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When I started work here at Saltholme, I was very much an amateur amongst experts. In many ways I still am, but as the months have progressed so has my knowledge and passion for the wild world of the reserve. Five months ago I wouldn’t have been able to identify a common tern or tell a goldfinch...

We are running an art competition to gather a few more sheep for our sheep shearing event in July if you would like to take part you can print the instructions and template below. If you are having trouble we also have printed instructions in our visitor centre - just ask at reception for a copy. ...

To continue from yesterday's post... During my traineeship, I have had a lot of involvement with Saltholme's social media. I have made a few blog posts here and there and the odd tweet too, but mainly I have been working on the RSPB Saltholme Facebook page. Myself, our assistant warden...

On April 2 nd 2012 I officially started my 18 month traineeship with the RSPB, at the magnificent Saltholme reserve. The traineeship is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund – they do both ecology and visitor services traineeships. I am the latter – a visitor services trainee! My job is...

I’m sure you are all too familiar with the sharp stinging sensation of the common nettle. But while you are frantically rubbing the afflicted area and scrambling around trying to find a dock leaf to relieve the pain, have you ever noticed how great nettles are for wildlife? This week (15...

John McKillop, a residential volunteer who is doing lots of great work for us here at Saltholme, has kindly written this blog all about lambing. We only have one lamb left to go now, and John has made sure you're completely filled in on all things small and wooly! So, over to John... Well, here...

The sun was warm, the birds were singing and the plants were lush and green. I walked next to the lake and could see the sand martins circling and diving for the nests on the sand bank. The work that was done over the winter has pleased the sand martins (fingers crossed.) Then walking towards the...

As epic journeys go, the flight of the sand martin ranks highly amongst species at Saltholme. You can now spot sand martins easily from the viewing gallery in the main centre, popping in and out of the specially created sand martin bank. Their arrival has been much anticipated, and now that they’re...

This morning the sand martins were inspecting potential homes; this was on the sand bank that we have been improving over the winter. The sun was out and a growing number of sand martins were examining the work that has gone on, I saw over twenty today and possibly the numbers will grow in the upcoming...

I was pleased to get an email from RSPB telling me about the potential extra Lottery Funding for Saltholme! I've already pledged my vote and will keep my fingers crossed for you. I visited your Reserve in summer 2011 and had a wonderful time. Really impressive visitor centre and friendly, knowledgable...

A view of an Emperor dragonfly laying eggs in one of the pools on the dragonfly walk at Saltholme

Hi guys, Every week over on the Saltholme facebook page we have a bit of fun trying to guess a mystery picture. It's not on letting the facebookers have all the fun, so we're brining this week's quiz to the RSPB community, too. We ask the same, simple question every week ... what's...

Keep an eye on the webcam guys ... Both parents have been adding some finishing touches to the nest today...

Hi everyone, Guess what? Now you can keep up with Saltholme's wildlife 24 hours a day. The Saltholme webcam has just gone live. The current stars are a family of swallows nesting underneath the swing-bridge (the bridge you walk over to get into the visitor centre). If you've visited...

Coot chick at Saltholme, Monday 2nd May

Young coot chick at Saltholme, Monday 2nd May

While the gardener in me wishes it would rain - is it six weeks now? feels like it! - it was good to get out in the sun and walk round Saltholme this morning. A couple of attempts to find the wood sandpiper, but worth it when I found it and a lovely picture on the gallery - not mine alas. I just got...

Part of a party of three birds in summer plumage, taken from the Watch Point hide

Well Happy New Year to all you Norfolk birders. Plenty going on in the North-East as well and I may well migrate across the Tees to Saltholme tomorrow or Sunday. Good birding to you all!

I saw a bittern eating

Even seeing a bittern is hard work. Seeing one so well is the sign of a really bad winter! Very little free water in this beck but I did see it jab its bill in, find something and swallow. A minnow perhaps?

Several views of one from the Wildlife Watchpoint around lunchtime Christmas Eve

We had the starlings, now we've got the fieldfares. Beautiful! Saltholme 12/12/10