Hello from a slightly soggy RSPB Greylake, Swell Wood and West Sedgemoor reserves and welcome to my first blog post as a residential volunteer. I'm Kathryn and I'm just finishing my third week here. I'm sharing accommodation here with two others, Fiona and Tom, who will be checking into the blog soon. I've worked for the RSPB before so knew pretty much what to expect. I've received a warm welcome from all and I'm enjoying exploring a new part of the country and it's beautiful reserves. I've had my first views of the cranes and their haunting calls echoing over the moors. I also had fun joining in with the monthly quiz at a local pub with other staff and volunteers (needless to say, we didn't win).
It's been pretty full on since the beginning, diving straight into the winter work programme. You may have seen us hard at work at Greylake, coppicing the willows to help them regenerate and stop them from growing too large. That management has now been mostly completed and we've moved on to hedge laying this week. The hedge in question hadn't been touched for over fifteen years and as a result was absolutely full of giant bramble that had to be cut and pulled out before we could do anything else. Combined with mud ruts up to my waist caused by the tractor and the continuing wet weather, it was a tough job. Still, everyone pulls together to make it fun.
Me dragging the bramble over the ruts.
We've now begun coppicing and laying the blackthorn hedging, which will provide perfect habitat for brown hairstreak butterflies to lay their eggs as it regenerates and also potential habitat for nightingales. Knowing the difference we're making to wildlife is great motivation.
On Monday, at Greylake, we'll be completing our monthly Wetland Bird Survey (Webs). Last month the Webs count showed lower than usual numbers of ducks on the reserves so we'll hope to see that increasing as we move further into the winter. Check back next week for an update on that. Lapwing and golden plover numbers have been good and large flocks have been seen over Greylake.
Hope everyone is enjoying the festive season and finding time to get out and see some of our spectacular winter wildlife.
Kathryn