Another busy few weeks around the Dorset Reserves, some long term projects have been continuing such as the Battle for Butterflies work parties taking place at Garston wood, The predator fence is nearing completion on Arne Moors ready for the arrival of breeding waders and passerines and the tree planting as seen in our previous blog has now been completed all thanks to many hours of work from our many volunteers.
With winter fast becoming spring new projects are now starting up ready for our spring species to show themselves. The estates team and many volunteers have taken part in Adder Emergence training in the past couple of weeks. With the weather improving and temperatures increasing reptiles are beginning to show themselves around Dorset. Arne has been recognised as an excellent habitat for Adders, however there are limited records as to their numbers and locations around the site. The training aimed to give the participants an idea of how to recognise adders and locations which you may expect to find them. This is going to be an ongoing survey in the hope of increasing our knowledge of their whereabouts.
An exciting thing we have been running for a number of years is the Osprey nest project. There are three artificial nests based around Arne which have been constructed in the hope that Ospreys which pass through Poole Harbour on migration may decide to stay for the summer and possibly breed at some point in the future. The habitat and the availability of food have improved greatly in the Poole Harbour area, making this ideal habitat. Over the next few months the birds should be passing through allowing for a good chance of seeing them. This week those nests have had running repairs and a few refurbishments.
Down at Radipole Reserve the winter cut of the footpaths has been completed and a section of reeds around the animal picnic benches cleared so as to improve the views over the waters and hopefully allow better views of the birds as well.
Garston woods Dormouse boxes have received their spring clean ready for the Dormice to come out of hibernation. There are over 100 boxes placed throughout the wood to provide additional nest sites for this fragile population.
We will continue to keep you informed as to our activities and should anyone be interested in further information on volunteering then feel free to contact: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk