The current theme of the RSPB is "giving nature a home". And just how fantastic a home we have for nature here at Saltholme. At this time of year, once the breeding season is over, we do routine maintenance of the reserve. Unwanted scrub has to be cleared and vigorous thistles controlled. But for the first time when we have been doing this we have found these nests:-
The size of a tennis ball and in the coarse vegetation near the reed beds in Saltholme Clay Field - the old breeding nests of Harvest Mice. At last we know we have a good breeding population of these fantastic small mice.
The breeding season is coming to a close now but we look forward to more sightings of nests next year. For more information click on the link above.
Meanwhile we are planning our management to give them the home they need as well as encouraging breeding wading birds - tweeking the grass and scrub cutting here and the grazing there so that we have the best environment for all.
Peter