December Newsletter
Farming and land management
Hello all. Welcome rain in November has brought some colour back to the marshes and much needed grass for the livestock, wigeon and geese. We are still well below 'normal' levels so the ground remains cracked and dry in most places and therefore not ideal for our waders. We may be in for a dry and cold winter ahead meaning conditions will be especially hard for many species. We will of course do everything we can to help them along, particularly pump on water to Elmley as and when we can to fill the ditches and rills not only for over-wintering birds but also in preparation for next Spring's breeding pairs. The dry weather has been of some benefit by allowing us to do lots of work we would ordinarily have stopped by now. You will see we have fenced and added to the old orchard adjacent to the car park. We will be planting shrubs and native trees so with time and some management this will be great additional nesting habitat and winter food source, not to mention a somewhere to enjoy at the beginning or end of your walk. We do have a lot of trees to plant so if you have a few spare hours to help plant the saplings in the next few weeks do get in touch - info@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk Interestingly, having a quick count up, these will bring the total trees planted in the last 3 years to around 4000 around Kingshill Farm!! Something for the next generation to enjoy as Elmley is notoriously hard on young plants! The recent cold east winds have also pushed in some welcome sights including Brent's and lots more hungry wigeon. Lets hope they keep coming! From all of us here have a wonderful Christmas break and Happy New Year!
(Pictures: Brent goose, Moi Hicks; starling, Rick Lawes; dunlin, Acerman - all from Elmley Flickr group members)
Thoughts of a Regular by Richard P
At last, perfect weather! the ground is softening, the Rills are filling, and the birds are returning in their thousands, Lapwings, Golden Plover and Dunlin.
The cover crop is now home too a large mixed flock of Linnet, Goldfinch and a surprisingly large number of Reed Bunting that continue to delight as they swoop in waves onto the track to collect grit to aid with digestion, I prefer Rennies. myself.
The first three Ruff have returned, just today 29-11-16.
Gift Ideas
This year we have some lovely new printed gift cards for stays in our shepherds huts - for more information see www.elmleynaturereserve.co.uk/stay or email eleanor@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk
Opening hours
8am to sunset at 4.00 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Christmas opening: Closed Christmas Day, open Boxing Day and New Year's Day from 10 a.m. Other days as normal 8 a.m to 4 p.m. except Tuesdays.
