Latest News from Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve 2020
If you have a short, newsy tale to tell about Pickerings Pasture LNR please send to pickerings123@gmail.com with date and photographs if possible.
Remember: Click on pictures to enlarge.
Remember: Click on pictures to enlarge.
23rd December 2020 Do take care with your security over the Christmas period, both here and at home. A few people seem to think this is the Season of Ill-will! The Friend's Group have heard several rumours of misdoings here - although none have been verified. Certainly there have been burglaries and thefts from cars in the local area, particularly at night.
One rumour is that Santa Claus paid a brief visit here on Saturday. I can't believe it really, but if anyone can verify his presence with photos we would be pleased to pop them on the website.
We hope you all have a good Christmas, regardless of the restrictions. Above all Keep Safe. Happy Christmas everyone.
One rumour is that Santa Claus paid a brief visit here on Saturday. I can't believe it really, but if anyone can verify his presence with photos we would be pleased to pop them on the website.
We hope you all have a good Christmas, regardless of the restrictions. Above all Keep Safe. Happy Christmas everyone.
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30th November 2020 Due to social distancing, we split up into two parties today with four members, Rob O. Laura B. Rob C and Julie P. going to Pickerings Pasture. Plant Britain – an initiative started by BBC!’s Countryfile programme – was launched last night - and The Friends of Pickerings Pasture planned to join in and plant up some new shrubs. Our fourteen plants were added to their map: Plant Britain.
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Plant Britain Map
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The shrubs were kindly provided by Laura, who had obtained them from the Woodland Trust last year, and had potted them on and cared for them for twelve months. We planted fourteen shrubs and small trees. including buckthorn (a plant for brimstone butterflies to lay their eggs on) bird cherry and rowan (both good for berries for Winter thrushes and blackthorn.
Whilst on the Pastures we found a recently dead, young hedgehog, very sad, but an interesting record, as they are seldom seen.
Fortunately we finished at midday as the weather turned a bit nasty later..
The other group of two went to the Decoy putting in a new post on the road access gate, More about these tasks on the Decoy page.
Whilst on the Pastures we found a recently dead, young hedgehog, very sad, but an interesting record, as they are seldom seen.
Fortunately we finished at midday as the weather turned a bit nasty later..
The other group of two went to the Decoy putting in a new post on the road access gate, More about these tasks on the Decoy page.
Please be aware that the tree felling has nothing directly to do with The Friends of Pickerings Pasture. We are a volunteer group who try to support Halton Borough Council, where appropriate, but we are independent of them. As such we have reported this matter.
It has come to my notice that "Friends" are being approached, and in some cases abused, by the public about this matter. Please be sensible: it is not our fault and we are doing all we can to get it sorted. We try to keep you informed too.
If you see any misdoings in relation to this, or other matters, you can alert the Council, Local Councillors, Police etc. yourselves.
It has come to my notice that "Friends" are being approached, and in some cases abused, by the public about this matter. Please be sensible: it is not our fault and we are doing all we can to get it sorted. We try to keep you informed too.
If you see any misdoings in relation to this, or other matters, you can alert the Council, Local Councillors, Police etc. yourselves.
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19th November 2020
The broken fencing in the carpark was repaired today by Gary, Paul and Eric. It still needs to be painted and this will be done as soon as possible by Rob O. |
Kingfisher. © D. Belton
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20th November 2020
Derek Belton sent us this photo of the kingfisher in flight between two posts on the scrape. It is quite a regular visitor here but also travels down to the White Bridge and across the marsh to the Ramsbrook and Hale Duck Decoy. There may be more than one in the area. |
20th November 2020 Just to update you. Although the land belongs to the gentleman concerned, it still remains part of the Local Nature Reserve, and as such will need planning permission before any major alterations are made. There should be no further tree felling or fencing for the time being.
Later on 20th
There were four men and a JCB working. The felling reached across the disputed site as you can see from the photographs. He has blocked access via the first timber steps heading to the bridge. The impression was that the tree felling was to facilitate the extension of his new fence.
Later on 20th
There were four men and a JCB working. The felling reached across the disputed site as you can see from the photographs. He has blocked access via the first timber steps heading to the bridge. The impression was that the tree felling was to facilitate the extension of his new fence.
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18th November 2020 Last evening the Friend's Group were informed by a regular visitor to the reserve that men were erecting a fence and blocking off one of the pathways. It was the top, back path leading towards the White Bridge, which has been in use for at least thirty years. The men were only workers who informed her that the land-owner had instructed them to build the fence.
Today Halton Borough Council were informed and their representatives visited the site to investigate the problem. They spoke with a guy about this and he claims that the land belongs to him and has done for many years. Details of the land owner and a contact address have been passed on, but at this stage it would appear that he is the rightful owner.
At the moment we do not know how far along that path will be fenced off: maybe there will be access further down. We will have to wait and see what develops. We do understand that apartments will be built on the land.
Today Halton Borough Council were informed and their representatives visited the site to investigate the problem. They spoke with a guy about this and he claims that the land belongs to him and has done for many years. Details of the land owner and a contact address have been passed on, but at this stage it would appear that he is the rightful owner.
At the moment we do not know how far along that path will be fenced off: maybe there will be access further down. We will have to wait and see what develops. We do understand that apartments will be built on the land.
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10:30 18th Nov
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At 12;40 18th Nov
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2nd November 2020 A few of The Friends of Pickerings Pasture Pickerings met again this week at Pickerings Pasture. Eric, Paul and Rob O. repaired and replaced the fence parallel to the approach to bird hide. This is to stop dogs accessing the scrape pool and the marsh.
Rob C. cut down thirty small poplars, which were encroaching into the meadow areas. He used them to build up the screen by bird hide.
Rob C. cut down thirty small poplars, which were encroaching into the meadow areas. He used them to build up the screen by bird hide.
26th October 2020 A group of socially isolating members of The Friends of Pickerings Pasture did some essential work down at the reserve. Paul had made a new bird table at home, using the anti-squirrel caging from last year's table . Together with Eric it was replaced slightly left of its original position. This is because it had been noted that the birds were very vulnerable to sparrowhawk attack, as it was out in the open. It is still close enough to the hide for good viewing. Several new coconut shells have been put up on trees for bird feeding, which started today.
Meanwhile Rob C. removed several of the old, wooden bird feeders from the trees and some tree guards. Rob O did a litter-pick around the feeding areas and continued to do a general pick up of rubbish.
Meanwhile Rob C. removed several of the old, wooden bird feeders from the trees and some tree guards. Rob O did a litter-pick around the feeding areas and continued to do a general pick up of rubbish.
20th October 2020
Halton Borough Council are no longer repairing certain access gates. The latest guidance from the Department for Transport advises against the use of access controls which may exclude some disabled people and others riding nonstandard cycles. An access control that requires cyclists to dismount will exclude hand cyclists and others who cannot easily walk.
Antisocial moped and motorcycle access should be dealt with as a policing matter; and they ask that if any users of the site who witness such activity contact the police via the appropriate means to provide details of the motorbike and user.
Halton Borough Council are no longer repairing certain access gates. The latest guidance from the Department for Transport advises against the use of access controls which may exclude some disabled people and others riding nonstandard cycles. An access control that requires cyclists to dismount will exclude hand cyclists and others who cannot easily walk.
Antisocial moped and motorcycle access should be dealt with as a policing matter; and they ask that if any users of the site who witness such activity contact the police via the appropriate means to provide details of the motorbike and user.
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9th October 2020
A quick trip down to the White Bridge. There were 40 mallards in the brook, with 15 teals. The kingfisher was sitting on the jetty; watching for a small fish to eat. There were several waders but no common sandpiper this time. |
View up Ditton Brook.
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Mallard
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Redshank
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Double rainbow.
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8th October 2020
Julie P popped down to Pickerings Pasture to do some work in the Wildlife Garden. Later, after a short walk this rainbow appeared. |
4th October 2020
As usual Rob O has been busy down at Pickerings Pasture picking up litter and painting the fence around the car park. He was joined by Paul on this latest task. Halton Council are going to mend the fence in due cause. We had hoped it would be completed before the painting was completed. |
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28th September 2020
The fields have now all been cut and the grass baled and removed. Another memorial bench has been added at the top of the meadow to the right of the Donation Post. |
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25th September 2020
At last the meadows have been cut. Understandably some of this work has been done later than usual and this, consequently, has been detrimental to the flora of some of the meadows.
However some very upsetting news from the Control Meadow - you may remember that last year they mowed an area which was not due for cutting last year, according to the Pickerings Pasture Plan, which states that one clearly defined area will be mown on a three year rotation. It destroyed some important insect habitat and ground-bird nesting areas. We received an apology for this error.
This year the habitat, and therefore the biodiversity of that area, has been devastated. The Friends of Pickerings Pasture have struggled to protect this important habitat for many years. This is heart-breaking, especially during a time when we know so many animals are declining, with some under threat of extinction. This action has amazed us considering that the Government now expects all councils to improve the biodiversity of their sites. One would assume that one of their Local Nature Reserves would take priority in this matter.
This was one of the best areas for orchids and some specialised butterflies, such as small copper and the skippers. Lesser whitethroats and garden warblers have nested in this area, along with other summer visitors.
At last the meadows have been cut. Understandably some of this work has been done later than usual and this, consequently, has been detrimental to the flora of some of the meadows.
However some very upsetting news from the Control Meadow - you may remember that last year they mowed an area which was not due for cutting last year, according to the Pickerings Pasture Plan, which states that one clearly defined area will be mown on a three year rotation. It destroyed some important insect habitat and ground-bird nesting areas. We received an apology for this error.
This year the habitat, and therefore the biodiversity of that area, has been devastated. The Friends of Pickerings Pasture have struggled to protect this important habitat for many years. This is heart-breaking, especially during a time when we know so many animals are declining, with some under threat of extinction. This action has amazed us considering that the Government now expects all councils to improve the biodiversity of their sites. One would assume that one of their Local Nature Reserves would take priority in this matter.
This was one of the best areas for orchids and some specialised butterflies, such as small copper and the skippers. Lesser whitethroats and garden warblers have nested in this area, along with other summer visitors.
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26th Aug to 16th Sept 2020 You must have noticed that the picnic tables in the car park were well past their best! Two were refurbished by Gary & Paul on 26th and, despite atrocious weather, the third was completed the following day with help from Eric. The last table was completed on 16th Sept by Rob Orme, so all are now fit for purpose. We hope they are put to good use over the next year or so. Thanks to all involved. |
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26th August 2020
On a visit to Pickerings Pasture during Storm Francis we noticed that a tree had come down over the slope leading to the back pathway. Gary was notified but as it was nearly dark he planned to get it moved the following morning. When he got there he had been beaten to it by Eric, who had discovered the problem that morning. He had already moved the fallen tree and the path was made safe again. |
The Wildlife Garden
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11th August 2020
On Tuesday morning Rob O, Eric and Paul went to the United Utilities Road and painted the entrance gate to Pickerings Pasture, which desperately needed sorting out. Meanwhile, Gary stayed by the visitor centre and filled the fat ball feeders, replaced the Wildlife Garden leaflets and emptied the Donation Post. The new CCTV cameras were checked - these are mostly on-going tasks carried out by Gary. A message from Rob Orme was put up on the Donation Post noticeboard. Rob C. was busy down at the bird hide where he cut back the overhanging vegetation which was making the approach very dark and worry-some to visitors. |
6th August 2020
The first Summer Meadow along the back path has been known in the past for its abundant black knapweed, which in early Autumn attracts the goldfinches to feed on its seeds. Although there is still plenty of black knapweed (hardhead to some people) the meadow is now much more diverse, with abundant wild flowers. The insect life will also be more varied as a result. There are huge tangles of vetches, including the purple tufted vetch, birds-foot trefoils and the small, lilac hairy tare. Other members of the pea family present include the red and white clovers and all these plants are good for fixing the nitrogen in the soil.
Greater willowherb is the food plant of several moth species and although not abundant it does seed itself around quite well. There are a variety of umbellifers present; the tall white, flat-headed flowers which include wild carrot and hogweed. Butterflies and bees are mainly attracted to the blues and purple flowers of summer and these are all well represented. There is a lovely display, at the far end, of one of the sorrels - now finished flowering but in my opinion at their best!
In the area known as the Wet Meadow there are a slightly different selection of flowers including sneezewort, a relation of the meadowsweet. There is a huge stand of seeding thistles, loved by the goldfinches, but there are still lots of flowers to come. The red bartsia in this area is tall and lush; usually it is much shorter and well hidden in other vegetation. Around here I also found some late flowering yellow rattle. This plant is a parasite on grasses, keeping them in check so they don't take over the flowering meadows - nature is so clever at controlling itself!
Just around the corner, on the edge of the Control Meadow is a lovely stand of wild carrot and ragwort. Ragwort is a specially good species for insects and luckily there are no grazing animals here so they can be as rampant as they like. Finally, as you come out of the Control Meadow there are several rowans, which are absolutely beautiful at the moment with their prolific red berries, almost ripe enough to be gobbled up by the birds.
The first Summer Meadow along the back path has been known in the past for its abundant black knapweed, which in early Autumn attracts the goldfinches to feed on its seeds. Although there is still plenty of black knapweed (hardhead to some people) the meadow is now much more diverse, with abundant wild flowers. The insect life will also be more varied as a result. There are huge tangles of vetches, including the purple tufted vetch, birds-foot trefoils and the small, lilac hairy tare. Other members of the pea family present include the red and white clovers and all these plants are good for fixing the nitrogen in the soil.
Greater willowherb is the food plant of several moth species and although not abundant it does seed itself around quite well. There are a variety of umbellifers present; the tall white, flat-headed flowers which include wild carrot and hogweed. Butterflies and bees are mainly attracted to the blues and purple flowers of summer and these are all well represented. There is a lovely display, at the far end, of one of the sorrels - now finished flowering but in my opinion at their best!
In the area known as the Wet Meadow there are a slightly different selection of flowers including sneezewort, a relation of the meadowsweet. There is a huge stand of seeding thistles, loved by the goldfinches, but there are still lots of flowers to come. The red bartsia in this area is tall and lush; usually it is much shorter and well hidden in other vegetation. Around here I also found some late flowering yellow rattle. This plant is a parasite on grasses, keeping them in check so they don't take over the flowering meadows - nature is so clever at controlling itself!
Just around the corner, on the edge of the Control Meadow is a lovely stand of wild carrot and ragwort. Ragwort is a specially good species for insects and luckily there are no grazing animals here so they can be as rampant as they like. Finally, as you come out of the Control Meadow there are several rowans, which are absolutely beautiful at the moment with their prolific red berries, almost ripe enough to be gobbled up by the birds.
21st July 2020 It always amazes me how different the meadows are from year to year: some years the wildflowers are totally mixed up in the meadows, other years one species seem to dominate all the rest.
Butterflies are similar, but for different reasons: some years a species is abundant, others quite scarce. Recently the two species of Burnet moths have been in very low numbers. This might be weather-related or it could be that the different regime of meadow-cutting at Pickerings Pasture LNR does not suit them.
We were hoping to see Ringlets. They have spread North-west as the climate has changed and over the last couple of years there have been several sightings. However, they do not seem to have colonised the Pastures as we would have hoped.
To us, the habitat seems right with woodland and lots of woodland edges. Their nectaring plants are abundant, especially thistle and bramble, but they take food from a range of species. When it comes to egg-laying the grassy edges seem ideal. The female drops the eggs hap-hazzardly, either from a perch on a grass blade or plant, and even in flight! Again the pastures seem ideal and maybe it’s just a matter of time. Do let us know if you see any.
There was a lovely flock of lapwings on Hale Marsh, returned from their nesting grounds. several grey herons were about being mobbed by the local gulls. Look out for common sandpipers on their way south and the kingfisher, that has been seen on the pools and on the Ramsbrook.
Butterflies are similar, but for different reasons: some years a species is abundant, others quite scarce. Recently the two species of Burnet moths have been in very low numbers. This might be weather-related or it could be that the different regime of meadow-cutting at Pickerings Pasture LNR does not suit them.
We were hoping to see Ringlets. They have spread North-west as the climate has changed and over the last couple of years there have been several sightings. However, they do not seem to have colonised the Pastures as we would have hoped.
To us, the habitat seems right with woodland and lots of woodland edges. Their nectaring plants are abundant, especially thistle and bramble, but they take food from a range of species. When it comes to egg-laying the grassy edges seem ideal. The female drops the eggs hap-hazzardly, either from a perch on a grass blade or plant, and even in flight! Again the pastures seem ideal and maybe it’s just a matter of time. Do let us know if you see any.
There was a lovely flock of lapwings on Hale Marsh, returned from their nesting grounds. several grey herons were about being mobbed by the local gulls. Look out for common sandpipers on their way south and the kingfisher, that has been seen on the pools and on the Ramsbrook.
A Hybrid Marsh Orchid.
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This one shows its common-spotted parentage.
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15th June 2020
It's the orchid season again and a lot of people have been asking what type they are. In general the orchids you see at Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve are what are known as Hybrid Marsh Orchids. This means they are hybrids between several different species - Early Marsh, Common spotted, Northern Marsh, Southern Marsh, and Broad-leaved Marsh Orchids can all be involved. Most are much larger than their parent species and this is known as Hybrid Vigour. The ones at Pickerings Pasture most often show Common-Spotted and Northern Marsh parentage but they are all really confusing if you try to separate them. There are two other true species of orchid at Pickerings Pasture. The twayblade has only been seen once and although a search is made each year they have not been seen again. The other is the Bee Orchid, which is a bee-mimic: enticing a male bee to mate with it and carry off it's pollen. They have the annoying habit of not appearing in the same place twice! But they come up somewhere in the Pastures every year. |
The Friends of Pickerings Pasture LNR have attached extra orange bags to the litter bins in the car park, after complaints that the bins were full. Litter etc. has been left on the grass but surely if a bin is full, YOU TAKE IT HOME!! It isn't difficult to pop it into your car boot and place it in your own bin at home.
Why leave an unsightly mess on a NATURE RESERVE?
Why leave an unsightly mess on a NATURE RESERVE?
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7th June 2020
Today one of our local PSCO's, Steve Marnick, was at Pickerings Pasture. He was displaying the THINK CAR, a severely damaged vehicle, to the public. It is a sad story of a young man who, just two days before his 22nd birthday, drove alone at night along a country road. The speed limit was 60mph: he took a bend at 43mph, hit a tree and lost his life. Both drink and drugs were found in his body. We would be pleased if you could discuss this with your own families, especially young drivers. It may just help save a life. |
The damaged vehicle .
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17th May 2020 Anthony Spicer sent us some photographs taken on Hale Shore, where he saw a good flock of dunlins and ringed plovers. There have been over 5,000 dunlins in this flock accompanied, by lots of ringed plovers and a single curlew sandpiper, little stint, over 6 sanderlings and 6 whimbrels. There are probably more but going through 5.000 waders is hard work, especially as the high tides are at dusk at the moment!
These birds are all migrating North to Scotland, the Hebrides, Shetland and beyond to their Arctic breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland. It is just one of the reasons that the River Mersey is so important for birds. Our mud is full of nutrious morsels that will fuel their onward journeys. This area, from the Bridge down to Garston, is of significant and International importance. This wader migration will last at least until the end of the month.
These birds are all migrating North to Scotland, the Hebrides, Shetland and beyond to their Arctic breeding grounds in Iceland and Greenland. It is just one of the reasons that the River Mersey is so important for birds. Our mud is full of nutrious morsels that will fuel their onward journeys. This area, from the Bridge down to Garston, is of significant and International importance. This wader migration will last at least until the end of the month.
Mixed waders.. © R Cockbain
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Curlew sandpiper in a mixed flock.. © D Craven
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Two sanderlings. © D. Craven
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Sanderling. © R Cockbain
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13th May 2020
A friend went down to Pickerings Pasture this morning for her daily exercise. She sent some lovely pictures of her trip, which I thought I'd share with you. |
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9th May 2020
Some eider ducks drifted past Hale Lighthouse on the high tide on Saturday and on towards Pickerings Pasture. The flock of thirty, 18 of them drakes, were first spotted down at Otterspool Prom in the morning. They drifted back down towards Oglet and Speke as the tide receded. These sea-going duck are seldom seen so far up the river but they are a stunning sight: the drakes displaying their black and white plumage are unmistakeable. Like many of our ducks the females are mottled brown. |
The flock from the lighthouse.
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These eiders were photographed in Scotland
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7th May 2020 We had a quick visit down to Pickerings Pasture and a walk around the Control Meadow, hoping to see a lesser whitethroat that had been seen down there. The hawthorns were absolutely beautiful in full flower; the perfume was almost overwhelming in places. We paid a brief visit to the hide to check on the breeding Canada geese before returning via the United Utilities pathway. There were more hawthorns there but the most noticable flowers here were the buttercups.
By the hide.
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Along United Utilities path.
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Control meadow.
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Control meadow.
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Canada goose.
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Buttercup meadow.
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Meadow buttercups.
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Speckled wood.
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Thurs 30th April We haven't been getting down to Pickerings Pasture much during the lockdown but Rob Orme has sent some lovely photos taken on his cycle ride a few days ago. If you have anything to add we would be delighted to have something to put on.
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The wildlife garden.
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The wildlife garden.
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From the riverside path.
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Sun 29th March '20
I hope you are all keeping well and that some of you are still able to enjoy Pickerings Pasture. We have heard over the weekend that Halton Borough Council have had to close the car park, on the advice of the police. We understand that people were not always observing the two metre rule when entering and leaving their cars, although most were keeping to this advice on the walk.
Please walk to and from Pickerings Pasture whenever possible: make it part of your exercise. If you have any spare bird food, please do bring it with you. Many of our volunteers either live too far away or are observing a stay-at-home policy. If you do see anything interesting do let us know, using the Comments page or with photos by email to pickerings123@gmail.com If you have any ideas for the website do get in touch and I'll do my best to research it. Also if you do encounter anything worrying, please notify the Council or the local Police. The Friend's Group are not always in a position to respond at the moment.
Do Take Care.
Observe the two metre rule.
Wash your hands regularly.
And exercise daily in some form or another.
I hope you are all keeping well and that some of you are still able to enjoy Pickerings Pasture. We have heard over the weekend that Halton Borough Council have had to close the car park, on the advice of the police. We understand that people were not always observing the two metre rule when entering and leaving their cars, although most were keeping to this advice on the walk.
Please walk to and from Pickerings Pasture whenever possible: make it part of your exercise. If you have any spare bird food, please do bring it with you. Many of our volunteers either live too far away or are observing a stay-at-home policy. If you do see anything interesting do let us know, using the Comments page or with photos by email to pickerings123@gmail.com If you have any ideas for the website do get in touch and I'll do my best to research it. Also if you do encounter anything worrying, please notify the Council or the local Police. The Friend's Group are not always in a position to respond at the moment.
Do Take Care.
Observe the two metre rule.
Wash your hands regularly.
And exercise daily in some form or another.
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Sat 21st March '20
What a change in the blackthorn in three days! From hardly discernible buds to full flower - the sun has really made a difference, even a few cowslips are in flower... The wind has dried up the mud along the back path, but sadly a party on the first meadow has left a lot of empty bottles lying around, including some broken glass. If only they would take their rubbish away, no one would mind. |
Blackthorn
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Male reed bunting
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Primroses.
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18th March 2020 Although there were lots of cars in the carpark fortunately the footpaths were very quiet, as we are trying to isolate as much as possible, but get out while we can. The Pastures are quite yellow at the moment: daffodils, primroses, celandines and gorse, really cheering us all up (and don't we need it?)
A mix of seasons was encountered at the control meadow - while looking for the Spring migrant chiffchaff, heard calling, we saw several winter redwings which will soon be off northeast to their breeding grounds. |
Daffodils
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Down at the hide the usual small birds were visiting the feeders, including a male reed bunting that is almost in full summer plumage and already looking magnificent. The bird table base is badly damaged where a squirrel has eaten away the sides to get at the seeds. A young rabbit was also scuttering about in and out of the fenced area. A dunnock was singing quietly from the fence top when a group of five shelduck swooped in onto the pond. The peace was shattered as two males fought over one of the females, the others looking on like schoolboys at a playground melee aaching and aahing loudly. The winner finally got to mate with his prize.
I can't resist looking for the voles: there were two active today, one on each side of the hide. They are always so busy and are especially interesting as they manoever their way through the log piles.
I can't resist looking for the voles: there were two active today, one on each side of the hide. They are always so busy and are especially interesting as they manoever their way through the log piles.
Squirrel damage.
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Rabbit
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Shelducks fighting.
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Dunnock
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Cuteness!
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10th Mar '20 Although still quite muddy the pathways are a lot drier than last week- wellies still recommended though. Down at the hide the tide was running and the water was lapping the edges of the marsh. Redshanks were along the marsh edge, with a dunlin and a little stint hiding amongst them. A flock of dunlins flew up and down the Ramsbrook from time to time and as the tide came over the marsh, washing over where the redshanks were roosting, they flew over there too. Dotted around the marsh were shelducks and Canada geese but through the telescope we managed to pick out a solitary curlew, two pairs of teals and some wigeon. A male merlin flew up the marsh and shortly after the flock of meadow pipits and pied wagtails arrived just over the fence feeding on the tidal debris. In amongst them were three Scandinavian rock pipits: one of them sporting a yellow colour-ring. However it was too far away to get the full details.
To the right of the hide several birds; blackbirds, great tits and a dunnock, came into bathe at the little pool. Shortly after, a field vole popped out of a log and enjoyed a long nibble on a lichen-covered twig, amongst other goodies. In front of a hide a baby rabbit appeared several times before plucking up the courage to wander around eating the grass. The area in front of the hide is fairly open at the moment and if it carries on like this its days will be numbered! Eventually the tide spilled over into the pool and the pair of mallards, that had been asleep on one of the islands, were forced to start swimming. A buzzard and grey heron arrived looking for mice and voles caught out by the tide but both gave up quite quickly today.
To the right of the hide several birds; blackbirds, great tits and a dunnock, came into bathe at the little pool. Shortly after, a field vole popped out of a log and enjoyed a long nibble on a lichen-covered twig, amongst other goodies. In front of a hide a baby rabbit appeared several times before plucking up the courage to wander around eating the grass. The area in front of the hide is fairly open at the moment and if it carries on like this its days will be numbered! Eventually the tide spilled over into the pool and the pair of mallards, that had been asleep on one of the islands, were forced to start swimming. A buzzard and grey heron arrived looking for mice and voles caught out by the tide but both gave up quite quickly today.
Great tit
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Field vole nibbling its twig.
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Baby rabbit
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The mallards were forced to swim!
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As high tide approached we wandered back along the main pathway hoping to see a seal but no luck today. However we were compensated by the flowering gorse brightening the corner at the end of the path. Its yellow flowers have a distinctive scent of almonds. An old English saying is that when the gorse is in flower "the boys may kiss the girls". This is because, although the broom has its peak flowering period in early spring, it actually flowers for most of the year! Further along the dainty pink blossom of a cherry was a complete contrast to the gaudy, yellow of the gorse bush.
The scrape pool was flooded up to the fence.
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It covered Hale Marsh.
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The gorse is in flower.
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The blossom was really pretty.
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Hale Marsh for Town Lane bridge.
The following day the road was closed due to the tide.
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On our way home we stopped at Hale Marsh bridge as the tide turned. Unexpectedly we found a pair of mute swans and the four little egrets, that Jen had mentioned, over by the reed bed. The ducks and geese were calmly sailing out the tide but the waders, mainly redshanks, were constantly on the move. At least three skylarks were present, singing loudly and two male reed buntings had a territorial dispute in the reeds. C.C.
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9th Mar '20 I popped down to Pickerings Pasture this morning to check over the garden, feeders and plant a few bits before the rain came in...again...
If you thought 'fighting cocks' was just about roosters you'd be mistaken, two robins were going at it, hammer and tongs, fighting over the territory around the nature garden, pretty brutal. Hopefully not to the death. Laura |
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29th Feb '20 In spite of the heavy rain overnight it was a lovely morning for a walk down to the hide. The sun was shining and although the wind was chilly, the gusts were few and far between. Despite much improvement in the amount of flooding in some areas, in others it seemed to be worse and I'd forgotten Jen's advice to wear wellies!
The buzzard suddenly swooped down into a hollow but swerved back up into the trees when it saw us. It must be finding plenty of food as we seldom fail to see it. |
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By the Control Meadow a song thrush was singing with gusto and the number of robins we encountered was extraordinary. As usual the tits and robins were lying in wait by their feeders with some birds coming down before we'd moved on.
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There has been a fair amount of damage done by the wind and tides over the last few weeks. The perimeter fence has blown over in two places and the tide has dumped a load of debris on top of the broken fence.
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Hale Marsh was quiet today: there was no tide and the geese were much further up the towards the Decoy. However there were 170 shelducks: not quite a record for this time of year but nearly! The pied wagtail and pipit flock were actually on the scrape today and there were at least two rock pipits amongst them. A large, mixed flock of redwings, fieldfares and finches flew across the marsh and off over the top of the trees at United Utilities. A jay briefly joined the more common birds near the feeders and at least one female reed bunting is still visiting the feeders regularly. Nine long-tailed tits on a feeder was a bit of a squash but it didn't seem to bother them. A raven was prawking up towards the car park.
There were at least two squirrels at the hide today: one was particularly daring and glared at me threateningly when I approached it to within arms-length - cheeky thing! I was more entertained by the field vole however, although for a short time both mammals were out feeding together. Eventually the squirrel jumped on to the vole (not intentionally, I don't think!) and off it scurried.
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Can you find the field vole?
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Female reed bunting.
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24th Feb '20
We took a walk along to the white bridge today, which is rare as we prefer to sit in the hide for an hour or so. The sun was shining and for a change it was warm. The primroses were out in force: some in small patches others in profusion along the path. No obvious insects but I'm sure they will have been discovered in the past day or so. Primroses store their nectar deep down and it is only available to long-tongued insects, which rules out most of the early bees unfortunately. However, just a bit further on we came across some celendines - just individual blooms at present but with plenty of foliage around. The spring snowflake (Leucojum sp) were also coming into flower: there will be a grand display shortly...
We took a walk along to the white bridge today, which is rare as we prefer to sit in the hide for an hour or so. The sun was shining and for a change it was warm. The primroses were out in force: some in small patches others in profusion along the path. No obvious insects but I'm sure they will have been discovered in the past day or so. Primroses store their nectar deep down and it is only available to long-tongued insects, which rules out most of the early bees unfortunately. However, just a bit further on we came across some celendines - just individual blooms at present but with plenty of foliage around. The spring snowflake (Leucojum sp) were also coming into flower: there will be a grand display shortly...
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The trees that were planted last year are difficult to find now the undergrowth has grown but the new ones planted this year were easier to detect by their supporting sticks! Only the hollies were identifiable at this stage, with a few beech. Sadly the rabbits have been busy and quite a few have already been eaten. Its a difficult decision: tree guards are plastic and sometimes cause more problems than they solve.
At the end, by the white bridge, the huge, old buddleia looks really sad: cut right back to the ground. Already strong, new shoots have appeared and although it will take some time to be restored to its former glory, there should be a good offering for the butterflies later in the summer. How the rarer, white mullein will fare I can't say as the vehicles used that area as a turning point. However there should be some latent seeds waiting to develop in future years.
Looking up Ditton Brook there were the usual teals and mallards and a couple of redshanks showed themselves occasionally. The bushes were full of bird song, long-tailed tits, dunnock, chaffinch and robin making themselves heard. Suddenly the wild call of the curlew was heard and two birds lifted across the river and off north to their breeding grounds. Magical. Back towards the Visitors Centre along the flowering blackthorn we found nine bullfinches; the males stunning in their breeding plumage.
At the end, by the white bridge, the huge, old buddleia looks really sad: cut right back to the ground. Already strong, new shoots have appeared and although it will take some time to be restored to its former glory, there should be a good offering for the butterflies later in the summer. How the rarer, white mullein will fare I can't say as the vehicles used that area as a turning point. However there should be some latent seeds waiting to develop in future years.
Looking up Ditton Brook there were the usual teals and mallards and a couple of redshanks showed themselves occasionally. The bushes were full of bird song, long-tailed tits, dunnock, chaffinch and robin making themselves heard. Suddenly the wild call of the curlew was heard and two birds lifted across the river and off north to their breeding grounds. Magical. Back towards the Visitors Centre along the flowering blackthorn we found nine bullfinches; the males stunning in their breeding plumage.
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Meanwhile, Rob Orme had gone up the other way towards the hide to fill up the bird-feeders. He was staggered by the amount of flooding he saw. He sent these pictures.
ps. Jen had a goldcrest in the trees behind the hide this morning. Keep a look out for this lovely little bird. |
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6th Feb '20
A lovely morning for a walk; cold, crisp and sunny with not too much wind. Chatting with a regular Pickering's dog walker we were delighted to hear that a rabbit had been seen near the hide. It's a long time since anyone has reported a rabbit so finger's crossed they're making a come-back. However whilst we were talking we noticed the buzzard in the tree, feasting on a largish bone which was probably rabbit or grey squirrel! Another buzzard flew into the back of the same tree and exchanged a few calls but made no attempt to take the food, making us speculate that they may be pairing up.
The snowdrops by the picnic bench are almost in full flower now and it's well worth a trip to see them: they really lift the spirits. While the good weather continues it would be worth taking your picnic down there: the gales at the weekend could well spoil them.
There was more good news when we reached the hide; another regular walker had seen a rabbit in the car park last Saturday. Hope it hasn't become buzzard-food!! The reed buntings are still visiting the hide regularly but don't hang around as some of the other regulars do. We were well entertained by at least four field voles scampering over the vegetation, peering through holes in the fallen branches, climbing up the brambles for a late blackberry feast and finally one visiting the pond for a drink. Meanwhile the long-tails and other tits performed on the feeders, particularly favouring the fat balls in this cold weather. The Canada geese for once were favouring our side of the marsh giving us better than usual views of them and the shelducks.
On the way home we stopped briefly for a view over Hale Marsh and scanning left found a merlin on one of the distant posts.
A lovely morning for a walk; cold, crisp and sunny with not too much wind. Chatting with a regular Pickering's dog walker we were delighted to hear that a rabbit had been seen near the hide. It's a long time since anyone has reported a rabbit so finger's crossed they're making a come-back. However whilst we were talking we noticed the buzzard in the tree, feasting on a largish bone which was probably rabbit or grey squirrel! Another buzzard flew into the back of the same tree and exchanged a few calls but made no attempt to take the food, making us speculate that they may be pairing up.
The snowdrops by the picnic bench are almost in full flower now and it's well worth a trip to see them: they really lift the spirits. While the good weather continues it would be worth taking your picnic down there: the gales at the weekend could well spoil them.
There was more good news when we reached the hide; another regular walker had seen a rabbit in the car park last Saturday. Hope it hasn't become buzzard-food!! The reed buntings are still visiting the hide regularly but don't hang around as some of the other regulars do. We were well entertained by at least four field voles scampering over the vegetation, peering through holes in the fallen branches, climbing up the brambles for a late blackberry feast and finally one visiting the pond for a drink. Meanwhile the long-tails and other tits performed on the feeders, particularly favouring the fat balls in this cold weather. The Canada geese for once were favouring our side of the marsh giving us better than usual views of them and the shelducks.
On the way home we stopped briefly for a view over Hale Marsh and scanning left found a merlin on one of the distant posts.
Buzzard feeding.
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Snowdrops.
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Field vole.
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Vole in the bramble.
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Reed bunting.
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Merlin - Hale Marsh.
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27th Jan '20
There was a RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch over the weekend: an annual event mainly to monitor the birds visiting your garden. However, it does give you the opportunity to do a count at places like Pickerings Pasture LNR. We managed two counts this year: on Saturday we did a general count around the meadows and feeders and on Monday we just counted the birds at the feeding station by the hide. Both counts were fun to do: taking an hour each. The first count around the meadow area was brilliant: the tide was coming in and the waders were swirling onto the marsh as the mud was covered. It's why bird-watchers sometimes flock to Pickerings Pasture too! sadly no kingfisher today.. Buzzard - 1, Mistle thrush - 3, Song thrush - 5, Blackbird - 14, Redwing - 30, Magpie - 1, Carrion crow - 2, Jay -1, Raven - 1, Wood pigeon - 20, Great tit - 7, Blue tit - 4, Coal tit - 1, Long tailed tit - 2, Wren - 1, Dunnock - 2, Robin - 6 Bullfinch - 1, Chaffinch - 2, Goldfinch - 4, House sparrow - 12. An official count of 21 species around the meadows. Collared dove - 4, Grey wagtail - 1, Reed bunting - 2. Plus 3 seen at the hide. Cormorant - 22, Grey heron - 15, Canada goose - 3, Shelduck - 30, Teal - 1, Black headed gull - 15, Lesser black-backed gull - 1, Curlew - 3, Redshank - 35, Little stint - 1, Dunlin - 15, Meadow pipit - 8, Rock pipit - 2, Pied wagtail - 15, Starling - 10, And 15 species were seen from the hide on Hale Marsh or the river, bringing the total to 39 species |
Coal tit at a feeder.
Grey squirrel causing mayhem, as usual.
Dunnock from the hide.
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The second count gave us 12 species. Again no kingfisher but luckily the little vole was there to entertain us too. On our return we were amazed by the fantastic display of snowdrops around the picnic table. There was even a robin waiting for your scraps.
Collared dove - 3, Blackbird - 3, Robin - 2, Dunnock - 2, Wren - 1, Great tit - 5, Blue tit - 3, Coal tit - 1, Long-tailed tit - 4,
Chaffinch - 3, Greenfinch - 3, Reed bunting - 2. Carol & Rob
Collared dove - 3, Blackbird - 3, Robin - 2, Dunnock - 2, Wren - 1, Great tit - 5, Blue tit - 3, Coal tit - 1, Long-tailed tit - 4,
Chaffinch - 3, Greenfinch - 3, Reed bunting - 2. Carol & Rob
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 New bird table
15th Jan '20
You may have noticed some damage and a lot of wear and tare to one of the bird tables in the car park. Today Gary has replaced it with a smart new table. |
The Friends of Pickerings Pasture spend some of the money you put into the Donation Post on bird food. We always buy good quality food, which is wheat-free. Small birds cannot cope with wheat and it either goes to waste and has to be scraped off the tables or it falls on the floor, encouraging rats.
Please only put grain on the open tables (were the pigeons will eat it) or put it with bread scraps on the field in front of the car park, where gulls can eat it. The buzzard continues to help us with the rat problem but we do not want to encourage them. Thank you. |
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13th Jan '20 As you go round the corner onto United Utilities path there is a flooded area on your right. There have been several redwings drinking there recently. They can also be seen on the Summer Meadow although they are easily flushed by dogs and people when they fly into the nearby trees. Occasionally they have been seen on the farmland adjacent to the meadows.
The loud bird heard singing in the area is a mistle thrush. |
A redwing.
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The birds are flighty and not easy to approach.
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Ricky Wallace has sent in his poem about Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve.
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PICKERING PASTURE
In the borough of Halton, By the banks of the Mersey River, Is Pickering Pasture Where the wind makes you quiver. Alone with the birds, And occassional dog. By the Runcorn Bridge, And the chemical fog. |
If you look past
the fumes from the industrial plants. There are wonderful views and birds full of romance. A perfect location, with a natural design. When the sand is present by the rotating turbine. |
When the tide is in,
the magic appears. The ripples in the Mersey where ships travelled for years. Sometimes you stop, and look at the sky. Thanking God for the Mersey being so close by. © R Wallace |
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2nd Jan '20 A New Year's trip down to Pickerings Pasture was a good way to start the year: lots of birds on the feeders, on the scrape and on the meadows. Our friendly buzzard was outside the reserve today in the next door garden. However the first thing of note was the snowdrops in bloom under the trees in the carpark. These snowdrops are always so much earlier than many: a promise of good things to come...
The small coconut feeders were in good use as the volunteer feeder was slightly ahead of us. The meadows had a good number of blackbirds feeding but the redwings and fieldfares were in the nearby stubble field: occasionally making a sortie into the trees. As we approached the United Utilities path the missile thrush was singing stridently from the trees. A robin was subtly singing its winter song in contrast.
The tide was out but there were plenty of birds spread out over the mudflats, feeding: mainly curlews and redshanks, an odd oystercatcher and the common sandpiper. A couple of greater black-backed gulls stood out on the muddy edge near a small party of cormorants.
Down at the hide the feeders were busy with over eight long-tailed tits, plenty of blue and great tits, the robin and finches. The reed bunting was in the bushes but didn't come down to the feeders. We had just missed the kingfisher unfortunately. Under the bird table two field voles were busily feeding. (last week we had five together but the light was too poor for photography.)
The small coconut feeders were in good use as the volunteer feeder was slightly ahead of us. The meadows had a good number of blackbirds feeding but the redwings and fieldfares were in the nearby stubble field: occasionally making a sortie into the trees. As we approached the United Utilities path the missile thrush was singing stridently from the trees. A robin was subtly singing its winter song in contrast.
The tide was out but there were plenty of birds spread out over the mudflats, feeding: mainly curlews and redshanks, an odd oystercatcher and the common sandpiper. A couple of greater black-backed gulls stood out on the muddy edge near a small party of cormorants.
Down at the hide the feeders were busy with over eight long-tailed tits, plenty of blue and great tits, the robin and finches. The reed bunting was in the bushes but didn't come down to the feeders. We had just missed the kingfisher unfortunately. Under the bird table two field voles were busily feeding. (last week we had five together but the light was too poor for photography.)
Field vole
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The field voles were too far apart to photo together.
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Snowdrops by the carpark. R Orme
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