Hello,
Welcome to another weekly round up from the North West Norfolk Team, which follows similar themes from previous weeks.
Flooding
This week we had contractors returning to the reserve to install additional drainage around the visitor centre so that the courtyard will no longer be our new water feature. Whilst here we were going to help us flatten the soil adjacent to the welcome hub to tidy up that area, however as the ground is still saturated and they were sinking we have had to push back that small task for another day.
Turtle Doves
Titchwell and Snettisham are home to breeding turtle doves with Snettisham being a stronghold. To enhance their prospects Jim and Ryan had an afternoon in the Snettisham Car Park to enhance some of the habitat in there, ready for when these birds later in the spring.
Continuing the Turtle Dove theme, on Tuesday the team attended an inspiring Turtle Dove Workshop bringing together all the work the RSPB is involved with across the Flyway. This work ranges from Turtle Dove Friendly Zones, tagging Turtle doves to learn more about the migration and a seed mix trail. It was really encouraging to learn more about all the work that is happening on these species and I think we all left re-energised.
You can find out more about Turtle Dove Conservation including how you can help over on the Operation Turtle Dove website. www.operationturtledove.org
Heathland Management
The team along with the wardens from Nene Washes have had another couple of days clearing trees off the heathland at our confidential reserve. It is experiencing quite a transformation this winter. Whilst here they also completed some more fence repairs that prevents people accessing this reserve.
Though I think we have broken Jim this week!!
Tinkering at Titchwell
Ryan and I have continued with our work to cut paths along the reedbed banks. This time we were on the eastern part of the reedbed and provided us with the opportunity to take a closer look at where the growing cormorant roost is occurring.
We also cut and raked some blocks of rank grass from an area near to the Screen at Patsy’s. This may make the area more attractive for pipits and skylarks to drop down and feed on. By only doing blocks we can still keep areas rough for the small mammals that enjoy using the area.
Norfolk Coast Wardens Meeting
Thursday was the pre-season meet up of the Norfolk Coast wardens who work across the nature reserves on the Norfolk coast. This provides us the opportunity to catch up on what plans we all have in place for managing the upcoming beach nesting bird season and keep up to date with some of the other projects the Norfolk AONB is working on.
Of course when we have also been at home completing other aspects of our work programme such as planning what volunteer support we need for the upcoming Beach nesting bird season, attending various meetings across the organisation and catching up on general admin.
Have a good week and we'll be back next week with another update.
Take Care
Lizzie