Hi I was just wondering if you have been able to get out to the island and what damage has been done?
Ian Barthorpe has given some details in his latest Minsmere blog. Of particular interest is where the toilet shed finished up! Here's a link:
Flood Damage
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Many thanks Clare - I do hope the hares are ok
So do I.
Hi both,
Sadly Havergate did not get away unscathed from the Storm Surge last week. Site staff will be visiting the island for the first time this week to fully assess the damage. However, we have been around the island by boat and there is damage visible. The seawalls have generally held up but have suffered damage but they are repairable. This is great news for the lagoon habitats and wildlife that rely on them. However, the hides, boardwalks and bridges have all been moved and some badly damaged. We will undertake a quick hare survey when on the island to see how many made it.
Aaron, Site Manager
Many Thanks Aaron - do let me know - when will we be able to visit again?
So very sorry
We have visited the island and the damage is worse than expected. On the bright side we did find 7 hares.
It will take us quite sometime to make the island safe but we hope to open again to the public in March.
You can donate to our appeal here: bit.ly/1e3gfGg
Just joined simply to say that I'm really saddened by the devastation.... but being a hare lover
Aaron said:On the bright side we did find 7 hares.
really thrilled with this news. Dare I ask what the 'normal' population is there or is that too depressing?
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Thanks for taking time to update us. Really hope that more hares are found - they can swim well so fingers crossed.
Hi Rockwolf,
The hare population on Havergate has always been a small one. Kieren counted 27 hares this spring, and writes more about it in his post from May: www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/havergateisland/b/havergateisland-blog/archive/2013/05/10/hare-today.aspx