Hi
So, now I've started this blogging lark..I thought I would periodically share with you some of the fun and games we get up to on the reserve. At the moment we have two volunteers staying with us for 6 months, Jack and Lizy. They help out with all the day to day work on the reserve including some of the more undesirable jobs like cleaning the visitor centre and cleaning the toilet block. In return we try to give them as much training as possible. Last week we were able to send them on a 2 day off road driving course near Aviemore. It was more challenging than usual as Aviemore had already got a fair bit of snow.
I think they had a good time! I've done the course myself and I know that it's terrific fun. Thankfully they both passed, which is good for us. They can now drive off road on the reserve which means they are much more useful! It will also look good on their CV's when they are job hunting.
I've added some pics of their off road antics to the gallery..but here's one to be getting on with. Its Lizy...looking not too impressed! Apparently, she was struggling with a hill climb and it took six attempts. How big is that bottom lip?
Further to David's post last night, it was indeed all white on the night and in the cold light of day, we have decided officially close the reserve. It is extremely dodgy getting up and down the access track. The minor roads from Crimond to the reserve are also interesting to say the least. We will keep you updated with situation.
We'll also keep you updated with photos and blogs about the fun and games the staff and volounteers are having in the snow.
Vicky
Check the photos that Jack has posted in the blog for an idea of the conditions on the reserve today. We're still open, but in all honesty driving on the track is not easy and, without a four wheel drive, the slope at either end could be an issue. Last winter our biggest problem was as the thaw set in and the melting snow froze again overnight causing the track to become totally iced over. No worries about that at the moment though, it could be a while before anything melts (it's still snowing as I write this)! Keep checking here for updates if you're thinking of visiting, but we've followed the lead of the Scottish Premier League (who have called off the weekend's matches) and cancelled our event this Saturday as it looks like the conditions won't improve for a little while yet.
Birds today included a male Hen Harrier, a couple of Woodcock (in the Rookery) and a few birds in the wild bird cover including four Twite, although a lot of the crop is now under snow!
The Christmas party this Saturday with the Fraserburgh Wildlife Explorers has been cancelled due to the ongoing disruption with the snow that is having a particular effect on the roads around the reserve.
Although the reserve remains open, the entrance track is becoming difficult to access.