Give a little time to save nature this summer

Burton Mere Wetlands  -Ron Thomas

It’s National Volunteering Week (1-7 June) and the team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston are appealing for help.

The visitor facilities at Burton Mere Wetlands have been open for almost seven years and the small staff team is seeking additional volunteers to help with the attraction’s growing number of visitors. The site is already supported by a fantastic team of volunteers but is now seeking more to provide all visitors with a consistently high quality experience as they arrive at the reserve.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at Burton Mere Wetlands said: “We’ve had a brilliant few years since we opened, with the reserve going from strength to strength in all areas; new wildlife has colonised and resident populations have flourished and grown in number. Similarly, our number of visitors has grown from around 30,000 per year in 2013 to over 40,000 now. That means we need more volunteers to help meet and greet visitors as they arrive at our unique reception building, which boasts spectacular views across the reserve and offers the chance to see a great variety of different wildlife.

“We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers, with excellent people skills, to be trained to give visitors of all ages a great welcome to the reserve, ensuring every visitor gets the most from their visit, and encouraging them to support the RSPB’s vital conservation work.”

Mike Giverin, an RSPB volunteer at the site said: “In 2013 I had re-kindled a childhood interest in wildlife, especially birds, and after visiting Burton Mere Wetlands I knew very quickly this was somewhere I wanted to get involved.

“Volunteering here allows me to make a tangible contribution to the RSPB’s mission to give nature a home, plus I’ve been able to develop my knowledge of wildlife and conservation massively. No two days are the same, with different wildlife appearing through the seasons and a broad range of visitors to talk to from experienced birdwatchers to families eager to explore.

“I’m immensely proud to represent one of the leading wildlife conservation charities, and I quickly felt like a valued member of the team at Burton Mere Wetlands. I hope there are more people out there who want to do the same, so that we can connect even more people with the wonderful wildlife we’re blessed with in the UK.”

For anyone interested in this or other volunteering opportunities at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, enquire by email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk or telephone 0151 353 2720. For more information on the reserve and its activities, check out the websitewww.rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager, on 0151 353 2720  or email daniel.trotman@rspb.org.uk  

Spring into life with a visit to RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands this half term

Coot with chick_Lynne Greenstreet

Take a walk on the wild side this May half term and admire nature’s new arrivals. The team at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, near Neston are encouraging visitors to explore the nature trails and discover a range of different homes for wildlife this school holiday.

Dan Trotman, Visitor Experience Manager at the reserve, said: “Spring is a fantastic time of year here; not only is the weather encouraging us to spend more time outdoors, the wildlife is exciting too. Whilst the bluebells have faded for this year, lots of other flowers – the orchids are my favourite – are just starting to bloom. We are also seeing fresh, fuzzy chicks every day, as birds around the pools and trees welcome their young into the world.

“The gentle walks meander through beautiful wetland, woodland and grassland and offer the chance to get close to elegant egrets, brilliant butterflies and lounging lizards, who bask on wooden fences soaking up the sun’s warmth.”

In celebration of all the feathered new arrivals, families visiting the reserve can follow the ‘Baby Birds’ quiz trail to test their knowledge of the fresh faces seen around the reserve at this time of year. Plus, there’s lots of other fun, family activities to take part in, from hiring a Wildlife Explorer backpack, complete with minibeast kit, mini binoculars and more, to having a go at den building or enjoying a picnic with family and friends.

The Baby Birds self-led quiz trail is available daily from 9.30am-4.30pm until Sunday 3 June. All activities are free of charge but normal reserve admission charges apply for non-RSPB members.

For more information on the reserve and its activities, please call 0151 353 2720 or check out the website rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands

Catch the spring symphony at RSPB Dee Estuary nature reserve this May

It’s a noisy time of year, as our resident birds are joined by a variety of summer migrants, all of whom are busy preparing for another breeding season on our doorstep. Springtime is the best time of year to enjoy birdsong, and the RSPB Dee Estuary team are hosting two exciting events to help visitors learn more about the different songs that can be heard all around us.

“Birdsong and Breakfast” on Sunday 13 May offers the chance to discover a variety of warblers busily establishing breeding territories at this time of year, whilst the marsh is peppered with other summer migrants such as wheatears, and alive with the songs of skylarks and meadow pipits. This early morning walk provides an opportunity to see and hear Burton Marsh coming to life for the day in this busy time for nesting and migrating birds. Booking essential. Time: 7-10am. Cost: £15 (£12 RSPB members) which includes a cooked breakfast and drink at Nets Café.

 

“Birdsong for Beginners” on Sunday 27 May is the perfect time for less experienced birdwatchers to learn more about different bird songs in the woodland and around the reedbed at Burton Mere Wetlands. Get tips on identification and general advice about wildlife watching. This time of year, birds are particularly vocal as they sing to defend territories and attract a mate. Booking essential. Time: 8.30-10.30am. Cost: £10 (£8 RSPB members).

Venue: Birdsong and Breakfast - RSPB Burton Marsh, Station Road, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 0TG

Birdsong for Beginners - RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands, Puddington Lane, Burton, Cheshire, CH64 5SF

 

Contact: For further details visit rspb.org.uk/burtonmerewetlands To book, phone the visitor centre on 0151 353 2720 or email deeestuary@rspb.org.uk