Trip reports

Sunday Morning at Saltholme

Sunday, 18 January 2009

Although the day was cold and blustery, a good turnout saw more than forty members
brave the elements. After a brief update in the car park, we made our way into the family hide, with its excellent viewing facility and a feeding station already being used by good numbers of gold and greenfinches. We heard of plans for a 'hide guide' who would chat to visitors, point out and name specific birds and offer 'stories' and information in order to interest visitors further in birdlife.

From there, we set off around the site, stopping to examine an area of grassland which will become a wild flower meadow, followed by hay, with pathways mown to invite access.

Next there was time to examine another of the hides and then it was off again around the site. The sheep, in an assortment of colours, were sensibly sheltering from the wind. It was pointed out that such conditions were little short of luxurious when compared to the Shetlands, from where they originate. With more sheep to come, it is hoped that schools can be encouraged to adopt one of their choosing and so develop a longer-term interest in the reserve.

We stopped briefly to look at the adventure playground and the walled garden, both still under construction, and then moved into the shelter of the visitors' centre. This is a splendid building (see photo) with great views of birds on the water right outside the windows. Across the reserve large flocks of lapwings and golden plovers were taking flight. Staff were still hard at work in preparation for opening the shop and cafe.

There is still further, work needed before the reserve is ready for opening, (e.g. re-laying of footpaths, to improve drainage), but all in all, it was clear that, a great deal of thought, planning and sheer hard work have gone into this project.

Once the finishing touches are applied and the reserve is up and running, it will clearly prove a real asset to the area and a fantastic opportunity to promote interest among the many visitors expected each year.

Our thanks to Emma for sharing her enthusiasm and optimism with us, and good luck to all for a successful opening