The reserve looks a lot different now then when I last posted a blog , as the winter weather finally arrived in force. We had over 6 inches of snow at the weekend and there is still a lot of laying snow that has frozen, making the paths very icy and slippery. We have put up signs advising against walking on the reserve until we have a thaw. The flock of chaffinches and greenfinches under the feeders is building up nicely; we are supplementing the feeding by spreading extra seed on the ground in the area. Still to spot a brambling amongst the flock this year, but we keep hoping! Other sightings include a couple of siskins which flew over near the hide today and the pair of ravens are still calling around The Lodge and new heath. Even in the hard weather, great tits, robins and dunnocks are continuing to sing, with an eye on attracting a partner for the breeding season- which is around the corner.
This Saturday we have our 'Make a Nest box' event, which ties in with National Nestbox Week. We run another one next Wednesday during half-term. Children and youngsters can assemble a nest box to take home and put up to attract and help breeding bird in their own gardens. We also set up a trail, where the idea is to put the correct bird with the picture of the nest box that it would actually use.You can call The Lodge shop on 01767 680541 for more information and prices if you would like to book a place.