Sunday, July 01, 2012

Volunteers in the park

I joined the volunteer group in the park again today and we were back on the south side of the main lake repairing on the of the fishing swims. We are reusing some timber, reclaimed from the recent Environment Agency work at Cardington Lock, to replace rotten timbers that make up the fishing swims. Quite a small turnout again this month so just a single swim was completed. Well done to everyone who turned out and special thanks to Alan, and his mum, for the chocolate cake which fueled our efforts today.

There has been little change with the bird life around the park although a brood of Tufted Ducks has appeared which is the first time they have bred in the park since 1986 (per DK). They most likely nested on the main lake island and were first seen on the main lake. More recently they have moved onto the Finger Lakes where they can often be seen. This morning there were six youngsters with the adult female, down from 9.

A Common Buzzard was spotted high over the New Meadow with a couple of Corvids in attendance just after lunchtime today.

A trip up to Mowsbury Hillfort NR yesterday morning proved a good move for Butterfly watching as Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown Marbled White and Large Skipper were all recorded in the courtyard. There are still good numbers of Common Spotted Orchids here also but many have now gone past their best, still worth a look if you get a chance though.

If you would like to join the volunteer group for the next volunteer session check out the volunteer programme here or contact the rangers for details. We're a friendly group and whatever time you can spare would be much appreciated by all. Come on get stuck in!

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