Image Credit: Ben Andrew, RSPB Images
With glittering, frosty mornings and stunning sunsets, Saltholme has been showing us its best side this week. The staff and volunteers have been making sure visitors can get the most out of this beautiful place; there have been lots of events, sightings and conservation work going on. Read on to find out more.
News from the Estate:
The water soldier you see in ponds is most likely a garden escapee. Image Credit: Andy Hay, RSPB Images.
If you read this blog regularly (which we hope you do), you’ll have gathered by now that there is a seasonality to practical conservation work; this time of year is all about cutting back vegetation. The areas getting a haircut (presumably short bark and sides?) this week have been the walled garden and the ponds by the visitor centre entrance.
Firstly, the water soldier that has been attempting to take over the walled garden pond has been brought under control. It has not been completely removed, as dragonflies love to lay their eggs on these plants. However, areas of open water must be maintained to encourage other insects (which the dragonflies hunt) into the area.
In the coldest week of the winter (so far), how many of you would willingly don waders and stand waist-deep in coagulating water to cut reeds? Well, that is EXACTLY what our wonderful work party volunteers and staff did on Tuesday and Thursday. Why? To vary the age structure of the reeds in these pools. In short, different heights and densities of vegetation suit different species. So, by varying the habitat we create a home for a much wider selection of wildlife. Well worth the soggy socks.
What’s On:
Image Credit: Claire Freeburn
The past few weeks have been busy to say the least. To give you a flavour of the range of events Saltholme has to offer, here are some of the headliners from the past fortnight:
On 26 and 27 November, we kicked off Christmas by inviting local businesses into our visitor centre for two days of eco-friendly shopping. With everything from glassware to plastic-free products, there was something for everyone. Many of our visitors (and most of our staff) made progress with guilt-free Christmas shopping.
Have you watched Aardman’s Robin Robin film on Netflix? Did you know that the RSPB have partnered with Netflix to bring you an exclusive Robin Robin activity trail? That’s right, IT’S BACK. And better than ever because this year Storm Arwen didn’t join the party. Available throughout December, the £3 trail pack includes an activity booklet, mask, Christmas decoration, certificate, puzzles and even a pencil. Pick yours up this weekend!
As a reward for our good behaviour, Santa and a horde of elves visited Saltholme last weekend (3 December). Whilst the elves caused mischief and mayhem (we’re talking stolen mince pies, snow angels, wrapping paper everywhere and much more), Santa met over 40 children. Not only did these children get to see the Man in the Big Red Coat, but they received a present, hot chocolate, and the opportunity to make a bird feeder. Everyone had a great time, and Santa is now on his way back to the North Pole with all the Christmas lists.
As well as being a VIP visit, last weekend also brought the opportunity to find your perfect pair of binoculars. With Christmas fast approaching, this was the perfect occasion to drop strong hints to relatives and friends, or succumb to those hints yourself; many people went away very happy with their purchases. Some tried them out on the reserve, others are going to have to wait until they open them on Christmas day!
Santa may have left, but his reindeer are still enjoying the reserve. Can you find them all? All you need is a smartphone and a can-do attitude. Just ask at the front desk for instructions.
Last but certainly not least, this morning marked the return of our Dawn Waders and Wildfowl Walk. One of our wardens helped attendees to identify the wildlife that makes Saltholme so special, against the backdrop of a rising sun and glittering frost. Not a bad start to the day.
Phew! That’s everything for now. As you can see, we don’t do things by halves; there is something for everyone at Saltholme!
Recent Sightings:
The brown hare can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour! Image Credit: Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images
We always seem to talk about the bird species that we have on-site. Whilst these are incredible, did you know we also boast a thriving population of mammals? For example, a hare has been showing off to visitors on the way to our Saltholme Pools hide this week, and one of our resident weasels has been proudly showing off the spoils of its successful hunts. Keep an eye out for these on your next visit.
Another species that has not been shy of visitors is the kingfisher. We have seen not one, but TWO of these brilliant blue birds fishing from our artificial sand martin burrows (the burrows are artificial, not the sand martins) throughout the week. Given that these birds are often only seen as a brief flash of blue, it’s been a real treat to see them in more detail.
The Wildlife Watchpoint hide has been the haunt of a water rail this week. A species that usually spends its time skulking through reeds, this species is always a great thing to spot.
A short-eared owl and barn owl were also keen to get in on the action; the barn owl flew right past the visitor centre viewing window on Tuesday afternoon, causing great excitement amongst staff and visitors. Not to be overlooked, the short-eared owl has been showing off its hunting skills from our Jubilee Mound.
As usual, this round-up only represents a tiny proportion of Saltholme’s species. Want the full list? Why not come and visit us over the next few weeks?
References and Further Reading
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Barn Owl [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/barn-owl/ [last accessed 08/12/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Kingfisher [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/kingfisher/ [last accessed 08/12/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Short-eared Owl [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/short-eared-owl/ [last accessed 08/12/2022].
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (2022). Water Rail [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/water-rail/ [last accessed 08/12/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Brown Hare [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/brown-hare [last accessed 08/12/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Water Soldier [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/water-soldier [last accessed 08/12/2022].
The Wildlife Trusts (2022). Weasel [webpage]. Accessed through https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/mammals/weasel [last accessed 08/12/2022].