I've posted a couple of threads about a new nature reserve established in the Silverdale area.
Today I met the man behind it all, a successful businessman, entrepreneur and farmer.
Remarkably he had no knowledge or interest in nature but felt he wanted to give something back in return for the good life he'd enjoyed.
He took advice from bird, butterfly and nature experts and converted some marginal farmland he owned into a large wetland area. Adjacent was an overgrown, impenetrable, birdless wood which was cleared out creating a network of paths and areas of less dense woodland.
Nest boxes were installed in the wood, including one for a Tawny Owl and another one which was taken up by a pair of Barn Owl.
The work was completed in time for Spring and a local birdwatcher recorded, 'Very successful first spring.
Lapwing 6 pairs 11 young seen recently and 2 pairs still incubating.
Mallard at least 4 broods.
Little Grebe 1 pair incubating
Tufted Duck female with 7 young today
Marsh and Coal Tit successful in nest boxes.'
Recently up to 500 Common Teal have settled here[ there were 250 today].
Other birds seen regularly are Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Buzzard.
Up to 2 Garganey have been spotted this Autumn and today, there were 2 Shoveller and 2 Common Snipe.
The woodland is a revelation with healthy numbers of tits and finches as well as regular sightings of Marsh Tit, Treecreeper and Greater Spotted Woodpecker. I saw a passing Spotted Flycatcher by the car park on my last visit.
A remarkable, heart-warming story!
Today I met the man behind it all, a successful businessman, entrepreneur and farmer.
Remarkably he had no knowledge or interest in nature but felt he wanted to give something back in return for the good life he'd enjoyed.
He took advice from bird, butterfly and nature experts and converted some marginal farmland he owned into a large wetland area. Adjacent was an overgrown, impenetrable, birdless wood which was cleared out creating a network of paths and areas of less dense woodland.
Nest boxes were installed in the wood, including one for a Tawny Owl and another one which was taken up by a pair of Barn Owl.
The work was completed in time for Spring and a local birdwatcher recorded, 'Very successful first spring.
Lapwing 6 pairs 11 young seen recently and 2 pairs still incubating.
Mallard at least 4 broods.
Little Grebe 1 pair incubating
Tufted Duck female with 7 young today
Marsh and Coal Tit successful in nest boxes.'
Recently up to 500 Common Teal have settled here[ there were 250 today].
Other birds seen regularly are Marsh Harrier, Kestrel and Buzzard.
Up to 2 Garganey have been spotted this Autumn and today, there were 2 Shoveller and 2 Common Snipe.
The woodland is a revelation with healthy numbers of tits and finches as well as regular sightings of Marsh Tit, Treecreeper and Greater Spotted Woodpecker. I saw a passing Spotted Flycatcher by the car park on my last visit.
A remarkable, heart-warming story!
Last edited: