. . . and welcome to the very first entry in our new Dove Stone blog !
We’ll be regularly updating the blog with news of what’s happening here at Dove Stone. From the latest news on our Date with Nature Peregrine Watch to forthcoming events such as guided walks, you’ll be able to read it here. We’ll be bringing you news of habitat management work like Sphagnum planting that’s part of the continuing blanket bog restoration at Dove Stone. You’ll also be able to read about how you too can get involved in volunteering opportunities from surveying to habitat restoration work to promoting the work of the RSPB to visitors.
We’ll also be updating you with news of the wildlife in and around Dove Stone, including our resident Peregrines. We’ll be on hand at Ashway Gap ( that’s the main picnic area ) from Thursdays to Sundays from 11am to 4.30pm and at the main Dove Stone car park at the weekends. We’ll be here right through ‘til the end of August so there’s plenty of opportunity to come and talk with us and see these fantastic birds. The crags viewed from Ashway Gap offer great views of the Peregrines. Recently we’ve been able to watch both birds perching on a number of their favourite ledges as well as watching them flying in with food, plucking prey and passing food. Watch this space for news of Peregrine chicks too !
So what else is there to see at Dove Stone ? Regular visitors include Oystercatchers and Common Sandpipers around the reservoirs, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Greenfinches and Goldfinches can be seen on and around the new feeders down in the main car park, Buzzards and Ravens over the crags and Golden Plovers, Red Grouse and Curlews on the moors.
Other recent sightings include Ring Ouzels, Red Legged Partridges, Dippers, Stone Chats, Grey Wagtails, Wheatears and Redpolls as well as Mountain Hare and Roe Deer. So you can see there’s plenty to see at Dove Stone.
Coming soon to these pages are a forum and photo gallery too so you can tell us what you’ve seen and anything else that you might want to let us know of.
Please be aware that if you are bringing your dog with you that there are sheep with lambs in the area and we politely ask all dog owners to be responsible and to keep your dog on a lead at all times in respect of this.
We look forwards to seeing you soon at Dove Stone.