Clearing the way for Spring

Greetings from the Exe Estuary Reserves. I moved down to Devon to start as an RSPB residential volunteer two weeks ago and I’ve already had the opportunity to work in five different locations all over Devon. As mentioned last week we went to Chapel Wood and Labrador Bay. This week we have focused our efforts on Bowling Green Marsh, near Topsham. The ditches around the site are in need of some attention, having become overgrown with scrub. These provide a vital part of maintaining the water level on the marshes and making the site inviting to estuary species such as godwits, water rail and tufted ducks, all of which have been spotted recently. You may now notice that there is a ditch running along the side of the footpath leading up to the estuary viewing platform. This ditch was previously hidden behind brambles, brush and trees, that we have cleared along with help from our day volunteers. Slubbing, or dredging, will happen later this year in order to allow the channel to be fit for purpose. Also this week progress has continued on the hedging along the path into Powderham Marshes from the carpark, come and have a look at our handy work! Whilst at Bowling Green we heard the Robins begin to sing, a sign that Spring is on its way. Birdsong will be filling the air in the coming weeks. This also means that many migrants will be preparing to leave the Exe Estuary. It will soon be your last chance to see the impressive flocks of Brent Geese flying overhead. Peregrines and Buzzards have also been spotted this week, so look out for them swooping down from trees and power lines around Exminster Marshes.