RSPB Mersehead Blog 20th – 26th July 2024
Flat, alluvial, frequently marshy land bordering upon a river, a river estuary or the sea, specifically applied to the land bordering the Solway Firth – definition of “merse” Scottish National Dictionary.
The above definition gives a good indication as to where Mersehead obtained its name. The past couple of weeks has seen us spending time out on the merse (saltmarsh) checking the livestock fencing to ensure everything is ready for the cattle.
A rotational grazing technique sees a moderate density of grazing on the merse for a short period of time. This gives a longer grass recovery stage establishing strong roots and allows flowering plants to set seed. The diversity of wildflowers across the section of merse which has been grazed for the past 12+years is currently giving the merse a kaleidoscope of colour. This in turn provides a diversity of insects feeding on the nectar. The Aberdeen Angus moved out onto the lower merse on Tuesday, and area where grazing was introduced 2-years ago.
Many visitors to Mersehead walk the main Coastal Trail in a loop around the reserve. The Southwick Water cuts its way west through the merse and winds out across the sandflats into the estuary towards Sandyhills. This is a beautiful quiet corner of the reserve and worth the extra walk.
Botanical coastal specialists can be found in this sheltered corner including the regionally scarce Sea Holly which has striking metallic blue leaves. The endemic Isle of Man Cabbage is a bright yellow crucifer easily identified by its distinctive lobed leaves. This plant only grows on the west coast in Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, on the Gower in Wales and in Southern Scotland.
Sea Holly.
Sea Campion.
Sea Rocket.
Sea Sandwort a coastal pioneer species can be found in dense patches along the seaward side of the sand dunes. Thick succulent leaves provide tolerance against the salty sea spray. Further out on the merse shades of purple dominant with Common Sea Lavender and Sea Aster.
Common Sea-Lavender.
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
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.