Spring Update

 

It has been a strange Spring with the weather flip flopping between summer like temperatures before the wind veers to the north and we are plunged back into cold but it has stayed relatively dry thoughout. This has played havoc with the natural cycles of the Reserve.

It’s that time of year again when the dunes are bursting with the sound of bird song and the amazing array of botany is beginning to push its way through the sandy loam. Masses of Cowslips have been observed in full bloom on the Reserve amongst the Dog-Violets, Primroses and Bird’s Foot Trefoil. The first Orchids are now finally making their appearance taking full advantage of the shorter sward created by the cattle over winter.

Cowslip in full bloom

Shorebird season is now in full swing with all breeding species now on the Reserve and busy establishing territory. The Shorebird refuge at the northern half of Ross Sands is now in place until early September. 

Ross Sands map (Red line shows the start of the refuge north)

This area doesn’t just benefit shorebirds, it allows many other species including Grey Seals to rest, feed and breed without human and dog disturbance. Additional fenced off Shorebird Protection Areas can be found across the Reserve in areas such as Budle Bay and Goswick. Please do not enter these areas, they are likely to contain breeding birds. It is important to remember that shorebirds can nest anywhere along the coast so please be careful when walking on the Reserve and keep dogs on a short lead or at close heel and prevented from disturbing wildlife at all times. We have a new free leaflet available for download on the left hand side of the blog giving information on how you can help shorebirds when walking on the Reserve and wider coast.

Little Terns feeding

We have a packed schedule of events this year with lots of walks, talks and wildlife experiences to sink your teeth into. The formal events list is available on our blog website and posters in the Chare Ends car park and bird hides across the Reserve. There will also be pop-up events regularly occurring throughout the year so keep up to date with all our social media feeds for more information. Natural England are celebrating the 70^th anniversary of first National Nature Reserve designation this year so look out for a special event this summer celebrating the NNR and the amazing nature that thrives within Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.