Breeding season is in full force!

As the breeding season is in full force across the Reserve (just listen to all that wonderful birdsong!), the efforts of the Reserve Volunteers and Staff have moved to behind-the-scenes tasks. A concerted effort to clear and re-organize the work-yard as well as filling potholes on the main vehicle tracks may not have been the most exciting of jobs, but has made a huge difference and will help with increasing efficiency of future tasks. The grass cutting season has begun on the Reserve and the pathways have received their first trim. This is an ongoing job and one which is an important balance between keeping clear access for visitors whilst maintaining vegetation for wildlife (including those all-important nettles!).

The wildlife survey season is in full force. Volunteers have been busy, carrying out Wetland Bird Surveys (WeBS) across the lakes and Breeding Bird Surveys (BBS) on the farmland. Over time these surveys can report on any changes from ongoing site management. Our sympathetic management of hedgerow and scrub belts in particular have created dense stands, and we are seeing a noticeable increase in farmland birds such as Yellowhammer, Linnet and Common Whitethroat.

All bar one of our summer migrant birds have returned: Swallow, Cuckoo, Reed and Sedge Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat as well as Common Terns all arrived back during April.

The first pitter-patter of baby bird feet came during the Easter Holidays; two pairs of Egyptian Geese being the first, closely followed by Coot and Greylag young. The warmer weather has seen more butterflies emerging and so far this year 10 species have been recorded, including Green Hairstreak and Speckled Wood. Up to 23 Avocets have been recorded on site, the majority feeding at the Waderscrape, along with Little Ringed Plover and lots of Black-headed Gulls.

If you are looking to get into bird watching, our Guide in the Hide Volunteers are always happy to point out the resident and passage birds at Pensthorpe. Over the two weeks of the Easter Holidays, our amazing Volunteer Guides engaged with over 400 visitors!