It's been a while since I posted an update on the ongoing work to replace the predator-proof fence around the Scrape.
When I let you know about our plans before work started, in a blog back in November, we were expecting to finish the work this week. While work has progressed well, we're not quite complete, so with the permission of Natural England we will be continuing for a few more weeks.
Recognising that one of the difficulties in maintaining the old fence was its location alongside a wet ditch, we decided to erect the new bank entirely on dry ground. This has required building a low bank around much of the Scrape, onto which the new fence will sit. Around much of the Scrape the bank and fence are complete, apart from few finishing touches.
The banks look a bit bare and exposed in places, but the vegetation will soon grow over so that banks blend into the landscape better.
Where we've built the bank up around South Hide, the ground remains very soft in places, as ground conditions were wetter than anticipated. Therefore, we're giving it a couple more weeks to consolidate before completing this section of fence, with the aim of completing the project during March.
The remainder of the work will be carefully planned to minimise disturbance, especially as waders are beginning to return to the Scrape. We're confident that the extended project will not impact on breeding birds as the avocets, oystercatchers and black-headed gulls don't usually begin nesting until mid April. The first few avocets back don't seem too concerned about the ongoing work anyway - numbers have reached 18 today, with East Scrape remaining the best place to watch them. The first birds to nest on the Scrape are usually the lapwings, but even they don't lay until the end of March, and we have almost finished work around North Hide.
Other waders already returning to the Scrape include oystercatchers, redshanks and ringed plovers, while a few black-tailed godwits, dunlins and turnstones are beginning to pass through. The two redhead smew remain too.
One consequence of the movement of machinery along the path to the sluice is that it's a bit muddy in places, but that's only to be expected at the of the winter, and once the work is completed we'll look to repair the path to ensure it is accessible for most wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Once this project is completed, we hope the avocets and gulls will once again be able to nest safe from mammalian predators, ready for the arrival of the Springwatch cameras again later in the spring.
Elsewhere on the reserve there is increasing courtship activity. Marsh harriers are sky dancing on sunny days. One bittern is grunting at Island Mere. Tits are beginning to explore nestboxes. Birdsong is increasing, and great spotted woodpeckers are drumming. It won't be long before the first butterflies and adders emerge either.