RSPB Mersehead Blog 22nd – 28th June 2024
Mersehead would not be the amazing reserve for wildlife that it is, if it were not for our dedicated band of volunteers.
Our “Tuesday” Volunteers arrive week in, week out completing everything from practical habitat management such as scrub removal to benefit the UK’s rarest amphibian the Natterjack Toad, to completing wildflower meadow management and improving the accessibility of the reserve by building new footpaths. Painting buildings, reorganising the workshop, hanging gates - they take everything in their stride. The individual skills and experiences of our volunteers allow the reserve to achieve so much more and builds the skill set of the staff who always have something new to learn from their wealth of knowledge. The main task the last few weeks has been a never-ending round of livestock fencing work as the Aberdeen Angus, Belted Galloway, Luing and Stabiliser herds rotate through the fields as part of the reserve’s conservation grazing program.
Footpath Creation through the Woodland (September 2022).
Nutrient Stripping the Butterfly Meadow (October 2023).
Above: The Old Tennis Court being turned into the Wildflower Meadow. Spoil spread and geo-mesh for accessibility laid down (June 2021). Below: The Wildflower Meadow today.
Scrub Removal for Natterjack Toads (January 2024).
During the summer our spectacular flowerbeds, full of buzzing bees and butterflies can all be credited to the hard work of those who volunteer their time. Picnic tables are scrubbed and painted, playground equipment maintained, Natterjack Toadlets are searched for.
Visitor Centre Flower Beds.
A total of 103 Natterjack Toadlets were counted at Mersehead this week!
A favourite winter task for all is keeping the beach clear of plastic as winter storms throw marine debris onto the Mersehead beach.
Down at the Information Centre our Visitor Engagement Volunteers provide a warm welcome to the reserve, promote the work of the RSPB and ensure our visitors have a meaningful and enjoyable experience. During key school holidays, pop into the Information Centre for your Discovery Pack – The Big Wild Summer Activity Trail of 2024 starts Wednesday 3rd July! A variety of self-service hot drinks and snacks are available overlooking the bird feeders.
Family Fun Day sees all hands-on deck as a variety of activities led by our wonderful volunteers take over the Sulwath Garden.
Join us at Mersehead this Sunday for Forrest School led by our experienced Forrest School Practitioners Edward and Sam – and yes you guessed correctly, Edward and Sam are volunteers. Forrest School involves learning in tune with nature with the aim of promoting new skills, confidence, self-esteem, and team building while participants take part in fun outdoor activities.
If you would like to join our Visitor Engagement Team then please do send us your details here.
Forrest School making Nettle Crisps.
We are currently recruiting for a 6-month Residential Volunteer to join the Mersehead team in September. Residential volunteering is a chance to gain experience in the conservation sector and discover new skills whilst meeting an array of people. You will become fully immersed in the life of RSPB Mersehead learning what it takes to run a Nature Reserve (and you will be thoroughly tested on your cake baking abilities, a crucial element on a Tuesday!). Joking aside, this an opportunity to kick start your conservation career, take a sabbatical from your current work or simply enjoy being immersed in the World of Mersehead. Need more convincing? Then read our past blogs by Frances and Claire who have both spent the best part of a year with us at Mersehead. Applications for the Residential Volunteering position are open here. For more information on volunteering with us on a local basis please email us: Mersehead@rspb.org.uk
Installing a Cattle Trough on the Sand Dunes.
Summer Livestock Fence Maintenance.
Completing the Wetland Bird Survey.
Rowena Chambers, Warden
Upcoming events: For more information on individual events and to book a place, please go to our website: https://events.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Big Wild Summer Activity Trail: Self-guided family event, collect you activity pack from the Visitor Centre
3rd July – 31st August
Nocturnal Wildlife Walk: Guided Walk; Booking Essential
20th July
25th July
3rd August
Moth Morning; Booking Essential
2nd August
Forest School: For more information & to book a place on Forest School please email: mersehead@rspb.org.uk
30th June
25th August
29th September
27th October
24th November
At Mersehead you will find the RSPB’s only self-catering holiday cottages - Barnacle and Shelduck. Available summer dates are currently going quickly, follow the links to book your next holiday.
Shelduck Cottage
Barnacle Cottage
6th – 13th July
17th – 24th August
28th September – 5th October
5th – 12th October
26th October – 2nd November
16th – 23rd November
23rd – 30th November
All December dates currently available
*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.