Havergate Island has been closed to visitors these last couple of months but we are now starting to get it ready and presentable – mainly mowing the path and painting the boat – for our trips to start up again towards the end of July.
So what has been happening out there? Havergate has approx 2000 pairs of breeding gull. To be more precise 1714 Lesser black backs and 529 Herring gulls. These guys all have chicks now which are growing well and will start fledging next month. We certainly have to be careful where we are treading out there! At the moment the island is also home to breeding Common tern, Black headed gulls, Avocets, Oyster catchers, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Barn owls and smaller birds such as Reed warbler, Skylark, White throat and Reed bunting. Most of these birds will still be hanging around in July and August for anyone that is visiting along with Spoonbill which have regularly been paying the island a visit to loaf on the lagoons.
The team have mainly been keeping an eye on and surveying over May and June but are looking forward to getting back into our practical projects. The current one being a new hide looking onto Cottage flood. We managed to get the base in place before the breeding season started so we just need to get the sides and roof up now! We are also planning a new boardwalk heading along the path towards the jetty.
We have plenty of exciting trips planned including our monthly river trip, Summer on the island and The Havergate Adventure.
Our River trip is a relaxing and peaceful boat ride around Havergate Island with a short landing to take a look out of our Main hide onto the lagoon. You will have a guide on the boat with you talking about the history of the area, and pointing out any wildlife that you are lucky enough to see.
Summer on the island is a whole weekend of guided walks. The walk lasts for 4 hours and takes you from one end of the island to the other with guides pointing out wildlife to you (they know all the best places to spot things) and talking to you about the conservation work going on on the island.
The Havergate Adventure is running over 3 days in the summer and again is a fun guided walk with expert guides showing and sharing all of their knowledge. Perfect for all of the family!
For more detailed information on all of our trips please take a look at our events page on rspb.org.uk/havergateisland