If you look beyond the reedbed and over to the far side of "IMF2" you will notice a big change in the landscape as over 8 hectares of land is being prepared to be planted with a barley crop.
This area is too dry to be part of the wetland so we got our heads together and came up with a plan that will hopefull benefit both breeding and overwintering birds and thus will help us deliver the "Big 3" for many farmland birds; safe nesting, summer food and winter food - for more info on these ideas visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/farming/advice/conservation/big3.aspx
The preparation of the ground will all be completed by 30th March ensuring that lapwings have a chance of establishing themselves to breed. The growing crop will provide nesting opportunities for 3 red-listed birds; skylark, grey partridge and yellow wagtails.
In addition the winter stubble will provide food for overwintering birds such as pink-footed geese, skylarks and many finches.
For those even more interested and wishing to see some of the strategies used to help a local farm deliver the Big 3 then check our events listings for details of a guided farmland walk on 7th May (or phone 0151 3341906 for details and to book)
Recent Sightings - Avocet x2 ... Wheatear x2 ... Sand Martin ... Spotted Redshank x2 ... Green Woodpecker (Yaffling) ... Fieldfare ...Hen Harrier