Latest News

The habitat management of our nature reserves is never-ending, and the programme of work runs on an annual cycle.  We are out on our reserves in all weathers, come sun, wind, rain or snow.  Nothing fazes these valiant volunteers!  But the nature of our work is very much dependent on the season of the year.

What better time of year to give the reserves a Spring clean than now? As the birds begin to nest, so we end our woodland management  work of tree thinning and shrub clearance to avoid causing disturbance. So the new tasks we now perform are very varied, from repairing damage from storms, installing new or replacing old fencing, improving and maintaining access to our sites. All this task are enjoyed by the volunteers as it's one of the times you get to see you've created something by a good days teamwork.

Despite the colder weather, there're still plenty of training days and social events for the Volunteer Task Force to look forward to, including Woodland coppicing in January and Hedge laying in Febuary. It's our way of saying a huge "Thank you" for the tremendous hard work they give. 

Volunteer Task Force, we salute you!

TRAINING DAY 

Bird Song at Low Barns (23rd May)

Dean Heward came and did this for us last year and it proved very popular, you will be surprised by just how many birds are easily identified by their songs alone. The event will be held at Low Barns with an indoor session followed by a walk and 'listen' around the reserve.

Dean has very kindly agreed to come and do this again, meet at Rainton Meadows usual time of 9.15 and we shall be leaving at 9.30 sharp, if you wish, you can make your own way and meet at Low Barns for 10.15am and we should finish around 3pm, tea, coffee and biscuits will be available but bring your own lunch.

Please book early to avoid disappointment, you can book by replying to this email or give me Steve a ring on 0191 584 3112