Lapwing Hide loop

   26 June 11am to 12 walked Lapwing Hide loop.  Some litter removed near the entrance., a few larger sticks moved off path.  Very quiet.

Earlier at Tern Hide saw 3 female shoveler back and nice to see juvenile little ringed plover.

Nicky

Saturday 24th June, 10.00 - 13.30. Seating arrangements

During the Hut shift we were approached by a woman who queried the lack of seating with back rests in the picnic areas. She and her husband had visited with her 92-yr-old mother who was very frail and unable to remain upright on back-less benches (On this occasion one of her carers had to stand behind the lady to prevent her from falling backwards). In future I wonder if it's possible for this lady to borrow one of the Hut's chairs? Or even, at a future date, have a bench with a back rest for the elderly? Just a though.

Blashford North 9.00 - 13.00. All appears OK. Around 12 midday an adult Grass Snake was seen in front of Tern Hide; coming up from the shore line in front of us and disappearing under the Hide. One other topic - some visitors did comment this morning on the reduction in frequency of postings on the Blashford Blog.

The risks of summer verge strimming

I’d like to bring up the subject of verge strimming, stimulated by the extremely vulnerable Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera, I spotted today beside the viewing platform path near Tern Hide. In this particular case the spike was quite short and was not damaged, but most Bee Orchids are taller and it would have been damaged by the strimmer. Admittedly, they are not easy to see. Question: is strimming during the summer months of June and July entirely necessary? I understand that path-side brambles and nettles need to be controlled — but flat, grassy areas? As an example of the damage that can be done, the strimming of a healthy colony of another Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine, along the eastern Ellingham footpath during late June 2022 is a grievous memory for me. The species is mainly green, but there was general knowledge of the plants’ presence among staff at the time. This year I hope that any strimming of the Ellingham path grass verges is delayed until after the orchids have set seed. Hopefully the policy will also be considered in other areas of the reserve.

 Blashford North 9.00 - 13.00. Items of note;

1. A section of the 1st low rail beside the Dockens Water, on the path to Rockford Lake, is cracked probably due to someone sitting or standing on it.

2. The 'No Access' sign on the gate at the Goosander end of the Hanson Plant is missing.

3. The last log at the compound end of the Education Car Park, on the right hand side, had again rolled forwards. Have propped it with a second log but probably needs a more secure fixing. It is known to get caught under the rear of some vehicles and dragged forwards.

Wild Walk

 June 13th 1hr 12-1 during my day at the Welcome Hut went to Ellingham Pound and the Wild Walk.  Well grown bh gull chicks on Ellingham Pound.  On the path to the east of Ellingham Lake between the mushroom and acorn sculptures  there is some overhanging vegetation in one spot.  Kingfisher belted up the stream.

Nicky 

Ellingham Lake loop

5th June 1 hour around Ellingham Lake 12 -1, during my stint at the Welcome Hut.  Nothing untoward to report but nice to see a kingfisher crossing Ellingham Pound as I haven't been seeing them lately.  

Earlier 9.15 to 9.45 checking out Tern Hide for the new month's sightings and updated board and the one by the hut. 

 Blashford North 9.15 - 13.30 All appears OK except for the patches of nettles on the verges of the east and west paths to Lapwing Hide, which need cutting back. 

Fox seen in Hanson Plant. Den appears to be in the bramble bush on the opposite side of the path to last year's den. Entrance off the concrete slab to the west of the bush.