RSPB Mersehead Blog 4th – 10th January 2025
Happy New Year and welcome to the first instalment of the Mersehead blog for 2025. The first week back after the Christmas festivities has brought cold conditions with -6oC recorded on the thermostat and a light scattering of snow over the weekend.
A few key sightings from the start of January include male Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier and Barn Owl whilst Cetti’s Warbler has been heard calling from the reedbed. The Cetti’s Warbler was first recorded breeding in the UK in the early 1970s in Kent and has experienced a significant expansion in range over the preceding decades. Cetti’s Warbler was first recorded at Mersehead in the spring of 2023 and was the second record for Dumfries & Galloway.
Our hardy volunteer work party braved the cold weather to hit the beach for the first litter pick of the year. The impact of plastic pollution on the marine environment is devastating with wildlife dying from suffocation and starvation as their stomachs fill with plastic ingested mistakenly as food. They also suffer from lacerations, infections and entanglement causing the reduced ability to swim.
Plastic products started appearing in the consumer market in the 1950s which created a global shift in single-use throw away items. Plastic never disappears, it just gets smaller so the estimated 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic made globally is still out there and will never leave. Some of the finds from this week’s beach clean included a Mars Bar wrapper with a use by date of 2008, that is 17-years ago. A Twix wrapper stating that the chocolate bar cost 15p has caused debate as to its age. The Twix chocolate bar was created in 1967 with decimalisation occurring in 1971. Internet research has found that a Twix cost 13p in 1982 so my guess is that this chocolate bar wrapper could be from the early 1990s.
We can assume that an Isle of Man recycling box has floated the 67km, or 41-miles, on tidal currents from the Island to be washed up on the shore of Mersehead, slightly ironic.
Beach cleans may only represent a metaphorical drop in the ocean when it comes to trying to address the overwhelming scale of this issue, but however small they can still make a very tangible difference. For example, the 2024 ‘Great British Beach Clean’ organised by the Marine Conservation Society saw 5,845 volunteers across 476 beaches spread throughout the UK (including us here at RSPB Mersehead) – resulting in the removal 6-tonnes of litter in just a single weekend.
In addition to the plethora of plastic we saw the wonders of nature. Small-spotted Catshark egg-cases can be found in colours varying from pale brown through to dark blue, each with curly tendrils from the corners. The Small-spotted Catshark is the most common shark found in British seas. Closely related to sharks, the most common ray found in our seas is the Thornback Ray also represented on the Mersehead beach by the presence of its egg-case. The egg-cases of sharks and rays are often referred to as Mermaid’s Purse.
Small-spotted Cat-fish (left); Thornback Ray (right).
The Common Whelk is the largest sea snail found in British seas and the washed-up shells are a common site on our beaches. The egg-case of this mollusc is often referred to as a sea wash ball and looks rather like a sponge. Brightly coloured fungi were seen encased in Jack Frost.
Sea Wash Ball (above).
Yellow Brain Fungus (left); Velvet Shank (right).
Join the World’s largest garden wildlife survey. Big Garden Birdwatch is fun, free and for everyone. And you don’t need a garden to take part! Counting birds from your balcony, or your local park will play a vital role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing. Sign up for your free guide and let's look out for birds together on 24-26 January.
At Mersehead you will find the RSPB’s only self-catering holiday cottages - Barnacle and Shelduck.
We will shortly be advertising for a Residential Volunteer to join the reserve team as a Trainee Warden. With free accommodation provided on the reserve, the work is very varied and will allow you to gain a wealth of experience for pursuing a career in nature conservation. Keep a look out on the blog and our Facebook page for this opportunity to join the Mersehead team.
*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.