29th June: ERIC group visit

On Saturday, Reserve staff led a visit to Lindisfarne NNR arranged by the Environmental Records Information Centre for the North East (ERIC North East). We had a short walk along the North Shore and part of the Snook to see the abundant orchids that are blooming just now, and even saw a few Small Heath and Common Blue butterflies, and Burnet moths too! These day-flying moths seemed to especially enjoy the Viper's Bugloss - a large hairy plant with beautiful violet blue flowers - look out for them if you are on the Reserve.

Afterwards we stopped off at the village to visit the new Window on Wild Lindisfarne and Lookout buildings - these proved very popular. Our visitors were especially interested in viewing the seals from the Lookout tower, which is a great place to set up a spotting scope to view the seals and wildfowl all around the Reserve at low tide.

Part of the ERIC North East group viewing wildlife from the new Window on Wild Lindisfarne

We chatted to the group members about our problems with the invasive plant, Pirri pirri bur, on the Reserve and the importance of preventing it from being spread further. They were very careful to check their clothing and shoes for any seeds before leaving the Reserve, as the seeds are now at the stage where they will cling to any fabric or fur. The group were also excellent at sticking to the desire lines and paths among the dunes when we explained how this is important in preventing damage to our fragile plants.

To find out more about the ERIC project in the North East, please visit their website.