It's been a few weeks since the reserve and new Discovery Centre dissappeared under water. But against all the odds we have not only managed to clear the initial mess, reopen most of the trails, but also give the centre a deep clean completly clear the space and dry the space out. In short we will be open for the olympics!
Sure we won't have the flashy cameras and all the other pleasures we were getting used to but we will be there with some exciting displays and will be running activities throughout the games. From pond dipping to pebble painting, we may even have some live reptiles making a guest appearance. The centre and reserve trails will be open every day of the Olympics, but remember that the Swannery carpark is closed as it is the drop of spot for the olympic park and ride and the hide is still not safe to open after the floods. The Bayside festival site on the sea front will be open too and Tom and Amber from the RSPB will be down there most days leading more activities there, so If you fancy a break from sailing in the up coming weeks drop in and see how we are getting on.
Now the sun is out there is plenty to see out on the reserve too in the form of butterlfies and dragonflies and a whole mix of relived and thankfully dry creatures. Ever since the day after the flood, when I was picking them up out of puddles by the handful, I've been obsessed with spotting stickleback at Radipole. It is surprisingly easy, get yourself on a bridge or boardwalk over the edge into the water. it is really satisfying to see so much life in the channels when it was only 2 years ago that many of them were cleared. Lets hope it stays like this for a while yet!
Good to hear progress, hope you get lots of visitors during the Olympics.