The waiting is almost over and the finishing touches are being applied to the reserve. I've already mentioned the fact the finger-post directional signs are now in place and the modular board is now complete. The trail guides are printed, the car park is empty and ready and we've even put in place a couple of Port-a-loos! A dangerous thing to do considering what happened the last time I was involved with such amenities.
The weekend rain has helped the condition of the reserve considerably and the playmeadow mudheaps are slowly turning green.
This Saturday is the day we've looked forward to for 4 years and we cannot wait for the starter to drop the green flag!
On Saturday Nick and I are hosting a familiarisation event for those volunteers who have signed up to help us out on the reserve either as PEA's (People Engagement Assistants) or VW's (Volunteer Wardens). Both these roles will be extremely important for us to operate as a successful reserve in the months ahead, so if you fancy getting involved at the 'coal-face' then please contact me.
The news is coming in thick and fast now...... Our Web Team at The Lodge have pulled out all the stops to re-vamp and update our public website. It's bang up to date with information about the reserve, our species and our events. www.rspb.org.uk/middletonlakes Many thanks to our IS people who turned the job around despite my nagging.
See you on the reserves,
Best regards,
Chris Edwards
So Saturday came, the reserve was open, weather fine and sunny, lots of people enjoying the reserve. It's what we've been working towards for the last four years and it all looks good for the future.