Trip reports

Car trip to Langford Lowfields

Saturday, 30 April 2011

29 members of the group travelled down the A1 to Langford Lowfields for a walk around a new reserve being developed by the R.S.P.B. near Newark. The weather couldn't have been better as we were met in the car park by Paul Bennett one of the wardens on site. Paul gave us a brief insight about the project: The site is owned by Tarmac and is still being worked. Sand and gravel extraction started in 1989 and it is hoped to be completed by 2015 when the R.S.P.B. will open it to the public. The reserve will be about 175 hectare with some 110 hectare being reed beds. Bitterns are regular visitors here and Marsh harrier has bred on the site.
As we set off birds above us were Swallows, the odd House martin and lots of Sand martins. The walk took us through woodland seeing Blue and Great tit, Chaffinch and a short stop watching a beautiful male Yellowhammer perched in a willow.
We soon reached the lagoons and Reed bunting, Sedge warbler, Willow warbler and Chiff-chaff were spotted. A Whitethroat was singing on top of a bush and on the water itself there were Canada and Grey lag goose, Shelduck, Teal, lots of Tufted duck and Gadwall. Several waders were present including 4 Greenshank, Redshank, Ringed plover, Oystercatcher and Lapwing.
The highlight was spotting a Hobby, then another, and finally three, all in the air at the same time and a Yellow wagtail stopped long enough for most of the group to see. We also saw 4 species of butterfly and three Hares ran across the grassy areas. We had had a good walk and some of us stopped for our dinner on the site, while a Sparrowhawk soared above us. This was the fourth species of raptor seen, having already noted Kestrel, Hobby, and Buzzard. In total 48 species were seen and Cettis, Reed and Grasshopper warblers were also heard.
The group had a very interesting day and thanks go to Paul for being so informative about the site, which will be a great reserve when finished.

Pete Furniss