During the spring and summer our Fox Fence worked incredibly well and as a result we had our best breeding season for Lapwing, Redshank and many of the duck species but with all the work that has gone on this autumn inside the fence it is not surprising that a Wily Mr Fox has found his way inside.

Quite a few of you have reported him to us over the last few weeks and today Bob Cooper got some incredible shots as he was harassed by the Carrion Crows and Magpies all the way across Purfleet Scrape and from the looks of it right in front of the hide! In fact they are the best ever shots of a Fox on the reserve and he is in fine shape with a thick winter coat - not that he really needs it right now!

So, for the moment we will turn a blind eye to his presence within the 'safe zone' but come late winter we shall do our usual trick of getting a few people together and encourage him to spend the breeding season outside the fence where I am sure he will still find enough to fill his belly.

No chance of a hunt...

So, if you can keep your eyes open for us and report any Fox sightings inside the fence around Aveley Marsh, to reception and where you saw him, we may get a pattern of behaviour and may even discover where he got through and if you take any pictures they would also be handy to confirm that we only have this handsome chap to chivvy along come springtime.

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20-12-15