Hi there
I thought I would start a thread about favourite reserves that we visit on a daily basis.
Our one is Marston Vale (Marston Vale is where we heard our first Cetti's Warbler) at the moment not to forget our love of Grafham, and Rutland too.
Any one else have a favourite hotspot, and why
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Gosh that's a tough one Kathy! I'd say Venus Pool and Wood Lane being as they are my 'locals', but there are many more I really appreciate for different reasons!
Hoping to get to Martin Mere on 31.01! :-)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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Hi Blackbird, good idea with this thread.
My favourite reserve isn't local to me but I've returned a couple of times now and it refreshes my soul each time. It's RSPB South Stack on Anglesey. Here's why:
With high cliffs and crashing waves, it's always dramatic whatever the weather.
Close-up views of ravens tumbling on the updraughts, along with more choughs than you can shake your binoculars at. Not that you need binoculars, they're so close.
An incredible display of seabirds in spring - guillemot, razorbill, fulmar, kittiwake and the ever-popular puffin.
The patchwork of heather and gorse is just beautiful (both the sight and the smell) and there is an endemic plant found nowhere but Anglesey, a pretty yellow flower whose name escapes me...
Where else can you watch peregrines and kestrels hunting, from above?
There's a small chance of seeing basking sharks, whales and dolphins, although I didn't see any it's fun to look out for them!
South Stack should be on everyone's To Do list. I look forward to hearing about everyone else's favourite spots.
L.
Ooooooh LB. We are spending a week in Anglesey in April. You have made me look forward to it even more now.
Cheers, Linda.
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Hi Luckybustard
Happy new year to you - not seen you for a while.
RSPB South Stack is somewhere we have not visited yet. Need to add it to out lengthing list of places to go.
Anglesey is very accessible to us so as you mentioned here. I will take a print of this thread and add it to my scrape book of places to go.
The close up of seabirds sounds amazing to be if you are not reliant on your binoculars {wow}
Anyone else got a great place that they love to visit
I don't get the opportunity to go to places very often re: work, being a single mum, not being a driver. However I do love Saltwells Nature Reserve, justa short bus ride away, this is quite diverse habitat, lovely in summer. I also like Sandwell Valley but can only go there with someone driving as it is quite difficult to access. Baggeridge / Himley Country Park and Wrens Nest Nature Reserve sometimes, fantastic butterflies in summer.
I have been to an RSPB reserve near Arundel, Sussex but can't think of the name of it, that was good, but it was on the off chance & not planned so we didn't have camera etc.
Marjus, you will enjoy Martin Mere. I try to visit in the Autumn. Do wrap up warm as it can be so cold if the wind blows over the flats.
LuckyBustard, I agree with you about Anglesey ( esp. with a good high tide and a gale blowing) and also if you cross over to the Dee Estuary (Wirral) where you will see waders in tens of thousands (esp. this time of year )and see various sea birds. See the seals on Hilbre Isle and where they catch and ring birds. ( see Dee Estuary Birding) . As you will guess I love that part of Wales and England for seeing birds but it is quite a drive from E. Sussex but well worth it. Even Martin Mere is so near.
Hi Brenda
Where is Martin Mere?
Yes, another to add to the list of Reserves to visit.
Dave and I will visit Reserves far away but we would rather have a long weekend or a week away enjoying ourselves. Still trying to find our way around England at the moment.
So we are an open door to the UK. {smile}
We have discussed camping too - if the weather permits {er!!}
Hi MarJus
Lots of thoughts about places to go here {smile}
I would love to go to Venus Pool.
Can you remind me where it is?
Just have to keep on with all the information as much as possible
Kathy, it's 'near' Southport, see here: http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/martin-mere. It's about 2 hours for me in Shropshire.
Venus Pool is a few miles south of Shrewbury just off of the A458 road to Bridgnorth. It is next to the Cound fisheries. http://www.shropshirebirds.com/VPintro.htm