Campfield Marsh

7th November

In the early morning sunshine, in the region of 800 Barnacles were frequenting the saltmarsh from the Viaduct west to Scargavel Point.

Initially a group first landed out on the mudflats . . .

. . . and tentatively made its way up onto the saltmarsh.

 - group on the saltmarsh.

These flying west were a little uncertain but turned and landed on seeing another group already grazing on the saltmarsh.

Others…

21st October

Overcast with a westerly wind. Fairly warm.

Seven Little Egret flying west over the saltmarsh at high tide.

22 Barnacles could be seen grazing the saltmarsh in front of the hamlet of West Common.

23rd October

Daily, groups of Barnacles flying back and forth along the saltmarsh. 

A handful of Barnacles grazing on the saltmarsh.

24th October.

A flock of 77 Pintail floated along as the tide was ebbing.…

It seems a long time ago now that devil's bit scabious plants, all neatly and individually potted, appeared beside the visitor centre at Campfield. At first there were said to be 1500 plants, then somehow the number grew to 2000, all needing to be planted on the reserve. The food plant of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, they were to be planted to encourage the butterfly to spread from the the remote part of the…