27/12/2025  9.00 - 12.30  Dockens path and North side.  Path and hide check. Hanging bramble removed from Dockens path. Fallen twigs/small branches removed from north side paths. Camera and door grid in Hanson Plant still in place.

Issues of note:

1. Large Holly branch blocking track to Rockford Lake - down just inside the gate from the road. Footpath to road not affected.

2. Black rucksack found in Lapwing hide. Returned to Catherine at the Centre. She confirmed that it was the one left and reported on 23rd Dec. She left a message for the owner.

Tern Hide and Ellingham loop

 Litter picked Tern Hide.  Hinges on 3rd window from right need oilimg.  Also walked loop of Ellingham Lake on east path then back via Ivy South.  No litter found. 1hr total

Nicky

 20/12/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Dockens Path and Blashford North. Usual path and hide checks. Removal of fallen twigs/debris.

Issues of note: 

• Leaf blowing needed at points along the Dockens Water, where the flooding from the Dockens has not cleaned the path!!!
• Leaf blowing and verge clearance required along the Eastern path [including remains of tree that came down last week, plus nettles]. 

Sightings of note:

• Peregrine and Marsh Harrier fly overs reported.
• Flocks of Lapwing flying around the spit between Lapwing and Goosander.

Some visitors made their frustration known re. Tern Hide closure!!! in spite of no clear access from the path!!

 13/12/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Dockens Path and North side. Path and hide check showed issues needing early attention++

1. Tree down across the north path, east of the eastern screen, resting on the path and trees - chainsaw job.

2. Tree listed last week over eastern path, between path divide and cross path, was now down on the path. Managed [just about] to bend it round a tree so I could break it and then pull both parts onto the verge. Needs sawing up and clearing further.

3. Tree down on the eastern side of the western path, north of the cross path. Tops of branches broken off where over the path, the rest needs sawing up. 

As usual, leaf blowing required. Hide etiquette sign on Tern Hide pulled away from staples at the top. Catherine notified and plans to re-staple when locking up. Door guard and camera still in place in the Hanson Plant.

11 December 2025. Spinnaker Lake, Rockford path, Goosander, Lapwing and Tern Hide. 11.10 to 13.15

At Spinnaker 11 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 3 tufted Duck and 3 Mallard. All tidy. Nothing to report from Rockford Path through to Lapwing, where 2 fem Goldeneye and a male Goosander were seen. Nothing to report from Goosander or Tern Hides. Five WT Eagle visits were reported at Tern Hide.

 06/12/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Dockens Water path and North side. Path and hide check. Branch in the Dockens Water immediately past the footbridge. Twigs and small branches brought down in the wind, cleared from all the paths ++++.

Two branches drooping over the paths removed. Tall, slim tree on the eastern side of the east path, halfway between the east/west division and the cross path, leaning over the path. Not an immediate hazard, however probably dead wood as no obvious recent growth on it, and is at risk of breaking and falling onto the path in the windy weather - ?suitable for cutting with a pole saw.

For attention at some point: 

1. Drainage channels required for puddles on the paths - particularly along the path to Goosander.

2. Strimming of path verges, especially along the eastern path.

Friday 28th November 2025 Tern Hide to North Hide, Woodland and Ivy South Hide, Boardwalk and Lime Walk, then via Ellingham Pound. 11.00 to 13.00

Nothing of significance to report. A Shelduck, 3 Great Egrets and male Goosander on Ibsley Water, and a single Red Admiral at the main car park. Also a report of Firecrests feeding behind the Hut bird feeder.

 29/11/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Dockens path and Blashford North. Path and hide check. Removal of fallen twigs from paths. Primary areas requiring leaf blowing when circumstances permit are Dockens Path, from the footbridge to Rockford path. On north side, from the road to east and west paths to Lapwing hide as far as the cross path.

Sightings of note:  2x WTEs on the Somerley side of Ibsley Water. One resting for a while at the top of a tree on the Somerley side of the road, level with a point just north of the gate between sections 1 and 2 - best view form Goosander. Also the 2 were seen flying around in that area from both Goosander and Tern hide. 3 visitors came across from Jersey today specifically to see the WTEs!!!!!  - they were very lucky!

 22/11/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North and Dockens Water path.  As anticipated, leaf blowing required on large parts of the path alongside Dockens Water to Rockford Lake entrance. Plus parts of north side, particularly southern sections of east and west paths and the boardwalk. The latter slippery from rain and leaves. 

Drainage channels opposite the eastern end of cross path require clearance and 'enhancement'.

Pile of felts, approx 30metres south of Boardwalk, awaiting collection.

Potential willows by the cross path and round the Tern Hide car park, suitable for weaving material, reported to Chloe.

Tuesday Nov 18 2025. 10.40 to 12.10. Hanson, Lapwing circuit, Goosander, Dockens and Tern Hide

Nothing to report other than the Lapwing path boardwalk being quite slippery in the frosty conditions. Be careful on such mornings. Three Green Sandpipers from Lapwing and good views of a perched Buzzard from Goosander.

 15/11/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Blashford North. Usual path and hide check.  Dead tree cracked and falling to the right on eastern verge of path to Lapwing hide, beyond the Goosander turning. Not over the path but could fall onto the Mockbeggar fence. 

Empty vodka bottle found behind the bench next to where the Lapwing path divides. As expected leaves ++ in places. Boardwalk slippery. Hanson Plant - door grid and camera both in place. 'New/temporary' generator very noisy.

Hides busy ++ but seem OK. No WTE sightings during the morning. 

Friday 7th November 2025. 13.15 to 15.25. Spinnaker Lake, Tern Hide, Hanson area

Nothing to report from Spinnaker. The rain prevented a longer look in the open. I'm impressed with the tidyness of the anglers; they rarely leave any signs of their occupancy. Nothing to report from Hanson. A lot of interest at Tern Hide with an adult WT Eagle having spent all day there up to 15.30. Also a sudden increase in gulls on the water. The WT Eagle also roosted overnight and was at the lake the morning of the 8th. Distant pic attached.

 08/11/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North. Path and hide check. No obvious problems.

Brenda, Kevin & Co bird ringing in and near Lapwing hide. All hides busy. 

Sightings: 

Firecrests, goldcrests, tree creepers, wagtail and kingfisher seen by visitors along the Dockens Water.

White tailed eagle flying in north west corner of Ibsley. 

Numbers of birds and different species on Ibsley Water now starting to increase ++. 

Hanson Plant: No evidence of fishing. Door guard and camera, both in place.

Thursday 29 October 2025. 10.15 to 12.45. Ivy South then Lime Walk, Ivy Lane/A338 corner entrance, Ellingham Lake Walk, Tern Hide and Hanson path.

Nothing to report at Ivy South. Still plenty of fungi along Lime Walk but the Willow hut is a bit tatty. I then checked the signage at the Ivy Lane/A338 entrance and scratched my head for a bit. The welcome sign allows dogs to enter on leads, but a secondary directional sign a few metres along Ellingham Walk has no reference to dogs at all but has an arrowed sign to the right, for the Lime walk, with a total restriction on dogs (attached pics). To my mind this allows dogs on leads to continue along Ellingham without a sign to the contrary. Is this not very confusing and against the rules? Ellingham Path showed no sign of trespass and the gate into the pound area was correct. All in order at Tern Hide and Hanson.

 01/11/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North+  Path and Hide check. Bramble trim plus removal of twigs/small branches blown down. Large branch/small tree removed from western path, north of cross path. Couple stopped from riding bikes along path to Goosander.

Reports from visitors:

1. During the last couple of weeks a person was seen coming along the shore near the Osprey Platform. He returned back east when he saw a person in the Lapwing hide watching him.

2. A visitor who had used the new screen along the Rockford path reported that one of the window locks could not turn as the wood of the window frame had swollen in the rain. He felt if the lock was lowered a little it would work OK. He thought the new screen was a very good addition.

 25/10/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. Beer bottle and small quantity of rubbish left in Goosander Hide.     

Brenda & Co pre-winter bird-ringing - ? also training session for young 'apprentices' - on north path and in bird table area. 

Sightings of interest: Visitor photographed 9-spot ladybird on fungi alongside the Dockens Water path. Peregrine seen from Lapwing hide. White-tailed eagle seen in the far NW corner of Ibsley from Tern hide, flying north. 4 Great White Egrets on western shore. Buzzard seen perching on a couple of the posts along the bank on the northern edge of the scrape. 2/3 yr juvenile grass snake seen in Hanson Plant, ? at felt 32.

5 ponies seen in section 2...awaiting removal?!!

Spinnaker Lake Fri 24th Oct 2025

Spinnaker circuit excluding southern shore. All ship-shape in the east shore woods. There's a nasty length of barbed wire stretching over the floor of the wood from the fence at W3W leaflet.mulled.ooze to the shore at records.expert.spans. It could be a hazard for anyone walking through (pic attached). North and west shores okay. At least 113 Canada Geese were present on the lake, and there were also 4 GC Grebes present.

 18/10/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North.  Usual path and hide checks. Bramble trimmed where necessary. Pen missing from record book in Lapwing hide. Leaf-blowing season starting!!!

Deer rutting ++ in area north of cross path. Two young fallow bucks also seen in woodland area north of turning to Goosander hide.

Ibsley still quiet re. birds, although cormorants gathering in groups, ? in preparation for driving carp fry into bays for catching.

 11/10/2025  9.00 - 12.30   Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. All seems OK except for the following:

Deflated gold balloon caught in the tree branches to the north of Goosander hide. As the water levels are still low it should be accessible from the shore beyond the sand martin wall. 

Catherine dealing with reported bird carcasses. No fresh ones seen.

 04/10/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  No trees or branches down. Twigs cleared from paths. Brambles trimmed near replacement fencing on eastern path. Rain collecting on path at end of Crosspath/by new fencing. Gives a good indication of where the trench needs deepening to drain the path under the fence.

Two fishermen found on the bench in The Hanson plant. Gave quite a story!!!! Reported to Catherine, who dealt with the situation. 

5 ponies seen in section 1.

 27/09/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North.  Path and hide check plus:

Paths and bank raked at fence repair point. Two issues need a bit of extra work

1. Clearance of bramble on E bank, south of crosspath, where it is still attached, and the attached stems at the corner where the vegetation has been removed. 

2. Deepening of channels near the corner leading under the eastern fence, that drain flood water from the path during the winter. Shallow channels started to indicate the positions required.

 202/09/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Blashford North  Usual hide and path check & trim.

Issues of note:

1 Section of Mockbeggar fence down at eastern end of cross path with several posts broken - ? from deer activity. Probably no immediate risk of livestock escape from Mockbeggar as no grazing appears to be going on in the vicinity at present.

2 Western screen overlooking silt pond on north path - fungi present 2-3m away at the bottom of the bank to the right, and at the base of a small group of young willow that, if removed, would give a much better view from the screen!!

5 ponies seen in Section 2

Some visitors have been asking if the recording from the swift tower will be switched off for the winter as probably not needed at the moment?

 13/09/2025  9.00 - 13.15  Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. Brambles and trip hazards trimmed where possible. No obvious problems except for the following.

Action needed:

Goosander Hide - latch of front, low window worn and not consistently locking on opening the window. Danger of falling onto visitor's head. Temporary action taken. Small stone placed at back of latch to help alignment and more consistency in locking but not guaranteed to be a secure repair. Latch is old and probably needs replacing ++

 06-09-2025  9.00 - 13.00   Dockens Water path: light branches have dropped into the stream near the low rail.

Blashford North: Sign by the entrance from Ellinghan Drove had lower tape removed and DOGS written. Tape has been replaced and writing covered. 

Action needed: 

1. Bramble bush extending over the eastern path on the first bend after the cross path.

2. Branch has cracked and dropped over the path to Goosander.

Sightings:

Osprey reported flying south around 8.30am. Spotted Flycatcher reported in the clearing by the new bee bank.

Lapwing Hide : 5 ponies in front of the hide. Harris Hawk seen flying over Ibsley plus a group of 3 Buzzards.

Tern Hide: Clouded Yellow seen flying in front of the hide.

 30/08/2025  9.00  - 13.00  Blashford North. Usual path and hide check. Bramble and trip hazard trim where possible. New rail looks good!!!!! No obvious problems except the outside of the western/large windows in Tern Hide need cleaning++ 

Sightings: Black tern still reported on Ibsley; Teal and Great White Egret on Gull island. Still a few Sand Martins flying around.

Only two ponies seen near the base of the spit between Goosander and Lapwing but others easily hidden by nearby bushes.

Wild Walk

 Busy bank hol so just a short litter and bramble walk on Wild Walk.  Black tern Ibsley Water, red crested pochard still on Ivy Lake.  Also 2 young great crested grebes with adult.

Nicky

 23/08/2025  9.00 - 13.15  Blashford North    Usual path and hide check, bramble and trip hazard trimming where possible. No new problems except for substantial leaf drop littering entrances and ramps to hides. Replacement rail alongside the path to Goosander hide turning looking good!!

Sightings: Great White Egret on Gull island, Little Egret on spit in front of Lapwing hide. One of the Great Crested Grebe eggs has hatched on the nest in front of Goosander hide. 

Only four ponies seen on the base of the spit between Lapwing and Goosander, but the fifth could have been hiding behind bramble to the south. 

Rockford path

 18 Aug 1 hr down Rockford path.  Some litter removed, brambles pushed back. Red crested pochard female on Ivy Lake. 

Nicky

 16/08/2025  9.00 - 13.00   Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. Bramble and trip hazard trimming where possible. No new issues seen beyond those already reported.

5 ponies seen between Lapwing hide and spit to the south. Juvenile pied wagtail performing well in front of Goosander hide. Great Crested Grebe still sitting on nest to the left. Most of the Sand Martins appear to have left now.

Wild Walk etc

 11 Aug 1 .5 hrs in total litter pick and bramble trim around Wild Walk and to Ivy N and woods.  No other issues. 

Willow Emerald damselflies on boardwalk nr Ivy S (not my find). Flock of migrating willow warblers in trees by Ed Centre.

Nicky

 09/08/2025  9.00 - 13.00   Blashford North   Paths and hides check.  Brambles and trip hazards trimmed where possible. Hides appear OK. 

From Lapwing Hide 5 ponies seen on spit between Lapwing and Goosander. From Goosander a buzzard seen on the same spit searching/feeding on items on the ground - not sure what! Bird carcass hanging from the wire mesh surround, on the southern raft in front of Goosander.

Action required in preparation for the migrant birds return - cut/mow the vegetation along the shore line in front of Lapwing hide to clear sight lines to the spit and the shore. Possibly around the spit between Lapwing and Goosander as well. And clear the shore in front of Tern Hide.

On south side, vegetation needs trimming behind the sign about the Dockens, on the left near the top of the drive. Currently not able to see the areas referred to on the sign.

 02/08/2025  9.00  - 13.00  Blashford North   Path, hide and main car park check. Hides seem OK.

Action points:

1. Left-hand verge of eastern path, beyond most northern bench, needs cutting, ? with BCS, to remove trip hazards.

2. Action to restore sight lines over Ibsley Water from the viewing platform before migrants begin their return:

     - Cutting of trees along north and east hedges around main car park

     - Cutting of trees on the lake side of the northern hedge

     - Cutting of trees within the bramble on the slope in front of the platform, and to the eastern side of the path up to the platform along the car park edge. The latter to restore the sight line to Spit Island.

 5 ponies seen on spit between Lapwing and Goosander.    

 26/07/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Docken's Path from top of drive to Rockford entrance and Blashford North..

Requiring attention on Docken's Path:

1. Over the path going up from the top of the drive is a low hanging oak tree branch.

2. Just before the Rockford path turning, logs are in and partially blocking the Docken's water.

3. On the path from the road, where it bears left towards the bridge and Moyles Court path, the supporting posts of the dead hedge have been pulled out/knocked over!!!!!

Sightings:

Great White Egret flying across the south end of Ibsley. Pairs of great crested grebes nesting - one pair at the west end of the birch trees in the water along the south west bank at Goosander, another pair just beyond the northern tip of Spit Island.

The 5 ponies seen just north of Lapwing hide, coming out of the trees immediately beside the hide, ie. from the woodland west of the Silt Pond!

Goosander and Lapwing

 1 hr 21 July litter pick to Goosander and Lapwing hides plus pull-in.

No issues except litter.

Nicky

17th July Rockford and Spinnaker

From Centre down Rockford path - cut back a lot of brambles and other overhangs. Path will need some work inside the next 2 to 3 weeks in places. Path passable from sailing club to entry gate at Spinnaker North side. Pleased to report that there was no litter or any evidence of nonsense around the lake - could only walk so far due to thick gorse bush next to the donkey field. Gave Pete a verbal update.

 19/07/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual path and hide checks. Bramble reduction on eastern path beyond cross path has improved access++. Verges beyond the northern bench still need cutting. As does the repair to the rail alongside the Clearwater pond. No obvious misuse of Goosander hide this week.

Sightings: Limping Lapwing on spit in front of Lapwing hide although doesn't seem to hinder it's movement much. The 5 ponies seen on the shore south of Lapwing hide. Deer carcass on western shore in section 2, south of the rails in the water.

Late post re 30 June

 30 June 1.5 hrs in total walk around Wild Walk and full circuit of Ellingham Lake cutting back brambles and some nettles. Not much litter found.

Nicky

 12/07/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Blashford North  Path and Hide check. 

Issues of note: 

1. Verges of eastern path, beyond cross path, need cutting to maintain path width.

2. Goosander hide windows left open. ?Smell. ?used for drug use previous evening.

3. Empty cans dropped in Hanson Plant.

Sightings of note: 

1. 6 well developed Common Tern fledglings with 2 adults on spit in front of Lapwing hide.

2. Dead carp in the water to the right of Goosander hide.

 05/07/2025  9.00  - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. Good to see that the lack of rain had slowed down the bramble growth!  No obvious problems except the verges of the eastern path do need cutting ++  A willow tree arching over the path a short distance south of the board walk does look as if it could come down at some point, in the not too distant future.

At last the spit in front of Lapwing hide is now visible above the water. Did see one stranger in the Goosander hide though................It was Jim. Great to see him and catch up. Was filling in time at one of his favourite places before he picked up his son from a birthday party at Moors Valley!

Wild Walk and to Goosander

 23 June 1.5 hrs in total litter walk to Goosander hide, woods, entrances and  Wild Walk. Some litter, no other issues.  Nice board at Swift Tower! Otter seen again Ivy S.

Nicky

 21/06/2025  9.00 - 13.30   Blashford North   Bramble & trip hazard trimming. Hides checked. Path to viewing platform trimmed. Bin lid found by path in Hanson plant; ? dropped off trailer on the return from sign fitting near Goosander on Tuesday.

Needing attention: Verges and nettles on eastern path need cutting in several places; worst part beyond northern most bench.

Sightings of note: Pair of Great Crested Grebes nest building on furthest branches at the foot of the bank, SW of Goosander hide. 4 ponies seen in Section 2.

Tour of hides

 16 June 1.5 hrs in total litter walk to all hides except Ivy N.  Also around car parks and entrances.   Bramble needs cutting back on path to viewing mound at Tern car park.

3 people saw otter at Ivy south.

Nicky

 14/06/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North    Bramble trimming and hides checked.

Needing attention:          Eastern path beyond crosspath - verges/nettles require cutting, worst areas -leading to and north of northern most bench.

Issues of note:        Willow trees turning brown++ , particularly those around the reedbeds, east and west,  ?cause.

Sightings of note:      Large 'flotilla' of greylag geese on Ibsley ?due to moulting.  2 roe dear resting on bank SW of Goosander hide. [seen there last week as well]

No ponies seen.

To Goosander hide

 9 June 45 mins litter walk via woods and car pull-in to Goosander Hide.  Muntjac near lower car park.  Some litter and dead fallen branch moved off path no other issues.

Nicky

 07/06/2025  9.00 - 13.15  Blashford North.  Usual path and hide check.

Requiring attention:

1. Nettles along verges++        2. Reeds alongside the boardwalk.      3. Branches drooping over boardwalk - midway along.  4. Rotten board at the beginning of Lapwing hide ramp.

Sightings of note: 1. Dead rabbit on verge of Eastern path, just north of the crosspath.    2. Flock of 32+ great crested grebes on lake in front of Lapwing hide.    3. Large flock of Greylag geese in the centre of Ibsley Water, a few more on the shore/spit island. 

4 ponies in section 2 on western shore. Interesting/charming small mammal seen by the Centre - Nigel investigating.

Round Ivy Lake etc

 2 June 1.5 hrs in total litter walk around Ivy Lake, Ellingham Pound and woods to road entrance.  Not bad no issues.  1 Dunlin on Ibsley earlier.

Nicky

 31/05/2025  9.00  -  13.15  Blashford North  Usual path and hide check. Bramble trimmed where necessary. Nettles growing ++++ and needs team effort to clear. Reeds encroaching onto the boardwalk and ready for the usual annual cut. 

Sightings:  Stonechat in front of Lapwing hide. Sand Martins active ++ at Goosander hide. No grass snake seen in the wall!! but a male adder seen at the base of the western end of the bank, on the approach to Goosander hide. Little ringed plover, redshank and lapwing - both adults and a well developed juvenile, seen from Tern hide. Only one Speckled Wood and one Comma seen.

30th May 2025 Tern Hide, Hanson path, Goosander and Lapwing via the north circuit 10.20 to 12.15

On Tern Hide a large flock of at least 25 Gt Crested Grebes were seen following a shoal of fish, I assume. They were diving almost simultaneously which was rather surreal to watch. Also seen were a pair of LRPs with a chick. From the Hanson path frame I heard and saw a displaying LRP. Nothing to report from Goosander and Lapwing but on wayside nettles there were quite few Ladybird nymphs. Other insects included Mergamerina dolium (pictured) and Atyhalia rosae. Near main car park I found White Deadnettle (pictured)– the only plant I have found at the reserve.

Wild Walk

  1 hr circuit on Wild Walk plus Ivy S and Tern Hides. Just some litter no other issues but next time will take seccateurs as brambles and nettles are starting to reach walkways.

Nicky

 24/05/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Bramble trim. Some nettles trimmed but needs a 'team' approach now. Branches hanging over boardwalk trimmed back a bit. Likely to need a more extensive trim in the near future. All hides OK.

Only three adult Lapwings seen from the Hanson screen, but view not great with growing vegetation. 2 very active/protective Lapwings seen from Tern Hide and two juveniles also seen there. Sand Martins active at Goosander but no activity seen at the Swift Tower.

4 ponies seen in section 1, on the western shore.

Litter round

 19 May 1hr in total litter walk to Tern, Goosander and Ivy South hides.  No issues except tape as reported last week.

Nicky

 17/05/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Blashford North  Usual bramble trim. Nettles on verges of east path, north path and south end of west path need cutting back. [? verges of south side paths as well].

Issues of note: 

1. Gentleman seen viewing over the top of the screen on the east side of Tern Hide.

2. Visitor reported seeing a fox in front of Lapwing hide with a gosling in its mouth - not sure whether a Canada goose or a Greylag - pairs of both species in the vicinity.

3. 2 groups seen sitting out on the lichen heath well beyond the dragons teeth at the top of the drive - moved without any problems when asked to. Catherine notified.

Sightings of note:

2 good sized juvenile and 4 adult Lapwings seen on scrape from the Hanson Plant screen

A Little ringed plover, Oystercatcher, Common sandpiper and a couple of very protective Lapwings seen around the small island and spit to the right of the Tern hide.

Sign needing attention

 12 May 1 hr in total litter picks around Ellingham and Ivy lakes - not Ivy Lane. Found black tape in woods by sign at jct at base of steep slope.  Realised what they were in time to refix 1 piece on the sign but caught the other on plastic bag so not v satisfactory.

Nicky

 10/05/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual bramble and nettle trim - growth appears to have slowed somewhat ? due to lack of rain. I understand some trimming is required along paths between the hides etc on south side.

Sightings of note: Cuckoo very vocal in reed beds. 2x Common sandpiper on birch trunk SW of Goosander hide plus one on small island to right of Tern hide. Very little Lapwing activity seen apart from a very active/defensive one on the shore to the right of Tern hide. Otherwise Ibsley quite quiet.

On returning to the south side saw 2 gentlemen watching Great spotted woodpeckers entering and leaving a nest in a telegraph pole to the east of the gate back into the south side - had been standing watching for 2 hours approx!!!!!

Triathlon prep seemed to be going well.

 03/05/2025  9.00 - 13.00   Blashford North     Usual bramble and trip hazard trim -growth increasing!

Issues of note:  1. A car parking at the top of the drive seen driving onto the lichen heath to turn round. Broken posts taken from pile left by the hedge and laid along line of 'dragon's teeth' to remind visitors of the boundary until replacement completed.

2. As per messages of last two Saturdays, the tree lowering over the boardwalk at the north end still needs cutting back!

3. Fresh gull carcass on the shore to the west of Tern Hide.

4. Rafts at Goosander Hide - right hand raft tilting, bung of SW corner float partially under water.

Hides and woods

 28 April 1 hr litter pick to Tern, Goosander and both Ivy Lake hides plus laybys where paths cross Ellingham Drove. Litter not too bad. No other issues.

Nicky

Nicky

 26/04/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual path and hide checks. Bramble and trip hazards trimmed.

Issues of note: ? bird carcass on spit between Lapwing and Goosander - north bank towards east end.    North end of boardwalk, tree reported last week has lowered more. Few more small twigs cut however lowest branch needs cutting with a saw. Catherine aware and hopes to remove what she can this afternoon.

Sightings of note: pair of stonechats in front of Lapwing hide; the black swan to west of Tern hide; a significant number of black headed gulls seen on the scrape - ? affect on lapwings. GWE reported over Ibsley early morning. Little gull seen flying over Ibsley. Reed bunting on shore in front of Tern hide.

To Tern and Ivy Hide

 21st April

30 mins litter pick to car parks, Tern and Ivy N hides.  Couldn't get at all of the dirty litter in bushes beside the path to the centre from 1st car park- at end furthest from centre.

Nicky

 19/4/2025  9.00 - 13.30  Blashford North & Pound.  Path and Hide check. Usual bramble trimming - beginning to increase with new growing season.

Issues of note: Rail from road to Goosander turn - a post and two rails down now. Propped back up but not likely to last long!!!!! ? Needs urgent attention.  Tree lowering over the north end of the boardwalk - managed to remove some small branches to increase head room, but trunk could lower more quite soon.

Has an 'arm' on the swift tower been moved/added this week to adjust the recording?

Tern seen on post in front of Lapwing hide and reported sightings at Tern hide. WTE reported as flying over north end of Ivy Lake/Ellingham Drove midmorning - seen from Goosander hide. 13+ black-headed gulls scattered across and 'protecting' the Pound rafts plus several more on the shore and flying around.

Native bluebells emerging well alongside the Dockens Water.

Ivy Lake and Tern Hide paths

 14th April 11.39 1 hr litter pick both sides of Ivy Lake and to Tern Hide.  Cleared some small woody debris no issues.

Nicky

 12/04/2025  9.00 - 13.30  Blashford North  Paths and Hides check. Fence from road to Goosander hide turning deteriorating rapidly!! - at least 2 rails broken loose in central section.

Some rubbish thrown out in front of Goosander hide. Did not go out to collect it due to active sand martins and other birds present.

Bird carcass seen, up from the shore line to the right of Tern hide - not seen before.

Bird sightings: Approx 10 Lapwing on the spit between Lapwing and Goosander hides. At least 5 sitting Lapwings in scrape plus equivalent number of others seen from Hanson Plant screen,  plus others reported. Common and Green sandpipers seen from Goosander and Tern hide, plus Redshank, Marsh Harrier flying over. Maccoa duck reported. Little Ringed Plover x2 reported.

 05/04/2025  9.00 - 12.30  Educ. Centre and Blashford North  Cleared around the sandpit. Checked paths and hides on the north side. 

2 visitors were seen at the rear of the area by the Swift Tower. They had heard of the rare bees seen earlier in the week and were hoping to see some. I explained that visitors were asked to keep to the paths and avoid straying 'off piste' due to impact on habitats, wildlife, breading birds etc. One asked if it was possible to go on a guided walk led by the Reserve Officer which would take them to areas not normally accessed by visitors. I explained that wasn't the usual practice but to find out the possibilities they should contact Jack and would need to make contact before the day they would like to come. They did indicate that they would be prepared to pay a fee.

Another visitor had seen the new bench in the Hanson Plant and asked if that meant visitors could go there. I indicated that we were still awaiting permission from Bournemouth Water to open the area.

8 lapwings seen on the spit between Lapwing and Goosander hides. Nigel reported seeing some sitting on the scrape.

1st April 2025. Tern Hide, Hanson, Rockford Path, and Spinnaker west side.

At Tern Hide 2 female Goosanders and possible sitting Oystercatcher on Spit Island (see pic), Hanson area: 7 Lapwing (incl 3 pairs) and a Stonechat. Along Rockford Path there were 2 Blackcaps in song and on Spinnaker there was no sign of Oystercatchers.

Goosander, Wild walk and Hanson

 31 March 2 hrs total to Goosander Hideand round Wild Walk.  Loose planks on entrance to Ivy S Hide. Litter not too bad.

Then 3pm Hanson area from closed path screen 2 lapwings interacting on the ground, then intruder appeared on opposite bank and they flew up as did 2 others.  Intruder left peacefully when Harry intercepted him at Tern Hide car park.

Willow warbler seen and heard on way to Goosander Hide.

Nicky

 29/03/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Usual path and hide checks - bramble and trip hazards trimmed. 

2 Lapwings seen on bank to SW of Goosander Hide plus 5/6 seen in the scrape, 3 sitting. Approx. 20 Black tailed Godwits seen at northern tip of Spit Island. 2 Snipe reported on shore in front of Tern Hide.

Butterflies: Peacocks, Speckled Wood and Brimstone seen.

Reptiles: 1 1st/yr juvenile adder seen at western end of bank near the entrance to Goosander Hide. Another juvenile reported towards the eastern end - ?2nd/3rd yr juvenile.

26th March 2025. Tern Hide to Goosander via Hanson, then to Ivy South via Lime WalkFrom Tern then Woodland Hide

From Tern: a BN Grebe (see pic) fast reaching spring plumage and 2 Med Gulls overhead. Overhead at the east end of Hanson: at height, a soaring Goshawk (see pic) with 6 gulls. A pair of Goldeneye were seen from Goosander and a winnying Little Grebe was heard near the jetty on Ellingham. Everything tidy. No rubbish.

To Goosander Hide

 45 min Litter pick to Goosander Hide.  Lapwings flying around over Hanson area, harassing magpies.  Tower looks good. Litter found at layby and small amount in hide. 1 female goosander seen.

Nicky

 22/03/2025  9.00  - 13.00   Blashford North    Usual path & hide check. All seem OK. At last second rail visible from Goosander hide. Birds enjoying new bench as a perch!!!! 

Male adder seen at western end of mist net ride. 8 Lapwing and a pair of Oyster Catchers seen via screen in Hanson Plant. 

19th March 2025. A walk from Tern Hide to Goosander via Hanson, then northern circuit via Lapwing. Finished up at Ivy North

Two Med Gulls north over Tern Hide (None of the folks inside the hide heard them because they were talking too much!). On Hanson the new bench looked amazing! Well done. From Goosander: a pair of Goosanders and 3 Sand Martins. On the circuit there were 2 singing Chiffchaffs, a Treecreeper and several Peacocks and Brimstones. Nothing else to report. All tidy.

Hides and car parks

 17 March1.5 hrs in total litter picked car parks, woods and Ivy S, N and Tern Hides. 1  large wheel trim found near path east of Ellingham Pound.  Left inside compound gate.  

Nicky

 15/03/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North   Path and Hide check. Bramble runners/trip hazards removed where necessary. Bird carcass seen alongside western path to Lapwing hide. 20-30 metres north of cross path, towards the back of the western verge.

Majority of birds on the north and west of Ibsley Water, although a fair number were sheltering in the bay in front of Goosander. Amusing sight of a moorhen driving a large gull off the rail in front of the hide.

5 Lapwings seen on the scrape from the screen in the Hanson Plant.[not the camouflaged screen on top of the western bank]

 08/03/2025   9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North  Hides and paths checked. Rail halfway along fence from road to Goosander turning, in area with compromised posts, has come loose from it's fixings. Otherwise all seems OK. 

Brimstone seen flying to the south of the boardwalk. 3 Lapwing seen on the Hanson scrape from Goosander Hide, a 4th seen from the screen in the Hanson Plant. Another Lapwing seen, outside the electric fence, on the spit to the right of Tern Hide. 

No additional bird carcasses seen other than the two already reported.

4th March 2025. Tern Hide, Hanson, North circuit, Goosander then Ivy Nth

Pair of Oystercatchers, Snipe and BN Grebe at Tern Hide, then walked the Hanson footpath for a pre-survey familiarisation. Noted feeding Mistle Thrush. Nothing to report on Nth circuit but a pair of Goldeneye from Goosander Hide. Lots of Lesser Celandine and Daffs in flower.

 01/03/2025  9.00  -  13.00  Blashford North.  Paths and Hides checked. Some mud left by quad activity, otherwise not too bad. Some dead hedge replaced at an access point to reptile habitat, prepped on Tuesday.

Birds distributed widely on Ibsley, away from the hides. Water levels still high. Rail in front of Goosander resting on water surface!!

Body of a bird,?gull, on shore to left of Tern hide. ? cause of death. Catherine notified.

To Ivy S and Tern Hides

 24 Feb 1.5 hrs in total litter pick to Ivy S, wild walk, Tern Hide and Dockens Path.  No issues except a lot of water.  Daffodils in flower.

 Treecreeper landed and briefly explored the sales/reserve guide dispenser wooden structure outside the Hut!

Nicky

19th February 2025. Spinnaker Lake east, north and west shores

Starting with a survey of the islands from the west shore, no sign of Oystercatcher activity as yet but reasonable numbers of Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Coots and Canada Goose. On the east side I came across some pretty chaotic barbled wire, mostly of which was on the ground around what appeared to be an old junction in the fencing (W3W kilowatt.including.mime). There was also a strand of wire from the junction and reaching into the reserve at right angles. I really couldn't work out the purpose of this. This 'wandering' barbed wired would easily trip people and cause injury. Have attached some pics. Also noted some healthy patches of Wild Daffodil.

 22/02/2025  9.00 - 13.00   Blashford North  Paths and hides checked. Drainage channel clearance required under and beyond fence into Mockbeggar at east end of the cross path. 

Reserve very busy.  Sunny, calm day giving excellent views of the large number of birds well scattered across Ibsley Water, particularly from Lapwing hide. Plenty of pairing and 'defence of females' going on amongst the Widgeon, Pintail etc. !!

Fencing, gates and swift tower

Hi All. An update you on some exciting projects we are currently working on/ have coming up:

Lichen heath - If you have ventured this way in the last week, you will have seen new fencing has been installed to keep people off the heath and prevent trampling of the sensitive vegetation in this area. Several gates have been installed for staff and surveyor access. We haven't put locks on the gates yet (due to extra cost and faff issuing keys) but will put up some signs and do some communications work to explain why it is important this area is protected. Some species of interest include common cudweed, autumn ladies tresses, slender bird’s-foot-trefoil, sea stork’s-bill, blue fleabane & birdsfoot. It is also home to a number of scarce and rare lichens and bryophytes. 

Hanson electric fencing - The former Hanson gravel processing plant was relandscaped following the withdrawal of the company some years ago and has been left relatively unmanaged since. This large area of bare ground, with patches of low lying vegetation and small ephemeral pools, is perfect for little ringed plover which breed here with relative success each year. Low numbers of lapwing attempt to breed here too, however being much larger and more conspicuous birds, they have had much lower success resulting from predation. Electric fencing this area to exclude fox and badger has long been talked about, and this year (with the help of Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust), we have made it happen! With fencing left over from previous projects, Mike Short and Lizzie Grayshon of GWCT kindly lent us enough materials to fence this area, approx 700m in circumference. We will be setting up a monitoring station on the top of the bund to help us locate nests and will be deploying trail cameras to monitor breeding success. As this is year one, there is a lot of learn and we may find that avian predation (gulls, corvids etc) is a key factor affecting success. But of course, our hope is that the fencing will give waders a helping hand at Blashford and aid their recovery.  

Swift Tower - I believe I have briefed most of you on this, however for the benefit of those who I haven't spoken to recently, we are getting a new swift tower installed on site! This exciting new feature will not only be a great enhancement for wildlife, but also great for public engagement. We were successful in applying for a Hampshire Ornithological Society (HOS) grant who are kindly funding the tower and accompanying interpretation board. The tower itself will comprise 24 swift boxes and 12 house martin cups mounted on a 5m metal pole. Solar panels on the roof will power a caller to help encourage the birds to adopt the structure. The roof will boast several bat roosting features and ventilation ducts between the boxes will prevent overheating (an increasing problem for young swifts on the continent which leap out of the nest before fledging when temperatures exceed 40c). After consultation with Hampshire Swifts, Blashford bird ringers Kevin and Brenda, and Bob Chapman, we settled on a location near Goosander hide. 'Peak Boxes' will be supplying and installing the tower on 5th March. 

If you are asked about any of the above work, please do share this information. I expect most people will be interested and pleased to see this work go ahead, however if you receive any queries or complaints that you aren't sure how to deal with, please do pass them on to a member of staff. We will be posting information on the Blashford Facebook page shortly too.

Tern and Ellingham

 17 Feb 11.40 1 hr and 13.30 30 mins litter pick Tern Hide, car parks and drives. Also round Ellingham Lake.

Nicky

 15/02/2025  9.00 - 13.00    Blashford North.  Paths and Hides checked. Mud on some of the paths particularly to Goosander hide. Could do with clearing drainage channels from the puddles. Otherwise all seemed OK. 

Little wind meant birds were widely spread across Ibsley, especially at the north end, such that the best views were from Lapwing Hide. Pintail, Widgeon and Shoveler ++. Black necked grebes and golden eye still visible.

12th Feb 2025. 13.50 to 16.00. Hanson area, Ivy North and Ivy silt pond circuit

Met up with a work team at Hanson to survey a pending bird survey site, and from there to Ivy North, Woodland and Ivy South Hides and returned via the Ivy silt pond circuit. Nothing to report.

 08/02/2025  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North.  Paths and hides checked. Trimmed hanging bramble runners remaining after Thursday's clearance work at north end. Part of the eastern path, beyond the cross path, could do with clearance/leaf blowing. Hides seem OK. Plenty of birds pairing up and displaying in front of Lapwing hide. 200+ pintails in front of Goosander hide!! Mobile phone found on the ground in the main car park. Returned to owner who fortunately was still in the Tern hide!

February 5th 2025. Woodland, Ivy South, Ellingham circuit, Pound, Tern and Ivy North. 11.00 to 12.55.

All ship-shape and no issues to report. A 'winnying' Little Grebe and Cetti's Warbler in song at Ivy North, and at Tern Hide there was a single Oystercatcher, Black-necked Grebe, and the usual Wigeon, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, etc.

 01/02/2024   9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North   Bramble runners and debris, left on paths and verges from hedge trimming/strimming, removed where necessary. Leaf blowing of paths at the end of these activities would be useful. Probably old news but a bench has been 'thrown' over the hedge on the north side of the path immediately before Lapwing hide. Closure notices on gates at the Goosander crossing removed and returned to the Centre.

Good bird sightings at Lapwing and Goosander this morning. Birds well scattered across north end of Ibsley. Amongst the usual, pintail, widgeon, shoveler, gadwall, coot etc were a pair of golden eye displaying! and a great white egret.  Goosander x14 seen in front of Goosander hide. Black necked grebes at Tern hide.

Wednesday 29th January 2025. 10.45 to 12.45. Walk around Ivy South, Woodland, North Hide and returning via Lichen Heath and Dockens

Not a lot to report. The reedbed on the north side of Ivy Silt Pond seems to be suffering from strong water flow through the woods. Some appear to be almost uprooted. Had comment from a photographer at Ivy North. He felt that not enough is done for photographers at the Reserve, even suggesting that the front of Ivy north should be painted white to deflect decent sunlight into the adjacent reedbed! I was very polite to him but... Mmm, a subject for discussion!!!

 25/01/2024  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North    Paths checked for trip hazards/potential trip hazards; removed where necessary. Hides all OK. Visitors++   Red-crested pochard, black necked grebes, black-tailed godwit, great white egret seen from Tern Hide. Goosander from Goosander Hide. Birds tended to be towards the western shore from Lapwing Hide.

Fastening lost from sign on Hanson Plant gate directing visitors to Goosander & Lapwing Hides. Catherine notified.  

January 22nd 2025. Tern Hide, Goosander via Dockens, then Ivy North, Lime Walk, Ivy South and Woodland Hide.

A very cold tour so spent a lot of time in snug hides. Everything tidy with a surprising number of visitors. Three BT Godwits from Tern Hide and 8 Goosanders from Goosander Hide. There were also 3 Goosanders on Clearwater. Snowdrops were appearing along the Dockens path and there was a murmur of Siskin and Redpoll song in the trees around Woodlands. Also 2 Stock Doves there.

Tern Car Park and Wild Walk

 20 Jan 1.5 hrs in total late am early pm litter pick to Tern Car Park.  Quite a bit found and removed a number of items on the right heading back to the road, possibly same place Jackie mentioned but no bottles there today. Also round Wild Walk, not much litter.

Great spotted woodpecker drumming and song thrushes singing.

Nicky

 18/01/2024  9.00 - 13.00  Blashford North. Paths and hides checked. All appears OK except for some of the signage. The tape, covering directions to the Car Park via the Hanson Plant on some of the sign posts  is coming loose or has been lost and needs replacing while the Hanson path is still closed. There is some rubbish, including bottles, behind the bramble on the right of the path as one returns to the road from the Tern Hide.

On the south side there are some branches in the Dockens Water before the turning onto the Rockford path, that could do with removing. There is currently a foam patch by them.              

Jan 17th 2024, Lime Walk to Ivy South, thence to Woodland, Ivy North, and Dockens to Goosander.

All in order. There were 40 Cormorants on Ivy Lake; the most I've ever see there. At Ivy North a dog and its 'parents' received a very cold greeting and only got halfway through the door! I followed the culprits outside and diplomatically told them the rules and suggested they take the dog down the Rockford path provided he/she stayed on a lead. All good along Dockens and Goosander with 5 Goosanders and multiple Wigeon, Tufted and Pintails showing. On the subject of 'no dogs' signage: I really think the messaging is too tame and with little impact. Visitors entering the reserve via the Ellingham Drove east entrance could be forgiven – sort of – for not noticing the 'no dogs' signs. I've attached a few before and after improvements that could be made to the existing signs. (For the record, I ran my own visual communications business for 25 years. Any advice needed in this area please ask)

Various paths and hides

 13 Jan 1.5 hrs in total litter pick Tern, Goosander and Ivy S hides and around Ellingham Lake long walk. Most litter found beside waterski driveway.

Great wildfowl numbers and views from Goosander Hide.  Several goldeneye around Ibsley Water.

Nicky

 11/01/2025  9.00 - 12.45  Blashford North  Hides and paths checked. A few twigs etc moved and a few brambles cut in anticipation of early problems in the spring.Otherwise OK. Hides and car parks busy. Visitors reported Maccoa sighting, 3 black necked grebes plus marsh harrier fly over. Fox on spit between Lapwing and Goosander.

Part of decorative screen by the map in the Main car park displaced. Repositioned although welding broken so may well displace again.

Jan 7th 2025. A shortish tour. Tern Hide to North Hide, thence via Holly Walk to Goosander. 11.20 to 13.10.

Nothing much to report. At around W3W 'fears.chosen.hatter', facing north on the left, there is a branch sticking out which might catch a tall visitor by surprise. Black-necked Grebe and 4 Goosanders were the star performers at Goosander, and at Tern Hide the Maccoa Duck was right in front of the hide.

3rd Jan 2025 Ivy South, Ellingham Lake circuit and Pound, then to Goosander via Holly walk.

All in order throughout. Male Little Grebe calling from Ivy South and a pair of Goosanders on Freshwater Lake. Another 4 Goosanders and a Great White Egret from Goosander Hide.

 04/01/2025  9.00  - 13.00  Blashford North  Paths and hides checked. Mainly OK apart from frost ++ on boardwalk. Tree perch in the centre of Ibsley Water has disappeared. ?2 cormorants perched on the remains of the trunk which is now below the water line.

Plenty of birders in doing their bird counts!  Male and female goosander on rail at Goosander hide, plus 3 goosander on Clearwater pond.  GWE on western shore plus one moving around spit between Lapwing and Goosander. Golden eye in front of Tern hide. ? heard water rail squeal in the reed bed near Lapwing hide.

3rd January 2025 Rockford, Spinnaker and Ellingham lakes

 Start 0940   End 1210 

Sunny, frosty morning. Lots of gulls screeching over Rockford lake but nothing around to serve as an explanation. 

On the Rockford path between the screens about half way there are 5 posts down and fencing on its side on the lakeside. A total of about 60 yards in length of fallen or no fencing mixed in with undergrowth. And again close to the screen near Ivy Lane. I'm sure none of this is new but maybe worth flagging.

On the Spinnaker path going anticlockwise away from the sailing club there is a fallen tree partially blocking the path about two thirds way round. 20 yards down from the bench overlooking the water. I know it's Hampshire's to put right but access will be affected for anybody who can't limbo dance.

On Snail Lane: from the house called Ropewind there is no boundary fencing for over 50 yards on the roadside from the end of the house's fencing up to secure entrance gate. There are 4 clear entry points with at least 2 looking regularly used - whether by deer or people I couldn't say.

Once inside the lake was very quiet and I met only one person fishing. On the long straight before the pond near to where the path bears left the pathway is quite overgrown.  There is evidence of some having been cut back and some of the wire fence pushed down on Snail Lane. Some litter nearby.

On the stretch from the house with tarpaulin on its roof to the no fishing boundary sign alongside the field with donkeys in it there is some spikey growth at face height - makes inspection a bit tricky. 

There is a kayak paddle next to the temporary deer fence. The deer fence has some gaps at ground level to rear i.e. garden side.

Nothing to report round Ellingham lake.

The shingle beach at  Dockens had broken glass which I reported to Catherine  - i picked up several pieces but thete may be more. Worth double-checking.

 02/01/2024  9.00 - 12.15   Blashford North    Paths and hides checked. All appears OK apart from the boardwalk - slippery ++. Some twigs and brambles removed. 

The 2 black necked grebes plus 2 golden eye visible in front of Lapwing hide. 3 female goosander in front of Goosander hide, one on the rail with the cormorants.