Hi all,
Things have been wild over the last few weeks what with gale force winds, driving rain and snow. With all the damaged and windblown trees making the headlines we faired not too bad. We are taking some comfort in its a better more mild winter than the previous two which is better for our wildlife. We have had some snowdrops out for the last fortnight and plenty of activity from woodland birds making good of the insects that around just now. If this mildness continues and we have a decent summer the resident woodland birds may double brood - I hasten to add its always weather dependant.
As always in winter the reserve quietens down considerably with all the summer migrants in warmer climes. However there have been very frequent sightings of red squirrel on reserve. When I’m out and about I can see up to three in different locations. Along with otter I have seen much more signs of badger activity in areas where it wasn’t before suggesting they are doing well. As always there are the regular noisy jays breaking the silence of the wood joined by nuthatches, treecreeper, blackbird with tawny owl in the evenings. On Barclye there are larger flocks of redwings and fieldfares this year sometimes startled by hunting merlin. Hen harrier have also been seen foraging towards the end of the day. The first week of the year I also spotted one of our barn owls out hunting later followed by a very close view of a woodcock probing the mud for worms on the Mill Hill Trail.
Our work through last autumn saw us finally complete the last trail on our Barclye section of the reserve. Aptly named the Woodland Pasture Trail it is placed right through our woodland pasture habitat taking in fabulous views of the cree valley and Galloway Hills. As well as getting lucky views of our birdlife you can get close to the archaeology of the site as the trail takes right past Drumwhirn Bronze Age Cairn.
Also on Barclye in our Phase 1 area of native planted trees (originally planted in spring 2009) we are now replanting damaged or dead saplings and hope that a mild winter and decent summer can give them all a boost in growth. Our Phase 2 area is looking really superb with the vast majority of trees planted in winter 2010 being more than two feet in height. With a bit more attention this winter and spring Phase 1 won’t be far behind.
Special thanks has to given to individuals who have come out to help us replant trees this winter but there is still a long way to go. If anyone is interested in coming along for a day in the week or even a weekend to help plant and weed some trees please contact Will Cranstoun on 01988 402 130.
Unitl next time bye for now
Will