Monday 21 December 2015

Best Wishes at Christmas!

Hello

No doubt everyone is going to be very busy over the next few days so at this perhaps rather early stage the Northants Bird Club Committee would like to wish everyone a happy and relaxed Christmas wherever you are and whatever you are doing. We look forward to a bird-filled festive period and of course an eventful 2016, and as we look back at 2015 I would like on behalf of the committee to thank you all for your support during a very successful year for the club. During the year we have attracted new members, enjoyed our new venue for the indoor meetings and branched out to embrace interest in other wildlife disciplines. 

There have been exciting car trips to other counties, Hugh Matthews continues to run the successful local monthly outings and Robin Gossage has worked with other members to create an opportunity to enhance our knowledge and ability associated with digital photography. We look forward to the annual photographic competition in February and of course many members will be flying out to South Africa in March 2016 as part of the club's international adventure as organised by Dave Thomas. Participants will look back with fondness at the club's six day trip to the Scottish island of Islay in April 2015 and we look forward to new opportunities, trips out and forging new friendships during the next twelve months.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Neil McMahon


Robin

What else?

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Titchmarsh Update

The Wildlife Trust have been carrying out some work  at Titchmarsh Local Nature Reserve. The vandalised hide at the North Peter Scott Scrape has been replaced by a viewing shelter. It is hoped that leaving the back open will make it less vulnerable to vandalism. The scrape in front of the hide was half cleared about a year ago, leaving an open area of shallow water before the reedbed. The water level fluctuates throughout the year and may dry out completely in dry summers.

The boardwalk alongside the South Peter Scott Scrape has been replaced and repairs made to all the other hides. Fencing is being put up alongside the path between the North end of the reserve and the Heronry Wood. This will allow livestock to be put into the meadow to keep the grass short and encourage wigeon to graze. It should also protect the livestock from loose dogs, which continue to be a problem on several reserves. We shall cut back the shoreline scrub in this meadow to maintain a view over the Aldwincle Lake and make access easier for the wigeon.

We are planning to set up a Facebook group for Titchmarsh Reserve so that visitors can see what is happening and add sightings and photos. I shall set up a link to it when it is up and running.

Here is a link to a video about the work
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNSRqwPVz60