Highlights from my first year at the Dee

I have been here now for 15 months and I’m loving it now more than ever!

My favourite project while working at the Dee has been managing the Point of Ayr nature reserve. As assistant warden I get to organise allot of the management there. This year that involved the Winter Wardening Scheme and carrying out Breeding Bird Surveys and managing the little tern project there.

This year at the Point of Ayr was the best year for well over 50 years for the little terns. With 3 little tern nests and 6 chicks fledged. With the help of many volunteers we went above and beyond this year to warden them, maintain the electric fence and monitor their progress, in the end it all payed off! See below for some pictures of our work at the POA and from when we helped at Gronant.

(One of our Little tern chicks, colour ringed, hopefully identified should we see it return the year after next)

Putting in temporary electric fencing for the little terns at Gronant

A litter pick a few weekend’s ago at the Point of Ayr.

Over the year I have carried out guided walks, litter picks and cooperate work parties with the public and visitors and I’ve really enjoyed It. It’s important to get new people involved in conservation.

Helping clearing natterjack toad ponds at Talacre for ENI’s natterjack toad project with Matt our residential volunteer on brush cutter, I love when we get a chance to help out another organisation on one of their project’s.

Of course, the greatest highlight of my year has been seeing the results of all our work reflected in our surveys. I managed the BBS survey at the POA and the little turn monitoring, I helped out with the redshank counts on the marsh and the productivity counts at Burton Mere Wetlands. I also help carry out monthly WEBS counts on the Dee Estuary and low water Mersey counts. The numbers we have had overall this year have been amazing and it’s a real proof that all the hard work is worthwhile, here’s a few numbers from this year.

Breeding Bird numbers

November Wetland bird survey counts 

As you can see absolutely amazing numbers all round and the winter numbers aren’t even at there highest yet.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to our volunteers and staff at Burton mere that have made our work possible as well as all the members that help fund our work we couldn't do this without your continued support.