We the end of summer, comes the rush to get all the habitat management tasks done before we reach winter water levels. At Freiston, this includes vegetation clearance on the islands on the lagoon, so I was joined by a group of volunteers and Graham (the warden) at the end of August to make a start. We began by beginning the hand weeding of the two shingle islands, favoured by the terns and black-headed gulls in the breeding season. This is the only way to create the bare shingle they prefer year on year. It is a satisfying task because as one of the volunteers pointed out to me, you can look behind you and see the difference you have made. But it is hard work, so after lunch we concentrated on strimming and raking the vegetation off the grassy, and sandy islands. We got all these done, and it was pleasing to feel like we had made a difference which will benefit the breeding seabirds and waders next summer.
To get the birds in both in the breeding season and in flocks during the hide tides as is currently happening, there needs to be a supply of food! Today, I spent doing the nektonic and benthic sampling of the lagoon with a work experience student. Although, we found very little in the nektonic sampling, we were soon impressed by the size and quantity of ragworms to be found in the mud, along with a few bloodworms! Although, by the end of the day we were a bit muddy!!
The routine maintenance continues, and after several days by myself, I convinced Graham to come and spend some time at Freiston on Tuesday. It is amazing the difference two pairs of hands make! We mowed, strimmed, mended fences, litter-picked, checked the tidal flap, etc. All good fun! I also put up some new posters in the hide about the star species we are expecting on the reserve this autumn/winter, so please take a look when you are next at the reserve. The highlights of the day were to be seen as we turned a corner on the seawall near the sluices to take the slope down. First we saw a kingfisher flying along the back edge of the lagoon before landing on the wire of the tidal flap, then a wheatear distracted our attention from it!
Why not come and visit and tell us what your highlights are?
Jenny (Assistant warden)