A chance to give nature a bigger and better home on the Solway Firth – Mersehead appeal

RSPB Scotland Mersehead by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

Today we are launching an appeal to supporters to raise funds for an important piece of land on the Solway Firth.  Our reserve at Mersehead is already famous for its wintering geese and ducks, breeding waders like lapwing and its colourful array of farmland birds including yellowhammers and tree sparrows.  And it has a spectacular setting, with easy access trails and walks to enjoy.

So it is really positive news that a large area of land which separates the two ‘wings’ of the reserve is now available for us to purchase, totalling 112Ha (284 acres). Where nature is concerned bigger is truly better, and we are convinced the joining up of the two existing parts of the reserve will bring big benefits for wildlife, access opportunities and management cost effectiveness – making our hard pressed charitable funds work even harder for birds and nature.

Barnacle geese at RSPB Scotland Mersehead by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

I have a particular affinity with Mersehead and visit several times a year to enjoy the berry laden autumn hedges, watch the skeins of geese, or listen in the spring to the song of the skylarks (over 200 pairs!).  I have watched with pride as over the years our staff have converted drained arable fields back to wetlands grazed by cattle.  The establishment of a large reedbed has seen water rails, reed warblers and reed buntings colonise – and sometimes marsh harriers linger bringing hope they will nest one day.

It is pleasing to note the support of the current owners of the land we are purchasing – who have become inspired by our future vision for Mersehead and entered a private sale agreement with us to make it all possible. We are most grateful for the opportunity.

But now is the hard bit, we need to raise the substantial sum needed to purchase the land, and then restore it and integrate it into the rest of the reserve – a target of £285,000.

I will be making a donation, and you can help too by following this link: www.rspb.org.uk/merseheadappeal

Natterjack toad by Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)

You will be helping to extend an already important reserve, and make it so much better for natterjack toads, wintering barnacle geese, breeding wading birds and the colourful linnets, yellowhammers and other seed eating species that flock to Mersehead.  Throw in the odd otter, dragonfly and badger and you will understand wildlife is already calling Mersehead home. 

Do please donate what you can, and then come and visit – and the geese are on their way from Arctic Svalbard to Mersehead right now!

Thank you and I look forward to celebrating the purchase of this exciting land at Mersehead with you all soon.