01/06/20 - Surveys

Although the lockdown has been lifted slightly, Natural England NNR staff are yet to return to normal working practices in the Lower Derwent Valley, whilst our regular volunteering activities and monitoring/surveys continue to be suspended. However, some of our volunteers have been busy carrying out individual surveys of the Pocklington Canal since the restrictions were lifted slightly. A complete breeding bird survey was first carried out along the Pocklington Canal in 1990, with a repeat survey undertaken last year - this year’s data will also add to our ability to compare the changes in bird numbers in the area over that 30-year period. Some species like Little Egrets and Cetti’s Warblers have appeared as new recent colonists, whilst others, such as Turtle Doves, have unfortunately all but disappeared now. The area still remains a stronghold for Cuckoos and Willow Tits, with good populations of both Reed and Sedge Warblers also present. Many thanks to our team for their solo efforts in helping us to continue gathering data during this time.