As we continue to protect and preserve the unique beauty of Havergate Island, we've been hard at work behind the scenes, even while the island has been closed to visitors over the breeding season. Our dedicated volunteer team has been busy maintaining the infrastructure, tackling tasks like painting and mending hides. Although our to-do list remains extensive, we're making steady progress.
One of our significant achievements was re-roofing Belpers and replacing the pathway, railings, and steps to the hide. We’re currently focused on giving our Gator shed a much-needed makeover. We've removed the porch and are in the process of making essential repairs, repainting, replacing the ramp, and creating a new woodstore.
Looking ahead, we have plans to re-roof North Hide and address any necessary repairs and painting. Following that, we'll turn our attention to redecorating the volunteer hut.
In the coming month, we'll be pulling our boat, October Storm, out of the water for some well-deserved TLC. At 37 years old, she’s still going strong, although she could use a fresh coat of paint on the deck and her annual antifouling. For those interested, October Storm got her name after the great storm of 1987 destroyed the previous RSPB boat she replaced. Despite numerous part replacements over the years, she remains a cherished part of our operations!
(Pic 1) October Storm being antifouled in 1992
Breeding Success on the Island
This year’s breeding season has brought both joy and challenges. Our Spoonbill colony had an outstanding season, with 17 nests fledging a total of 35 chicks. Since nesting began in 2019, over 100 Spoonbill chicks have successfully fledged on Havergate Island!
Gull populations also showed promising signs, with our Lesser Black-Backed Gulls recording 1,575 AON (Apparently Occupied Nests) and Herring Gulls reaching 787 AON, resulting in the fledging of 966 chicks. Our Barn Owls had two nesting pairs, with one pair successfully fledging two chicks.
Hollesley and Boyton: A Mixed Season
Unfortunately, Hollesley and Boyton were less productive this year. Hollesley saw three pairs of Lapwing fledge two chicks, four pairs of Redshank fledge two, and one Oystercatcher fledge a single chick. Other notable species during the breeding season included Little Ringed Plover, Stonechat, Water Rail, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, and Cetti’s Warbler.
Boyton recorded one pair each of Lapwing, Avocet, and Redshank, but sadly, none of the chicks fledged. However, we did observe Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Water Rail, Bittern, Bearded Tit, Cetti’s Warbler, and Marsh Harrier during the breeding season.