TonyC
Sunday 18th January 2004, 19:03
Private Property, Keep Out, beware of the killer guard dogs.
It's a real mystery why birds keep getting reported on Birdline yet this is site is off-limits to the great unwashed. United Utilities alledgedly have a permit system but it is impossible to find out how to get one, and I work for the company !
Basically you park on a side road, walk along the perimeter then when no-one is looking, you climb over the fence and get a view of the fabled water that is such a top-secret. Today in the mist we were lucky to spot the Red-necked Grebe before a thick fog descended.
Judging by the beer cans, graffiti and dog s**t, we are not the only 'fence jumpers'.
Why can't United Utilities be like other water companies and open up access to their sites - look at Kielder, Rutland, Chew Valley Lake, and Tophill Low for example.
United Utilities treat everyone as a potential terrorist or suicidal swimmer. Look at Hope Carr - the old Leigh Sewage Works. There's a lovely hide which is kept locked (key available Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 if you are lucky enough to find the warden - tough luck weekend birders).
Or Prescott Reservoir - surrounded by razor wire and an electric fence. Why can't UU provide a simple car park and viewpoint like at Ladybower ?
Looking at the bird reports, all sorts of goodies drop in at Audenshaw and luckily someone manages to spot them now and again. Come on UU, give Joe Public a chance and maybe boost your 'environmental' credentials a bit.
It's a real mystery why birds keep getting reported on Birdline yet this is site is off-limits to the great unwashed. United Utilities alledgedly have a permit system but it is impossible to find out how to get one, and I work for the company !
Basically you park on a side road, walk along the perimeter then when no-one is looking, you climb over the fence and get a view of the fabled water that is such a top-secret. Today in the mist we were lucky to spot the Red-necked Grebe before a thick fog descended.
Judging by the beer cans, graffiti and dog s**t, we are not the only 'fence jumpers'.
Why can't United Utilities be like other water companies and open up access to their sites - look at Kielder, Rutland, Chew Valley Lake, and Tophill Low for example.
United Utilities treat everyone as a potential terrorist or suicidal swimmer. Look at Hope Carr - the old Leigh Sewage Works. There's a lovely hide which is kept locked (key available Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 if you are lucky enough to find the warden - tough luck weekend birders).
Or Prescott Reservoir - surrounded by razor wire and an electric fence. Why can't UU provide a simple car park and viewpoint like at Ladybower ?
Looking at the bird reports, all sorts of goodies drop in at Audenshaw and luckily someone manages to spot them now and again. Come on UU, give Joe Public a chance and maybe boost your 'environmental' credentials a bit.