Over the past week, our Responsible Recreation Team have been busy replacing some of our signs across the reserve with new information boards, detailing how we can all help protect wildlife during the ground-nesting bird season. This is one of the most crucial times of year for many of the reserve's bird species, and we're pleased to say that 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year, with a short summary below of how the season has unfolded so far.
• A large number of Curlew clutches began to hatch from the 21st May, and recently our team recorded six pairs with 20 newly hatched or small young at one site – we now need to hope that these young chicks have the best chance to fledge and recruit into the breeding population.
• An impressive 69 pairs of drumming Snipe have been recorded across the reserve so far this spring.
• Several Quail have now been heard (following the first on the 6th May).
• The first-ever breeding Marsh Harriers for the site have been recorded this year.
• Several broods of Lapwing chicks have already hatched.
• It’s been a strong spring for Common Cranes – a species which could potentially colonise the site in the future.
Whilst we would like our visitors to enjoy the reserve and all the wonderful wildlife it has to offer, we ask everyone to help give these vulnerable species the best chance of success by following a few simple guidelines:
Keep dogs on leads 🐕
Stay on marked footpaths 🚶
Use designated viewing areas 🔭
Take notice of signs 🪧
Ground-nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance, and unfortunately even well-intentioned visitors can inadvertently cause birds to leave their nests, thus exposing eggs or young chicks to predators. By keeping to designated routes, a safe environment can be created where wildlife can thrive.
You may notice livestock grazing in some areas across the reserve – grazing animals play an important role in maintaining the special habitats found across the Lower Derwent Valley, helping to create the varied conditions that species such as Curlew, Lapwing and Snipe depend upon.
Many ground-nesting birds have evolved alongside grazing animals and are generally well adapted to their presence, and the movements of livestock are often predictable, allowing birds and grazing animals to share these habitats successfully. This is why conservation grazing remains an important part of the management of many of the UK's most important breeding sites for ground-nesting species.
Many thanks to everyone who is already helping us to look after this special landscape – together, we can ensure the reserve remains a haven for wildlife, while continuing to be a wonderful place for people to enjoy nature responsibly.
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