Campfield Marsh

Climate change - Deal with it!

2013-05-18T22:18:00Z

First Green-veined White seen this Spring - 7th May

Spring's late this year! That seems to be the general consensus after a long cold wet winter, as, indeed, have been the last two. Plenty of evidence here for climate change. We can all observe various manifestations of this phenomena: some plants and flowers doing very well, others failing to appear. Strange bird movements, for instance good numbers of Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Goldfinch arriving and staying in our gardens whereas the previous year there were just one or two. Could this be that we humans have been stimulated into greater activities such as bird feeding (cause and effect).

Good numbers of Siskin feeding on sunflower hearts. Their presence has been seen for nearly two months now.

Up to 20 Siskin, 8 Goldfinch, 2 L.Redpoll and a female Brambling were counted on 10th April.

Again Lesser Redpoll, having been here for some six weeks, still enjoying the niger seed.

In our own case going back to plants, the damson blossom in our orchard appears to have been very poor, as indeed it was last year - with no obvious reason i.e. no obvious frost or gales. Last year, the blossom was good but there seemed to have been a dearth of honey bees – the Bumble bees and Hoverflies were there in abundance giving us the hope that they might have filled the void. Not so, as the crop was very poor! This year even the Bumble Bees and Hoverflies arrived belatedly. They were not able to avail themselves of the the blossom, such as it was, leading us to expect another poor fruiting crop this year. Bad news for Redwing and Fieldfares next autumn who tend to visit us in good numbers on better occasions, filling the orchard with their chatter and activity. This last Autumn they seemed to disappear quite quickly, as did the Waxwings due to lack of hips, haws and fruit generally - apparently back to the Continent to more prolific pastures.

This year's damson blossom was starting to die back before a few warmer days brought out Bumble Bees and Hoverflies to pollinate it.

Waxwings feeding briefly on a neighbours apple trees last Autumn. We can hope that this year's fruit and berry crops are OK.

Which brings me back to the fact of poor harvests being bad news for us all e.g. our deep freeze is very low on damsons and we are having to crack open our 'special vintage' damson wine which we were keeping! Oh, the suffering! We all agree it's been quite difficult - this climate change: supermarket prices rocketing and food shortages. This, we all know, is not a new situation – it's how you deal with it that counts! Farmers are now in dire straights; many on the verge of bankruptcy – and we are increasingly in competition with other nations for food products. It would seem we must do more to help ourselves (no longer can we rely on grain and butter mountains), we have done this before on this island, of course, and can do it again. Each person take it on themselves to provide a certain amount of food produce - however small that contribution may be. Allotments, for instance, are a great institution and can provide not only food but healthy exercise, social interaction and get us all off our couches and away from the TV etc. – to mention but a few benefits. The sight of families gathered round a small shed or working their individual part of the plot, picnicking in the sunshine and gathering a basket of lettuce, radishes, potatoes and beetroot, is a happy one to behold! Where no allotments are available, perhaps a section of your own back lawn or flower beds turned over to this gainful activity, is not beyond imagination - aesthetically, neat rows of salads, pulses, root crops and brassicas are not to be underestimated!

John rotovating part of our garden to make another vegetable bed.

Raking the soil.

. . . and Judith planting it up with potatoes under the Blackbird's watchful eye.

Holes being prepared to plant marrows, corgettes and squashes.

Blackbird again lending a helping hand.

Young people get pleasure from harvesting crops they've helped to plant earlier in the year.

Runner beans soon outstrip the planter.

Finding new potatoes is almost as much fun as a Treasure Hunt.

I have to say at this point, it's all been done before – when the nation 'Dug for Victory'. I can see your eyes glazing over and your hands thrown in the air. “There he goes! Should have known it! The old codger on his hobby horse again! He should know better – we just don't have the time these days!” Not true! People in the 1940's worked longer and harder, without cars and mod cons, for less money and were a sight slimmer than today. Agriculture expanded and innovated in ways that had previously not been attempted. Let the farmers develop new crops and new technologies that can be beneficial to us all. In the 1940's many things were found to be possible when push came to shove: society changed; women entered the workplace; the NHS emerged – a world beater; new social housing; new schools. The money was found; bureaucracy was short-circuited and the nation pulled together as never before. I personally, will never forget the sight as a child of all the men of our terrace and two neighbouring avenues emerging from their houses carrying spades, forks and rakes - walking, nay, marching down to a piece of fallow spare land, marking it out into plots and digging it over in the space of a Spring evening (accompanied by wives and children) to create a wonderful allotment.

The means can be found if the will is there – just as surely today as it was then!

Fruits of our labours

The marrow patch in 5 weeks later.

Starting to fruit - mid July.

. . . they are quite a decorative plant too.

Picking peas - early July.

First potato crop - early July.

A variety of different beans coming along nicely - early July.

Raised beds are a most versatile way of growing vegetables - August.

Some of the August harvested crop . . .

. . . and produce.

Bowness-on-Solway Visitor facilities, Part Four - The Cardurnock Peninsula

2013-05-05T15:21:00Z

Campfield Marsh is quite a spectacle in May with its covering of Sea Pinks - not to mention the Gorse and May blossom along the fringes.

Back to farm and estuary - we continue along the coastal road round the Cardurnock Peninsula. Within a few hundred yards of North Plain farm we arrive at the lay-by near to Maryland farm which overlooks the Saltmarsh Pool which is well-known for its occasional exotic arrivals. You can mostly be guaranteed sightings of wildfowl, waders and gulls from the lay-by – very popular amongst local birders.

Two Little Egret hunting in the dubs on the saltmarsh almost opposite the entrance to North Plain Farm - October.

A small group of Ringed Plover in the same area, hugging the shore as the tail-end of Hurricane Katrina hit the estuary - October 2011.

Shoveler following them along - 12 9 2011.

Oystercatcher, Gull and Starling groups beating westward too, against the full force of the gale - 12 9 11

A massive amount of activity could be seen, looking along the marsh towards Saltmarsh Pool, of birds seeking shelter here - 12 9 11

Looking back towards the viaduct at the height of the gale - 12 9 11

Flock of Barnacles on saltmarsh in front of North Plain Farm - 7 11 12

. . . with a leucistic Barnacle amongst them.

Flock takes to the air - 7 11 12.

Lay-by near Maryland Farm and information board - overlooking the saltmarsh, Pool and Criffel beyond.

This is a very popular viewing place especially for rare migrants. Here a local group of birdwatchers have gathered.

. . . all enjoying the activity of the Saltmarsh Pool and the high tide roosts on the saltmarsh beyond.

A typical scene at an equinoctial high tide when the whole of the marsh floods - 11 09 10

A collection of waders waiting for the ebb. 11 9 10.

A good variety of birds to watch on the Pool - 23 10 12

Two Little Egret on Saltmarsh Pool - 19 6 12.

Two Spoonbill who put in an appearance on Saltmarsh Pool for a short while - 21 05 11

Great White Egret resting on Saltmarsh Pool - 23 10 12.

Grey Heron interacting with Great White Egret - 23 10 12.

Barnacles grazing beyond the pool - 19 11 12.

Should your energies allow, now progress along the small road towards the marsh gate, some half a mile further which denotes the western boundary of Campfield Reserve. In Summer this gate is closed owing to the cattle which graze the Reserve's saltmarshes but in Winter is open at all times. This road is still a public highway and right of way - do not let it discourage you. Having passed through though, most importantly, close it behind you. Should you not, all the valuable cattle will scatter into the Cumbrian hinterland – this does happen from time to time.

White-fronted Geese in pastures just through the Reserve's boundary gate - 16 3 12

The wide estuary pastures of the Peninsula are now available to view . . . . the wintering grounds of so many geese, swans and duck - for which the Solway Estuary and the River Wampool are so famous. But the words 'wild goose chase' take on a greater significance for you now as you motor during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months, as these flocks can be almost anywhere on the wide marshes and river estuary pastures – but that's the fun folks! That's why you are here. This is your adventure. Books have been written on the subject!

Pinkfeet on stubble near Cardurnock - 28 11 12.

Meadows around the blockhouses near Cardurnock.

Barnacle flock on a snowy day - 13 2 13.

Large numbers were flying by too - 13.2 13

Barnacles were still flying in whilst others continued to graze, undeterred by the snow - 13 2 13.

Another flock flying in to land on a later day - 4 1 13

They were very confiding and grazed quite close to the road - 4 1 13.

Cardurnock Masts.

Barnacles grazing a meadow near the masts - 4 1 13

Further along the same meadow - 4 1 13

Flock of Golden Plover - 19 11 12.

Golden Plover and Lapwing - 19 11 12.

Saltmarshes, Anthorn.

Viewed from roadside pull-in near Anthorn, looking down onto the saltmarsh. Always a good place - 19 11 12

Barnacles grazing the very short sward here - 19 11 12

Barnacles out on the mudflats near Anthorn - 5 11 12

They gradually piled onto the marsh to graze - 5 11 12.

Flocks of Barnacles and Pinks on the channel of the R. Wampool, viewed from the road through Anthorn - 5 3 13.

A bathing group in the channel - 5 3 13.

Longcroft.

124 Whooper Swans in field next to the road - 5 3 13.

Part of the group with Pink-footed geese landing in the next field over the hedge - 5 3 13.

Some of them were resting - 5 3 13.

Same field but on a previous more icy occasion - 13 2 13.

Massed flocks flying over Longcroft Marsh - 5 3 13.

Pinks grazing the pastures on Longcroft Marsh - 5 3 13.

Whitrigg Marsh.

Small group of Whoopers with Lapwings - 1 12 11.

To best see the spectacle of thousands of geese flying, circling or contentedly grazing - sometimes within yards of the road - will keep you going through the hours of your visit or days of your holiday. To find out a little more, please read through the archive of this Blog page which covers 3 years of itemised monthly information. It's worth the effort folks – it will contribute to the quality of your stay – and don't be afraid to ask other people and local birders who will give you up-to-date information. The Pubs and Guest Houses of the area are great places to exchange the 'crack' (Cumbrian for talk)

Sunset over the Wampool Estuary - sunsets round the Peninsula are always worth seeing too.

Bowness-on-Solway area,Visitor facilities Part Three - Reserves and viewing places.

2013-05-01T20:02:00Z

Campfield Marsh.

Now we come to the 3rd part of the Blog, having dealt with accommodation issues. We can start to describe the main features of the area which is after all what you will be coming to enjoy, be it Spring, Summer or Winter.

In the case of birders, winter in the Solway area is of particular note owing to the wonderful suite of winter migrants that spend these cold months with us.

Starting within the village, there is an excellent facility known as the 'shelter', that marks the end/beginning of the Hadrian's wall trail - but is beloved of birders. Although it is open to the four winds, it gives a modicum of protection from rain and is approachable by a series of very good pathways and steps, all properly engineered in an area that we call 'The Banks', which slope steeply down from the village to the estuary – giving an ideal viewing point over the Solway itself. Should you go and take advantage of this facility, you will quite likely meet other birders, usually with an extensive knowledge of the birds you will see there out on the tideline or mudflats. High tide is a particularly good time for the use of this vantage point. The list of all species is legendary: from geese, ducks, swans, divers, grebes, petrels, auks and waders. The Skua Watch in Spring from about March/ April, is a current favourite amongst enthusiasts, as the Solway is proving to be a great flyway for this species crossing the country – which, of course, varies according to the weather and direction of the wind. Should you be so fortunate to meet one of the Skua watchers, they will tell you all the facts – their knowledge is encyclopaedic and their recognition skills beyond reproach.

The Banks' 'Shelter' on the estuary side of Bowness-on-Solway.

The 'Shelter' information boards.

. . . and excellent views to the outer estuary.

On the eastern side of the village the road sits close to the estuary with something like a quarter of a mile of railings, with a small car park at the end with room for 3 or 4 cars – allowing you an excellent view over the estuary and mudflats, where one can sit in the comfort of one's vehicle. At high tide, waders use the area of stones adjoining the road wall and, Should you remain in your vehicles, they will pay you no attention: Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatchers, Redshank and Spotted Redshank - with rarities appearing periodically. Should photography be your interest this is a good place for very close-up shots of waders.

Ringed Plover and Dunlin resting on the 'Stones' at high tide'

Large flocks of waders are pushed off the mudflats at high tide.

. . . coming into landing on the 'Stones'.

Public toilets can be found in the middle of the village from April to October, at Lindow Hall – but as yet they are not open during the winter months.

Lindow Hall.

At the west end of the village where the road sweeps steeply down to the saltmarsh there is an excellent car park, recently tarmacked, which marks the beginning of the RSPB Campfield Marsh Reserve where again you can view the wide estuary. An information board describes what birds you might be likely to see. Also a bank of Waste and Recycling bins is there too.

Bowness-on-Solway car park at the west end of the village.

. . . and the beginning of Campfield Marsh RSPB Reserve

Onwards, onwards! The road skirts the saltmarsh, now essentially all the way round the Cardurnock Peninsula with many good viewing points, both official and unofficial, across the saltmarshes and estuary meadows. The North Plain Farm with its new visitors centre ( scheduled to open sometime in August) is approximately one and three quarter miles from the village, but between here and North Plain there is one official lay-by (near Biglands farm) with good saltmarsh wader roosts viewable, particularly at high tide; and a small nature reserve ( Bowness-on-Solway Nature Reserve) managed by the CWT, well marked with information noticeboards. Please park cars at the edge of the track or roadside, as the track in through the Reserve is also used by farm vehicles. This reserve is a gem in Spring and Summer for warblers and dragonflies, as it is based on a series of small gravel pits (now disused, but filled with water) – with safe well-posted walkways and viewing points in many different locations.

A group of Little Egrets flying along the estuary - seen from Biglands layby - 19 10 12

Barnacles passing along the estuary - November.

Back to the coast road where in places the gorse has been coppiced by the ever dedicated Campfield Reserve Workparty, allowing one to readily park up to view the estuary mudflats. The roads round here are very narrow and it is a good idea to park off-road, should your driving skills be up to it, as the tractors and farm vehicles are after all quite large and need to be able to progress unhindered in their daily tasks. There is a strong tradition in the area of us all respecting each others needs as there are no official passing places but everybody does their best, and a cheery thank you wave goes down well.

Campfield Work Party.

The workparty turns out in all weathers - November 2012.

Workparty coppicing the wide roadside verge near Byers Cottage - November 2012.

Job done - have opened up a good stretch of roadside gorse for excellent estuary viewing but still leaving places for nesting birds. December 2012

Earlier coppicing October 2010 - near Marlyland Farm.

They are a hardy lot!

Views and activity along the Saltmarsh and mudflats.

Gorse and rushes in April.

The saltmarsh in Winter.

Little Egret hunting in the dubs on the marsh - October.

Curlew on the tideline - May.

Shelduck in the channel off Scargavel point - June.

Oystercatchers at high tide - January

Oystercatchers feeding on invertebrates after a high tide flood - 28 4 13

Arriving at North Plain Farm( and Visitor Centre), which is quite well marked at the entrance, there is a cattle grid and side access gate with a hundred of yards of graded track to a car park to the left. Just at present there is building activity going on with respect to the new centre but the visitor's car park is well marked as dedicated to visitors. Building activities and cabins are well marked and caged – all the Health and Safety aspects are covered. This, of course, is a temporary feature as the car park area with disabled access is planned to have a surrounding wildlife garden, meadow and wetland planting, picnic area, bird feeding station and a wildlife discovery area. The visitors centre will have visitor information, toilets, a multi-purpose area for gatherings, and personnel available daily. The final chapter is in the making but it all looks wonderful so far.

The entrance track proceeds through onto the Lonning (North Country term for farm track) - again a graded surface with disabled access where vehicles with Blue Badges can proceed as far as the hide at the far end. At various intervals along the Lonning are pools and flooded meadows with viewing screens, again with some disabled access all year round - where ducks, geese, waders and swans can be seen at appropriate times of the year.

Roe Deer running down the Lonning.

Chiffchaff In April.

Willow Warbler, April.

Shoveler on Meadow Pool, May.

Orange Tip butterfly, May

Hare in buttercup meadow, June

Swallow collecting nesting material, June.

Chiffchaff with caterpillar, June.

Great Spotted Woodpecker with fledgling, June.

Sedge Warbler with insect, July.

Southern Hawker dragonfly on hedgeside vegetation - July.

Peacock butterfly, July.

Young Sedge Warbler, August.

Little Grebe diving on Meadow Pools - September.

Common Newt taking advantage of puddle on the track - October.

Ivy is not only beneficial to insects in October - when it flowers; but also to birds in Winter - for its berries. Look out along the Lonning for good clumps of it.

Wintering Whooper Swans on Meadow Pools - October.

Wildfowl enjoying the Autumn sunshine.

Male Bullfinch along the hedgeside - November.

Wigeon on Meadow Pools - November.

Whoopers with Mallard, Wigeon and Teal on Meadow Pools - January.

Flock of grazing Wigeon seen from the first screen - January.

Group of Wigeon - January.

Barnacles flying over the Lonning - February.

Teal on icy Meadow Pool - February

Mixed flock of Pinkfeet and Barnacles grazing the meadows beyond the floodwater - February.

Blacktailed Godwits on Meadow Pools - March.

Great White Egret, Meadow Pools - March 2012.

The hide at the far end of the Lonning is excellent, with seating and also disabled access and viewing – where from the Autumn to Spring, the wetlands are particularly good for wildfowl species - large numbers of geese and swans are frequent visitors. For up to the minute information there is a 'recent sightings' noticeboard near the car park. At the hide is small turning area for disabled suitably permitted cars.

Three generations of birdwatchers in the hide.

Teal displaying in hide pool - March.

Little Egret on hide wetland - April.

Grey Heron on wetlands - April.

Mallard with ducklings - from hide in April.

Wheatear picking about amongst jungus - April.

Kestrel hunting over wetlands - end of April.

Marsh Harrier hunting over the wetlands during the Summer.

Male Hen Harrier hunting across the jungus - Summer.

Wigeon preening in front of the hide - October

Wigeon on the causeway channel - October.

Great White Egret on the wetlands with other wildfowl - 25 10 12

Family groups of Whooper Swans on wet meadows - October.

A Whooper family taking off against the wood - October.

Large flock of Barnacles grazing on meadows near the hide - January.

Barnacles - close-up.

Barnacles taking off over wetlands - January.

Mixed flock of Pinkfeet and Barnacles resting near the hide - February.

Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler in front of the hide - February.

Beyond this point a well signposted track crosses the Reserve meadows, wetland and birch woodland - and thence onto a good boardwalk across the raised bog to Rogersceugh – a farm on a small drumlin. The board-walk has been provided because the moss can be very wet going and common-sense has to be used here. Along its length are appropriate information boards describing what you might see at different points. The farm is part of the Reserve, and has an open barn information and picnic area affording wonderful views of the whole of the Cardurnock Peninsula, the Solway and the raised bog system – where you are lord of all you survey! The open barn provides excellent year round all-weather shelter. Beyond this, the track continues, should you be so minded, gated and signposted to the Kirkbride/Bowness road where there are information boards and pull-ins for cars – again please do not block the gateway. Immediately on the opposite side of this road is an access point to Natural England's Glasson Moss Reserve.

Looking back across the wetlands to the hide and screen.

View across the raised bog and cotton grass. - June.

One of a number of good information boards along the route.

Lizard basking on the boardwalk - June.

Four-spotted Chaser on pool side vegetation - mid June.

The beauty of the Cotton-grass cloaks the whole area in June.

Insectivorous Sundews - October.

Skylark amongst Cotton grass - June.

Stonechat way out, on a bracken frond - June.

Replica seat overlooking Lily pool.

Pool overlooked by seat - June.

June is the time to take in the flowering of the Yellow Lilies on the pond, from the replica seat provided.

The White lilies too are beautiful - June.

Buzzards flying overhead - August

Male Black Darter on the boardwalk - August.

A further pool with Rogersceugh Farm up on the drumlin - April.

Reed Buntings were frequenting this pool - April.

Juvenile Reed Buntings in June.

Information board in the visitor picnic area in the open barn at Rogersceugh Farm.

Distant view from the farm looking over towards the estuary and the Scottish hills.

View from the boardwalk towards Skiddaw and the Lakeland Fells - heather in bloom in August.

Panorama, on returning back along the boardwalk towards North Plain farm - June.

This particular blog is by its very nature general and particular details as to what you might see, will be covered in other information sources and leaflets – all there for you to discover.

Part Four - continuing round the Cardurnock Peninsula - will follow shortly..

Bowness -on-Solway area visitor facilities - Part Two

2013-04-25T00:36:00Z

Start of Hadrian's Wall Walk in Bowness-on-Solway, after a really good breakfast - only 84 miles to go guys!

Sorry to split this epistle into three parts folks but we feel by doing so we may retain your interest in the Campfield/Bowness Visitor saga. It is after all an important and relevant subject in all our lives and in so doing we are hoping to ease your pathway should you choose to visit us for a day or more.

The Solway is a wild and beautiful destination especially for we birders and year on year we find increasing numbers of people seeking this sort of solace in the hustle and bustle of daily routine: the movement of the tides, the call of the birds, mile upon mile of of mudflats and shore and small unspoilt villages and hamlets that have dreamed their way down the centuries - where one can wander all day and scarcely see a soul. We know from having spoken to so many people, how refreshed and invigorated they feel after a few days spent in the area, vowing to return again – and they do so! Those of us who have the good fortune to live here each day, see this and rejoice for them.

In Part One we mentioned Wallsend Guest House and Tearoom and here, Part Two, will include other visitor features such as the King's Arms: an excellent hostelry, central to the village, with accommodation, good food and a warm welcoming atmosphere - together with information about other places to stay in Bowness.

The Kings Arms on the main street.

The Kings Arms (http://kingsarms-bowness.co.uk/ - proprietors: Dave Wiseman and family) encircles both birders and wall walkers alike, and many a good yarn is served over excellent ale and locally caught salmon – should this be to your taste! These fish are freshly caught and come straight from the Solway's ever restless tides by the local fishermen who rejoice in the exotic name of 'haaf-netters' – a form of fishing that requires you to stand in the surging waters up to your chest, holding a massive net into which the salmon and seatrout throw themselves with wild abandon on the way to the tables for your delectation. If you are fortunate you may chance to meet one of these netsmen who will regale you with many a tale of 'derring-do' should his tongue be loosened by the ale you have plied him with. The Kings Arms are a place where, down the years, farmers, fishermen and craftsmen have assembled after their day's toil to exchange the 'crack' and slake their thirst – and increasingly visitors are now joining them with tales of how many miles walked that day on Hadrian's Trail, recounting the number of blisters on their tortured feet; I jest not folks! - or the many thousands of Barnacle Geese that have been observed, not to mention Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans. Ornithologists are not slow to tell a good tale and where these birds might best be seen.

Shore Gate House B & B.

Let us move on. A further B & B establishment (Theresa and Alan, proprietors) at the very eastern end of the village. Shore Gate House( http://www.shoregatehouse.co.uk/) – gazing out over the wide 'sands' of the Solway with excellent en-suite accommodation – the full English . . . If you want the full Solway experience here is the place to feel it. You couldn't be any nearer the estuary than this house – four square and stone built but warm and comforting within to a very high standard. How many people could watch geese, other wildfowl and waders from their bed or the weary walker can be settled with a warm shower within minutes, congratulating themselves on the 84 miles they have just encompassed, knowing that they have become part of the history of the Wall – thereby joining the intrepid legions? Hadrian would have approved!

The Old Chapel B & B.

Further up the main street, which I assure you good folks, is the exact line of Hadrian's Wall we come to the Old Chapel. A most interesting building in red sandstone – beautifully restored and tastefully converted within into a B & B with self catering facilities (http://www.oldchapelbownessonsolway.com/accomodation/index.htm) with Michael and Maureen, the proprietors, living right next door. A continental breakfast is provided, in this most immaculate of establishments. What more could a small party of birdwatchers or wall walkers or, indeed, a small family require? With respect to birders, there is also an offer from October to March of special 2 night Birdwatching breaks, to groups of people wishing to spend time watching the array of migrant birds on the Solway Estuary. A place like this is virtually unique in the area where the pub's good refreshment and food are about, I would say, 2 minutes walk along the village street. Though in the case of the crippled wall walker perhaps 3 minutes - but it is surprising what a shot of whisky can do for a swollen ankle – you have after all reached the end of your suffering and you can regale your support party with tales of heroism and endeavour that would do justice to a Viking Saga and guarantee your place in history. You will be able to dine out for months on the strength of them. These tales, of course, will lose nothing in the telling!

Rose Cottage - self catering accommodation.

Now we come to to Rose Cottage (http://www.katescumbriancottages.co.uk/index.html), which nestles on the village street – a typical spacious cottage conversion, beautifully appointed and furnished to a very high standard – ideal family accommodation. Debbie, the proprietor, also welcomes visitors to visit their farm, some 7 miles away, where they can help feed the calves, chickens or ducks, or watch the cows being milked and see how a Cumbrian Farm works. Open all year round for exploring the Solway and nearby Lake District with good off-road parking for 3 cars with up to 2 dogs accepted. Although it is self catering the King's Arms is a minutes walk away.

Part Three to follow shortly which describes possible year round activities and features in the area.

Bowness-on-Solway area and its Visitor Facilities – Part One

2013-04-24T23:17:00Z

Beginning of the Reserve in Bowness-n-Solway.

Now that spring has arrived and the Summer holiday season will soon be looming, not to mention the opening of the new Campfield Marsh RSPB Visitor Centre later in the year – people are going to start arriving here wanting to know what facilities will be available in the immediate area and in Bowness-on-Solway - and which of them extend through into the Winter season.

The now well established Hadrian's Wall National Trail (http://www.hadrianswall.ltd.uk/hadrians_wall_info.html) which crosses the country, starting/ending up in Bowness, has a season from Easter to the end of October and can create a heavy demand during these months. Also people who are intending to come here on Bird Watching holidays will be visiting during the Winter months as well. So we felt that this was a good time to start drawing a few facts together to this end.

Therefore, to start off with, we decided to take ourselves down into the village to first of all look at the most recent development there: the new Tea Room at Wallsend Guest House and talk to Lyn and Andy, the proprietors. (www.wallsend.net)

Wallsend Guest House and Tearoom.

Duly arriving, we found Andy busy putting bird boxes up on trees in the garden, where upon we introduced ourselves – stating our immediate objective. He then took us inside and introduced us to Lynn who promptly showed us round the establishment. We realised for the first time that essentially the whole place had been strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement and had retained much of its original quality but the 'modern' had been tastefully combined. The sunshine gleaming, everything polished and immaculate – we were duly impressed, especially so when Lyn, at very short notice, presented afternoon tea i.e. freshly baked scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream with lashings of tea; all served in china (teas available April to October). Over tea we chatted about their aspirations and their ideas for the Guest House which was of personal interest to ourselves also as we needed some accommodation for our visiting family both in the summer holidays and during the winter – which on seeing the en-suite bedrooms, we promptly booked up two holidays for them which was an excellent way of solving a problem for ourselves.

Afternoon tea.

Welcoming lounge.

Comfortable bedrooms.

Andy then took us for a look round the garden proudly showing us his fine coup of hens who would be 'involved' in providing the full English breakfast! He also indicated that a splendid new chalet-style building in the grounds which he said would be a more relaxed (if that's the word) tea room for wall walkers (as we call them locally) booted, rucksacked, thirsty, hungry and exhausted - upon arrival at the end of their 84 mile 'hike' across the width of the country. Believe me folks, this walk is no pushover - though it can be done in small sections, if you are so minded – over the last ten years since the trail has started, we have observed many parties of young people, suitably arrayed in camouflage and with impressive packs, having yomped the full trail in a couple of days. But I believe the oldest to have attempted the trail so far was a 'young' lady in her nineties – a feat which, I'm sure, we will all bow the knee to.

The outside seating for Tearoom. (Photo by kind permission of Tripadvisor <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotos-g499568-d1913946-Wallsend_Guest_House-Wigton_Cumbria_England.html#47930493"><img alt="Wallsend guest house and tearooms)

'Breakfast providers'

I think folks, this is a good place to end Part 1 of 'Bowness-on-Solway area and its visitor facilities'

Our Special Spring Visitors - 20 4 13

2013-04-21T15:08:00Z

Black-tailed Godwit.

After lunch, Judith said to me,”I'll have to get into the garden. These last two days of sunshine and rain have brought everything on. “OK,” I said, “I need a walk. I'll go down the Lonning and see what's there.” Unusually there was very little wind and the sun was beating down. I headed towards the middle screen and the flooded meadow.

But Norman had beaten me to it. He was already there with his scope. He said, “Hi John! 14 Black-tailed Godwits and a Redshank.” “Wow!” I said. Our special Spring migrants are here, all feeding busily around the margins of the floodwater – some up to the tops of their legs. It looked as though they had just come in. Many of them were just coming into summer plumage - still some Wigeon, plenty of Teal, a Redshank and a couple of Shoveler completed the picture. I said to Norman, “I'll get on back - Judith will want to photograph these”.

. . . and so it proved to be. Needing no excuse to drop the gardening tools and gather up her photographic equipment, she disappeared in the direction of the farm – lost to the world for the next couple of hours!

Fourteen Black-tailed Godwits on floodwater.

Shoveler pair with Godwits.

Shovelers departing.

Redshank feeding along the margins too.

Initially some of the Godwit were resting.

Redshank came alongside.

Other Godwit were feeding.

Feeding in deep water.

Stirings in their midst.

Eventual departure.

6th - 15th April 2013. An illustrated diary.

2013-04-16T15:33:00Z

Campfield Marsh - early April.

6th April 2013

Sunny all day with a light SW wind. Early morning there were 14 Shelduck with two Mallard pairs out on the mudflats. A small group of Redshank came in with the tide. On the Meadow Pools, Wigeon and Teal were gathering and seemingly pairing up. The two Little Egret were still frequenting the wetlands beyond the hide, along with a good collection of duck: Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler. The Barn Owl was seen early evening hunting along the saltmarsh.

Shelduck and Mallard on mudflats.

Grey Heron over Meadow Pools.

Wigeon on Meadow Pool bankside.

Pair of Teal dabbling in wet meadow in front of 1st Screen overlooking Meadow Pools.

Male Teal looking resplendent.

Little Grebe - had just come up from a dive on Meadow Pool.

One of the two Little Egret hunting on the wetland near the hide.

Little Egret close-up.

Great Tit - first songster heard on Lonning hedgerow.

7th April

A milder day with a light easterly wind. Sunny until dusk.

Lonning - Little Grebe seen on Meadow Pools. Redshank and lots of Black-headed Gulls on floodwater with Teal and Wigeon. Lapwing flying about excitedly and calling.

West Common hamlet - Rabbit with a white paw seen amongst the gorse and in the gardens. 6 Siskin on garden sunflower heart feeders with at least 4 Goldfinch and a male and female Brambling.

White Paw. Is this leucism or is there a degree of hybridisation here?

Seems to like the vicinity and can often be seen lounging in the hedgerow in the sun. Appears to be quite tame!

8th April

Rather dull today with a south-easterly wind which would seem to have brought in a flush of finches and waders.

Mudflats as tide was receding at 1.30pm - good flock (in the region of 1000) of Dunlin and Oystercatcher.

Saltmarsh about 4 pm - Two Little Egret flying east.

West Common Hamlet - In the region of 20 Siskin, 3 lesser Redpoll and numerous Goldfinches on garden feeding stations.

Four species feeding in close proximity to each other . . .

. . . not always amicably though!

They are very colourful species at this time of the year.

Male Lesser Redpoll - well into breeding plumage.

Moorhens had a very successful breeding season last year and consequently could be seen regularly all over the Reserve thoughout the Autumn and Winter. This one was seen crossing a ditch into the hamlet gardens.

10th April.

A misty mild morning with intermittant sun. More finches have arrived and are feeding voraciously on the garden feeding stations. There is generally a lot of bird activity.

Competition for the sunflower hearts.

The males seem to get more colourful as each day passes.

There's still a lot of bickerng taking place.

Male Siskin.

Female Siskin.

Coal Tit.

Great Tit.

Goldfinch.

Male Chaffinch basking in the sunshine.

Male Pheasant looking splendid.

Magpie surveying all the activity.

11th April

A hazy damp day.

A small flock of Jackdaws were seen flying round the marsh front area.

A male Brambling was still in evidence along with about 8 Siskin.

13th April.

A much warmer hazy day which induced plenty of Spring-like activity: two Swallows were seen flying about the hamlet; Bumble bees were very active amongst the garden heathers; a very light coloured butterfly, probably a Painted Lady, was seen briefly; Crows seem very interested in their nest in the large trees at the bottom of the garden and have been collecting twigs for the last few days now; a flock of finches was flying around excitedly. The warmer weather had given everything a kick start.

First Bumblebees - possibly B. terrestris.

Possibly B. jonellus

Small flock of Barnacles flying east along the estuary.

Crows had been seen gathering twigs and nest refurbishing recently.

Male Lesser Redpoll still in evidence.

14th April.

A cooler feel and galeforce southwesterlies greeted us this morning, having rained heavily overnight. These conditions precipitated the start of the Skua passage along the Solway with enthusiastic bird watchers recording of a whole range of birds as well as Skuas, making the passage through.

Early evening these rough conditions also brought in a small flock of Barnacles with a handful of Pinks, which flopped down exhausted onto the mudflats round Scargavel Point. Having rested for a while they were soon off again directly into the full force of the gale.

Campfield Marsh, as the tide races in pushed by the gale.

Juvenile Herring Gull had just put in an appearance.

Barnacles, having just landed on the mudflats.

Settling down on the mud.

At 6 pm. they took off into the face of the gale.

15 th April.

Still very windy. Groups of finches still flying around West Common. Having bought a new longer niger seed feeder, was interested to see that their allegence to sunflower hearts had shifted slightly.

A trip round the Cardurnock Peninsula late afternoon resulted in finding a flock of 43 Pinkfeet grazing a meadow near Pasture House and about 100 Dunlin and Ringed Plover on the tideline at Bowness Railings.

Attraction of new niger seed hanger - is it the design or the contents?

Some of the Pinkfeet grazing near Pasture House. Most of their flocks seem to have left the area now and headed north.

Ringed Plover and Dunlin on the tideline at Bowness Railings.

Dunlin are gettting their summer plumage.

An absolutely excellent Solway Spring morning - 3rd April 2013

2013-04-04T11:02:00Z

Pinkfeet against distant snow-clad Skiddaw.

Wall to wall sunshine from dawn, with fluffy Constable-style clouds – completely windless. What a day!

We had to go to Kirkbride so set off along the saltmarsh and within a couple of minutes ran into two Little Egrets near Biglands lay-by. They were working the dubs out on the saltmarsh. Their whole actions and the way they related to each other seems to indicate a pair.

Took the back road from Bowness to Kirkbride but at the metal bridge (over the Wampool) decided to make a quick detour towards Anthorn. Plenty of Pinkfeet with a few Barnacles mixed, on both sides of the river, with quite large parties coming in all the time.

Realising that there appeared to be a further flock on the other side of the river we made a further detour towards the double bend at Angerton and were rewarded by a further flock of Pinks and Barnacles with the leucistic Pink amongst them.

Fields now have become much drier. Indulged in a little bit of photography before returning home for lunch. On our return, noted a build-up of Shelduck on the mudflats here off Scargavel Point – 24 at the latest count.

LITTLE EGRET ON CAMPFIELD SALTMARSH.

Two Little Egret hunting in a dub on the saltmarsh in front of Biglands layby.

Seen emerging.

Hurrying on to the next one.

Looking rather splendid with head plume flying.

Body language might suggest that they are a pair.

They find a further dub to explore.

GEESE AT WHITRIGG.

Signs of goose activity in the area.

Sure enough there were numerous flocks continously coming in to join those already on the ground.

This group of Pinks were quite near to the estuary road.

MIXED FLOCK AT ANGERTON.

Pinks and Barnacles ( about 100) grazing on stubble.

A leucistic Pinkfoot was amongst them.

Lighter leucistic bird.

More Pinkfeet flying in.

. . . and landing with the flock.

FURTHER GATHERINGS ON MUDFLATS OF CAMPFIELD MARSH.

Shelduck numbers are starting to increase.

Mixed waders.

Oystercatchers and Dunlin.

A surprise arrival - 30th March 2013

2013-04-01T10:47:00Z

Newly arrived male Siskin - 30 3 13

We have to admit that over the past several weeks we have been near to hibernating. Those awful Siberian winds have been battering across the Pennines, sweeping the snowfields of the western slopes and withering the benign Solway Basin. Even the two tides per day with their relatively warm waters have not been able to mitigate this assault from the distant Russias!

But this morning the sun shone from dawn and after a relatively early breakfast, Judith could be seen out in the garden restocking the bird feeding stations with great generosity, as extra sacks of bird food had been delivered yesterday. We had thought that our previous consignment would last us well into the Spring. Not so! The bird population in the garden this winter has increased several fold and we had to revise our financial position to accommodate this phenomena.

The surprise this morning though was the fall - and frankly that's all it could be described as - of 14 Siskin, two Redpoll and a Brambling – feeding on the ground or on the bird feeders. Their principle interest in the feeders was sunflower hearts and on the ground, they seemed interested in the new ground feeding mix which we have tried this year as a measure to try to help the larger birds. Consequently we have had an increase in pigeons; doves (both Collared and Stock); Pheasants; Jackdaws; Magpies; Starlings; not to mention our six resident Crows; although it's hard to count because of their comings and goings – up to 16 Blackbirds; and as to the tit family – we don't bother to count: Great Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits and even a Willow Tit. The Long-tailed Tits make spectacular arrivals and departures: 6 or 7 sometimes clustering on one hanger. But they are restless souls and soon depart – continuously searching, which seems to be their strategy.

As a supplement to the seed type food, to fill their empty stomachs quickly after these long cold nights, we hurl huge snowballs of bread over into the orchard and down into the garden which we understand to be poor nutritionally but you tell that to a bird that has been perching in a tree these long dark winter's nights through blizzards of sleet and snow. They always go for the bread first, knowing that the nutritious seed food and peanuts will be following. The old male Crow who we have nicknamed “Hero”, sits in the top of the highest sycamore tree where he can observe our slightest movements. The moment Judith opens the back door, he immediately gives 4 or 5 loud croaks, signalling to all and sundry that breakfast is being served … and suddenly the garden is alive with rapidly assembling birds – the most rewarding sight that anyone can imagine!

We commend it to you all!

30 3 13

Fall of Siskin - 7 feeding on the ground . . .

. . . while simultaneously, six are feeding on the hanger above.

Other birds feeding alongside.

Female Brambling had just flown in too.

A good mix of other birds on feeders.

Sunflower hearts are definitely the favourite.

Very bright plumage.

Well pleased with their find.

Tree Sparrows on adjacent mixed seed feeder.

Recent Visitors

A 'cluster' of Long-tailed Tits - battling with the elements. - 24 3 13

Moorhen is a daily visitor.

Willow Tit too is a frequent visitor - 24 3 13

Magpies keep a watchful eye on feeding activities - 29 3 13

1st April, Lesser Redpoll.

Male puts in an early morning appearance.

. . . and heads straight for the sunflower hearts.

Looking a bit wary, though.

Showing a bit of aggression.

That looks a bit more comfortable - prefers its own space!

Learn to love your Badgers! - (Blog reinstalled after Homepage update glitch)

2013-03-30T21:03:00Z

Badger routings in the orchard - 24 3 13

Our house, garden and orchard lie slap in the middle of the Campfield Marsh Reserve and we take great joy in all the birds and animals that flow across us in their various pursuits. We gaze out across the meadows and moss at the back, and the saltmarsh and estuary at the front - in continual wonderment at their comings and goings, and antics. Never a day goes by that we don't discover some new fact about them! We have camera and telescopes continually in readiness to capture their passage through or over, and especially their feeding habits.

Mammals are also our frequent visitors: Roe Deer, Foxes, Hares, Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Stoats, Weasels, Moles, Voles, the odd Rat and, not least, the Badgers – although we never see them due to their nocturnal habits and extreme shyness. But the evidence of their presence is more than apparent, especially in the Winter time, when they come from the Reserve into the orchard to dig, in their search for earthworms - their main food source. We do keep the orchard grass relatively well cut and their rotavating activities are very unsightly, to say the least, but they do tend to depart in Summer to work the meadows and pastures on the surrounding farmland.

Of late though, in the past 3 years, they have extended their attention to our lawns which we keep quite well tended. This particular activity tended to raise our blood pressure quite quickly but we gradually have become accustomed to even this and have gained solace from the knowledge that they do an excellent job of scarifying the moss from our velvet swards and don't really seem to do a great deal of damage to the root systems.

So even though dear old Brock gets a bad press from time to time, we have learned to love them alongside all our other furry feathery 'friends'.

Rabbit in early morning sunlight.

Getting all spuced up for the day ahead.

Buck Roe Deer by orchard hedge.

Doe in the evening sunshine.

What a fine fellow!

Hare enjoying dried-up Sycamore leaves on the lawn.

Fox searching for fallen damsons.

It knew we were watching but this mouthful of ripe damsons was too good to bypass!

GOOD TIPS

1. Don't trap or kill your Moles – the fine molehill soil makes excellent weed-free potting compost.

2. All kinds of birds love to scrat amongst molehills and badger routings for invertebrates etc.

The presence of our bird and animal 'friends' in our garden do us infinitely more good than harm – for the pleasure they bring!

Test Blog

2013-03-29T13:28:00Z

This is a test posting as we are having trouble getting our Homepage to update when new blogs are posted.

Resident Moorhen in orchard - 27 3 13

A selection of birds on the Reserve around the Solstice.

2013-03-23T18:58:00Z

Across the Meadow Pools towards the snow clad Lakeland Fells - 20 3 13

10th March.

Small flocks of Curlew are regularly appearing on the tideline.

Watched this Kestrel hunting along the wetlands in front of the hide.

It kept dropping down amongst the rushes but rapidly re-emerged empty handed. This continued for about 15 minutes.

Lapwing on the edge of Meadow Pools, with Teal just emerging from the water.

Wigeon foraging in meadows in front of the first screen.

A Common Frog in a puddle on the Lonning, after a night of rain - possibly looking for somewhere to spawn.

12th March.

Well named!

16th March.

Not a usual place to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Moorhen appearing out of ditch.

. . . looking very colourful. A pair had been displaying nearby with lots of stiff white tail flashing.

17th March.

Little Egret came striding along the saltmarsh.

. . . hopped over dub and then dropped down into it.

Local Crow couldn't let that go without an inspection.

A pair of Mallard looking for a nest site.

20th March, the Spring Solstice.

A distant view of a pair of Little Grebe, from the second screen overlooking the Meadow Pools.

Possibly adult coming into Spring/Summer plumage.

A good collection of Wigeon and Teal on flooded Meadows on the lefthand side of the Lonnning.

A closeup

21st March.

There are still two Little Egret to be seen on the Reserve.

23rd March.

Inspite of the snow fall of recent days, hunting along the saltmarsh dubs is still continuing.

Campfield Blizzard - 22 3 13

2013-03-22T16:34:00Z

Barnacles beating against the blizzard early morning, here at Campfield.

Unusually, we are getting our fair share of winter. Snow has been blizzarding since early this morning and has continued unabated as we write at 3.45 pm. Wind chill factor feels like the Arctic. Even Sellafield, just round the corner, has gone into close-down mode.

Plan A this morning was feed the birds- which we have carried on doing most of the the day. Have not seen conditions like this on the Solway for the last quarter of a century. Bird food stocks are more than adequate . . . but we will hold out - we are British!!!

Even the Great Spotted Woodpecker converted to ground feeding today.

. . . but was very wary though!.

Dunnock does not seem to be too unnerved by the snow.

Small birds like the Coal Tit feed voraciously whatever the weather.

Robins always put in an appearance.

. . . and Blackbirds too.

The Little Egret came winging its way from dub to dub along the saltmarsh and landed here in front of the hamlet at 3.45 pm.

“When of't upon my couch I lie . . . ”

2013-03-19T22:18:00Z

Today, I was in pensive mood after yesterday's events. It was a day for garden birds. Yesterday, I'd speculated about the identity of parties of small birds moving along the saltmarsh.

But, whilst into my third cup of coffee, I had a minor triumph: a small party came swanning down the saltmarsh gaining my instant attention. They veered sharply to the right and into the garden, doubtless attracted by the feeding activity of the regular inmates. Struggling to my feet, I guessed they had gone for the feeding station at the back of the house. Bingo! Calling for Judith, we both beheld newly arrived Siskins: 1 female and 5 males; all in sparkling breeding plumage, obviously hungry and quite aggressive to other residents; immediately setting about the hangers of the feeding station. The niger seed seemed to be their main interest. There followed a great fluttering of wings - what with Goldfinches, Chaffinches and all the Tits ( one of which was a Willow Tit – a local resident). Judith lunged for her camera and Sigma lens, firing away at this wonderful spectacle of green and gold.

Over the previous week we have had a rather sad little female Siskin – seemingly on her own, with no company to lighten her day. Suddenly she had more men folk in attendance than she knew what to do with! The speculation is, “Will she depart with them when they move on?”

We also have had a lonely little female Brambling with no apparent takers, as the male Brambling all departed approximately some 10 days ago, presumably to establish territories in distant Europe or Scandinavia. “Will she stay or will she go?” . . . the living being so good here: more than adequate food; more than adequate trees and a climate not too dissimilar to the sub-arctic – what's for her not to like?!!

As we watch, the Siskins are making short work of the niger seed feeder – much of the seed falling to the ground where resident Chaffinches and Dunnock mop it up. Also some of the local Tree Sparrows are happy to be ground feeders also – although numbers of these seem to have declined sharply in the garden this last month or so. Could they already be attending to nesting matters: using some of the many nestboxes provided on the Reserve here at Campfield, which over the years have resulted in an explosion of the Tree Sparrow population. That's a real piece of good news for you!!

So, all in all, it has been a good mornings watching from my couch, of garden birds. Am currently turning my attention to the incoming tide on the estuary from my front picture window and the gathering flocks of mixed waders which seem to be increasing day on day now.

This is all very exhausting work though and I feel some light sustenance may be required shortly. The bottle of Southern Comfort standing there, is beginning to attract my attention. I can strongly recommend this as a consoler and lifter of the human spirit in this awful weather we are suffering lately. So why not try it out next time you find yourself in the appropriate area of the supermarket! It's been a hard winter for us poor birders. Why should the birds have all the fun! After all, we do spend fortunes on them with bird food, optics and the like !!!

Brambling, Siskin (both females) and Goldfinch had been feeding in the garden for the past few days.

Goldfinch - recent regular visitors to the feeders,

Willow Tit visits infrequently (with silver BTO right leg ring)

Enjoying the seed feeders.

Siskin flock descending onto the feeding station.

. . . with much agression and wing fluttering.

. . . even to their own kind!

They soon get on with the business of feeding, though

. . . particularly when niger seed and sunflower hearts are on offer!.

Is it the niger seed that quells their agression to the other garden birds there?

Take-over of the garden feeding station.

Blue Tits muscle in.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker had been maintaining a watching brief on these activities.

A more relaxed atmosphere now pervades.

A colourful male getting into breeding plumage.

Subdued plumage of the female.

“Things can only get better” - 18 3 13

2013-03-18T23:23:00Z

'Conversation piece'

Oh dear! An early hospital appointment, first thing Monday morning! The weather was dull, raining and bitterly cold. Things could only get better . . . and so they did!

Coming through Drumburgh at 8 o'clock, a flock of about 1500 Barnacles were just coming in to land on the marsh beyond. Judith got some really nice shots.

On coming home again later on, we decided to give the Cardurnock Peninsula the once over. First strike was a lovely flock of 1000 Pinkfeet in a meadow on the back road from Bowness-on-Solway to Whitrigg. The bonus being the presence of the leucistic Pink amongst them. Although hazy and raining the pictures came out really well . . . strange that!

Bashing on we discovered the Whooper Swans (79) in more or less the same place as we had last seen them, in a meadow near the turn-off to Rogersceugh (RSPB) in Longcroft. Then, heading on for Anthorn, passing the old herdsman's cottage on the bend came across about 40 Pinkfeet on the marsh near the road.

Carrying on to Cardurnock, stumbled upon a small flock of Barnacles near the corner at Herd Hill – on stubble, relaxing and generally sheltering from the cold wind.

Not a bad haul for the day - all things considered!

On reaching Campfield – large flocks of mixed waders - way out towards the mussel scaurs, as the tide was filling. They continued to be pushed in by the tide over the next hour or so. Could this be the start of the gathering for the Spring passage? Also seems to be an eastward movement of very small birds: namely parties of 30 or so. Have seen this process going on for the last 3 or 4 days: the jizz reminded me of pipits but my old eyes aren't really up to it! . . . that's why I was visiting the hospital!

Barnacle flock near Drumburgh

Coming down to land, Burgh Marsh.

Touch down.

Pinkfeet near Whitrigg.

Leucistic Pink with rest of the flock.

Short fear flight as Buzzard flew overhead.

Part of a further small flock of Pinkfeet on Longcroft Marsh.

Grazing Whoopers at Longcroft.

Barnacles resting amongst stubble at Herd Hill, Cardurnock.