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

Liverpool members. Site visit report

Seeing as it was a nice sunny day and I had chosen a good day to take off work! I had a quick  looksy at one of  'Stores' favourite local patches today; Mab Lane Community Woodlands (site guide to follow). Similar in concept to Huyton Lane Wetlands , a neglected site has been developed for the community  www.rspbliverpool.org.uk/Huyton%20Lane%20Wetland%20Park.htm

This is a little wild oasis between housing estates.  The new woodland links two old waterlogged sports fields, Mab lane fields and the Backfield. Situated close to Stockbridge village aka Cantril Farm this has had a reputation of an area of unsociable behaviour and I was a little tentative in my exploration, however I only came across a couple of dog walkers, cyclists and  walkers probably on their way to Tesco! 

Open grassland, natural grasses(wildflowers in summer) boggy in places with shrub/woodland around edges and  an interior area alongside the 'Brook'. 'Stores' reckons Kingfishers are here but I wasn't so lucky today. The Brook is running fast and is clear but I didn't see any fish or supporting pond weed so I'm not sure what the fisher is eating! There is a small reed bed by the brook. 

Good paths are laid through the park  leading to several entrances. 

The woodland has been planted  by the Forestry commission/Mersey forest's access to nature project with a myriad of trees including patches of Silver birch, Beech, Oak and Conifer. An impressive trees - 20,000 were planted between 2009-2010. I didn't notice any berry bearing trees? I'll take another look. 

.  Birds noted today. 5 raucous Jays fighting over Acorns in the large Oak at the  Deyesbrook lane entrance.

Charming Goldfinches, Great tit and long tailed tits, Blackbird, Robin,Wren, Magpie, Crow. 5 Mallards, a Moorhen and a Grey Wagtail were on the Brook.

Website: http://www.mablane.com

In 2008  Chris Storey commented: 

'I think shallow ponds,walkways and foot paths to get around the bogged areas would be a good idea. I would also like to see a wild flower meadow to attract the insects which in turn would bring in more birds, also blue bells planted in the woodlands would bring a bit of colour. Possibly a bird feeding station and a screen to watch from.In all i think it is a great idea to see a disused field put to some use.

No feeding station,probably not going to happen. 1 shallow pond I think.  Bluebells - Chris?

Laura