14 October 2007 - Work Party
Work Party for reed bed management at Lakes 68d/68c, Cleveland Lakes
Very many thanks to all those helping with todays work party; this was the third and final work party for the site for this winter and as in previous work parties, the team achieved a fantastic amount of willow clearance, further promoting reed growth and encouraging the growth of a more diverse wetland plant assemblage on this site. Hopefully Bittern will winter here again, as in previous winters, so please let us know if you are fortunate enough to get a glimpse of this elusive bird!!!Unfortunately much of the work achieved during the recent work parties is not visible from the footpath but next winter works will be undertaken in areas adjacent to or visible from the footpath.
Sightings:
33 Curlew on fields by the Thames, plus a flock of 18 Moorhen and at least one Kingfisher.
Visible migration during the work party included 5+ Siskin, 5+ Redpoll, 10+ Skylark, many Redwing and many Meadow Pipits. Flock of 50 Fieldfare in fields near Waterhay Car Park.
Many Chiffchaffs in hedgerows and 68d/68c, calling and singing, including several caught by CWP Ringing Group. 5+ Reed Bunting heard, Green Woodpecker heard, Great Spotted Woodpecker. At least 3 Cetti Warbler males and 2 Water Rails in CWP 68d too!
Many thanks again.
Gareth Harris - Biodiversity Officer, Cotswold Water Park Society
CWP 68c: 500+ Starlings, Ruff, Cettis Warbler - heard not seen, Grey Heron Steve Davies