Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
It’s been another busy week at Saltholme. Honestly, it’s almost like we’re a large nature reserve and visitor attraction or something…
…You know the score- read on for more information on conservation work, events and recent sightings!
News from the Estate:
If you visited the reserve this week and listened very carefully, you may have heard the sound of chainsaws mingling with the first birdsong of 2023. But that is the sound of conservation in action- the estates team have been shortening (quite drastically) buddleia, willow and other scrub species. Not only does this keep footpaths clear and free of avoidable trip hazards, but also varies the height of vegetation on our reserve. With spring just around the corner (it’s closer than you think, we promise), we’re looking to encourage emerging pollinator species. By keeping scrub under control, we can maintain a series of ‘mini meadows’ for bees and other wildflower-loving insects.
Coppicing is a woodland management technique that has been used for hundreds of years. It can be used for a more sustainable form of forestry, as trees are not completely removed and branches can be harvested from the same plant year-on-year. Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images
The method used to cut down the scrub is also important. On willow, the estates team have been using a technique called ‘coppicing’. In short (no pun intended), the willow is cut close to the base. This means new shoots can grow from the stump (see the picture above). Coppiced areas are more open than woodland/scrub that is left completely to its own devices. This means more sunlight reaches the ground, encouraging a wider range of wildflowers and other smaller plants to grow. This once again helps pollinating species!
What’s On:
The Welly Dogs are returning to Saltholme ahead of February half-term. This time, they are bringing friends with them; can you spot the odd ones out as you explore our Discovery Zone?
It may not feel like 5 minutes since you were dragging the kids kicking and screaming back to school after Christmas, but February half-term is sneaking up on us with alarming rapidity. There will be loads of family-friendly activities available between 18 and 26 February (we’ll talk about these more next week), but some are arriving early… THE WELLY DOGS ARE BACK!
In fact, the welly dogs are back and they have brought friends with them. They have magically appeared in the Discovery Zone; can you find them all and identify the ones that are not dogs? Normal reserve entry fees apply, but the trail itself is free. So visit us over the weekend and run some energy off the kids.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Did you know that we have launched a Photo of the Month? We’ve decided that our reserve is simply too awesome for staff and volunteers to see all the highlights; many of Saltholme’s wildlife and landscapes are experienced by our visitors. We want to hear these stories, and so we are asking you to email us photos- taken at Saltholme this February- and tell us the story behind them. They could be a wonderful wildlife sighting, a lovely landscape shot or just something that made you smile. You don’t need to get the perfect shot either- we’re just as interested in the explanation as we are with the picture itself. The top three photos will be announced on 3 March, and will be displayed in our visitor centre. Interested? Email your photos, along with your name, the date the photo was taken and the story behind it, to saltholme@rspb.org.uk by 27 February.
Recent Sightings:
Skylarks are known for their display flight- they fly vertically upwards, singing as they go. Keep an eye (and ear) out for them on grassland and heathland. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
When you’re huddled under a blanket, burning the heating bill for warmth and worrying about the state of the world, it can be easy to forget that spring is on its way. And it really is just around the corner- we have proof in the fact that we’ve got the first singing skylarks of the year! Seen (and heard) near our Haverton Viewpoint, this bird is always a favourite with visitors.
The lesser redpoll has only recently been recognised as a species distinct from the common or ‘mealy’ redpoll. Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
Another species that always cheers people up is the lesser redpoll. This tiny finch has been using the Discovery Zone this week, so keep your eyes peeled for this seed-eating visitor.
Along with the firecrest, the goldcrest is the UK's smallest bird- it weighs less than a 10p piece! Image Credit: John Bridges, RSPB Images
It's not always the large birds that spark an interest. Two goldcrests, spotted near our Haverton Viewpoint on Friday morning, punched above their weight (not difficult, seen as they weigh less than 6 grams) in terms of attracting attention. As you walk around our reserve, make sure to look into the hedgerows and bushes on either side of the path- you never know what small birds may be lurking in there!
Male sparrowhawks have orange-brown stripes across the chest, and dark grey feathers on their back. Females are larger and browner. Image Credit: Dave Ward, RSPB Images
A bird that can be seen at Saltholme year-round is the sparrowhawk. Whilst relatively common, this Bird of Prey is always a spectacle. The individual that calls our reserve ‘holme’ (see what we did there?) has been very active this week, flying to and from the central meadow. The presence of the sparrowhawk has also changed the behaviour of many of the other species you can see. For example, if you’re into murmurations, the lapwings have been creating incredible aerial displays over the Saltholme Pools hide.
The water rails have been very active around our Wildlife Watchpoint hide. Image Credit: Mark Stokeld
We just have to finish by mentioning the water rail that decided to go against the normal behaviour for this species and strut around in front of the visitor centre viewing area. It was completely unconcerned with the wall of photographers, birdwatchers, staff and volunteers- it was definitely showing off!
Not happy with our round-up of the weekly sightings? Watch this video, filmed by Ian Robinson, to discover what else has been recorded on the reserve this week.
We hope to see you soon!
References and Additional Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Goldcrest [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/goldcrest/ [last accessed 10/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Lapwing [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/lapwing/ [last accessed 09/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Lesser Redpoll [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/lesser-redpoll/ [last accessed 09/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Skylark [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/skylark/ [last accessed 09/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Sparrowhawk [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/sparrowhawk/ [last accessed 09/02/2023].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2023). Water Rail [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/water-rail/ [last accessed 09/02/2023].