Blean Reserve:
Breeding bird surveys are underway with the continuing help from the volunteers. Results so far are encouraging, with a number of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, and our next survey should include the arrival of the nightingale, Willow Warbler and Blackcap. A new addition to our survey are the appearance of Ravens, which have been seen in Kent quite regularly recently.
The March point survey found blackbird, blue tit, buzzard, carrion crow, chaffinch, chiffchaff, coat tit, goldcrest, great spotted woodpecker, great tit, green woodpecker, jackdaw, jay, kestrel, lesser spotted woodpeckers, long-tailed tit, marsh tit, mistle thrush, nuthatch, pheasant, robin, siskin, song thrush, sparrowhawk, stock dove, tree creeper, woodcock, wood pigeon and wren.
The remainder of our winter work is coming to an end as the last rides are being cleared of brash and logs, and this will be a welcome change for some. Our attention now turns to reserve maintenance and the improvement of the site infrastructure. Improvements are being made to our corral for our heath ponies, with the replacement of rotten posts and an overall strengthening of the fencing. Another addition to the Reserve are the new interpretation boards which are situated at specific points throughout the woods. These explain the different habitats that we are creating and what wildlife they benefit.
The ongoing battle to find and remove the rhododendron from the woods is always a challenge for those who are digging it out and our team of volunteers are doing a sterling job here.
Seasalter Reserve:
The war on pennywort is abating as we are finally getting the upper hand on this fast-growing invasive species, however, we are monitoring the drains and dykes for the slightest sign of re-growth.
The main objective at the moment is the monitoring and maintaining of the water levels on the fields to encourage Lapwing to breed. A number of breeding bird surveys have already been carried out, but the team are always looking for extra volunteers to help out at Seasalter. Contact 01227 464898 or blean.woods@rspb.org.uk