Watchtree’s extensive meadows are once again looking their very best; a variety of grasses and herbs that together create a rich mosaic of colours, textures and aromas. Sections of the southernmost meadows provide perhaps the best examples of typical lowland meadow, with Sweet Vernal Grass, Crested Dog’s-tail, Red Fescue, Tufted Hair-grass, Yorkshire Fog, Timothy and Meadow Foxtail, all common grasses. Sweet Vernal grass, although largely unknown to many, is actually one of the key ingredients in producing the characteristic vanilla-like smell of recently mown hay! Herbs are often harder to find amongst the taller grasses at this time of year but Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Ragged Robin, Ox-eye Daisy, Yarrow and occasionally Hay Rattle can be found. Damp mornings (we’ve not had many recently!) often reveal the magical work of tiny ‘orb’ spiders, as acres of meadowland is literally covered in a continuous sheet of silk. Why not visit Watchtree in September and see the very best in spider behaviour with our ‘Spider safari’ on Sunday 21st September at 10:30am.
This time of year is often the best time to catch a glimpse of a newly fledged chick or
immature frog, toad or newt. A tiny Grey Partridge chick, probably just a few days old, was sighted at the reserve during mid June, whilst five juvenile Great Tits delighted everyone on a recent guided walk as they mischievously flew from perch to perch, hardly noticing the twenty or so human bystanders!. The highlight so far this year, as indeed in previous years, has been the successful hatching of five Mute Swan cygnets. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the swan family, currently situated on the northern most lake in front of the ‘old hide’.
Six schools have visited Watchtree during the previous two months including our Nature Club. The young people have participated in everything from insect hunts, pond dipping, tree and plant surveys, art projects and even practical conservation such as tree guard removal and path maintenance – tasks normally carried out by our regular volunteer work parties.
If your school, youth group or community group wishes to visit this superb facility then please do not hesitate to contact the Nature Reserve manager to book an appointment.
Finally, as an alternative to the acetic acid currently used in the treatment of leachate, a new molasses tank has been installed in the treatment plant. Molasses is a sustainable natural product with no health & safety implications, and a low carbon footprint, whereas acetic acid is a corrosive liquid which is produced from natural gas and has a high carbon footprint due to the manufacturing process. The project is funded by DEFRA as part of its commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction.
Dates for your Diary
Thursday evening guided walks, every Thursday at 7pm until September
Sunday 20th July Open day 10am – 4pm (Meadow flowers and grasses walk at 10:30am)
Thursday 7th August. Bat Walk at 7pm
Sunday 24th August. Open day 10am – 4pm
Volunteer work parties every Wednesday at 10:30am.
Contact: Tim Lawrence, Watchtree Nature Reserve, Nr Great Orton, Carlisle. Tel: 01228 712539 or Email:wnr@watchtree.co.uk.
Website: www.watchtree.co.uk