What's going on?

The Radipole visitor centre has been closed for a few weeks now but there is still plenty to see out and about.

A quick stroll through the reserve yesterday rewareded me with a hunting marsh harrier from the buddleia loop (where will they nest this year after the amazing success of 2011?), a group of bearded tits scooting over the reed tops, at least two 'plops' as the ever elusive water voles take to the water and a noisy water rail skulking through the undergrowth near the hide.

Over at Lodmoor too there is plenty of activity and it's not just wildlife, but also a gang of RSPB staff and volunteers hard at work up to their knees in water. But what on earth are they doing?! Well, one glance at the Radipole roof will tell you that it needs new thatch, and why buy when you can get it for free? Our ancestors used to manage reedbeds like we have here in Weymouth for thatch, cutting different areas every year on a cycle. This works wonders for the local wildlife, as it not only keeps the reed bed healthy by stopping trees such as willow taking over but also provides birds such as bearded tit and other wildlife with a brand new seed source every year.

RSPB volunteer Neil bundling reed for thatch...

If you fancy a look at the guys at work, they will be there for a few more days, it may look destructive but I assure you by next year there will be healthy reedbed packed with seed heads and then in a few weeks look out for the same reed being used to re-thatch our Radipole visitor centre.