Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
It is now July. It has been July all week. Whether you believe it ought to be July yet or not, there have been plenty of amazing things happening at Saltholme this week. Whether you are a keen birdwatcher, looking for a family day out or want to learn more about conservation, this is the place to visit and we will tell you all about it in this blog. So read on for more!
News from the Estate:
There are several names for Japanese Knotweed, including ‘Donkey Rhubarb’, ‘Monkeyweed’ and ‘Elephant Ears’. Image Credit: Japanese Knotweed Limited.
Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? We do too. If you remember last week’s blog, you will recall that the Estates Team spent some of their time bruising Bracken. That work has not only meant that wildflowers and other plants are more likely to grow in that area, but also means that the team can access the Japanese Knotweed plants. This plant species was introduced to the UK in the 19th century, but escaped from gardens (by spreading seeds, not by walking) and became established in the wild. This is a problem because Japanese Knotweed grows incredibly quickly and can therefore out-compete native shrubs and wildflowers. Non-native species are seen as one of the major threats to biodiversity, and so effective control of these species is crucial for conservation.
So, what are we going to do about it? Well, the reason the Estates Team have been clearing around the Knotweed is so they can spray the Japanese Knotweed with herbicide. It may sound like a vicious way to solve the issue, but this is really the only effective way to control Japanese Knotweed. By spraying the herbicide directly onto the leaves (which absorb the herbicide), we ensure that we do not inadvertently spray nearby vegetation. So an invasive species is kept in-check without damaging the plants (and therefore the insects that feed on them) that we are trying to conserve.
What’s On:
Image Credit: Sam Turley, RSPB Images
With the end of the school year drawing ever closer, we’d like to highlight the amazing work of the Learning Team this week.
We don’t know what the collective noun for a group of children is, but if you do please let the Learning Team know because they should definitely be using it. This week alone, they have run a huge variety of sessions for a total of 335 children from 5 different schools. All these children have been given the invaluable opportunity to learn more about the amazing world in which we live. Want to know about what lurks beneath the surface of our ponds? Our Pond Dipping sessions are for you. Want to try out Meadow Sweeping, Minibeast Hunting or Tree Shaking? Not a problem? Need to complete some A level fieldwork or want to learn more about survey methods? Yep, the Learning Team do that too! And that’s just scratching the surface. So give the Learning Team a huge round of applause next time you see them.
Speaking of children, the culmination of an academic year’s work was celebrated at Port Clarence School on Thursday. We have been running a creative writing project with each class in the school- led by the wonderful Bob Beagrie- that has used our reserve as inspiration for a series of poems, stories and art. The aim of the project was twofold: firstly, to help children improve their literacy skills. Secondly, to reconnect them to nature by giving them first-hand experiences of our incredible wildlife. The product of the children’s hard work is Saltholme: A Community Cantata. This book pulls together work from every child in the school as well as several members of staff. Fancy reading it? Just ask at our Welcome Desk and we will proudly show you a copy.
Recent Sightings:
The Main Lake was the place to be this week….here’s a brief round-up:
The only UK breeding colony of Roseate Terns can be found on Coquet Island- an RSPB reserve off the Northumberland coast. Image Credit: Brian Burke, RSPB Images
The tables haven’t terned just yet- the Roseate Tern is still showing beautifully from our Main Lake. It was also joined (briefly) by an Arctic Tern on Thursday, meaning our Main Lake was the place to be for birdwatchers this week.
Image Credit: Gordon Langsbury, RSPB Images.
Also on the Main Lake was a gorgeous Black-tailed Godwit. Resplendent in its summer plumage, the deep orangey-red feathers stood out against the water and made for an amazing display for passing visitors. Many of the species you see at Saltholme have different plumage (feathers) dependent on the season; some change colour entirely, for some the markings change, for some the change is more subtle. Whatever the difference, it means you should definitely visit our site in all seasons!
We cannot not mention the chicks that have been using the Main Lake as their base. This week alone, we have had Tufted Ducklings, Little Grebe chicks and Great Crested Grebe chicks. All species have had their turn in the spotlight, swimming right in front of the Visitor Centre viewing gallery. But be warned….chicks grow up quickly! Make sure to visit our reserve soon for your chance to see them.
Speaking of visiting…you really should! As we mention every week, it is impossible for this blog to include everything that has been happening at Saltholme. However, we are a friendly bunch and will happily chat with you about the conservation work, recent sightings and upcoming events that make our reserve such an amazing place. We hope to see you soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Arctic Tern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/arctic-tern/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Black-tailed Godwit [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/black-tailed-godwit/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Cuckoo [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/cuckoo/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Great Crested Grebe [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/great-crested-grebe/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Little Grebe [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/little-grebe/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Roseate Tern [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/roseate-tern/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Tufted Duck [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/tufted-duck/ [last accessed 07/07/2023].
The Wildlife Trusts (2023). Bracken [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/ferns-and-horsetails/bracken [last accessed 29/06/2023].
The Wildlife Trusts (2023). Japanese Knotweed [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/japanese-knotweed [last accessed 05/07/2023].