Thanks to Site Manager Julianne Evans for her report and photos
Even though we are closed, there is still essential work to do to save nature. Over the past three weeks we have been focussing on repairs to infrastructure that are vital for us to be able to have cattle grazing on the reserve. Cattle are now gradually arriving and will initially be grazing at low densities to prevent nest trampling.
We have also put up our temporary anti-predator fence to protect breeding wader nests from foxes, who are their main predator. Joe, our warden, and I have carried out a site visit to Amberley to check the integrity of the flood defence banks following the deep winter flooding so that Environment Agency can add it to their upcoming repair programme. While we were there, we saw six pairs of lapwing (an increase on last year), a pair of redshank and several snipe as well as our first hobby of the year.
Amberley Brooks (Julianne Evans)
When I returned to the visitor centre at Pulborough, I couldn’t resist taking a short walk to see the bluebells on Hollybush Hill and check the reptile tins. I was rewarded with an adder that dashed away too fast for me to photograph it and this pair of beautiful grass snakes.
Bluebells (Julianne Evans)
Grass snakes at Hollybush hill (Julianne Evans)
As I walked back, through the heady scent of hawthorn, I could hear a nightingale in full song. Despite all the bad news we are hearing I am going home feeling uplifted by nature and looking forward to sharing these special sights, sounds and smells with our visitors this time next year.