News archive

Tuesday, 2 November 2010

Broadwater Warren Update Nov 2010

Before this I worked range of wildlife sites, primarily with National Trust and English Nature as a volunteer and a contractor. I'm also Conservation Manager for Sussex Police's heathland site in Ashdown Forest (the old radio station).

Autumn/winter birds on the reserves - redwing, siskin, fieldfare and meadow pipit have all been seen or heard in the last few weeks. Our warden, Mat Allen, will lead a winter bird walk at Tudeley Woods on Saturday 4th December.

The first phase of heathland restoration work at Broadwater Warren is almost complete. 35 acres of mostly immature conifer has been cut and removed. The chippings will help to fuel the boiler at Shotton Paper Mill. In the next few weeks the cordons will come down and you'll be able to walk to the eastern side of the reserve and see the superb views which are being opened up. The cleared areas look initially very bare but we might start to see fresh heather shoots as early as next summer.

Lesser spotted woodpecker was seen at Broadwater Warren on 19th October. A kestrel was seen hovering over the small, newly cleared grassy-heath area just below the car park - a sign of more open areas on the reserve.

During our October dormouse survey at Broadwater Warren, 28 boxes were found to contain summer nests. Eight dormice were found and recorded. Photo attached.

Natural England agreed to help fund an All-Ability Path at Broadwater Warren. This will provide a buggy/wheelchair-friendly path from the car park to the nightjar viewing area. The path beyond will also improved. This will be completed by March 2012.

Local Thefts - Both Broadwater Warren and Tudeley Woods have been targeted by thieves recently. Many of our neighbours have also been targeted, with red diesel and agricultural machinery being taken. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or vehicles to the police. Get number plates and any uniquely identifying marks.

Conservation Work Parties - 3 work parties involving 48 enthusiastic staff from AXA Insurance took place in October. The AXA staff helped to clear scrub from heathy areas at both Tudeley and Broadwater, and they paid us for the privilege! A work party will take place at Tudeley Woods this Sunday (7th). Meet at the car park at 10am. The next weekend work party at Broadwater Warren will be Sunday 14th from 10:30. All are welcome.

Steve Wheatley
Weald Sites Manager
Office: 01892 752431

RSPB Wealden Office
Unit 10, Sham Farm Business Units
Eridge Green, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9JA