HALE DUCK DECOY - RECENT UPDATES
Hale Duck Decoy: 2021 Updates
Jan - Feb 2022
Two visits were made in both January and February. Most of the work done was to repair damage caused by Storms Arwen and Barra in late 2021. A large sycamore had blown over and was blocking the path around the Decoy: this was cut and removed. Another sycamore had snapped at its base and was leaning precariously against another clump of tress: This was also successfully cut up and removed. A few smaller trees which had blown over and dead branches that had fallen were gathered into habitat piles.
One of the screens had been flattened by the high winds and needed major repairs - a combination of reclaimed timber and wood scraps produced an effective, if rather ramshackle, barrier between the main pool and the footpath. In spite of Storms Corrie, Eunice and Franklin in the late January and February the screen remained intact.
Willow whips were planted and will hopefully root and eventually fill the gap in the tree-line on the Halegate Road side of the Decoy. Three hollies were also planted on the inner bank towards the Gamekeeper's Cottage. More bramble was cleared from around the ditches and the silt was removed from pipes and ditches to ensure excess water continues to flow from the Decoy.
A shelduck box was fitted under the Marsh hide and boxes erected in suitable places for both treecreeper and grey wagtail. The bath, which we discovered was used for the horses on the marsh, was returned to the nearby stables.
Before and after each of the four visits Rob Orme did a litter pick around the Decoy, on the marsh and along Halegate Road from the bridge to United Utilities. On each occasion he managed at least two large bags of litter, chiefly plastic bottles and drinks cans.
On 23rd February,Rob Cockbain went over, on one of his two WeBS counts in the period, and discovered that breeding had already started. This has put an end to our work visits until after the breeding season. P Stanyer.
Two visits were made in both January and February. Most of the work done was to repair damage caused by Storms Arwen and Barra in late 2021. A large sycamore had blown over and was blocking the path around the Decoy: this was cut and removed. Another sycamore had snapped at its base and was leaning precariously against another clump of tress: This was also successfully cut up and removed. A few smaller trees which had blown over and dead branches that had fallen were gathered into habitat piles.
One of the screens had been flattened by the high winds and needed major repairs - a combination of reclaimed timber and wood scraps produced an effective, if rather ramshackle, barrier between the main pool and the footpath. In spite of Storms Corrie, Eunice and Franklin in the late January and February the screen remained intact.
Willow whips were planted and will hopefully root and eventually fill the gap in the tree-line on the Halegate Road side of the Decoy. Three hollies were also planted on the inner bank towards the Gamekeeper's Cottage. More bramble was cleared from around the ditches and the silt was removed from pipes and ditches to ensure excess water continues to flow from the Decoy.
A shelduck box was fitted under the Marsh hide and boxes erected in suitable places for both treecreeper and grey wagtail. The bath, which we discovered was used for the horses on the marsh, was returned to the nearby stables.
Before and after each of the four visits Rob Orme did a litter pick around the Decoy, on the marsh and along Halegate Road from the bridge to United Utilities. On each occasion he managed at least two large bags of litter, chiefly plastic bottles and drinks cans.
On 23rd February,Rob Cockbain went over, on one of his two WeBS counts in the period, and discovered that breeding had already started. This has put an end to our work visits until after the breeding season. P Stanyer.
November - December 2021
Just one work visit was made in November on 22nd Paul and Rob O de-silted the sump.Dave Harrison cut back branches overhanging the walkway to the Pond Hide and Eric planted some seedlings provided by Rob C. After lunch there was some tidying up in the cottage.
The next, and only December workday, was on 6th Decemberwhn the main aim was to clear as much debris as possible from Storms Arwen and Barra - mainly branches but also a large sycamore had been blown over near the cottage.It had blocked the path. The trunk was partially cut through but needs completing next time.Many leaves had to be cleared away from the outlet pipe to ease the drainage from the pool and ditches. P Stanyer
Just one work visit was made in November on 22nd Paul and Rob O de-silted the sump.Dave Harrison cut back branches overhanging the walkway to the Pond Hide and Eric planted some seedlings provided by Rob C. After lunch there was some tidying up in the cottage.
The next, and only December workday, was on 6th Decemberwhn the main aim was to clear as much debris as possible from Storms Arwen and Barra - mainly branches but also a large sycamore had been blown over near the cottage.It had blocked the path. The trunk was partially cut through but needs completing next time.Many leaves had to be cleared away from the outlet pipe to ease the drainage from the pool and ditches. P Stanyer
October 2021
There were two working days at Hale Duck Decoy in October. On the 4th Paul, Eric and Rob C began cutting back the undergrowth from in front and to the sides of the Pond Hide, thereby giving uninterrupted views of the pool.Meanwhile Rob O continued with the de-silting of a ditch. Also in attendance was local artist and birdwatcher, John Elcock.
The next visit was on 18th; Rob C, Rob O, and Dave H worked in very wet conditions to remove silt from the ditch leading to the outlet pipe. Paul and Eric, meanwhile, began some repairs to the Pond Hide.to try to stop the ingress of rain, which had started to rot the wooden joists and uprights of the roof and sides of the hide. In the afternoon work cutting out some of the bramble opposite the Tom Johnson Hide was curtailed due to the ongoing wet weather.
Rob C also visited to do his monthly counts at the Decoy. Paul Stanyer.
There were two working days at Hale Duck Decoy in October. On the 4th Paul, Eric and Rob C began cutting back the undergrowth from in front and to the sides of the Pond Hide, thereby giving uninterrupted views of the pool.Meanwhile Rob O continued with the de-silting of a ditch. Also in attendance was local artist and birdwatcher, John Elcock.
The next visit was on 18th; Rob C, Rob O, and Dave H worked in very wet conditions to remove silt from the ditch leading to the outlet pipe. Paul and Eric, meanwhile, began some repairs to the Pond Hide.to try to stop the ingress of rain, which had started to rot the wooden joists and uprights of the roof and sides of the hide. In the afternoon work cutting out some of the bramble opposite the Tom Johnson Hide was curtailed due to the ongoing wet weather.
Rob C also visited to do his monthly counts at the Decoy. Paul Stanyer.
September 2021
Two visits were made in September, a third being cancelled due to really heavy rain. We continued with more de-silting of the ditch on Side A and Rob O eventually managed to get it finished. The latch on the door to the Pond Hide was adjusted for easier access and more repairs took place to the boardwalk. Some overhanging branches were trimmed back along the pathway between Tom Johnson Hide and the boardwalk. Even more bramble was hacked back from the pipe opposite the Tom Johnson Hide.
Towards the small wildlife pond more bramble was removed and cleared. There was no water in the pond, after the dry spell, but there was at least two foot depth of wet silt remaining – this is normal in small ponds and the wildlife does adjust to it. In the final visit Paul and Dave H started to clear vegetation from in front of the Pond Hide. Paul Stanyer
Two visits were made in September, a third being cancelled due to really heavy rain. We continued with more de-silting of the ditch on Side A and Rob O eventually managed to get it finished. The latch on the door to the Pond Hide was adjusted for easier access and more repairs took place to the boardwalk. Some overhanging branches were trimmed back along the pathway between Tom Johnson Hide and the boardwalk. Even more bramble was hacked back from the pipe opposite the Tom Johnson Hide.
Towards the small wildlife pond more bramble was removed and cleared. There was no water in the pond, after the dry spell, but there was at least two foot depth of wet silt remaining – this is normal in small ponds and the wildlife does adjust to it. In the final visit Paul and Dave H started to clear vegetation from in front of the Pond Hide. Paul Stanyer
Men at Work and the cleared ditches. Photos Rob Orme
24th August 2021
The annual party of birdwatchers went across for the evening roost. It broke a couple of records with 151 little egrets and 8 great-white egrets. Of the 335 cormorants that came to roost, several of the colour-ringed birds were noted. Little grebe and kingfisher performed well in front of the hide. Two raptors were also noted on Hale Marsh, a hobby and a marsh harrier.
The annual party of birdwatchers went across for the evening roost. It broke a couple of records with 151 little egrets and 8 great-white egrets. Of the 335 cormorants that came to roost, several of the colour-ringed birds were noted. Little grebe and kingfisher performed well in front of the hide. Two raptors were also noted on Hale Marsh, a hobby and a marsh harrier.
23rd August 2021
A path was cut through the reeds from Halegate Road to facilitate the visit of a party of birdwatchers from Liverpool RSPB, who came for their annual roost count. The reeds were particularly dense and tall this year: due in part to the high rainfall the previous Autumn and Winter and the warm Spring.
All the locks were oiled and grease was applied to the bridge in preparation for Winter. Three of the rotten boards on the walkway to the Pond Hide were replaced. The ditch on Side A was de-silted and branches were cut from a bush in front of the Pond Hide to aid visibility.
A path was cut through the reeds from Halegate Road to facilitate the visit of a party of birdwatchers from Liverpool RSPB, who came for their annual roost count. The reeds were particularly dense and tall this year: due in part to the high rainfall the previous Autumn and Winter and the warm Spring.
All the locks were oiled and grease was applied to the bridge in preparation for Winter. Three of the rotten boards on the walkway to the Pond Hide were replaced. The ditch on Side A was de-silted and branches were cut from a bush in front of the Pond Hide to aid visibility.
2nd August 2021
Eric and Paul pulled a bath from the moat. Presumably it had been wash in on the high tide. There is usually a few tubs on the fields for the horses: perhaps it was one of those.
Eric and Paul pulled a bath from the moat. Presumably it had been wash in on the high tide. There is usually a few tubs on the fields for the horses: perhaps it was one of those.
26th July 2021
We started clearing the ditch along Side A and cleared a channel from the ditch to the pipe nearest the bridge. We had to finish earlier than planned as it was such a hot day.
12th July 2021
Eric put the remaining granite blocks on the walkway: it is finished as far as it will go in this format. Rob O and Paul cut back more vegetation along the path from the cottage to the Tom Johnson Hide. Meanwhile Rob C dug silt out of the pipe nearest the bridge. Heavy rain curtailed the day’s work.
of theirs. The two Robs continued to de-silt the ditch on Side A and Eric and Paul helped after lunch. There is only about 25 foot left to do on that ditch. Eric spread the silt on the side of the bund: hopefully it will encourage some new vegetation.
5th July 2021
Rob’s C & O, Eric and Paul cut down some of the overgrown vegetation along the paths towards the Tom Johnson Hide, and then down both sides of the central pathway to the Pond Hide. A large tree trunk, previously washed up on a high tide, was dragged out of the moat. It was cut up into smaller pieces for easy handling. Towards the end of the session overhanging branches were cut off a Goat Willow situated on the inner side of the ditch by the Tom Johnson Hide. It had become a hazard to those walking on the other side.
We started clearing the ditch along Side A and cleared a channel from the ditch to the pipe nearest the bridge. We had to finish earlier than planned as it was such a hot day.
12th July 2021
Eric put the remaining granite blocks on the walkway: it is finished as far as it will go in this format. Rob O and Paul cut back more vegetation along the path from the cottage to the Tom Johnson Hide. Meanwhile Rob C dug silt out of the pipe nearest the bridge. Heavy rain curtailed the day’s work.
of theirs. The two Robs continued to de-silt the ditch on Side A and Eric and Paul helped after lunch. There is only about 25 foot left to do on that ditch. Eric spread the silt on the side of the bund: hopefully it will encourage some new vegetation.
5th July 2021
Rob’s C & O, Eric and Paul cut down some of the overgrown vegetation along the paths towards the Tom Johnson Hide, and then down both sides of the central pathway to the Pond Hide. A large tree trunk, previously washed up on a high tide, was dragged out of the moat. It was cut up into smaller pieces for easy handling. Towards the end of the session overhanging branches were cut off a Goat Willow situated on the inner side of the ditch by the Tom Johnson Hide. It had become a hazard to those walking on the other side.
April, May and June 2021
The breeding birds are disturbed as little as possible: visiting only to check all is good and to gather some numbers for the records. A colour-ringed cormorant was discovered at one of the nests and preliminary details suggest it was ringed in South Nottingham - watch here for full details when we get them. One found nearby last year was ringed at Rutland Water.
The breeding birds are disturbed as little as possible: visiting only to check all is good and to gather some numbers for the records. A colour-ringed cormorant was discovered at one of the nests and preliminary details suggest it was ringed in South Nottingham - watch here for full details when we get them. One found nearby last year was ringed at Rutland Water.
March 2021
Few visits were made in March; generally just finishing off a few tasks before the breeding season gets underway. The herons and cormorants were already standing by or on their nest sites. Most of the ducks will not breed here but that does not deter them from fighting and displaying on the Decoy Pond.
Few visits were made in March; generally just finishing off a few tasks before the breeding season gets underway. The herons and cormorants were already standing by or on their nest sites. Most of the ducks will not breed here but that does not deter them from fighting and displaying on the Decoy Pond.
February 2021
Some final touches were put to the Marsh Hide restoration with the addition of new wooden pegs to hold open the windows and a new shelduck box was created.
The tidal chamber was cleaned out and two of the pipes rodded to help with the outlet of water. Bramble roots were removed from the edges of the ditches between the Tom Johnson Hide and Marsh Hide. Two nests boxes erected. which should be particularly attractive to the tit family.
Several bags of plastic rubbish were removed from the Hale Marsh.
Some final touches were put to the Marsh Hide restoration with the addition of new wooden pegs to hold open the windows and a new shelduck box was created.
The tidal chamber was cleaned out and two of the pipes rodded to help with the outlet of water. Bramble roots were removed from the edges of the ditches between the Tom Johnson Hide and Marsh Hide. Two nests boxes erected. which should be particularly attractive to the tit family.
Several bags of plastic rubbish were removed from the Hale Marsh.
The teal, tufted ducks and Canada geese have all started to congregate and display on the Decoy.
January 2021
Fortunately, despite the Covid lockdown there have been several visits to Hale Duck Decoy; always in small numbers and working well away from each other. There were some tremendous rain storms, causing flooding around Hale Village, but although both Hale Marsh and the Decoy were very wet, they managed to avoid the severe flooding that has happened in previous years.
The Marsh Hide, which has slowly deteriorated, has been given a facelift. All the wood which was damaged has been replaced and the hide repainted, extending its life considerably.
The ditches have been kept clear and some vegetation cut back.
Fortunately, despite the Covid lockdown there have been several visits to Hale Duck Decoy; always in small numbers and working well away from each other. There were some tremendous rain storms, causing flooding around Hale Village, but although both Hale Marsh and the Decoy were very wet, they managed to avoid the severe flooding that has happened in previous years.
The Marsh Hide, which has slowly deteriorated, has been given a facelift. All the wood which was damaged has been replaced and the hide repainted, extending its life considerably.
The ditches have been kept clear and some vegetation cut back.
Hale Duck Decoy: Updates 2020 Click on photos to enlarge
Most of the work at the Duck Decoy in December involved repairing the Marsh Hide. Originally this was built by the wardens when there was no Council or Friend’s Group to fund it, using old pallets and bits of wood left over from other jobs! Under the circumstances it has lasted a long time but was now in need of care and attention. On the 7th December Paul, Eric, Rob O and Dave spent much of the morning carrying the new wood for the hide across from the road.
Eric and Paul made a frame for the front of the hide whilst Rob and Dave painted the new wood, so it would be ready to use at the next work party on 15th December. The job was continued two days later but was not quite completed before the Christmas period.
On these two days Rob O undertook the task of clearing the ditch between the Tom Johnson Hide and Marsh Hide of vegetation. Rob C. also popped down and cleared the outlet pipes and brushed the leaves off walkway to Pond Hide. Each time the group went down the bird feeders were filled up. Eric also put a new catch on the entrance gate at Town Lane. Rob C,. also visited for his December WeBS count.
Eric and Paul made a frame for the front of the hide whilst Rob and Dave painted the new wood, so it would be ready to use at the next work party on 15th December. The job was continued two days later but was not quite completed before the Christmas period.
On these two days Rob O undertook the task of clearing the ditch between the Tom Johnson Hide and Marsh Hide of vegetation. Rob C. also popped down and cleared the outlet pipes and brushed the leaves off walkway to Pond Hide. Each time the group went down the bird feeders were filled up. Eric also put a new catch on the entrance gate at Town Lane. Rob C,. also visited for his December WeBS count.
Roosting grey herons.
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The pond.
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There have been four visits during the month. On 6th November Rob O, Paul and Eric went to the Decoy specifically to watch the high tide surround the area, but unfortunately the tide did not have the wind behind it and did not cover all of the marsh. While there they got on with some tidying up jobs.
Rob C went over to the Decoy as part of his high tide WeBS Count on the 15th November. The only species of interest were a female goldeneye and a drake wigeon; both of which are very rare on the Decoy. The high tide, with a wind behind it, surrounded the Decoy and went up to road.
Two further visits were made on 23rd and 30th of the month. Rob C and Rob O. planted twelve trees, including five oaks, three willows, two hawthorns and two large alders. Eric put in two new posts for the gate on the entrance from Town Lane. This has been in danger of collapse for some while, so was a job well done. Apart from helping Eric, Paul sorted out the bird feeders. Rob O joined them after helping with the tree planting at Pickerings Pasture. The ditch by Tom Johnson hide was cut back in the afternoon. It's a never-ending task on the Decoy.
At the end of a long day Rob Orme noticed some litter near the Town Lane Bridge, so added a litter-pick to his list of activities. He rescued a full bag of litter before it became too dark!!
Rob C went over to the Decoy as part of his high tide WeBS Count on the 15th November. The only species of interest were a female goldeneye and a drake wigeon; both of which are very rare on the Decoy. The high tide, with a wind behind it, surrounded the Decoy and went up to road.
Two further visits were made on 23rd and 30th of the month. Rob C and Rob O. planted twelve trees, including five oaks, three willows, two hawthorns and two large alders. Eric put in two new posts for the gate on the entrance from Town Lane. This has been in danger of collapse for some while, so was a job well done. Apart from helping Eric, Paul sorted out the bird feeders. Rob O joined them after helping with the tree planting at Pickerings Pasture. The ditch by Tom Johnson hide was cut back in the afternoon. It's a never-ending task on the Decoy.
At the end of a long day Rob Orme noticed some litter near the Town Lane Bridge, so added a litter-pick to his list of activities. He rescued a full bag of litter before it became too dark!!
There have been two recent visits by a small group from The Friends of Pickerings Pasture. Numbers are necessarily restricted due to Covid-19.
On 17th October 2020 All three of them watched as the high tide covered the marsh around the Decoy: a new experience for Eric and Rob O. They were fascinated to observe the tide completely surrounding the Decoy.
Prior to the tide Eric was working on the footpath; laying the last stones and banking up the sides. Meanwhile after helping Paul with the draining rods, to ensure the outlet pipe was clear before the tides, Rob O continued to paint the Marsh hide.
Similarly on 19th October 2020 Eric completed the work on the footpath, banking up the sides as added protection. Paul and Rob O continued with their work on the ditch by outlet pipe. removing some rubbish from the pipe. The silt was barrowed to build up one of the banks. Finally they did some cutting on the path around sides E and A.
On 18th October Rob C popped over to do his monthly WeBS Count.
On 17th October 2020 All three of them watched as the high tide covered the marsh around the Decoy: a new experience for Eric and Rob O. They were fascinated to observe the tide completely surrounding the Decoy.
Prior to the tide Eric was working on the footpath; laying the last stones and banking up the sides. Meanwhile after helping Paul with the draining rods, to ensure the outlet pipe was clear before the tides, Rob O continued to paint the Marsh hide.
Similarly on 19th October 2020 Eric completed the work on the footpath, banking up the sides as added protection. Paul and Rob O continued with their work on the ditch by outlet pipe. removing some rubbish from the pipe. The silt was barrowed to build up one of the banks. Finally they did some cutting on the path around sides E and A.
On 18th October Rob C popped over to do his monthly WeBS Count.
13th Sept 2020
Rob C went over the Duck Decoy one evening to do his annual count as the birds come into roost.
Rob C went over the Duck Decoy one evening to do his annual count as the birds come into roost.
14th Sept 2020
The gang were back down at the Decoy on Monday. The original entrance gate needed to be replaced after years of use. Eric actually made the new gate at home but getting the gate and all the fixtures and fittings across to the Decoy was a job in itself. It must have caused a sleepless night making; sure nothing was forgotten. Gary, Paul and Eric took most of the day to get it fixed in situ, but were delighted with the result.
Meanwhile Rob Orme painted the Marsh Hide
The gang were back down at the Decoy on Monday. The original entrance gate needed to be replaced after years of use. Eric actually made the new gate at home but getting the gate and all the fixtures and fittings across to the Decoy was a job in itself. It must have caused a sleepless night making; sure nothing was forgotten. Gary, Paul and Eric took most of the day to get it fixed in situ, but were delighted with the result.
Meanwhile Rob Orme painted the Marsh Hide
31st August 2020 Halton Wildfowlers Visit Hale Duck Decoy
I recently received an offer, from the Secretary of the Halton Wildflowers, for some of their members to come and help us with maintenance work on the Decoy.
On Saturday the 29th August, fourteen of their members turned up, with the Paul and me. Making sure we kept to social distancing rules, we managed to get a large amount of heavy work done in the three hours.
We have been worried about the moat, which was leaking in three places due to the high tides washing away parts of the moat banking. This job was our main priority, splitting the visitors into five different group with three groups working on the moat bank. Another group were cutting down the scrub growing up in front of the Tom Johnson hide, and the final group were repairing one of the screens, removing two heavy logs and cutting back several branches which were growing over the pipe.
All in all it was a goods day's work. Rob Cockbain
On Monday 31st August four members of the Monday Group went down to the Decoy to carry on with their normal maintenance duties
I recently received an offer, from the Secretary of the Halton Wildflowers, for some of their members to come and help us with maintenance work on the Decoy.
On Saturday the 29th August, fourteen of their members turned up, with the Paul and me. Making sure we kept to social distancing rules, we managed to get a large amount of heavy work done in the three hours.
We have been worried about the moat, which was leaking in three places due to the high tides washing away parts of the moat banking. This job was our main priority, splitting the visitors into five different group with three groups working on the moat bank. Another group were cutting down the scrub growing up in front of the Tom Johnson hide, and the final group were repairing one of the screens, removing two heavy logs and cutting back several branches which were growing over the pipe.
All in all it was a goods day's work. Rob Cockbain
On Monday 31st August four members of the Monday Group went down to the Decoy to carry on with their normal maintenance duties
24th August 2020
Due to the on-going road repairs to Town Lane access to the Duck Decoy has been quite difficult in recent weeks. However a group went across to work on 19th and 24th.
The variety of wild flowers on the Duck Decoy is not extensive: however, even in late summer they put on a good show.
It was very quiet bird-wise with only seven little egrets perched in the bushes but interestingly all were young from this year. Two grey wagtails and several chiffchaffs and blackcaps were seen. There were plenty of butterflies present, particularly abundant were speckled woods with at least ten being seen. Two peacocks and a mixture of the three white species were also present.
The only dragonflies seen were common darters and a southern hawker.
Rob O. & Dave worked on de-silting the pipe by the Tom Johnson hide. Rob C. went out onto marsh to build up the banks of one of the ditches, which had been damaged by the recent high tides. It was allowing water to run out of the pool in front of the marsh hide.
Paul & Eric moved some of blocks, by wheelbarrow, from the road access point to nearer the Duck Decoy, They started building a pathway through the very muddy access approach to the decoy. This work will continue over the next few work party visits.
Due to the on-going road repairs to Town Lane access to the Duck Decoy has been quite difficult in recent weeks. However a group went across to work on 19th and 24th.
The variety of wild flowers on the Duck Decoy is not extensive: however, even in late summer they put on a good show.
It was very quiet bird-wise with only seven little egrets perched in the bushes but interestingly all were young from this year. Two grey wagtails and several chiffchaffs and blackcaps were seen. There were plenty of butterflies present, particularly abundant were speckled woods with at least ten being seen. Two peacocks and a mixture of the three white species were also present.
The only dragonflies seen were common darters and a southern hawker.
Rob O. & Dave worked on de-silting the pipe by the Tom Johnson hide. Rob C. went out onto marsh to build up the banks of one of the ditches, which had been damaged by the recent high tides. It was allowing water to run out of the pool in front of the marsh hide.
Paul & Eric moved some of blocks, by wheelbarrow, from the road access point to nearer the Duck Decoy, They started building a pathway through the very muddy access approach to the decoy. This work will continue over the next few work party visits.
10th August 2020 On Monday afternoon Paul, Eric and Rob O. went to work at the Duck Decoy, but mainly spent their time collecting five large bags of the plastic rubbish, which was scattered about on the marsh following a recent high tides.
Whilst there, they took the opportunity to speak to the road repair team and were offered some large foot-square blocks, which were destined for land-fill. They will be ideal to make up a footpath across the marsh to the Decoy. This small patch of Hale Marsh is always very muddy and is quite dangerous for visitors. It is good to be able to recycle such articles.
Whilst there, they took the opportunity to speak to the road repair team and were offered some large foot-square blocks, which were destined for land-fill. They will be ideal to make up a footpath across the marsh to the Decoy. This small patch of Hale Marsh is always very muddy and is quite dangerous for visitors. It is good to be able to recycle such articles.
24th July 2020 A quick visit to finish off some jobs and to take photos.
22nd July 2020 On Monday a work party of six members of the Friends of Pickerings Pasture visited Hale Duck Decoy. From the main hide we could see that many cormorants still had young in their nests but most had fledged and were sitting around the pond edge or in the trees. It was nice to see over forty little egrets present, mainly roosting in a large oak and a great egret paid a brief visit whilst we were there.
On the pond four coots, two tufted ducks and a teal were present but strangely no mallard were seen. From the marsh hide a pair of shelduck, with six young, were see on the moat.
Julie P. and Paul S. cleared the brambles from the board walk and Dave C cleared brambles from the pathways. Rob O. opened up the pathway to our small dragonfly pool; cutting back yet more brambles. He also did some ditch work with Rob C. clearing the outflow pipe which allows excess water off the decoy through the underground drain. Eric T coppiced two large willows and using the branches made two screens hiding the pond from the main path – to avoid disturbance to birds on the pond.
Rob C had also visited on 6th July and had concentrated mainly on clearing the ditches. Most of the photos were taken then.
On the pond four coots, two tufted ducks and a teal were present but strangely no mallard were seen. From the marsh hide a pair of shelduck, with six young, were see on the moat.
Julie P. and Paul S. cleared the brambles from the board walk and Dave C cleared brambles from the pathways. Rob O. opened up the pathway to our small dragonfly pool; cutting back yet more brambles. He also did some ditch work with Rob C. clearing the outflow pipe which allows excess water off the decoy through the underground drain. Eric T coppiced two large willows and using the branches made two screens hiding the pond from the main path – to avoid disturbance to birds on the pond.
Rob C had also visited on 6th July and had concentrated mainly on clearing the ditches. Most of the photos were taken then.
30th June 2020 A visit was made to make sure all was well. During lockdown there has been an increasing number of people trespassing on Hale Marsh, an area protected by Natural England because of its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a RAMSAR site. Although not intending to damage or do harm this type of disturbance is not good for the site and often encourages others to do likewise. Hopefully visits will resume when the virus is under control - it is not a suitable place for visits at present
22nd June 2020 Everything is ticking over well at Hale Duck Decoy, with the breeding season well underway with young cormorants, mallard, moorhens etc in abundance. The recent rain has ensured that the flowers are prolific: providing a steady food supply for the nectar lovers and seed eaters.
7th June 2020 Again checking all is well on the Decoy, but more importantly a survey of counting was done of the waterfowl, cormorants and egrets. This information, collected monthly on a high tide is sent to the co-ordinator of the Mersey Estuary WeBS (Wetland Bird Survey) which is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology. The information gained over many years helps to shape and protect our environment.
Most of the young grey herons have now left and already a large number of the cormorant's young are out of the nests and loafing in the trees or around the pond. We had hoped to start public visiting later this month but unfortunately with Covid 19 this will have to be put on hold for the time being.
Most of the young grey herons have now left and already a large number of the cormorant's young are out of the nests and loafing in the trees or around the pond. We had hoped to start public visiting later this month but unfortunately with Covid 19 this will have to be put on hold for the time being.
27th May 2020 A further two trips were made to check all was well. Many of the herons have fledged but the cormorants are really busy. A colour-ringed bird was found: it had been ringed at Rutland Water in 2015 and had visited Workington in March, before coming to the Decoy to breed.
2nd May 2020 Another trip down to check all is well.
24th April 2020 Rob made another trip down to Hale Duck Decoy to check all was well. The outlet valve needed cleaning as usual but otherwise all was well. The vegetation is beginning to flourish.
The cormorants are now well into their breeding cycle and some of the grey herons have already fledged, with others nearly ready to go. The ducks have either left; many like the teal to migrate north to breed, or are now paired up and ready to breed here or nearby. The Canada geese have made a few attempts at nesting but in the main are still gathering on the pond.
The cormorants are now well into their breeding cycle and some of the grey herons have already fledged, with others nearly ready to go. The ducks have either left; many like the teal to migrate north to breed, or are now paired up and ready to breed here or nearby. The Canada geese have made a few attempts at nesting but in the main are still gathering on the pond.
9th April 2020 There was a short visit due to the Coronavirus outbreak, mainly to check that all was well over there after the recent high tide and to check that the outlet valve was working correctly. All was well. There was quite a lot of activity around the cormorant nests and the grey herons were in different stages of nesting activity; some with large young. Little grebes were busy diving around the pond.
A spotted redshank outside the Marsh hide was a pleasing find - a really unusual bird around here as they prefer fresh water pools. A great white egret was across the marsh, standing near to a heron on the incoming tide. Another migrant - a white wagtail - was out on the marsh scrape.
A spotted redshank outside the Marsh hide was a pleasing find - a really unusual bird around here as they prefer fresh water pools. A great white egret was across the marsh, standing near to a heron on the incoming tide. Another migrant - a white wagtail - was out on the marsh scrape.
17th March 2020 While Rob and Paul were going about their various tasks, Mike Roberts sat quietly in the hide and got these stunning photographs of the herons & cormorants at their nests.
19th Feb 2020 Rob made a quick trip across to the Decoy on Tuesday to see if there was much damage caused by Storms Ciara and Dennis. Luckily, apart from a few small trees down there wasn't much else - the screens were safe which was the main worry. There wasn't any flooding either, although the drain needed clearing to avoid problems in the future.
There were 20 shovelers, 3 mallards, nearly 100 teals, 7 tufted ducks and 80 Canada geese on the pond: possibly sheltering from the winds.
There were 20 shovelers, 3 mallards, nearly 100 teals, 7 tufted ducks and 80 Canada geese on the pond: possibly sheltering from the winds.
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10th Feb 2020 The high tide on Sunday 9th was to coincide with a storm surge from Storm Ciara and could have had serious consequences for Hale Duck Decoy. Fortunately the surge only reached 1m, not the predicted 1.5m, and all was well. The photographs show the state of the tide from about half an hour after high-tide. Both Town Lane and Carr Lane were closed to traffic at the height of the tide.
27 Jan '20
The Decoy’s ‘Monday Gang’ - Paul, Dave, Eric and Rob - has been working since early in September to hold back the tide of nature and keep it in basic functional order, with the drainage system as a prime consideration. There is a natural order to the year on the Decoy, which is driven by the ever increasing population of nesting herons and cormorants. They begin nesting sometime in February, depending on the severity of the winter, and once this begins, work on site stops to prevent any disturbance to them, until well into the summer months.
Our sessions are enhanced by the sense of being in a special place, which feels a long way from modern life despite the steady line of aircraft flying so low into Speke airport, which the birds have long since learned to tolerate. The atmosphere in the cold weather is very much enhanced by the warming open fire in our little ‘bothy’ called up by our specialist, Dave who is an old hand at country crafts, having lived on the Croxteth estate as a young boy.
Pre and post Christmas a good deal of effort has been put into clearing the ditches and channels of dead wood, leaves and bramble as the ‘pre and post’ photographs illustrate, while repair work has focussed on the bird hides and screens. Eric, who has vast experience of rural working, including competing in hedge laying competitions, has led on this with Paul, as they do at Pickerings Pasture. We have also planted a number of new trees, donated by a variety of people to whom we are most grateful.
The decoy is a singular place which requires a good deal of specialist knowledge to keep from falling into disrepair. For many years Rob Cockbain has taken the lead, and this continues today. He has been passing on his knowhow in relation to the arcane skills involved in managing the drainage system to Paul, who spends many a happy hour with his arms deep in the cool and sometimes murky waters of the drainage ditch, as can be seen from earlier entries on these pages.
So, with February almost upon us we have but a few more weeks to achieve our objectives and leave the place in peace, till high summer is here. Before then we hope to enjoy once again the pleasure of being on site during a high tide, when it becomes for a few hours our own little island, with just the birds for company. Rob Orme (and photographs)
The Decoy’s ‘Monday Gang’ - Paul, Dave, Eric and Rob - has been working since early in September to hold back the tide of nature and keep it in basic functional order, with the drainage system as a prime consideration. There is a natural order to the year on the Decoy, which is driven by the ever increasing population of nesting herons and cormorants. They begin nesting sometime in February, depending on the severity of the winter, and once this begins, work on site stops to prevent any disturbance to them, until well into the summer months.
Our sessions are enhanced by the sense of being in a special place, which feels a long way from modern life despite the steady line of aircraft flying so low into Speke airport, which the birds have long since learned to tolerate. The atmosphere in the cold weather is very much enhanced by the warming open fire in our little ‘bothy’ called up by our specialist, Dave who is an old hand at country crafts, having lived on the Croxteth estate as a young boy.
Pre and post Christmas a good deal of effort has been put into clearing the ditches and channels of dead wood, leaves and bramble as the ‘pre and post’ photographs illustrate, while repair work has focussed on the bird hides and screens. Eric, who has vast experience of rural working, including competing in hedge laying competitions, has led on this with Paul, as they do at Pickerings Pasture. We have also planted a number of new trees, donated by a variety of people to whom we are most grateful.
The decoy is a singular place which requires a good deal of specialist knowledge to keep from falling into disrepair. For many years Rob Cockbain has taken the lead, and this continues today. He has been passing on his knowhow in relation to the arcane skills involved in managing the drainage system to Paul, who spends many a happy hour with his arms deep in the cool and sometimes murky waters of the drainage ditch, as can be seen from earlier entries on these pages.
So, with February almost upon us we have but a few more weeks to achieve our objectives and leave the place in peace, till high summer is here. Before then we hope to enjoy once again the pleasure of being on site during a high tide, when it becomes for a few hours our own little island, with just the birds for company. Rob Orme (and photographs)
Rob Orme attacking the brambles.
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Before their trim...
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... and After.
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A lovely Winter's day at the Decoy.
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Painting the Marsh Hide.
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Hale Duck Decoy: Updates 2019 Click photos to enlarge
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23rd October 2019
The Monday Group visited the Duck Decoy on Monday and Wednesday of this week. More brambles were cleared from the edges of the ditches. Silt was removed from one of the pipes and from the ditches. Ten trees were planted including alder, hawthorn, oak and ash. A nest box was put up for stock doves or, hopefully, even a tawny owl could take up residence! Finger's crossed. |
14th October.
The Monday Crew were in action again today: this time at Hale Duck Decoy, bramble cutting and clearing / dredging one of the ‘arms’. We are beginning to see some real progress and aim to keep up our sessions as long as the weather permits. There is no shortage of jobs to tackle. R Orme et al |
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1st Sept. View from the hide at high tide
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Little egrets & grey heron roost.
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Cormorants.
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Grey heron
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Canada geese on the flooded marsh.
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Greylag goose from the Tom Johnson hide.
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Peacock butterflies have roosted in the hide for years.
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Lysimachia. The wild yellow loosestrife.
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Purple loosestrife
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A great white egret with 2 little egrets for comparison. © Di Hunt
21st September
There has been an annual census of the heronry roost at Hale Duck Decoy for many years. The totals this year were 270 cormorants, 21 little egrets, 3 great white egrets and -- grey herons.
Also seen were 2 kingfishers, 5 little grebes, 20 teals, 4 shovelers and a few mallards. Another interesting observation was a hobby chasing bats at dusk.
This year there have been several reports of cattle egrets going into the roost but sadly none were present on the census evening.
There has been an annual census of the heronry roost at Hale Duck Decoy for many years. The totals this year were 270 cormorants, 21 little egrets, 3 great white egrets and -- grey herons.
Also seen were 2 kingfishers, 5 little grebes, 20 teals, 4 shovelers and a few mallards. Another interesting observation was a hobby chasing bats at dusk.
This year there have been several reports of cattle egrets going into the roost but sadly none were present on the census evening.
Throughout the year, nearly every week, Rob and Paul have continued with their work - bird censuses, digging ditches, cutting back brambles, mending screens and all the other maintenance jobs needed. Occasionally they are joined by other equally enthusiastic volunteers.
3rd July A group arriving to do an insect foray.
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© M. Roberts August An osprey was present on the
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Decoy for a couple of hours. © M. Roberts
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25th May 2019
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Flowers on the Decoy
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12th June Cormorant
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Tufted ducks
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Young cormorant bathing
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Another high tide on 22nd of February was spent on the Decoy: there is something very special about the Decoy, when it is cut off by the tide. Although some work was done (the hide door was re-hung to stop it catching, the outlet pipe was cleared and more shrubs were planted) much of their time was spent watching the tide from different viewing points.
Teals feeding on the marsh as the tide approaches.
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Dunlins feeding as the tide approaches.
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Herons out on the marsh.
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High tide from the Decoy towards the village.
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Part of the flock of 4,000 dunlins.
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The geese on the Decoy pond.
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Herons sting out the tide.
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A few pairs are already on their nests.
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Canada geese & shelducks floating out the tide.
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Shelducks floating on the tide.
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HDD at high tide. Towards Town Lane. P Stanyer
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HDD at high tide. The bridge over the moat. P Stanyer
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HDD at high tide. Towards Mersey Gateway. P Stanyer
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HDD at high tide. P Stanyer
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HDD at high tide. Towards Hale Village with dunlins. PS
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Paul and Rob have continued to make weekly checks on the Duck Decoy, particularly to check on the out-flow pipes across to the Ramsbrook. The work to dig out the ditches continues, mainly by Paul. He has also put up guttering and a drainpipe on the Pond Hide. A group of six went across on 14th February when more brambles were cut back, the foliage in front of the TJ hide was trimmed and some new alder buckthorns were planted.
The ducks manage to keep small areas of water ice free.
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Water in one of the ditches.
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Paul freeing the outlet pipe of leaves.
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Cutting back brambles.
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New steps to the Marsh Hide.
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The Pond Hide now sports a new drainpipe.
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The geese are beginning to pair up.
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On 23rd January they spent the time over the high tide on the Decoy. The tide was not as strong as expected: often a 10m hide will surround the Duck Decoy. It did, however, fetch the waders, ducks and gulls much closer to the hides.
View from Tom Johnson Hide.
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Wader roost from TJ Hide at high tide.
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View from Marsh Hide (pre tide)
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View from Marsh Hide (post tide)
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Flooding and other maintenance work : Update 2018
Remember to click on photo to enlarge
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Four members of the group were at the Decoy on Friday 23rd November. The task of the day was repairing the steps to the Marsh Hide, which would have become dangerous very soon. Time ran out before they could finish but they managed to complete the task later in the week.. |
Kingfisher on the decoy. © M. Roberts
The Decoy in the mist. © M. Roberts
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Whilst everyone else left the Decoy before the high tide, Rob remained to see if there were any problems. Sadly once the moat had filled, the tide began to ingress onto the Decoy again. This was very depressing after all the work that he and Paul had done over the year. Thankfully, when they went back to check a few days later the drain had done its work and the water had retreated. so although further work is needed, at least the main drainage system is working well.
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The water from the moat ingressed onto the Decoy.
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Some of the ditches also filled with water.
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September 11th 2018: Another group visit was made. Following on from the work undertaken by Halton Wildfowlers Association the Friends of Pickerings Pasture were able to paint all three hides. When any structural damage was encountered this was immediately repaired. Thanks to all of you.
Thank you also to Lynda for providing the lunch. |
After lunch...
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The painting team.
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All the hides have now been painted.
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The Pond Hide
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The Pond Hide
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From the Marsh side.
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The Tom Johnson Hide.
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The Tom Johnson Hide.
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The Marsh Hide.
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The Marsh Hide.
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On Saturday 8th September: Paul and Gary accompanied a group of volunteers from Halton Wildfowlers Association who came to assist with some conservation work despite the pouring rain! One of their main tasks was to lift one of the screens set up to hide visitors from the ducks on the pond. They cut vegetation in front of both the Pond and Marsh Hides and also on both sides of the pathway to the Pond Hide. A large branch from a fallen tree was removed as it was about to damage one of the screens. We are very grateful for their time and efforts.
The Halton Wildfowlers.
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Members of Halton Wildfowlers Association.
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The wildfowlers take a well-deserved break.
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They managed to lift the screen back up.
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And the large, dead tree was cut back.
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23rd August 2018, Tony Hunter, the Assistant Curator (Entomology) Zoology from Liverpool Museum came to Hale Duck Decoy with his colleague to check for bugs, insects and spiders on the Decoy. It is over thirty years since the Decoy was last visited by the experts from the Museum. They used several methods to catch their insects: using a swish net, knocking trees and undergrowth and sometimes just using their eyes. They had a few interesting finds and have promised to send a copy of their findings in due course.
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August Update: Rob and Paul have continued to make their weekly visits. The work has mainly involved digging out ditches while they are still dry. Work continues on the drain, which continues to leak.
Paul with Gary and Eric have made two visits to re-roof the Tom Johnson and Pond Hides. Well done all.
Paul with Gary and Eric have made two visits to re-roof the Tom Johnson and Pond Hides. Well done all.
More ditch work.
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One drain under the path has now been cleared.
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Eric and Paul working on the hide roof.
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New roof on the Tom Johnson hide.
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The roof on the Pond Hide.
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May to July Update: Throughout the year two members of the Friends's Group, Paul Stanyer and Rob Cockbain have gone to the Decoy regularly to work. Occasionally they have been joined by other members and we have had one Group Day down there. The biggest aid to the flooding problem has, of course, been the dry weather since June. The ditches have dried out considerably and the mud has been cleared from many of them.
Rob Orme cutting back more bramble - an on-going task.
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The completed pipe.
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The dry mud is much easier to dig out.
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Paul digging out the mud from one of the pipes.
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Eric erecting one of the new bat boxes.
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The walk to the pond hide was cut back and improved. The hides were also cleaned inside.
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The seating area was severely cut back by Gary.
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Paul doing maintenance work on the pipe inlet on Hale Marsh.
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Flooding and other maintenance work: Update 2017
Below is the history of the flooding at Hale Duck Decoy and although progress has been made it is very slow, partly due to the age of the volunteers! At last there seems to be "a light at the end of the tunnel".
Throughout 2017 FoPP volunteers, Rob Cockbain and Paul Stanyer made as many visits as possible to Hale Duck Decoy to work on alleviating the flooding. Except for holiday periods, and avoiding the time when birds were nesting, they visited most weeks. It was very hard graft as they were pulling out mud and silt that had built up over many years and using it to raise the banks. Progress was made and water began to run around the Decoy more easily. However the problem of the drain remained unsolved. Many promises were made by experts but nothing was forthcoming. From the years he has been involved with the Decoy, Rob Cockbain had a fairly good idea on how to fix the problem but it was too big a task to undertake.
Jan 17 The cleared ditches (Side D) were looking much better.
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Jan 17 (Side E)
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Paul cleaning the ditches. Jan '17
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Jan 17 Flooding (B/A - towards road)
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Mar '17 ( C/D)
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Mar 17 (Side A)
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April '17 (Side C)
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June 17 Paul cleaning out more ditches.
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June 17 The pathways are beginning to consolidate.
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June 17
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Sept 17 The waters continued to recede.
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Rob and Paul were joined by Paul Long, Rob Orme and Eric Thomson on some visits which meant more improvement work could be undertaken. The work in September by the Freemen of Hale to improve the drainage is reported elsewhere. The Friend's group work party for November was held at the Decoy and further improvements were made. Their hard work continued until the end of the year. Sadly on the high tide some salt water flooded back into the Decoy at the point were the work was done, but it didn't continue once the tides were lower. High tides will continue to be a problem until more work is done next year.
Nov 17 The Friend's group workparty began the refurbishment of the footpath to the hide.
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Nov 17 They started with the bridge over the ditch.
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Nov 17 The task was finished by a smaller group on a later date.
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Nov 17 And Paul is still cleaning out ditches!!
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More Flooding 2016
Flooding A/B March '16
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Flooding C/D March'16
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Work Days at Hale Duck Decoy 2013 - 2015
The History: On 5th December 2013 the tidal surge flooded Hale Marsh and went over the decoy bank in two or three places, flooding the inside paths with two to three inches of salt water. Almost immediately a pump was introduced to reduce the levels of salt water and to try to limit the damage. Over the high tide period on the 3rd January more gales forced the tides higher than predicted and during the following days, with all the high tides and rain, the decoy was again flooded and access impassable. Our pump also gave up the ghost due to overwork!
Flooding on Side A - Dec '13.
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Side C - Towards Tom Johnson Hide - Dec 13
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Flooding A/B - Dec 13
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A visit was made to the decoy in February by a work party from The Conservation Volunteers and members of the Friends of Pickerings Pasture in appalling weather conditions. They concentrated, unsuccessfully, on trying to sort out the blockage within the major outlet drain. The original workings are really old and it was thought that a full overhaul was needed to really sort out the problem – a job too large for the Group. However some progress was made and a new pump was working well.
The debris left by the original flood outside Side B
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Side C - Jan '14
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Side E - Jan '14
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Over the next couple of months access was really limited although the debris that built up around the pump was regularly cleared and at the end of May a new, better pump arrived and was installed on the Decoy. We hoped it would clear the last of the standing water quickly but by August it had become obvious that with more rain the water-levels were now higher and the pumps were not being effective at all. They were removed.
Halton Borough Council brought in experts to improve the drainage by renewing all the original works but the costs were really high and the job was deferred. The Friends Group were by this time becoming quite despondent. A few visits were made in January and February - it did not improve.
Halton Borough Council brought in experts to improve the drainage by renewing all the original works but the costs were really high and the job was deferred. The Friends Group were by this time becoming quite despondent. A few visits were made in January and February - it did not improve.
We decided to seek help ourselves from a source recommended to us. He was confident that the problem was not caused by damage to the drain and advised that a mesh, inserted several years ago to stop leaves and the silt from leaf decay building up, be removed and a new plastic pipe be inserted into the existing metal pipe instead. This has worked well and the water is at last draining as it should into the Ramsbrook. The lower water levels have been helped by the warm weather. We hope the good weather continues before the winter rains are upon us once again. We have our fingers crossed that when the tides fill the moat again it will not stop the pipe draining water off the decoy!
Side D - Silt and leaves have built up.
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Corner A/B - Drying out.
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Corner C/D dried out but left lots of slippery, smelly mud behind.
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Thick mud & silt on Side A
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The Clean Up: Over the next couple of weeks it was obvious that the water was still receding and a group went down to start the clean-up, in preparation for a visit by a some botanists from Nantes, in France. On 20th July seven members of The Friends of Pickerings Pasture had one of their monthly work-parties at the Decoy for some further work. The ditches are in a very poor state, with leaf debris and muddy silt filling them up and preventing the water from draining freely. Starting from near the outlet pipe a start was made to remove the debris and locate some of the drainage pipes under the pathways. It was extremely hard work but several meters of ditching were cleared and the water was running more freely in them.
Silt removed from Side E - 20/7/15
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Clearing the debris from the ditches & trying to find the drainage pipe.
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Clearing the mud from the ditches
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Lynda cleaning the information boards.
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Other tasks were also carried out: the information boards were cleaned and the covers removed for repair.
The spider's webs were cleared away from around the seats and viewing slits in the three hides which were brushed out and the droppings from the old swallow's nest removed. There was evidence that they may try a second brood in one of the hides. A notice board was re-erected, a gatepost repaired and the bench seats were painted. |
Another work party of nine continued the good work on 8th August 2015 .
Initially, we were rather worried as there was signs of more flooding.
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But, checks on the system both on & off the decoy -
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indicated it was another build up of silt -
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which was scrubbed off and the piping replaced.
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Ditch clearance on side A
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More work at the other end of Side A.
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Looking much better and water moving at last.
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Meanwhile another group were replacing the steps to the pond hide. Parts had worn through old age, other parts had rotted in the flood.
The wood had to be carried across the marsh and round to the hide.
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The old steps had to be removed and the area cleared of debris.
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The original steps were underneath. The new hand rails were secured first. At the end of the day, and some really hard work, the new steps were in place.
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There was still some more work to do to make the structure secure. GB
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Another step was added. GB
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And a final lick of preservative was added on Thursday. GB
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Also on the day the cottage was dusted and the windows cleaned.
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The table was ready for our traditional lunch.
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Lynda had done all the preparation and a delicious picnic was served.
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After lunch the seating area was cut back and tidied up in readiness for our next visitors.
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There is so much more work to do, but at least we can now see some improvement,
C.A.Cockbain
