School group explore the reserve

At the weekend we had a school group from Ponteland out on the reserve. They came to explore the reserve using bikes. We had a great day trying to spot as many species as possible whilst we rode between activities with Dave and Heather .

There is no cycling on the NNR itself so bikes were left securely on the cycle paths and at designated spots while the kids walked onto the reserve for beach art, rock pooling and exploring.

Below is a picture from Dave's twitter showing NNR staff talking to the group before going on the beach to learn to make some beach art.

Fences go up

Over the last week staff and volunteers have been putting up temporary protective fencing around the reserve. The fencing will allow shorebirds on the NNR to have a little bit of the Northumberland beach just for them without the threat of disturbance. 

Whilst out and about we had Ringed Plovers already incubating eggs. The eggs are so small and camouflaged it is easy to see how they could be trampled. 

Ringed Plover footprints on the beach. If you see a lot of these in an area it could indicate activity. 

We've been putting up outer fences with blue rope and signs - please don't go past them.

14th January: Lough hide roof damage

Unfortunately the recent strong winds and gales have caused damage to the Lough hide roof, blowing off a large section of the corner.

The hide was due for replacement this year anyway, but unfortunately we have had to close it unexpectedly early because of the damage to the roof.

The hole in the hide roof

 

Unsafe for visitors