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.