10/02/17 - Hard at it

Last week our hardy volunteers got wrapped up and braved the rain and cold weather to help us repair and erect new gates and fencing, with the hope of trying to control unauthorised visitor access to sensitive parts of the site. Whilst we are keen to encourage visitors to enjoy the amazing wildlife spectacle the valley has to offer, this has to be done from a distance to avoid disturbance, so please do use the viewing points and hides provided around the reserve. This will help to minimise undue disturbance to wintering birds at the present time, and also to breeding birds and grazing livestock later in the season. The new gates and fences will also hopefully keep those livestock securely on the reserve, and help local farmers work with us to graze the site and provide the vital conditions for all our wildlife to thrive. Many thanks to the team for a great day, and for getting stuck in despite the wet and cold conditions, and thanks must also go to the local Clifton Moor branch of Jewson’s, who kindly donated some of the timber used to support the work of the Friends of the Lower Derwent Valley.