Winter Continues

Thursday, March 14th 2013

Last year at this time, warm temperatures were recorded, today they struggled to reach six and when the hail arrived the temperature dropped! In this cold weather it is important that birds feed well and judging by the way the feeders are emptying they are doing just that. Siskin, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Greenfinch and Brambling were amongst those seen in the back garden feeding.

Just as importantly, is keeping plumage in pristine condition. This Blue Tit stopped feeding to preen. During cold nights, air trapped between their feathers acts as insulation, so helping to prevent them losing body heat.

Preening Blue Tit

Where the warmth of the sun had reached the ground, snow had melted but there were plenty places that were still white.

Snow in the woodland

Snow had also remained firmly attached to tree trunks!

Snow on Ash tree trunk

Flowers are in short supply, or perhaps we are just being very impatient for Spring to arrive properly! However lichens are thriving and producing their fruiting bodies, despite the cold.

Lichens with fruiting bodies

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Access to the Reserve: OPEN with limited access

Monday 18th March 2024 |

The reserve is now open, although again with limited access.

Visitors will be able to access the reserve with the use of key fobs provided at the pass office upon entrance to the camp, or will be provided entrance and exit through the access gate by an officer from the camp Guard Room. In this case visitors will need a mobile phone to call the Guard Room when they wish to exit the reserve.

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