It almost feels like a relief that we finally approach the winter months for real, and we can stop pretending that the weather will improve, that it will stop raining and we will be drenched in sunshine. Unfortunately the latter never happened and we never got to achieve all our management ambitions, but I can safely say that it wasn’t for the want of trying!! Although wet conditions curtailed our efforts, the areas we have managed to cut and clear are looking good. Rush and tufted hairgrass tussocks have been reduced to an acceptable number and the grass grazed to desired heights to provide enough to nibble on for our wintering wildfowl and tight enough when looking ahead to the spring for our breeding waders.
Regardless of our management challenges it all feels worth it when small numbers of teal start to congregate in the pools, then joined by their larger and noisy neighbours the wigeon. The small groups soon turn into flocks and the sights and sounds of the wildfowl soon become the reward for our efforts. Godwits are starting to gather and with the high tides of late coupled with high water on Exminster Marshes, the roost at Bowling Green Marsh has been a delight. Elegant avocets are joined by piping redshank and even a couple of unusual visitors were attracted by the gathering, with a male and female red crested pochard using the marsh for numerous days. That is the great thing about wildlife – you never quite know what might appear next!
Our volunteers continue to do an admirable job on people engagement work, groups of eager folk can be found every Friday and one day over the weekend at the hide, to show the delights of Bowling Green Marsh. Keen to engage all, from families to the experienced birdwatcher, they are on hand whether to introduce people to wildlife or to explain the differences between black and bar-tailed godwits, new to wildlife or simply want to know a little bit more why not go along and meet them. Our Wildlife Explorer group has gained a new momentum as has our school work with new volunteers coming forward with new enthusiasm. Don’t forget to check the website for an update of events, from Avocet Cruises to walks.