Noisy Neighbours

There are plenty of indicators of the changing seasons in nature. I've been trying to ignore the signs that summer could being coming to an end for this year, however I have found that can ignore it no longer.  

The flock of very noisy geese which flew straight over our house this evening are clear evidence that autumn is well and truly on the way, whether I like it or not. Although I haven't managed to get a clear look at them yet, they are most likely brent geese and they have been gathering in the nearby fields for a couple of days now. Usually they settle on Blue House Farm over the river where they stay to graze over the winter. 

I do enjoy seeing them every year, especially as I've spotted a few brent-Canada goose hybrids in the past, I'll try and get some pictures if I see them in better light and see if I can find any this year.

So it begins...

I haven't posted on the blog in a little while as I've been ill, in the height of summer as well! Unfortunately this meant I could not help out at the Blue House farm open day which I mentioned in my last blog. I was completely gutted that I couldn't be there as I was really looking forward to it, but I was told that it was very successful in raising funds for the Wildlife Trust so that is a result.

The big news for this week is that we started a big project at the farm, putting up fox proof fencing around the bird nesting sites after receiving the funding needed from the trust. With 2km of fencing to put up in total, it will be no small task and it is predicted to go on for around 3 month. The protection it will provide for breeding birds such as the avocet will be invaluable. I will be going back to uni before it is finished but I will try to keep the blog updated with pictures and progress reports as the project develops.

Open Day Prep.

Back with the voluntary group today at Blue House Farm after what seems like ages (I think it was about two weeks) and the task was to prepare for the coming open day on 5th August. This involved a lot of tidying and neatening up of tracks, stairs and bird hides. We also had to set up some temporary fencing and a canvas for various activities and an exciting little moment for me holding my first slow worm.

I'm still at the stage of my ecological career where every little thing (like finding a slow worm) is exciting to me, I just hope I'm still this enthusiastic in the years ahead. 

I'll be helping out at the open day as well, so more details to come.

Water Vole Survey

At Blue House Farm again today for the water vole survey, it was a very productive day and we managed to get the whole area surveyed. We were counting latrines but it was also interesting to take note of other signs of activity such as feeding sites, burrows and tunnels in the reed. The last ditch surveyed was particularly active with 29 latrines found, that was more than we had found all day! Despite the water logged wellies, I learnt a lot from Nick (the warden) and I'll keep an eye out from now on for the signs of water vole activity on my regular walks with the dog.

Fixing Fences at North Fambridge

Since I am home for the summer (home being sunny Essex) I have joined a voluntary group at Blue House Farm. This is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) in North Fambridge, South Essex which is run by the Essex Wildlife Trust. The site is mostly grass and marsh land which borders part of the River Crouch .

Yesterday was my first day volunteering with them, our task being to repair the barbed wire fence which runs around one of the furthest fields from the farm house. We got on well, replacing about 2/3 of the fence around the field, so hopefully the local farmer can introduce some cows some time this week to begin grazing. During the day, I learnt about several new pieces of equipment used in repairing fences as well as working on my skills with a hammer!

Next week we will be conducting surveys on the water vole population in the area so keep and eye out then for the results.