Welcome

Hi and welcome to everyone who's been looking at this blog page and wondering what the 'eck it's all about.  I have recently been seconded to Middleton Lakes from the Sandwell Valley reserve and one of my roles is to let people know what's going on around these parts.

I've been here 3 days and already I've had two Land Rover safari rides taking a look at the differring habitats and getting a Warden's perspective. I've given two external talks to different groups, helped with positioning signage in the play meadow and searched in vain for waxwing. Not a dull moment so far!

We're busy sorting out the arrangements for the official launch in May and I'll keep you posted as to the detail when we've finished discussing the merits of pond dipping and leaf hunting against wellie wanging! Watch this space.

I'd appreciate your comments and thoughts about how the reserve is shaping up as we approach lift-off!