Elmley NNR News – January 2015
Farewell Steve
t is with great sadness to all who knew Steve Gordon, our manager, that he passed away last month, after a long battle with cancer. Steve, the farm and reserve manager, had been at Elmley for over 20 years in various roles beginning as a shepherd when he was 18. Many of you will have known Steve and he would have been a familiar presence on the marsh with his dog, Max. Elmley, his home for so many years, was very special to Steve and he had an incredible understanding of the marsh. Elmley is a testament to his skill and passion as a farmer, shepherd and naturalist. And his patience, generosity and good humour will be hugely missed by a great many. If you are visiting, please take a couple of minutes to remember Steve in the place he loved most. As the many who wished to remember Steve could not fit into Harty Church we will be holding a memorial event in his favourite month – all our Friends are welcome to join us on Sunday 24th May in the barn. Derek Faulkner has also written lovely peace in memory of Steve here.
Work on the Reserve
If you have visited recently you will have noticed some changes around the Reserve, all of which has been funded by visitor contributions and your Friends of Elmley subscriptions. The viewing screen overlooking the Swale is proving a real hit, as are the gravel paths to the hides. More is planned for 2015! A big thanks to Rob and Shawn who do much of the hard work. We’d also like to say a big thank you to those who volunteered their time and skills last year, especially Trev, Martin & Martin, Duncan, Chris, Mike & June and not forgetting Les and the other admins and contributors to the very active Elmley Flickr group.
The seed strips which last three years are providing their last few months of vital mid-winter food for the small birds. So this Spring we will sow new strips along to, hopefully, you’ll see sunflowers by June!
Owls
Our barn owls have had a fantastic 2014, with four pairs rearing two broods each, several of whom can be seeing quartering the rough grass from 3pm most days. The little owls and barn owls have new homes in the barns at the entrance to Elmley so keep your eyes peeled as you leave to spot them settling in! Also, it was great to see Elmley mentioned in the Christmas edition of BBC Wildlife Magazine as a great place to see short-eared owls!
Staying at Elmley
Our shepherds huts, Vanellus, Samphire and Little Owl, continue to be very popular with visitors from near and far. And vouchers proved to be popular Christmas presents. Wood burners are being very well used and and the ‘eco-wool’ insulation, made of recycled plastic bottles, beat off last week’s hard frosts to keep guests warm and cosy as they birdwatch, and in particular owl watch from bed! Contact Georgina on 07582 414585 or georgina@elmleynaturereserve.co.uk to book or purchase a voucher.
