RSPB Mersehead Blog 10th December – 16th December 2023
It can be easy to assume that an RSPB reserve like Mersehead is all about the huge variety of wildlife that can be seen on or flying over the reserve. Whilst the reserve does indeed provide a matrix of different habitats that support a variety of species, it is important that we highlight the significant contribution our volunteers play and the links and bonds the reserve has with our local community.
The Mersehead Volunteers
Every Tuesday morning Mersehead runs a weekly work party where volunteers kindly donate, their time, energy, skills and good humour to the reserve. This week was no exception and saw our last Weekly Volunteer Work Party for the year.
The recent bad weather had unfortunately revealed a plethora of washed-up plastic on our Beach.
With a winter spring in our step and litter pickers in hand, our trusted volunteers headed out ready to make a difference.
Our Volunteers Hard at Work on the Beach Clean. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
The presence of many single-use plastics highlighted the importance of changing habits, with large number of drinking straws and bottle caps collected. Balloons, ribbon and fishing gear were particularly difficult to sort as they were intertwined with the seaweed. One of the main difficulties with plastic is the length of time it takes to degrade and breakdown and a really good example of was seen as one of our volunteers found a sweet wrapper from 1994!!
Plastic Bottles on the Mersehead Beach. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
Plastic Intertwined with the Seaweed and the Dunes is Particularly Challenging to Remove. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
Sweet Wrapper from 1994 Highlighting the challenges of Degradation Time with Plastic. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
In the end a huge collective effort resulted in over 20 bags of litter being collected, along with a variety of other larger scale objects, largely from the fishing industry.
The Results of the Beach Clean Clear for All to See. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
Ocean plastics are a real problem for many different species of wildlife, however the effect on our beloved seabirds is particularly harsh. If you would like to learn more about the work the RSPB is putting in to understand how ocean plastics are affecting seabirds then click here.
Work hard, play hard
After the morning beach clean, and as recognition of all the hard work and dedication our volunteers have shown across 2023, we all headed off for an end of year celebration and quiz! A great time was had by all, with the quiz exposing a lack of local geography by some, to an impressive knowledge of lesser-known bird species from others.
Without the hard work and endeavour of our volunteers, the Mersehead reserve would not be able to be maintained and run to such a high standard. The work on Mersehead achieved by our volunteers - be it nutrient stripping wildflower meadows, willow removal from drainage ditches or window repair in our hides – is not only appreciated by our staff but also essential to maintaining the reserve as a diverse and amazing place for wildlife and visitors alike.
The Mersehead Volunteer Team Taking a Well-Earned Break During the Beach Clean. Photo Credit: Rowena Chambers
THANK YOU!!!!
Keep on Digging!
A very special thank you to a very special volunteer this week – A huge thank you and congratulations to Eric who this year reached his 5-year volunteer milestone with the RSPB! Eric’s skill and continued dedication to the Mersehead Reserve is highly appreciated by all staff and fellow volunteers.
Eric Receiving his 5-Year Volunteering Aware from Reserve Warden Rowena. Photo Credit: Gavin Chambers
Well done Eric and we look forward to presenting you with your 10-year award
Working with Local Communities
The reserve plays an important role within the local community. The links and access it can provide to natural spaces is vitally important in ensuring the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts are suitably inspired.
This week saw two local primary schools, Kirkbean and New Abbey, visit the reserve to learn and understand about the importance of Hedgerows for wildlife. The Woodland Trust very kindly donated saplings for the children to plant, and in the afternoon 30 saplings were planted as part of a new wild hedgerow in the Sulwath Centre Playground. Four different native species were planted; Crab apple, Dogwood, Dog rose and Hazel with every child planting their own sapling. A great time was had by all the kids and we look forward to welcoming them again to check on the progress of their trees over the years to come.
The Hedgerow Planted by Kirkbean and New Abbey School Groups in the Sulwath Centre Playground. Photo Credit: Nick Bone
Beat the January blues – come volunteer with us for the day!
In partnership with Species on the Edge, RSPB Mersehead will be holding a volunteer work party on the 13th January, 10 am - 3 pm. On this day, we will remove willow trees/scrub and other vegetation which are encroaching upon our Natterjack Toad habitat. This event is open to the public -- all are welcome! For more information and to let us know you're coming, please email us at mersehead@rspb.org.uk.
Upcoming events
For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website:
https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Forest School
16th December
Volunteer Work Party – Species on the Edge/RSPB Mersehead
13th January
Badger Banquet
19th February
16th February
Nick Bone, Residential Volunteer
*Flooding - Please note that Mersehead nature reserve is prone to flooding during periods of high rainfall and/or strong winds and tidal surges. To avoid disappointment at these times, please contact the reserve in advance of your visit by email in the first instance at mersehead@rspb.org.uk or check the RSPB Dumfries and Galloway Facebook Page for daily updates.