September News

Now is the time…

• Summer wanes. The harvest has been collected across the island and the last few species have had their young. Our thoughts have turned to Autumn’s jobs and returnees, especially with recent (reliable) sightings of male Hen-Harrier, juvenile Osprey and an Short Eared Owl.  
• It has been a fantastic breeding season for our waders. Our independent surveys figures are now complete with over 500 fledged lapwing at Elmley and the Swale NNRs and abundant Redshank.
• The cooler August spell has reduced insect activity and the year has not been a patch on last year, but you will still catch sight of butterflies include Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Red Admiral,  bumblebee and dragonflies, particularly the long lasting Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters.
• Juvenile Buzzards and Marsh Harriers are again a common sight up and down the entry road.
• Our hares have done very well too with leverets and juveniles now common, even in the yard. Unfortunately this can attract the attention of certain ‘undesirables’. If you see any suspicious behaviour please report it to us immediately.
• The barn owlets have fledged, just about, from the oaks tree box.  The pair raised two owlets who have recent taken their first flights. Barn owls may still be seen over the unmown patches across the reserve in the evenings.

Other Reserve News…

• Our shepherd’s huts are proving popular, (particularly Little Owl with the view of the barn owls from bed!) Details are be on the website or contact us for more information.
• On the farming calendar:  The last of the topping is now complete thanks to Rob & Shawn’s long hours at the wheel. The recent rain has brought verdant life back to the pasture – perfect for attracting migrating wildfowl. Attention will now turn to repair and maintenance of the myriad of pipes, fences and gateways. Water levels on the flood at Spitend are also being monitored and will be topped up by pumping if they are too low – it’s a fine balance!
• Cover crop is now blooming. Last year’s sunflowers have given way to the lovely blue chicory. The next strips will be sown next Spring so sunflower will hopefully return next summer.
• To avoid inadvertent disturbance to roosting and feeding birds at Spitend please access the hides using the nature trails rather than going through the wooden gate and keep below the sea wall. Please note that there is no access to the reserve beyond Counterwall hide. Thank you.