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Hartsholme herons thrive

12 March 2009

Erica Howe
Communications Officer
E-mail: erica.howe@rspb.org.uk

Increasing numbers of grey herons are nesting in Hartsholme Country Park in Lincolnshire. An estimated 24 chicks were raised successfully last year; a clear indicator of the improving local environment.

The number of nests has increased from just one in 1998 to a significant twelve in 2008, reflecting a substantial improvement in the local water quality.

Angi Davies, People Engagement Officer for the RSPB, says: 'It is great to see more and more grey herons making Hartsholme Country Park their home, especially because they are so sensitive to environmental factors - including the weather and water quality.'

The heronry grew significantly in 2004 when many birds were thought to have come from their previous nesting site in nearby Old Hag Wood.

'The viewpoint will be open from 10 am until 4 pm each day with telescopes and binoculars to ensure you get a great view'

You can see the magnificent grey herons for yourself as they balance on their treetop 'basket' nests by visiting the RSPB viewpoint in Hartsholme Country Park.

Angi went on to say: 'The park is one of only a few places to see such close up views of nesting grey herons in the eastern region. The birds here seem to do very well each year, it's a wonderful place to get a insight into the chicks' development.'

RSPB staff and volunteers will be on hand to tell you all about the nesting grey herons every Saturday and Sunday from 14 March until 5 April. The viewpoint will be open from 10 am until 4 pm each day with telescopes and binoculars available to ensure you get a great view, seeing right inside the one metre wide nests.

Hartsholme Country Park Ranger, Marcus Craythorne said: 'We're delighted to see the heronry build year after year. Not only is it great to see the herons thrive, its great to be able to show people this spectacle right on their door step. Being able to get out and see such wonderful birds first hand certainly beats watching a wildlife documentary.'

To find out more about the RSPB viewpoint at Hartsholme Country Park, visit www.rspb.org.uk/datewithnature or call 01603 697581/07957 618684

Notes

For further information or print quality pictures of herons please contact:

Angi Davies, People Engagement Officer – 01603 697581 or angi.davies@rspb.org.uk

Steve Lovell, Date with Nature Project Officer – 07957 618684 or steve.lovell@rspb.org.uk

Notes to editors:

The viewpoint at Hartsholme Country Park is part of the RSPB's A date with nature programme - a scheme that aims to connect people with nature by showing them the wildlife spectacles that are right on their doorstep.

A Date With Nature – Hartsholme Herons is brought to you in partnership with Lincoln City Council and Lincolns Green Space. For more information about Verulamium Park visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk or contact Lincoln City Council on 01522-552222

Our viewpoint will be lakeside in Hartsholme Country Park, follow the signs along the main path from the visitor centre.

Hartsholme Country Park is signposted off the A46 with the main entrance off Skellingthorpe Road (B1378). There are public toilets within the park and refreshments.

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