tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-382089382024-03-13T19:57:24.437+00:00Priory Country ParkPriory Country Park is a former gravel pits located on the South East edge of Bedford, adjacent to the River Great Ouse. Find us at Barkers Lane off A428, or in Priory Business Park off A421 Bedford bypass. Admission is Free with access to the Visitor centre and 2 hides, one overlooking the main lake and one on the Finger lakes. You will find Winter wildfowl, passage terns and waders, and Water Rail all year.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.comBlogger818125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-68733244444086659622020-05-26T14:11:00.003+01:002020-05-26T14:11:39.901+01:00Spring update from Dave KramerShelduck: 3 on 15/4, 1 on 16/5. A few Gadwalls are still hanging around, mainly males seen, but I'm waiting for the females to crawl out of the woodwork, preferably with young trailing behind them. Two male Shovelers on 7th May were a bit out of season. The male Ring-necked Duck was present almost daily to 16th April and then spent a lot of time on Longholme, visiting Priory (sometimes for only a short time) on 26th, 27th April, May 3rd, 4th, 9th, 12th, 13th, and 16th.(None since.) Herons: Fifteen nests built but only ten currently active. Some of the early nests were built by enthusiastic immatures but they were not enthusiastic enough (or capable) of laying eggs and raising young. Total young at the moment is about 17 and several have left their nests. Two Black-necked Grebes on10th May were very nice. There have been more sightings of Red Kites in May than in previous months. A pair of Oystercatchers nested in the sailing club compound and hatched 2 young - which were predated within three days of hatching. A Black-tailed Godwit flew over on 22nd April(JB). One Arctic Tern was present on the morning of the 22nd April with a further six later in the day. Little Gulls : 2 on 6th April (JB), 1 on 7th, 1 on 13th and 14th (JB), 1 on 24th April and one on 23rd May. There are many Black-headed Gulls on the island - which I put at about 80 until a Heron flew over and about 120 flew up. So it will be interesting to see how many pairs have bred. (Although the Lesser Black-backed Gulls circle over the island like vultures looking for young gulls, Mallards or goslings - and finding them!) The first Cuckoo was on 17th April with birds almost daily to 22 May, occasionally with a female present. Peregrine over on 20th April, Hobby over on 30th April. Very few hirundines over mainly due to the good weather giving them no good reason to pause on their journeys. The only larger numbers were seen on dull or drizzly days. Willow Warblers were only present on passage (1 to 3) between 5th and 16th April. An incredible change in status for this once common species (highest - 29 territorial males) in the park. Excellent numbers of Blackcaps this spring with often between 20 and 25 singing males but Garden Warblers and Lesser Whitethroats have been a bit thin on the ground. A Bullfinch today, seen by Tony Ploszajski was the first since 29th March!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.432114626.6086985 -41.7407086 77.6527675 40.8764794tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-42654945061540845692020-03-18T05:53:00.000+00:002020-03-18T05:59:22.686+00:00Guided bird walks CANCELLED until further noticeGiven the latest advice from the government regarding the coronavirus I am cancelling my guided walks at Priory CP until further notice.<br />
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Please check back here or contact the ranger for further information as the situation changes.<br />
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.432114626.6086985 -41.7407086 77.6527675 40.8764794tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-53432347963329639402020-02-21T17:29:00.000+00:002020-02-29T06:56:47.165+00:00Why barbed hooks are not allowed when lure fishing.A couple of weeks ago we had a report of a duck caught on a fishing lure that was caught in a tree on the edge of the main lake. Fortunately between the ranger, myself and the tree surgeon, who happened to be working nearby, we were able to free the duck and recover the lure. In doing so we found that the lure had barbed trebles on it which are not allowed in the park. It was also tied direct to nylon line rather than utilising a wire trace as per the <a href="https://bbcdevwebfiles.blob.core.windows.net/webfiles/Leisure%20Parks%20and%20Sport/Parks%20and%20open%20spaces/Fishing%20rules.pdf" target="_blank">park rules</a>.<br />
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I understand that sometimes tackle can be lost when fishing but adhering to the park rules will help to mitigate any issues should this happen. Using some common sense when casting may also help to limit the amount of tackle lost in trees.<br />
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As well as potentialy deadly for any animal/bird caught in the line or hooks it is also distressing for park visitors who witness the same. When fishing in the park please make yourself familiar with the rules (see the link above) and locations where fishing is allowed.<br />
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The following pictures (kindly provided by Andy Howe who found and reported the issue) may be distressing to some but I include them here in the hope that they will encourage anglers to take more care when fishing in the park and anywhere else for that matter.<br />
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.comPriory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.432114626.6086985 -41.7407086 77.6527675 40.8764794tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-75226570957458666572019-08-01T14:59:00.001+01:002019-08-01T14:59:43.662+01:00Hornet Clearwing MothHere is a picture of a Hornet Clearwing moth found and photographed by Jon Bishop while clearing a fallen White Poplar on Monday 29th July.<br />
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-44105776147449898522019-07-07T13:22:00.002+01:002019-07-29T19:36:06.737+01:00Update from Dave K<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 1.5rem;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: merriweather, sans-serif;">"A Great White Egret flew in at 0658 and landed on the south side of the island after being harassed by half a dozen LBB Gulls. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: merriweather, sans-serif;">It has been fairly quiet at Priory during the last week but we have had Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns producing young on the island; Tony P had a Green Sandpiper on the 2nd. A Nuthatch and a Coal Tit were examples of birds which have been seen as a result of post-breeding dispersal (otherwise rare at Priory). Two Little Egrets on the 3rd; Cuckoo on the 4th, Shoveler on the 5th; two family parties of Green Woodpeckers on the 5th, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher and Jays on the 6th, 31 Long-tailed Tits today."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: merriweather, sans-serif;">Dave K. </span></div>
Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-61408721157680549812019-06-26T20:06:00.000+01:002019-07-29T19:35:16.274+01:00Bat Walk 08/08/2019 - **** FULLY BOOKED ****<br />
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The bat walk on August 8th at Priory CP this year. It is essential to book as places are limited. Please follow the link below for further details:</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BbvJcQOTBZy3xNH1c62jw8HueCTzPMIB/view?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Priory CP 2019 Bat Walks poster</a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-14290998683647997252019-04-24T18:58:00.000+01:002019-04-24T18:58:06.944+01:00MAGPAS Air Ambulance visit (Pt.2)<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Magpas_Charity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Magpas_Charity</a> A few more photo's from today's visit to Priory Country Park, Bedford. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FurtherFasterGreater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FurtherFasterGreater</a> <a href="https://t.co/WJKdHiy0ON">pic.twitter.com/WJKdHiy0ON</a></p>— David Barnes (@djb1166) <a href="https://twitter.com/djb1166/status/1121110561712898049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-35654916795258837862019-04-24T17:19:00.000+01:002019-04-24T17:19:13.175+01:00MAGPAS Air Ambulance visit<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Magpas_Charity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Magpas_Charity</a> Great to see the new helicopter at Priory Country Park, Bedford today <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FurtherFasterGreater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FurtherFasterGreater</a> <a href="https://t.co/drDPHyNUuN">pic.twitter.com/drDPHyNUuN</a></p>— David Barnes (@djb1166) <a href="https://twitter.com/djb1166/status/1121077224420073473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-25780469716891533962019-04-22T09:00:00.000+01:002019-04-22T16:26:30.263+01:00Little Gulls @ PCP 22/04/2019<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A few record shots of the Little Gulls at Priory Country Park this morning. Such beautiful acrobatic little birds. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rbnBDF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rbnBDF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bedsbirdsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bedsbirdsnews</a> <a href="https://t.co/r7gdc3Tqpb">pic.twitter.com/r7gdc3Tqpb</a></p>— David Barnes (@djb1166) <a href="https://twitter.com/djb1166/status/1120347734555258881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-87980984206122535362019-04-16T17:02:00.000+01:002019-04-16T17:03:17.259+01:00Spring Litter Pick (Part 2)<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Priory Country Park Volunteers did another litter pick along the river yesterday, this time we used the boat to get all of the stuff we couldn't reach from the bank last time. <a href="https://twitter.com/KeepBritainTidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@keepbritaintidy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBSpringClean?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBSpringClean</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BedfordTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BedfordTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hos1i5C4xG">pic.twitter.com/Hos1i5C4xG</a></p>— David Barnes (@djb1166) <a href="https://twitter.com/djb1166/status/1118181712108957696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-37177884325218788952019-04-14T10:00:00.000+01:002019-04-16T17:53:34.054+01:00Sunday Volunteers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sunday volunteers got stuck into the Ivy on the Priory wall this month in preparation for the refurbishment work which will start in a couple of months.</span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-34671235483477831462019-04-03T09:40:00.002+01:002019-04-03T09:43:02.052+01:00Priory CP Heronry update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qbMjKieueM/XKRwsfsXONI/AAAAAAAAGok/Tn9LEb6yLdsy-T5nc52gGprEiBH6Z4sQACLcBGAs/s1600/20190324_Grey%2BHeron_DX_3986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qbMjKieueM/XKRwsfsXONI/AAAAAAAAGok/Tn9LEb6yLdsy-T5nc52gGprEiBH6Z4sQACLcBGAs/s320/20190324_Grey%2BHeron_DX_3986.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey Heron on nest with chick</td></tr>
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<p>The Priory CP heronry continues to grow. This year we have ten nests and several pairs have chicks while others are still on eggs.</p>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-90716492486525763752019-03-26T06:55:00.000+00:002019-03-26T06:55:16.546+00:00Spring litter pick<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Priory Country Park Volunteers litter picked the river banks down stream from the park yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/KeepBritainTidy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@keepbritaintidy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBSpringClean?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBSpringClean</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BedfordTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BedfordTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElZo3DfJ9R">pic.twitter.com/ElZo3DfJ9R</a></p>— David Barnes (@djb1166) <a href="https://twitter.com/djb1166/status/1110434050299359233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-3545530528743013242018-05-09T19:08:00.005+01:002018-07-29T05:55:26.786+01:00What's happening on the island?We've been hard at work on the island trying to improve nesting options for Common Terns and Sand Martins. Last year the new Tern raft we put out near the island was a great success with Common Terns taking to it straight away and successfully raising several chicks. Other Terns also appeared to nest on the island even though the habitat is not as conducive for nesting. Terns create a small scrape in which to lay eggs so a gravel base is ideal, like that on the Tern raft. We decided to add an area of gravel on top of the concrete block to expand the available area for the terns to nest. Several boat trips were made to the island to get the materials out there and a layer of membrane and a couple of inches of gravel was laid down. This has a dual benefit in that, as well as providing an ideal nesting area for the Terns, it prevents unwanted plants growing. Initial signs are good as Terns appear to be making use of this new area in good numbers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Tern - (c) Andy Croft</td></tr>
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We have also replaced the old Tern raft with a new one. One of the canisters used to keep the raft afloat had sprung a leak on the old one. Amazingly, having positioned the new raft, a pair of terns checked it out when we were only a few feet away!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3-qINPMrnU/WvMzgVdU3GI/AAAAAAAAGls/j6fViiDhBwYDuOe5hTue81pkcxmJWl3RACLcBGAs/s1600/20180423_186A9017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3-qINPMrnU/WvMzgVdU3GI/AAAAAAAAGls/j6fViiDhBwYDuOe5hTue81pkcxmJWl3RACLcBGAs/s320/20180423_186A9017.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deploying the new tern raft - (c) Andy Croft</td></tr>
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The concrete block also provides nest holes for another summer migrant, the Sand Martin. In the last couple of years work to cut back plant growth in front of the block has helped the Sand Martins use the block for nesting culminating in successful breeding last year, as far as we could tell. This year we have added membrane and gravel in front of the concrete block to prevent plant growth. As soon as the Sand Martins returned this year they immediately started checking out the nest holes so we are hopeful of successful breeding again this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVtLIttbKPQ/WvM2yIHDMSI/AAAAAAAAGl8/KDckcd2ZwCkZWoree8ncb0FWgvruudfqgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVtLIttbKPQ/WvM2yIHDMSI/AAAAAAAAGl8/KDckcd2ZwCkZWoree8ncb0FWgvruudfqgCLcBGAs/s320/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Martin</td></tr>
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While out on the island we also carried out the annual Canada Goose egg oiling program which aims to keep the Canada Goose population in check. This year we carried out 2 visits to the island for egg oiling, on the first we oiled 93 eggs in 17 nests. On the second visit we oiled 139 eggs in 28 nests.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXJo-ppK2a0/WvM3hP9awWI/AAAAAAAAGmM/knbBLO1fJx4AR03YAdmGsMeiiJ6KKHX7wCLcBGAs/s1600/20160417_Canada%2BGoose_1D45768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXJo-ppK2a0/WvM3hP9awWI/AAAAAAAAGmM/knbBLO1fJx4AR03YAdmGsMeiiJ6KKHX7wCLcBGAs/s320/20160417_Canada%2BGoose_1D45768.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Goose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMh4x19p4GI/WvM3K2mRLHI/AAAAAAAAGmE/b5ovrHN-Lt4AR_L_SJkwAzxC-ir7VcoUQCLcBGAs/s1600/20130611_egyptian_goose_1D40700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMh4x19p4GI/WvM3K2mRLHI/AAAAAAAAGmE/b5ovrHN-Lt4AR_L_SJkwAzxC-ir7VcoUQCLcBGAs/s320/20130611_egyptian_goose_1D40700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptian Goose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUeFFWoVspQ/WvM3kWpigMI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/zrXBKN1qkB0sp6qj-1Ug8ypGtc1py3ELQCLcBGAs/s1600/20140329_greylag_geese_1D46659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUeFFWoVspQ/WvM3kWpigMI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/zrXBKN1qkB0sp6qj-1Ug8ypGtc1py3ELQCLcBGAs/s320/20140329_greylag_geese_1D46659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greylag Geese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">There are 2 other species of goose nesting on the island, Greylag and Egyptian but these are currently in much smaller numbers than the Canada Geese. Ducks also nest on the island in the form of Mallards and possibly Tufted ducks and Gadwall. We think that Oystercatchers may also nest on there but have no hard proof so far despite them regularly hanging out on there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-3859554959580669502018-04-18T19:42:00.001+01:002018-04-18T19:42:47.332+01:00Goodbye DannySo all the emails, letters and petitions came to nowt and the council are doing what they want to do and not what the people of Bedford want. 2 Rangers are leaving Priory CP, in fact Danny has already gone having managed to get a new job elsewhere. Many thanks to Danny for all of his help over the years I have been volunteering and although sad to see you go it's great that you have walked straight into a new job so I hope it all goes well for you. Nicky will be leaving the park at the end of May although she will still be employed in a new role with the council. So Jon is left to hold the fort with A N Other still to be announced.<br />
<br />
As far as volunteering goes Jon is going to try to keep the program running so Sunday and weekday vols will hopefully remain but we'll have to see how it goes. If you are interested in volunteering at the park please contact Jon by phone on 01234 718012 or email prioryrangers@bedford.gov.uk.<br />
<br />
Let's hope we can all keep the park running as it has to date.<br />
<br />
Funny to see the Borough Council looking for our input in a survey about Bedford Park when they took no notice of the public's opinion about the changes at Priory CP.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-61650679287003232592018-01-06T17:06:00.001+00:002018-01-06T17:06:58.391+00:00Save Your Country Park - Petition<p>
<div>Please sign this petition</div>
</p>
<div class="change-embed-petition" data-petition-id="12889220"></div>
<script src="https://static.change.org/product/embeds/v1/change-embeds.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-14510751368529142612017-12-16T06:48:00.000+00:002017-12-22T14:24:38.955+00:00Save your country park!You might not be aware but all of the Priory Rangers have been given redundancy notices.<br />
<br />
At the moment two are based at Harrold Country Park and three at Priory Country Park. In total they are responsible for nearly one thousand acres of public green space which also includes Browns Wood, Clapham Park Wood, Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hillfort. They also support and provide educational resources and manage and encourage volunteer groups such as those that help out at Priory CP and the Friends group at Putnoe Wood and Mowsbury Hillfort.<br />
<br />
They are undergoing, at this time, an internal consultation with Bedford Borough Council. The five current rangers are being asked to apply for two ranger positions (downgraded by one pay grade) and two positions that are being called groundsman positions (downgraded by two pay grades). One position is to be made redundant.<br />
<br />
As this consultation is internal and we were not aware of any previous Budget Public Consultations concerning the fate of the Park Ranger Service we cannot directly contribute to these meetings. We can however make our comments and views available to the rangers. This information can then be used to support the their case during their consultation with the Borough.<br />
<br />
If the Borough’s plan to implement these redundancies comes to fruition it would not just have a negative environmental and management impact on the main two sites but all green open spaces and all volunteer groups that depend on the rangers for their support and knowledge.<br />
<br />
Please help fight the rangers case by emailing your comments and views as to why the Rangers are so important to the upkeep of our country parks and green spaces. This information can then be used to support the rangers case during their consultation with the Borough.<br />
<br />
You can <a href="mailto:djbhome@ntlworld.com" target="_blank">email</a> your support for the rangers to me and I will pass it on. A letter or email to your local councillor or the mayor would also be helpful if you have some time to spare. Find your councillor's contact details here: <a href="http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/mgCommitteeMailingList.aspx?ID=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/mgCommitteeMailingList.aspx?ID=0</a><br />
<br />
Please be respectful in any communications, abusive emails will not get us anywhere, reasoned argument and/or impassioned pleas will serve us best.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-74866034446351771102017-07-11T10:35:00.000+01:002017-07-11T10:54:30.371+01:00Sunday Volunteers - 9th JulyThe task on Sunday was pulling the Himalayan Balsam along the river bank between the canoe slalom and Cardington lock. A small group of vols got stuck in and managed to clear the stretch. It was quite a transformation as prior to starting we couldn't even see the river. On completion the river was back in view and our native plants now have room to breath! Taking the Balsam out now prevents it seeding and so hopefully next year we'll have less to deal with. Following photo's supplied by Danny Fellman:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-besC2Ouyi5Q/WWSbAb5MOEI/AAAAAAAAGkU/D3ZvdNzOycQHEq4_hozAHWAlccxQ76AcQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170709_105823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-besC2Ouyi5Q/WWSbAb5MOEI/AAAAAAAAGkU/D3ZvdNzOycQHEq4_hozAHWAlccxQ76AcQCLcBGAs/s320/20170709_105823.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGodbaFGrHM/WWSa_RlWz_I/AAAAAAAAGkQ/bVoG1myqCTcM7ufnexCzAupni7k2Pcn4QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170709_135627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGodbaFGrHM/WWSa_RlWz_I/AAAAAAAAGkQ/bVoG1myqCTcM7ufnexCzAupni7k2Pcn4QCLcBGAs/s320/20170709_135627.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ6cNd3ItHo/WWSbBP8JYoI/AAAAAAAAGkY/QcUPhRuBqWEPnlMHmmUUB88MlNnn-tghwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170709_121532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ6cNd3ItHo/WWSbBP8JYoI/AAAAAAAAGkY/QcUPhRuBqWEPnlMHmmUUB88MlNnn-tghwCLcBGAs/s320/20170709_121532.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big pile of Himalayan Balsam, one of several!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the birding front some good news this week with the confirmed breeding of the Common Terns which have used the new tern raft this year. We spotted at least 2 chicks on the raft on Saturday morning. EG has been ringing in the Rough, completing the annual CES visits. These have been going really well so far this year and on Monday the 10th 50+ birds were processed including a second Lesser Whitethroat juvenile.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-91294625709307486272017-06-27T06:37:00.000+01:002017-06-27T06:40:44.908+01:00Sunday Volunteers - *** Date Change ***Please note the Sunday Volunteers date for July has been changed to the 9th. This is to accommodate the Race for Life which is in the park this weekend (1st and 2nd). We are likely to be Himalayan Balsam pulling along the river at Cardington Lock.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-36440472419954971562017-06-06T08:43:00.000+01:002017-06-06T08:43:46.913+01:00Evening Guided Walk - 06/06/2017 - CANCELLEDSadly this event has been cancelled due to lack of bookings. There is another one in July:<br />
<br />
July 11th 7pm - Evening Guided Walk<br />
<br />
If you would like to come along please make sure you book in advance.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41, UK52.130733 -0.4321145999999771426.6086985 -41.740708599999977 77.6527675 40.876479400000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-62269410334192201392017-06-02T14:02:00.002+01:002017-06-02T14:02:41.992+01:00Sunday Volunteers - 04/06/2017Please note that the volunteer session on Sunday 4th June will start at the later time of 10am.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41, UK52.136681 -0.4333205000000361926.614646500000003 -41.741914500000036 77.6587155 40.875273499999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-31586826624399434062017-05-16T17:00:00.001+01:002017-05-16T17:04:59.638+01:00A tale of two walksLast weekend was a busy one for the park with the first bat walk of the year on the Friday evening and the annual Dawn Chorus walk on Sunday morning.<br />
<br />
I joined the bat walk on Friday evening along with 20+ others hopeful of seeing a few of the parks bats in action. We weren't disappointed as 6 different species were detected and/or seen. Excellent viewing was had along the south side of the main lake where Pips and Serotines could be seen against the darkening sky. There were also excellent views of Daubenton's bats from the fishing swims along the east side of the main lake. Nicky leading, assisted by Danny, provided great information from basic information about using our detectors through to just about anything you could want to know about bats. All in all a great evening out in the park. The six species we found were:<br />
<br />
Common pipistrelle<br />
Daubenton's bat<br />
Nathusius' pipistrelle<br />
Noctule<br />
Serotine<br />
Soprano pipistrelle<br />
<br />
And so to the Dawn Chorus walk. I was joined by 15 people for a 4am start. Sadly the weather forecast was not looking good and for once they got it right! It started to rain lightly as we headed off down the main path. We hung out down in the Crescent where Reed Warblers were burbling away Blackbirds and Robins were already singing strongly joined occasionally by the loud bursts of song from the resident Cetti's Warbler. Reed Buntings joined the chorus singing much stronger than we have been experiencing at our usual start times. Blackcap, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Blue and Great Tits all gradually joined the chorus. A backing track of raucous calls from the roosting Crows and Jackdaws grew louder as the rain grew heavier. The consensus of those who were present at last years dawn chorus walk was that this year was a bit subdued by comparison, unsurprising given the weather conditions this year. With the chorus easing down we started a wander around the Finger Lakes but were forced to take cover in Kramer Hide as the rain intensified.<br />
<br />
Nesting Moorhen and Canada Goose were visible from the hide and a Little Grebe put in an appearance but the rain continued and a few of the group decided to call it a day and headed off leaving the rest of us to enjoy a cake kindly provided by Charlotte Tenneson. (Glen you have some serious competition!)<br />
<br />
Finally the rain eased off so we took the opportunity to head back to the visitor centre, bagging a few more species on the way.<br />
<br />
So after a fantastic bat walk the dawn chorus was a bit of damp squib and we didn't get out to 100 Acre as I had planned. Still there is always next year!<br />
<br />
With all of the Hirundines in the park and the Swifts too I am often asked to identify which is which. It's not always easy with these fast, acrobatic little birds but here are a few pictures to help you out.<br />
<br />
Firstly the Swallow, slightly larger than the 2 Martins with an all dark head and back with a white breast. the colours cannot always be identified easily when they are zipping about in a bright sky so I'm going to skip those for the most part. The long tail streamers are also diagnostic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8zkTN20z7Y/WRsXDUKsQAI/AAAAAAAAGjk/86CYiU1radsDqoVk_Vb2B-w5rdO_79DQwCLcB/s1600/20170504_Swallow_DX_6318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N8zkTN20z7Y/WRsXDUKsQAI/AAAAAAAAGjk/86CYiU1radsDqoVk_Vb2B-w5rdO_79DQwCLcB/s320/20170504_Swallow_DX_6318.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallow (here with on a single tail streamer, must have lost one somewhere!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The House Martin is all white underneath including the chin. The back it dark with a white rump. The white rump is often quoted a feature to differentiate this species from its cousin the Sand Martin but you have to be careful as the acrobatic nature of the these species in flight can often make it look like a white rump is present when in fact it is the underside of the Sand Martin you are seeing as it twists and turns in pursuit of flying insects. So to confirm make sure you watch them carefully.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4_u7s1ZoSg/WRsXDlyNCgI/AAAAAAAAGjs/ItsT3RTStLAFecxEPsqkmG9qTMMC34n7QCLcB/s1600/20170508_House_Martin_DX_6554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4_u7s1ZoSg/WRsXDlyNCgI/AAAAAAAAGjs/ItsT3RTStLAFecxEPsqkmG9qTMMC34n7QCLcB/s320/20170508_House_Martin_DX_6554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Martin (note the white chin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyVXUqhmMwQ/WRsXDwUJkiI/AAAAAAAAGj0/HsrZxRUSfk0JDgt5fOiBDlQWFrkPQEBawCLcB/s1600/20170508_House_Martin_DX_6558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YyVXUqhmMwQ/WRsXDwUJkiI/AAAAAAAAGj0/HsrZxRUSfk0JDgt5fOiBDlQWFrkPQEBawCLcB/s320/20170508_House_Martin_DX_6558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House Martin (Note the white rump)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Sand Martin is similar size to the House Martin and is actually brown as opposed to the black/blue of the House Martin. However as previously stated these colours are not always apparent depending on the light conditions so watch carefully. The Sand Martin is mostly dark on the back with a partial white collar and all white underneath except for a thin brown breast band or chin strap depending on how you look at it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLb1TR2K0pw/WRsXDzws12I/AAAAAAAAGjw/6GsvSGgvBBAzuXccRxdzNN-LtHQNF75tQCLcB/s1600/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLb1TR2K0pw/WRsXDzws12I/AAAAAAAAGjw/6GsvSGgvBBAzuXccRxdzNN-LtHQNF75tQCLcB/s320/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Martin (Note the partial white collar)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flHxsRQLSn0/WRsXENRqEjI/AAAAAAAAGj4/Q5Msc0AWf58N0UBjecjOwmSJJucUPIS7ACLcB/s1600/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flHxsRQLSn0/WRsXENRqEjI/AAAAAAAAGj4/Q5Msc0AWf58N0UBjecjOwmSJJucUPIS7ACLcB/s320/20170508_Sand_Martin_DX_6542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Martin (Note the chin strap)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Swift is a little larger than the Hirundines and is all dark with a slightly paler chin. Sorry no pic as yet.<br />
<br />
EG was ringing in the Rough on the 9th and caught and ringed this little beauty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sASBFOn78gM/WRsXET8e9zI/AAAAAAAAGj8/SxFayJt7stwZABgLxBS8s7-8F-Opc-8UACLcB/s1600/20170509_Swallow_DX_6595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sASBFOn78gM/WRsXET8e9zI/AAAAAAAAGj8/SxFayJt7stwZABgLxBS8s7-8F-Opc-8UACLcB/s320/20170509_Swallow_DX_6595.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swallow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally the Great Crested Grebe family are doing great on the Finger Lakes with the 3 chicks growing well. If they eat like their parents they should do OK!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrqrKOpPShk/WRsXDa8EQCI/AAAAAAAAGjo/SsMM9hvOmj0X3te2MXBKBVQDLeWi1TctACLcB/s1600/20170507_Great_Crested_Grebe_DX_6471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OrqrKOpPShk/WRsXDa8EQCI/AAAAAAAAGjo/SsMM9hvOmj0X3te2MXBKBVQDLeWi1TctACLcB/s320/20170507_Great_Crested_Grebe_DX_6471.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Crested Grebe swallowing a Tench</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41, UK52.136681 -0.4333205000000361926.614646500000003 -41.741914500000036 77.6587155 40.875273499999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-50682879589077496152017-05-16T09:46:00.001+01:002017-05-16T09:46:47.400+01:00Summertime strolls - Guided WalksClick on the link below for details of a couple of evening guided walks:<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3gT1KfcgKvgUEo0ZzI1N3ktRk0/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Summertime Strolls with a ranger</a><br />
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If you would like to join us for these walks please make sure you book via phone or email.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41, UK52.136681 -0.4333205000000361926.614646500000003 -41.741914500000036 77.6587155 40.875273499999963tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-11539183000682218122017-05-10T08:20:00.000+01:002017-05-10T11:15:21.377+01:00Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 14th MayPLEASE NOTE: Just to confuse things there are 2 dawn chorus walks in the park on Sunday! The RSPB local group are also running a dawn chorus walk starting at 5am, details here: <a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/bedford/events/" target="_blank">RSPB Local Group dawn chorus walk</a>.<br />
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The annual Priory Country Park dawn chorus walk begins at 4am. (We are hardcore! 😀) Anyone attending this walk please note that the 4am start time means you could find the barrier to the car park closed if you arrive before I do. If this is the case please wait in the small parking area, to the left of the entrance by the recycling skips, until I arrive. Meet outside the cafe as normal. Thanks, Dave.<br />
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<br />Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.1319899 -0.4305600000000140426.6099554 -41.739154000000013 77.6540244 40.878033999999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38208938.post-57133056291126881492017-05-08T17:00:00.000+01:002017-05-10T15:25:46.980+01:00New steps at 100 Acre access pointA great job by the Sunday and Monday volunteers, supported by the rangers, putting in place a new set of steps to ease access down to the 100 Acre area of the park. These may look like the steps to nowhere at the moment with the barbed wire fence preventing further access to the site but a new kissing gate is on the cards which will create a circular route around this area of meadow and lakes.<br />
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Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14834216443109282251noreply@blogger.com0Priory Country Park, Barkers Ln, Bedford MK41 9DJ, UK52.1319899 -0.4305600000000140426.6099554 -41.739154000000013 77.6540244 40.878033999999985