Overcast with drizzle, so not that good really!
12 Chiffchaffs
6 Blackcaps
1 Willow Warbler (VC)
2 Grey Wagtails (Canoe Slalom)
1 Lapwing (over south)
2 Gadwall (pair), 4 Tufted Ducks (3m1f) and 4 Teal flushed from Fingers by the Sedgewick Seat. 2 Greylag Geese on the main lake. Single male Bullfinch in the plantation to the north of Kramer hide. Also one of the Blackcaps was singing very strongly in the same plantation.
Good numbers of Sand Martins (c60) over the main lake with a number of Swallows intermixed.
The Fingers Mute Swans have started nest building and the male is much more agressive now, seeing off all comers. The main lake pair were also on patrol with the male seeing off another Mute Swan down by the Beach.
A couple of Grey Herons were seen along the navigation channel. A Kingfisher was seen along the flood channel just upstream from where it joins with the Canoe Slalom.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Thursday, April 01, 2010
31st March 2010: Labyrinth centrepiece installed
Priory Park's Labyrinth has been completed by the installation of the central piece of artwork: a 2 m diameter marble maze, mirroring the design of the Labyrinth itself. This tiltable artwork should provide a challenge for Priory's younger visitors: can they guide the two cricket-ball sized wooden 'marbles' to the centre of the maze.
The artwork's installation was challenging enough: echoes of Its a Knockout as the parts of the maze - the maze itself and its glass top - were manouevred into position, passing through the gaps in the Labyrinth towards the centre. Getting the glass through without scratching or damaging it saw three of the Rangers and Susannah Oliver (the artwork's designer) carefully attaching and removing glass carrying handles (the ones with the suckers on each end) as it (and we) passed through the gaps.
The picture shows Susannah with the finished piece. The maze itself is decorated with images taken from designs drawn by local school children and echo some of those now seen on the outside of the Labyrinth itself.
The Labyrinth will be further complemented later this year with the installation of a natural play area close by. Current plans include a large mound with slide from which the Labyrinth (and the wider park) can be viewed. Work has already started on opening up an area of woodland near the back of the Labyrinth and further works are scheduled for later in the year.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
W Plantation & Disappearing Fences
BTCV volunteers have been working in the park for a long time now and over the last couple of years, under BTCV supervision, The Princes Trust have taken on some of the coppicing in the W plantation (so called because of the shape of the plantation/fence on the meadow side). You may have seen previous posts on this blog.
In February and March this year a new team of Princes Trust volunteers who called themselves "The Achievement Hunters" undertook some of the work.
Above (in no particular order): "The Achievement Hunters" - Kerian, Ricky B, Tristan, James, Janet, Charlie, Robin, Nicholas, Katie, Emma, Tom & Kelly. Thanks go to you all for your hard work.
Above: Some of the work outside the plantation.
Above: Ricky B, took a 2 week placement with BTCV and showed himself to be reliable and hard working - deserving of an extra mention. Well done Ricky!
The BTCV Weekday Conservation Team has been removing fences recently around the W plantation (this is where the Woodland Walk is situated). This team of volunteers also created the woodland walk. We hope you have enjoyed using it!
More information about The Princes Trust can be found at www.princes-trust.org.uk
More information about BTCV can be found at www.btcv.org.uk or http://btcvbedfordshire.blogspot.com or you can contact the Bedford office on 01234 327300.
In February and March this year a new team of Princes Trust volunteers who called themselves "The Achievement Hunters" undertook some of the work.
Above (in no particular order): "The Achievement Hunters" - Kerian, Ricky B, Tristan, James, Janet, Charlie, Robin, Nicholas, Katie, Emma, Tom & Kelly. Thanks go to you all for your hard work.
Above: Some of the work outside the plantation.
Above: Ricky B, took a 2 week placement with BTCV and showed himself to be reliable and hard working - deserving of an extra mention. Well done Ricky!
The BTCV Weekday Conservation Team has been removing fences recently around the W plantation (this is where the Woodland Walk is situated). This team of volunteers also created the woodland walk. We hope you have enjoyed using it!
More information about The Princes Trust can be found at www.princes-trust.org.uk
More information about BTCV can be found at www.btcv.org.uk or http://btcvbedfordshire.blogspot.com or you can contact the Bedford office on 01234 327300.
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