The Ruffled Edge: Notes from a Nature Warden is the first book written by Geltsdale warden Pete Howard. The book is a selection of lively and vivid memoirs that take the reader on an eye opening journey though some of the most interesting and diverse habitats of Britain. Inspired in part by his work at RSPB Geltsdale, his new book recounts exhilarating and intimate encounters with its wildlife, especially birds.

The book is available at the Geltsdale Visitor Centre, local bookshops and the usual internet bookshops.

http://www.bramblebybooks.co.uk/ruffled_edge.asp

First cuckoo and whinchats arrived on 1st May!

A pair of ring ouzels flew by the visitor centre yesterday.

Martin and Amanda, our two volunteers found an abandoned stonechat nest yesterday, a casualty of the cold weather suffered at the weekend when the windchill took the daytime temperature to around -5.

First grasshopper warblers have been heard today (23rd)! Lapwing, stonechat, grey wagtail and snipe nests have all been found over the last few days.

Rain at last!

Recent sightings include short eared owls displaying, ring ouzels (first on 23rd) and wheatears(first 19th). Ravens with young, peregrines and merlins both on territory. Dippers and grey wagtails both on eggs. Stonechats singing around the visitor centre and lapwings beginning to sit on the meadow. Adder and common lizzards both seen basking in the spring sunshine.

We have a great new exhibition starting this week focusing on the sheepfolds around the reserve. Janet Lambert, a resident of Hallbankgate, has spent several years researching the history and documenting these fascinating drystone structures which scatter the Geltsdale landscape.