerly winds interspersed with heavy rain showers.
Some would say a typical British summer. On the reserve we have had the
familiar resident species breed and migrants start to pass through on their way
south to their wintering grounds.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnJo3WyNayO-Sky1pHxzTY4hxgZpBzHdatm5Tuj-GrHYlivARiC2iWPsSn3M7-1WEoj3YP9wBahHkOvMntugEinuN3EucoLftEYadj7a2B7Oe63-v5-FrZtJyvvzlPZO_q-7wfcwcoI2u/s2048/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtnJo3WyNayO-Sky1pHxzTY4hxgZpBzHdatm5Tuj-GrHYlivARiC2iWPsSn3M7-1WEoj3YP9wBahHkOvMntugEinuN3EucoLftEYadj7a2B7Oe63-v5-FrZtJyvvzlPZO_q-7wfcwcoI2u/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small tortoiseshell by Margaret Boyd</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlFfmT-uxZVZK_18ZZkYi11PV7kvgjaq4vdiXhCupr4xWTRfh5zjWccqGXQGkMETF9tL1oE5bCAxRD2i8ivydpfLLCnGRlbNvs0_wV8hAAwuRGBnwTnVYuWGqqyYKlffsJgEaBe8X3DC2/s4000/Blackbird+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlFfmT-uxZVZK_18ZZkYi11PV7kvgjaq4vdiXhCupr4xWTRfh5zjWccqGXQGkMETF9tL1oE5bCAxRD2i8ivydpfLLCnGRlbNvs0_wV8hAAwuRGBnwTnVYuWGqqyYKlffsJgEaBe8X3DC2/s320/Blackbird+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Resident blackbird by Margaret Boyd</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Successes on the breeding front in the woodland have been
great tit, blue and coal tits all feeding young. Robin youngsters, in their
less obvious speckled plumage, have been seen from the main path up to
reception, along with a very endearing family of wrens. A young tree creeper
was confirmation of breeding, similarly a young great spotted woodpecker, both
around reception woods and the feeders. Less obvious have been the warblers and
their youngsters but earlier signs of nesting building and frantic activity
back and forward with food to nesting areas would show that willow warbler,
chiff chaff, blackcap and common whitethroat have all bred across the reserve.
Our bird ringing team carrying out their regular sessions in south scrub have
also caught juvenile birds, the most worthy of note was a family of 6 coal tit
youngsters and a juvenile marsh tit. The marsh tit was good to see as there
have been few sightings in the woodland this year. Blackbird, song thrush,
chaffinch, greenfinch and goldfinch all seem to be in good numbers, hopefully
reflecting a successful breeding season. It appears the tawny owls in reception
wood had just the one chick this year, the barn owls at the north end were
unsuccessful with their first brood, it’s hoped that they will have a second
brood.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgI0dUyv4mNgPrve4wrLg-9euc0338cLf1OwZgSND3H8XYlU6nHnRpN4V8iegOlP6fXuiw9LcQJTbEP85lGpQpqM9NHLXAHFbEN4FFHhwGYdnkFEHl3V4yNr_PDkyinDApiSBopXwzEcD/s2048/Common+tern+Maurice+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgI0dUyv4mNgPrve4wrLg-9euc0338cLf1OwZgSND3H8XYlU6nHnRpN4V8iegOlP6fXuiw9LcQJTbEP85lGpQpqM9NHLXAHFbEN4FFHhwGYdnkFEHl3V4yNr_PDkyinDApiSBopXwzEcD/s320/Common+tern+Maurice+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common tern by Maurice Dowson</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The two pairs of marsh harriers that were nesting, one
either end of the reserve have both raised young that have fledged. The pair
that bred at north marsh had three chicks that were filmed on the nearby tree
soon after being airborne, the pair at the south end have possibly raised two
young, although sightings of both together have not been noted. Similarly, two
pairs of buzzards look like they have bred, one at each end of the reserve: O
woods and D woods. The latter pair and their youngster can be seen regularly
feeding at Hempholme, especially now that the grass has been cut and the meadow
is more visible. There has been a young juvenile sparrowhawk flying around the
car park and reception woods in the last couple of weeks, making a lot of
screeching noises to attract visitor’s attention. Hobbies have been seen
throughout the summer, so we hope that they have been breeding birds too.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The two broods of kingfishers that have successfully fledged
have certainly been wowing the visitors, many of which come specifically to see
these iconic water birds. They have not left disappointed as across the reserve
birds can be seen, often more than one at a time. One visitor saw the family of
five in north lagoon which must have been within hours of the birds fledging.
So, whether it’s been a member who has been watching the birds feed at an early
hour or an excitable family attending one of our family workshops, the
kingfishers have drawn in visitors.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yFsEOl_TlKXq5GGfKMSzK_R3AtT-FDK6TzN9lXnAmEEhLFPn9fxN-pW7Kon3dkcbfR4fwxkxS4BqNZtAcr-xMZmyb4PBwpNOafkhYk4MCzyaM-X95NDRCQnumeIgkFB2jVgH8Bfdn6eQ/s640/Kingfisher+caught+by+Graham+Scott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yFsEOl_TlKXq5GGfKMSzK_R3AtT-FDK6TzN9lXnAmEEhLFPn9fxN-pW7Kon3dkcbfR4fwxkxS4BqNZtAcr-xMZmyb4PBwpNOafkhYk4MCzyaM-X95NDRCQnumeIgkFB2jVgH8Bfdn6eQ/s320/Kingfisher+caught+by+Graham+Scott.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kingfisher caught by Graham Scott</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our family workshops ran for two weeks, on five days,
leading to 50 local families coming along to experience the wildlife we have at
the reserve through the different activities that make up the workshops. Mostly
families come from the local area and are new to the reserve so it has been
great to welcome new visitors and engage with them, hopefully they will return.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZR5iRorQ8KyhbJFDlhfvJZ2VKFKpHtRbd42p76oIPRHYUKIGlY91BPU9MRSapdvRstV_UPq1GJJjZn8GNgLUm07LKbcuj72wwBEqMDhFZ9mZrbxSjEfWfHOCdueur8_G78zys3zIBIWQ/s2048/IMG_3068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZR5iRorQ8KyhbJFDlhfvJZ2VKFKpHtRbd42p76oIPRHYUKIGlY91BPU9MRSapdvRstV_UPq1GJJjZn8GNgLUm07LKbcuj72wwBEqMDhFZ9mZrbxSjEfWfHOCdueur8_G78zys3zIBIWQ/s320/IMG_3068.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pond dipping is popular with families</div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">There have been successes and failures with the populations
of water birds. We know that both the pair of mute swans on north lagoon and
the pair of little ringed plovers on south marsh were predated, probably by
mink. Oystercatchers, greylag and Canada geese fared better, south marsh is now
very noisy with geese, following on from the black headed gull colony; adults
and chicks have now moved to feed on the surrounding farmland, coming back to
roost on the reservoirs. Two pairs of common tern still have young on south
marsh this week. Tufted duck, mallard and gadwall all have juveniles, making
identification quite tricky alongside the adult birds which are now in eclipse
plumage as they moult their flight feathers. A pair of water rail chicks have
been out feeding on north marsh, giving good views and it appears another pair
of water rail have bred on the south marshes. Moorhen and coot have bred, so
too little grebe; currently two chicks can be seen from south marsh. Twenty
nest holes in the sand martin bank appeared to have been used at south marsh
west.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tKqmzi7k_5Y0-tc67StXf11fsyPHSVO4bdWeFV0diYY0o5WjWqSTGLNOlQy0BYu4NAmxjhJOxjKCbrvXFkQHCs60ptFK16_hQXrj0ZqKX9KtsgX_lHp3_c1llQjgTjizeiy6rbtEjwno/s2048/Common+sandpiper+4+Maurice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tKqmzi7k_5Y0-tc67StXf11fsyPHSVO4bdWeFV0diYY0o5WjWqSTGLNOlQy0BYu4NAmxjhJOxjKCbrvXFkQHCs60ptFK16_hQXrj0ZqKX9KtsgX_lHp3_c1llQjgTjizeiy6rbtEjwno/s320/Common+sandpiper+4+Maurice.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common sandpiper by Maurice Dowson</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">As wading birds finish breeding further north, they start
their migration, stopping off on passage. The first to be noted were 40
lapwings on 6<sup>th</sup> July, followed by black tailed godwit and green
sandpiper on the 8<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2
greenshank on the 10<sup>th</sup>, 1 common sandpiper on 12<sup>th</sup>, a
single ruff on the 16<sup>th</sup> along with a flock of around 300 lapwing,
all on south marsh. Snipe and black tailed godwit were seen on 24<sup>th</sup>
July and on 26<sup>th</sup> 2 spoonbill flew in to roost but only stayed
overnight, to be replaced by a great white egret on 27<sup>th</sup> which
stayed till 31<sup>st</sup> July. A juvenile little ringed plover was seen on 3<sup>rd</sup>
August on south marsh and 6 on Watton on 7<sup>th</sup>. Throughout this time
there were regular sightings of green and common sandpiper and greenshank on
Watton. A cuckoo was another species seen passing through at Hempholme on 12<sup>th</sup>
August and a black necked grebe on D reservoir on 14<sup>th</sup> -16th. 6
black tailed godwits and 2 ringed plovers were spotted on 16<sup>th</sup>,
along with 3 little ringed plovers. A juvenile garganey was on south marsh on
17<sup>th</sup> and has been seen subsequently on a number of occasions. A ruff
and 7 curlew were on south marsh on 27<sup>th</sup> and a juvenile knot was
walking around on the “O” reservoir road quite oblivious to visitors on 27<sup>th</sup>.
Dunlin have been seen, the top number of 14 at one time and 5 little stint on
29<sup>th</sup> in addition to 2 little gulls on the 22<sup>nd</sup> August on
south marsh. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the last few weeks coot numbers have been building on D
reservoir and latterly tufted duck, pochard and goldeneye along with great
crested grebe numbers have also increased. Hirundines have been feeding over D
reservoir in the last week as temperatures have dropped.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There have been regular sightings of otter, mostly on north
marsh in the early hours but also during the day and on north lagoon. Roe deer
are constantly present, a pair regularly been seen in reception woods and along
the path in front of reception hide. We have a study looking at stoats and
these have been caught on camera around reception woods. Grass snakes have not
been regularly seen but one of the volunteers uncovered a large individual
(approximately 1.5m) when moving some wooden posts in the grassland around O
reservoir.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavN2tYzhsr-6tjzu7nEqOvbeOZGFbQjZuYsGKEoHbF0fSVYoiqwoWfxnm-qYD8hAbotMqP3XQOWZSOamYcRRriVZWwRKzoke6_fS8bQpIdO5WOVjiyUlNXc_guZOW6nYjtnNT5AVW6cwW/s2048/Roe+deer+Maurice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavN2tYzhsr-6tjzu7nEqOvbeOZGFbQjZuYsGKEoHbF0fSVYoiqwoWfxnm-qYD8hAbotMqP3XQOWZSOamYcRRriVZWwRKzoke6_fS8bQpIdO5WOVjiyUlNXc_guZOW6nYjtnNT5AVW6cwW/s320/Roe+deer+Maurice.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Roe deer by Maurice Dowson</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On the days which have been warmer and less windy there have
been several species of butterfly across the reserve. Species that have been
spotted over the summer, adding to those seen in the spring have been ringlet,
gatekeeper, small copper, brown angus, marbled white and silver washed
fritillary. Dragonfly species in flight during August have been southern and
migrant hawker, ruddy darters, emperor dragonflies and emerald damselfly</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtpT3Q4U7LuAm-R11mZsf5kY_rXgumi_vrEo5Vq4j7avCOXJtR5lEQ11Au5uM2QNDfWPeG5nCT0kb9-xvyJxjEyzWSW6Guf5s1It89pPJaWZHEoYp4jPlFnzH2lq49AqBcJ5FEROfi2GF/s2048/Marbled+white.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtpT3Q4U7LuAm-R11mZsf5kY_rXgumi_vrEo5Vq4j7avCOXJtR5lEQ11Au5uM2QNDfWPeG5nCT0kb9-xvyJxjEyzWSW6Guf5s1It89pPJaWZHEoYp4jPlFnzH2lq49AqBcJ5FEROfi2GF/s320/Marbled+white.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Marbled white by Margaret Boyd</div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we move into September and cooler weather then the changeover
of birds continues as birds start to move between breeding and wintering sites.
If you visit the reserve and do not get a chance to pass on your records then
please leave a note in the sightings books at reception hide so that we can add
your valuable sightings to our database. Your help with this matter is greatly
appreciated.<o:p></o:p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-47897252320280906842021-07-26T16:30:00.004+01:002021-07-26T16:57:19.688+01:00 Some changes afoot ……<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reserve has seen many changes over the years, with the
majority of them being made for the benefit of wildlife or to enhance the
visitor experience. With change comes some level of disruption in the short
term and that has been seen in recent weeks with the engineering works on the
mains water pipe for the water treatment works around south lagoon and works
being carried out at Hempholme by the Environment Agency. The engineering team
have reported that the shaft at south lagoon edge has been excavated, despite
hitting hard ground initially and a concrete plug has been poured. The access
gate had to be widened in order to allow access for specific machinery.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unfortunately, this has led to some restricted access and
alternative routes for visitors but has had limited impact on the wildlife
habitat. Areas will be reinstated in the fullness of time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the reserve’s main aims is for visitors to want to
return and report favourably to others, therefore we endeavour to provide as
many visitors as possible with an enjoyable experience. Our wildlife is mostly
viewed from hides overlooking the many habitats, so the state of those hides is
an important aspect of visitor experience and one that was revealed in
Yorkshire Water visitor survey carried out in 2017; visitors stating that many
hides on the reserve needed upgrading. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdaM2W1KMlGiDeq08H1yaXB1pnUu0idWlb-O4TPOFMNcCzBNJ8ZyKei4TEz3Fy3Pi-YYp9yWqK15AghhZee3QBRlUMhqUWakLCpE-L-KR-Jo4en0QvNbHF32HQLqYIgL0kYkYVfQ1CHw/s2000/Ramp+Pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="2000" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdaM2W1KMlGiDeq08H1yaXB1pnUu0idWlb-O4TPOFMNcCzBNJ8ZyKei4TEz3Fy3Pi-YYp9yWqK15AghhZee3QBRlUMhqUWakLCpE-L-KR-Jo4en0QvNbHF32HQLqYIgL0kYkYVfQ1CHw/w525-h305/Ramp+Pic.jpg" width="525" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The new reception hide is proof that visitors value the
improvements that have been made over recent years, positive comments being
made on a regular basis. Another outcome from our own visitor survey and ones
that were commissioned by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the Fieldfare trust
in 2018 showed that accessibility for all users across the nature reserve is of
high importance to visitors. We therefore need to reconsider on a regular basis
the usefulness and safety of the ever ageing hides. Although still safe to use,
the south marsh west and D reservoir east hides are two in point, as they are
both inaccessible to all visitors and they are showing signs of deterioration.
The photographs show the deterioration in the woodwork in south marsh west hide,
a hide that was built before 2000.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocYuk3J2KGg3n0qM1T0g00KwOhVGO22pCE3lclpNNkhSYJk4M9yO9wX5jX1Uwy0VEyQxyJ1OjwWSCY_7tqoyLHk69z4-WiercqTBwQ8iN8xZYNq8bBFLxVxUpUyOzP4oqs09ePeILElk/s558/Lshape+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="419" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocYuk3J2KGg3n0qM1T0g00KwOhVGO22pCE3lclpNNkhSYJk4M9yO9wX5jX1Uwy0VEyQxyJ1OjwWSCY_7tqoyLHk69z4-WiercqTBwQ8iN8xZYNq8bBFLxVxUpUyOzP4oqs09ePeILElk/w168-h224/Lshape+3.jpg" width="168" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWnV1Gi8JeDnBWjBgXh1pk8mOqX-h_auTDsYuPnNVJFaRb4OhYlbUgrBBo5_6VegfoLajWPuYqPE0HwO64ruFlxdGJgmLJhhrEjXQj9PPtsdcjIkJPiudnfiQiA8RXZ7SrDHWEQ29ewg/s529/Lshape+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="397" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWnV1Gi8JeDnBWjBgXh1pk8mOqX-h_auTDsYuPnNVJFaRb4OhYlbUgrBBo5_6VegfoLajWPuYqPE0HwO64ruFlxdGJgmLJhhrEjXQj9PPtsdcjIkJPiudnfiQiA8RXZ7SrDHWEQ29ewg/w166-h220/Lshape+2.png" width="166" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTg8g80YuF4BFgOFmij75yfWlXmSNmaQthwkN5E2h1UN2hw4i2kU8aaKWqR0bgGn2u2PD5AdWF19bksjQ8bvVWmWE2sCA6rY7AUSnESpZbh-Gq8iD6JBXv6uwXzuUtNPNJnG2yPiSOs/s506/Lshape+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="380" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTg8g80YuF4BFgOFmij75yfWlXmSNmaQthwkN5E2h1UN2hw4i2kU8aaKWqR0bgGn2u2PD5AdWF19bksjQ8bvVWmWE2sCA6rY7AUSnESpZbh-Gq8iD6JBXv6uwXzuUtNPNJnG2yPiSOs/w172-h230/Lshape+1.jpg" width="172" /></a><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The state of the
woodwork of south marsh east hide<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">D reservoir east hide was
also built over 20 years ago and although the supporting woodwork was
considered sound in 2017 it still needs considering for replacement.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSSoe64xJn569AqUXS4yHj2ZBF-kt9YyrcNCfWot-86wX7YfNauXYhMd6RGPHcaGYIYYSsKUamQ5reV7mJLIoJGN6uvPbkQk42KsPAhMCrE1r4vHz8ORtxHok7MeKRIZh8QTPNn16CcA/s443/DRes+E+3.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="332" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSSoe64xJn569AqUXS4yHj2ZBF-kt9YyrcNCfWot-86wX7YfNauXYhMd6RGPHcaGYIYYSsKUamQ5reV7mJLIoJGN6uvPbkQk42KsPAhMCrE1r4vHz8ORtxHok7MeKRIZh8QTPNn16CcA/w176-h234/DRes+E+3.jpg" width="176" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kVSLDIsJs806w7vtofvySyjku4Uf8H_LFyq9ky3XhjEECITUTG7qf2iBjY8QULbhI6l4uPeVVQ0c_3F3n8C7VLfKm512gBbijn_sGmcf-Ksf_zsEH-dDzQ9-BB3dtIqg6T2y_Byxijs/s443/DRes+E+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="332" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kVSLDIsJs806w7vtofvySyjku4Uf8H_LFyq9ky3XhjEECITUTG7qf2iBjY8QULbhI6l4uPeVVQ0c_3F3n8C7VLfKm512gBbijn_sGmcf-Ksf_zsEH-dDzQ9-BB3dtIqg6T2y_Byxijs/w166-h222/DRes+E+2.jpg" width="166" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljQo4d_RDRm0xW6xdKW8-eAz1ppimCoji6v6g60rR3u5HVXJ3Ap8qPYYKqRbzhtHFLZWhZElkg5gVWZu1vhL5pKSZWYwOMj62C7joXYqjDjaWySVEfbV22XoO5nF_vEABvJUN2drB5Q0/s439/DRes+E+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="329" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljQo4d_RDRm0xW6xdKW8-eAz1ppimCoji6v6g60rR3u5HVXJ3Ap8qPYYKqRbzhtHFLZWhZElkg5gVWZu1vhL5pKSZWYwOMj62C7joXYqjDjaWySVEfbV22XoO5nF_vEABvJUN2drB5Q0/w174-h232/DRes+E+1.jpg" width="174" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The state of the woodwork of D
reservoir east hide<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In order to consider the
options for these two hides, like any construction on the reserve, there is a
need to carry out a newt survey and relocation study prior to the commencement
of any works that may be carried out in the near future. To this end our
visitors will notice the erection of newt fencing, a requisite from Natural
England due to the legal status of the great crested newt. This fencing and the
accompanying survey and relocation work will be in place over the summer and
into the autumn prior to the hibernation period of this species. The great
crested newt population at the reserve remains healthy and they can be found at
various places across the site so there are many locations for them to be
relocated to, if this was necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We ask for your patience with
the restrictions and changes in the short term and as always we believe that
the wildlife at Tophill Low and its visitors will benefit in the longer term.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856936973729848248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-2433669982930332712021-07-22T11:48:00.000+01:002021-07-22T11:48:14.375+01:00Butterfly bonaza at last!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Butterfly bonanza at last!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the recent warmer temperatures and sunnier days, we
have seen an increase in the number and variety of butterflies across the
reserve. The season has been quite slow up to now with a variety of butterflies
being seen but not in large numbers, a picture that has been repeated not just
on the reserve but in people’s gardens.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuyuCEryK8Nvkc7g60qARIi-9gj5iMV1CNuJkZV4mYbH0ggYYfep3k6CT9MIthVbynWso4aU5rs6dv-HIGwjhx1EGXlReAd-wb4oPZgiMOQixbDvk0kt4057krfai5SiQmawo87_tfK-x/s1600/MRUY9320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuyuCEryK8Nvkc7g60qARIi-9gj5iMV1CNuJkZV4mYbH0ggYYfep3k6CT9MIthVbynWso4aU5rs6dv-HIGwjhx1EGXlReAd-wb4oPZgiMOQixbDvk0kt4057krfai5SiQmawo87_tfK-x/s320/MRUY9320.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Small tortoise shell</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOvvEWxKj6YlH6w7G6nio5ttAjAtlhreM1x5HTII57OSxV_V4APV7Vzt0GNmPPjSWfMdoyC0hRyLYuLE6paA_1EQc_ItkW_avXyhMGky1tDFzasRf1GMAngB9FIphbnrdY_jeTe_dEdt/s2048/IMG_5832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOvvEWxKj6YlH6w7G6nio5ttAjAtlhreM1x5HTII57OSxV_V4APV7Vzt0GNmPPjSWfMdoyC0hRyLYuLE6paA_1EQc_ItkW_avXyhMGky1tDFzasRf1GMAngB9FIphbnrdY_jeTe_dEdt/s320/IMG_5832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Marbled white</div><p class="MsoNormal">Brimstones and orange tips have been on
the reserve since late spring but were the only species in flight for a long
period of time. Slowly more species were seen with the first common blues and
dingy skippers being recorded on 4<sup>th</sup> June and a speckled wood on the
5<sup>th</sup>. Later in June (22<sup>nd</sup>) saw the appearance of cinnabar
moth, meadow brown, painted lady and large skipper. A ringlet was first
recorded on 24<sup>th</sup> June and small tortoiseshells seen across the
reserve from the 27<sup>th</sup> feeding on the flowering brambles and then
knapweed, particularly on north scrub at the north end of D reservoir. The
beginning of July saw more sightings of meadow brown and ringlet in higher
numbers and also an increase in the number of small tortoise shells.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF8c_R7NTiDknReHna-xIUoIa8MYgQ3qUInUtFRYvzqEw4SSPF0wvjpcldp5lAtqBX2VBQ7Nt8owVrgnRV8nqcQhbr0AYpDYDwNjYgtJK3BMjQmpTj3tgULoW9kszuYzjzPBuby6ywhhY/s2048/Comma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDF8c_R7NTiDknReHna-xIUoIa8MYgQ3qUInUtFRYvzqEw4SSPF0wvjpcldp5lAtqBX2VBQ7Nt8owVrgnRV8nqcQhbr0AYpDYDwNjYgtJK3BMjQmpTj3tgULoW9kszuYzjzPBuby6ywhhY/s320/Comma.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Comma</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRZVqceuSfwUJdAU-DXNGxsY4VXQaM8EhG5KyP4-OjSUo9bCtMWCsn4iALyam4gqx84qnn25nGXEpoQbZxnN_kP-5vkcM1U0gPdbYHzzEYLoN1f7dPLKYtk_OBGgL9ESyvUuowUe6i6oQ/s2048/Common+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRZVqceuSfwUJdAU-DXNGxsY4VXQaM8EhG5KyP4-OjSUo9bCtMWCsn4iALyam4gqx84qnn25nGXEpoQbZxnN_kP-5vkcM1U0gPdbYHzzEYLoN1f7dPLKYtk_OBGgL9ESyvUuowUe6i6oQ/s320/Common+blue.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Common blue</div><p class="MsoNormal">Red
admiral was recorded on the 1<sup>st</sup> July, six spot burnet on 5<sup>th</sup>
and the first marbled white on north scrub meadow on 9<sup>th</sup> July with
small and large whites recorded too from the beginning of July. A comma
butterfly along the path around the north end of D reservoir on the 17<sup>th</sup>
but as yet (22<sup>nd</sup> July) no one has notified us of seeing a peacock.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Up until the 8<sup>th</sup> August you can record your
butterfly sightings to Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count and be part
of this fantastic nationwide data collection; brilliant citizen science for
everyone to be involved in. Either log your records, as many as you can do, on
their website or download the Big Butterfly Count app onto your smartphone and
send off the data from the field immediately. The app comes with a good
identification guide and is very user friendly and a great way to involve all
the family whether its on a trip to the reserve, out on a walk on holiday or a
record of the butterflies in your garden, all valuable data records.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k-UXGe38DOS8P0svKXuTRtm4Ad3DOC5Qk3vKcECw8w8OwtJa7ZGrc4cfxz47fc6Ugp24VI-rM2UM1otS-U4WS7eyMl23rGq4pUlvRvzwnLgfw5_mkoBkZ7CMO_QWGa7KU_YDiE20BVWK/s2048/Red+admiral+feeding+on+Budlehia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4k-UXGe38DOS8P0svKXuTRtm4Ad3DOC5Qk3vKcECw8w8OwtJa7ZGrc4cfxz47fc6Ugp24VI-rM2UM1otS-U4WS7eyMl23rGq4pUlvRvzwnLgfw5_mkoBkZ7CMO_QWGa7KU_YDiE20BVWK/s320/Red+admiral+feeding+on+Budlehia.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Red admiral</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT_32NsEpISRsWlJWnoZ3jMF7aBgf8W0x5X2-GjK02uIg1InnTQXe2oqV_xMJfRKantIg_XGsveXH8gcSiJlg-CyUgCAGiU-tfkWyQ-nOr4Ez9xR3cTu2Fb69p4XIoFgFSx9JgUdSsWZ9/s2048/Speckled+wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT_32NsEpISRsWlJWnoZ3jMF7aBgf8W0x5X2-GjK02uIg1InnTQXe2oqV_xMJfRKantIg_XGsveXH8gcSiJlg-CyUgCAGiU-tfkWyQ-nOr4Ez9xR3cTu2Fb69p4XIoFgFSx9JgUdSsWZ9/s320/Speckled+wood.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speckled wood</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Of course butterflies are just one of thousands of flying
insects to be found around the reserve and with the 748<sup>th</sup> species of
moth having been trapped overnight this month, they certainly deserve some
focus but that’s for a separate blog.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you to all visitors for posting their sightings, in
particular to Pat Hogarth<o:p></o:p></p>Margaret Boydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00599648586038336820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760505490165012696.post-23301832002720815822021-07-10T11:06:00.000+01:002021-07-10T11:06:28.546+01:00Notification of restricted access <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Engineering works on the reserve and restrictions to
access<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From Monday 12<sup>th</sup> July there will be some
restrictions in place to access the southern end of the reserve. These will be
in place for approximately three weeks to enable essential engineering works to
take place at the southern end of south lagoon. A new water mains is being
constructed under the river to connect with the water treatment works. Up to
now the work has been taking place on the far side of the river to reduce any
disturbance to wildlife habitat. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYKr7GUXy-mTH5FsEYWMz04i0jmwYAY2C6VLj3ld5ioTmCnN7kbD7PKKfPTlVI5idDNfgiB2P7mPXtQ1mEhUy1ZEpNJDS00mC5e9SsY7gSmmrpWAscaZ6BUDP0MiwgN2JWHJmVtoTVAE/s900/baswick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYKr7GUXy-mTH5FsEYWMz04i0jmwYAY2C6VLj3ld5ioTmCnN7kbD7PKKfPTlVI5idDNfgiB2P7mPXtQ1mEhUy1ZEpNJDS00mC5e9SsY7gSmmrpWAscaZ6BUDP0MiwgN2JWHJmVtoTVAE/s320/baswick.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baswick</div><p class="MsoNormal">In order to construct the new water mains a tunnel has been
excavated which has been accessed by the building of a well shaft on the far
side of the river. To complete the construction a new well shaft to the south
of south lagoon will be drilled over the next few weeks. This requires a whole
host of machinery that has to be moved onto the site and hence we need to make
sure that visitors can pass safely in order to access the southern part of the
reserve, an area south of the north lagoon and around the south end of south
lagoon will therefore be out of bounds to visitors</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SCgM5ZXsCotPdAk3E1nDalWbtJpUkDhbOppFmXYmUA6iyiimD2gzLZy5PquEm1kCLBzMyNDJVW9KBsrT0uKVBLqSYyCfdyylXXBj-gfkUnGtzGJ3mWhrtWfoRsSwHUGrm3WWoRik_io/s900/borer-lift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SCgM5ZXsCotPdAk3E1nDalWbtJpUkDhbOppFmXYmUA6iyiimD2gzLZy5PquEm1kCLBzMyNDJVW9KBsrT0uKVBLqSYyCfdyylXXBj-gfkUnGtzGJ3mWhrtWfoRsSwHUGrm3WWoRik_io/s320/borer-lift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbqpEj4g4igQYeLqx0KYf7dIvZMojp_Fg8A5sONBHjTK7onquRdlIbttLDPn_rjg_B9C6Sbp49Ck7TgEOsP9am-62WyDlAGalEtSEZt8TqF_Klm5htV9A5mt1dUDHaG3_NSNtlrb5KCY/s900/lifting-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbqpEj4g4igQYeLqx0KYf7dIvZMojp_Fg8A5sONBHjTK7onquRdlIbttLDPn_rjg_B9C6Sbp49Ck7TgEOsP9am-62WyDlAGalEtSEZt8TqF_Klm5htV9A5mt1dUDHaG3_NSNtlrb5KCY/s320/lifting-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg8TbuOB2-wR75H256hbUZIqDtvTBkScz1ld0AxNjn2a1gvT8u_L8WGh-Yhzd3whGVOVONEItD6uncRgh6zO7Bq2E4g8fK67dhgU3KmoTui_M0JPjEStwmWezJu0ibW0W6Nq1BOxZuEQ/s1350/Yorkshire-water-and-borer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg8TbuOB2-wR75H256hbUZIqDtvTBkScz1ld0AxNjn2a1gvT8u_L8WGh-Yhzd3whGVOVONEItD6uncRgh6zO7Bq2E4g8fK67dhgU3KmoTui_M0JPjEStwmWezJu0ibW0W6Nq1BOxZuEQ/s320/Yorkshire-water-and-borer.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photos from the last tunneling scheme</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The map highlights the areas that will not be accessible and
the alternative gold route that can be used to reach the south marshes and
Watton nature reserve. There will be no access along the boardwalk from north
lagoon to O reservoir and no access to south lagoon hide. In order to get to
the south marshes, visitors will be required to walk anti-clockwise around O
reservoir. Please note that this route is not all hard standing, and the grass
can be wet and slippery at times.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqibyJrABbr905XguJ1WSZqTATKVcpmAdr4CAYS4AWtjFxfa2zEmdnzzi61f1k88s7-4IPAtcUIk1iDK0_Q6yNduYgaY9mLZF3RstqIDq3PpVxicuayaW4pYKrgO62OOIyi56ihbgioQ/s1361/Tunneling+closure+2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqibyJrABbr905XguJ1WSZqTATKVcpmAdr4CAYS4AWtjFxfa2zEmdnzzi61f1k88s7-4IPAtcUIk1iDK0_Q6yNduYgaY9mLZF3RstqIDq3PpVxicuayaW4pYKrgO62OOIyi56ihbgioQ/s320/Tunneling+closure+2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Restricted access and alternative routes to the south marshes</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Prior to the commencement of the works the area was
carefully prepared by the reserve teams before breeding season. Throughout the
process the area has been subjected to intensive surveys by professional
ecologists in order to minimise disturbance. All work has been suspended this weekend
to ensure that a family of reed warblers nesting in the immediate area, fledge
safely.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once the construction work has been completed then we will
be undertaking mitigation habitat works to offset any disturbance that has been
caused to the habitat and we will create a permanent access track to the
chamber lids.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As always at Tophill, the reserve will be enhanced by this
habitat work despite the short term disturbance.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you as always for your patience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Margaret<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06856936973729848248noreply@blogger.com