Contact us at
info@fpwnr.org
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) were ringing birds in the sanctuary when they found an immature sparrow hawk in their nets! I am hoping they will be posting a couple of the pictures they took on here when they get home! You can find out more about these high performing raptors at the BTO's species page ![]()
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BTW, it was their car, with permission, by the Tower Hide this morning (Sunday)![]()
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www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/sparrowhawk
Its very grey out there but we still had lovely walk across the reserve this morning. We focussed on the new information panels that are part of the Wetlands Trail that has recently been put together. You can find a guide to the Wetlands Trail here www.portburywharfnaturereserve.co.uk/trail_downloads/winter_wetlands_mobile_2.pdf
What a transformation from a misty morning to sunny afternoon reflections in the Ecology Park!
Dawn was delayed this morning, it really wasn’t very keen; first all it had to struggle past miles of queuing traffic on the M5, pausing briefly to wish all involved in the crash a speedy resolution and safe home. Then the salt marsh had hidden itself away beneath a comforting blanket of cloud rendered flightless and land-bound by a fit of the doldrums. The wildlife across the reserve and the adjacent marsh had hunkered down and, like the dawn, were in no particular hurry to crack on with the day. ![]()
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Eventually the Light at Battery Point decided enough was enough and started bleating its horn forlornly into the pre dawn gloom, demanding that the dawn got back to business and made more progress in its relentless, if somewhat tardy, march westwards. Ships out in the King Road added their voices, clearly impatient to not miss the morning unloading. ![]()
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Eventually dawn girded its loins and headed off into Wales, hardly aware of the sea slipping in and out between the treasured salt marshes here and along the Welsh coast. People roused, got on with their day - greetings were exchanged, enquiries of health and happiness made and all was well with the world in this little corner of England between the tranquil levels and the dulled sea of beaten pewter.![]()
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Maybe tomorrow dawn will arrive promptly in a rush of colour and sunshine…
*** A special World Wetlands Day trail is coming to Portbury Wharf from next Sunday 19th January until 19th February.***![]()
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Unlike forests, wetlands are rarely talked about and often overlooked. Yet, they are one of the most vital ecosystems on the planet. ![]()
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You will be amazed at what wetlands do for us . . . come and find out!![]()
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PS. The current "What am I?" Christmas trail will run until Friday. So there is still time to test your skills and identify some of our winter wetland wildlife.
A spring sea watch survey is taking place between Porlock and Portishead on March 21 and 23rd. Click on this link to get involved.
Spring Synchronised Sea Watch Survey (1) - Somerset Coast | Somerset Wildlife Trust
www.somersetwildlife.org
Take part in our 2025 Spring synchronised Sea Watch survey, looking out for porpoises, dolphins and other marine megafauna at a Somerset coastal location near you. We aim to have people surveying at e...
The Redwing....![]()
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The Redwing is usually a winter visitor, arriving from Scandinavia in late autumn, often travelling as mixed flocks with the larger, but less numerous fieldfare, and is the UK's smallest true thrush. Look for the creamy stripe above its eye and the orange-red flank patches. They roam across the UK's countryside, feeding in fields and hedgerows, rarely visiting gardens, except in the coldest weather when snow covers the fields. Only a few pairs nest in the UK, up in the highlands of Scotland, round here these birds are highly nomadic and will move around the countryside in search of fruit-laden trees, bushes and shrubs. They are quite skittish and will often take cover if disturbed, but when settled are a joy to watch as they gobble down berries.![]()
Key features to look out for![]()
Redwings are slightly smaller than the Song Thrush ![]()
Dark brown above, with red flanks and underwings ![]()
Bright stripe above the eye ![]()
We usually have good numbers of redwings around the area, and they are really keen on hawthorn berries, so they are often seen on our drifts of hawthorn trees, but, as I mentioned above they are skittish, so you need to travel quietly! Yet again I have drawn extensively from the excellent RSBP Bird Pages, you can find out more about Redwings by following this link. Please let us know if you see any out on your walks by adding a comment to this post![]()
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Redwing Bird Facts | Turdus Iliacus
www.rspb.org.uk
This winter visitor is the UK's smallest thrush, but still manages to reach our shores all the way from Scandinavia. Find out more about these birds.
Happy New Year!![]()
We have really loved walking the reserve this Christmas and introducing our family and friends to the new Nature Trail. Every single one of them has been so impressed and delighted with the new signage. Now they want to come back as the seasons, and the signs, change! And that surely is the greatest thing about a nature reserve, it never stays the same! No matter how many times you walk it, there will always be something new to see, but you do have to be out there to see it…..
Our salt marsh is very sheltered from our prevailing south westerly winds, but as Darragh went northwards the winds turned to the north on Sunday morning and the waves built up .... fortunately after the high tide had passed and the late afternoon was glorious
Latest Dog Rangers
Welcome to our dog rangers!
Whatever breed, big, small we love it when you sign up your four legged friends. With the help of Portbury Wharf Dog Rangers we can protect the wildlife here.
2024 Dog Rangers
Rufus
Meet Rufus, 9 year old springer spaniel who’s grown up ranging the nature reserve and still loves a good sniff along the way and always adheres to the rules!
Signed up in January 2025
Luigi
I believe my dog Luigi should be dog ranger of the month as he is a very sensible dog and always stays on the sea wall if we walk past the salt marsh. If he sees an animal or any other dog out walking he stays by me and doesn’t chase or bark at them. Luigi always sticks by my side while walking down the nature reserve paths. Although Luigi is a water dog and is born to swim in any waters he doesn’t even go close to the pools and rivers.
Signed up in January 2025
2024 Dog Rangers
Watson
This is Watson, who had his first walk along the salt marsh path today, and is keen to sign up as a Dog Ranger. He did very well, stayed on the lead and is an all round good boy. He’s also a Tibetan Terrier, so isn’t really that keen on the water, but enjoys a good stroll in land.
Signed up in September 2024
Mylo
Hello my name’s Mylo or my mum and dad call me Scruffy Mutt, or Hairy Thing. I’m 4 and half years old and they adopted me at 4 months from Bulgaria. I live in Pill, I love sleeping, I don’t like playing but I love to be taken out for walkies.
Signed up in September 2024
Ruby
This is Ruby! She loves walking around the nature reserve but never strays too far, she hates swimming and is getting older so doesn’t run as much.
Signed up in September 2024
Ricky
My name is Ricky and I would like to be a dog ranger.
I keep to the paths & stay by the sea wall. I’m not into swimming and I promise not to chase wildlife!
I used to live in Greece on the streets, but now I have a loving home in Portishead! They think I’m 4 years old . . . but who knows!
Signed up in September 2024
Sookie
Say hello to Sookie who signed up as a Dog Ranger in August 2024
Huxlie
I am Huxlie, a beaglier. Seems I’m part beagle and part cavalier and I think that’s great.
I am only 13 weeks at the mo, and get half carried round as still have little legs.
I am kept on a lead so don’t chase anything, or swim in anywhere. Seems being part beagle I’m likely to run off if I catch a scent apparently. But I’m happy to watch things, and chew the odd stick.
Signed up in July 2024
Rosie
I took Rosie to the reserve at the weekend.
She stayed on the lead so as not to give into any temptation to disturb any wildlife!
I am a volunteer dog walker for The Cinnamon Trust and I’ve been walking her since Feb 2021. We love finding new places to go.
Signed up in July 2024
Waffle
This is Waffle and he would love to be a Dog Ranger.
He is a 10/10 good boy and can also be found at Waffle_thecavapoochon !
Signed up in July 2024
Lexie
I am Lexie and I will be 8 years old this month (July). I have been walking (well … mainly running!) around the Nature Reserve since I was a puppy – and I love it! Afterwards I’m always ready for a snooze as in the attached photo.
It would be great if I could be Dog Ranger one month – I’m sure all my doggy (and human) friends would love to see my picture there!
Thanks in advance.
Signed up in July 2024
Chester
My name is Chester, I’m an 11 month old cocker spaniel, I’d love to join the dog ranger club and ultimately be dog ranger of the month ! I love long walks and already at my early age I have been taught to respect nature and stay on the paths.
Sadly, my big brother Spencer passed away last year, but I’m walking in his paw steps and hope to make him proud !
Best regards and wags,
Signed up in April 2024
Hugo
Welcome to Hugo.
He loves the outdoors and likes all the smells at the nature reserve.
Signed up in April 2024
Beau
Welcome to Beau.
Her owners tell us she will be turning 2 on 1st April and is a gorgeous little Australian Labradoodle but in a miniature size. She loves a cuddle and constant attention (don’t they all).
Signed up in February 2024
Rosie
Welcome to Rosie who is our first new Dog Ranger of 2024.
She is a 6 month old Cavapoo.
Signed up in January 2024
2023 Dog Rangers
Poppy
Poppy is a beautiful 3 year old rescue who’s very gentle and respectful of other people, other dogs and wildlife.
Signed up in September 2023
Patch
Say hello to Patch, he’s an old boy now (age 11) and always behaves on the nature reserve.
Signed up in September 2023
Rolo
My name is Rolo, and I go for walks twice a day in the nature reserve.
Signed up in June 2023
Bella
I am 14, I adhere to all the rules. I’ve only been here a few years but love my new home and surroundings.
Signed up in June 2023
Izzy and Minnie
Izzy (white and grey) and Minnie (brown) have their daily walks through the reserve and Battery Point. Although Izzy is coming up to 12, she still pulls every morning to go to her favourite place!
They both watch the swans and signets with curiosity, but have learnt not to get too close after curiosity got the better of Minnie. They always stay on the path and never disturb the ditches and rhynes, or wildlife on the salt marsh.
Hopefully I’ll get to see them be rangers of the month (even though Minnie tried to befriend the swans)
They signed up in May 2023
Buster, Spike, Taco and Georgie
2nd is Spike (Terrier)
3rd is Taco (Chihuahua)
4th is Georgie (Chihuahua X)
We live in the Marina complex so most days we walk the salt marsh. We always keep to the sea wall so as not to disturb any birds. We keep to the pathways on the nature walk too. We’re not interested in chasing wildife at all, Buster prefers a stick, Spike at 17 years old prefers a treat, Taco well he just wants to see who’s coming down the pathway, Georgie just sticks like glue to mum.
We’re only interested in meeting our canine friends. As for the rhynes, the water voles etc can rest assured we definitely don’t like water!
They signed up in May 2023
Riolu
Hi my dogs name is Riolu and we live in portishead. He thinks he is a cat because he makes cat noises. He loves getting dirty but he does not like baths. Please find attached a picture of Riolu and hopefully he can take part in the dog ranger club.😊
Signed up in April 2023
Pickle the Jack Russell
I would like to sign up Pickle, our Jack Russell as a dog ranger for Portbury Wharf nature reserve.
He loves the nature reserve, is very good at sticking to the path, won’t go into the water, and doesn’t chase wildlife (not even the cats by the marina!)
Signed up in March 2023
Willow the Boston Terrier
Signed up in March 2023
Tess
This is Tess ( a 2.5 year old Lurcher) who would like to be Portishead
dog ranger of the month.
Signed up in February 2023
Nessie
This is Nessie.
She’s a cockapoo who loves walking the nature reserve/ salt marsh. She’s a good pupper (8years old) who stays on her lead and follows the pledges at all times.
Signed up in January 2023
2022 Dog Rangers
Bonnie
My name is Bonnie and I am a 2 year old fox red lab.
The new signs (I can read) and posts have really helped me understand why I must not run on the salt marsh and chase the wildlife and I have been very good at sticking to the path. I never swim in the rhines and overall I am a GOOD GIRL!
My interests are sausages, going for walks, sausages, fetching my ball,
sausages and um sausages.
I would love to be dog ranger of the month!
Thank you
Signed up in December 2022.
Buster
Buster joins the dog rangers. Buster is pretty unique having a dad who is a KC registered miniature wirehaired daushhund and a mom who was a lurcher. An unplanned pairing that produced 4 boys and 4 girls, all looking like dachshund dogs! He walks well to heal, never attempts to wander off the path or into the
Rhines or ponds and is very friendly to other walkers and dogs. Some professional dog walkers we meet know him to be a calm influence for new young dogs to socialise with.
Signed up in July 2022.
India and Dolly
Hi we are India & Dolly and would love to sign up as dog rangers.
They signed up in July 2022.
Teddy
This is Teddy.
He’s so good, approachable and obedient.
Please can he be ranger of the month as my wife would be overjoyed as we often walk him there.
Signed up in May 2022
Ned
This is Ned.
Ned visits the reserve everyday and is exceptionally well behaved.
He’d love to be dog ranger of the month!!
Signed up in May 2022
Wilf
My name is Wilf and I’m a 9 year old cockapoo.
I live a few paw steps away from the nature reserve and walk there every day. My favourite walk is along the seasonal path and the sea wall but I find interesting smells wherever I go. Although I love water, I ever venture into the ponds or rhynes as I know I’m not allowed, and I never chase the wildlife… I don’t like being chased so why would they?!
I think I’m very lucky to leave near such a beautiful nature reserve and am grateful to everyone who works hard to look after it.
I would love to be your dog ranger of the month!!
Signed up in April 2022
Buttons
I am Buttons, an 8 year old chihuahua and jack russell cross.
Walking along the reserve is one of my absolute favourite things to do! I am really very well behaved and enjoy sniffing all the other friendly dogs I meet whilst my owners relax with a coffee from the marina.
Signed up in March 2022
Rocky
I’m Rocky, the beagle!
Age: 8
Likes: Walkies around the nature reserve, food, snacks, treats, chews
and more food!
Dislikes: Water – you’ll never find me swimming in the pools or
rhynes (or anywhere else for that matter)!
Signed up in January 2022
2021 Dog Rangers
Marlow
Miniature Dachshund
Hi, my name is Marlow. I may be pretty new to this world but I’m already a really good boy! As a regular Nature Reserve walker, my owner keeps me following all the pledges, although I’m usually never more than a few feet from the chicken she carries, so all the other animals have nothing to worry about. I’m excited to be a Dog Ranger and show other dogs how to behave so we can all enjoy this space.
Signed up in October 2021
Dodger
My name is Dodger, I live just down the road from Portbury Wharf and there is nothing I like more than going for a walk around there sniffing all the new smells, taking in all the wildlife and making new friends on my walk.
I’d like to become a Dog Ranger so I can help maintain this wonderful space for everybody to enjoy. Here I am in my Ranger Outfit enjoying a nice Autumnal evening walk.
Signed up in October 2021
Mabel (really likes sticks!)
I, 10 month old boxer
I love walking across the reserve everyday with my best friend Murphy.
I like sticks
I like saying hello to other dogs
I like sticks!!
I don’t chase wildlife
I like sticks!!
Me not allowed in water as it might scare and hurt animals
I LOVE STICKS!!
Signed up in October 2021
Brandie
Brandie is a seven year old, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.
Hobbies include: tea shop and walks combining the two to include a nice biscuit with a bowl of milky tea after a nice (preferably short) walk.
Previously used to live in Norfolk, but emigrated to Portishead a little over two years ago with his humans who retired down here.
Signed up in September 2021
Murphy
This is Murphy, he is a 10 month old German Shorthaired Pointer. He’s very well behaved and stays on the paths in the nature reserve all of the time. He’d love to be ranger of the month!
Signed up in August 2021
Coco
Age: 2 Coco is a Springador
Has walked around the nature reserve since I was 15 weeks old. I don’t chase wildlife.
I stay by my owner when I’m unsure of anyone.
So lucky to have such a beautiful place to live.
Signed up in August 2021
Wilson
Age: 10
Likes: Finding sticks to carry (especially the really big, awkward ones!), playing hide & seek
Dislikes: Getting wet!
“I promise to stick to the rules and be a good boy in and around the nature area.”
Signed up in July 2021
Tiggy
A crazy cavapoo protects local wildlife by chasing her tail rather than swans . . . and catching Z‘s rather than wild rabbits!
Signed up in July 2021
Freddie
I’m Freddie, the fox red labrador.
I love walking around the area and there’s lots of exciting smells for me. I don’t like water, so no chance of me going in any ponds.
Signed up in May 2021
Sparky
Sparky is a 4 year old well behaved Greyhound.
He is always walked on the lead and is very placid.
Signed up in April 2021
Ian
This is Ian, he’s an 8 year old cavachon who loves walks, snacks and sleeping! Ian particularly enjoys his walks in Portishead!
Signed up in April 2021
Dino
Meet Dino. An 8 month old rescue from Bosnia. Just learning and exploring the nature reserve. His insta is instagram.com/imdinothedog.
Signed up in April 2021
Bosley
Bosley loves using the nature reserve to sniff new smells and stretch his legs.
Signed up in March 2021
***Lucky Bosley won the April 2021 quarterly prize draw!***
Nora, Bluebell and Boswell
Nora the teacup yorkie age 18 months, protector of all other animals wild or otherwise – like her other fur sibling (cats/rabbits/guineapigs/rats) she wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Bluebell & Boswell brother & sister english setter x labs age 13 superbly behaved. Bluebell and Boswell are such great dogs and promise to take the pledge!
They all promise to take and stick to the pledge. 😊
Signed up in February 2021
Rocco the Cockapoo
He’s a really good boy, is very social and even likes to inspect the wardens litter stick and bag when he’s on his rounds.
We think he would make a great Dog Ranger.
Signed up in February 2021
PS Rocco won a £20 Pets at Home voucher in the May 2022 quarterly prize draw
My name is Nova
I love going for adventures and one of my favourite places to go is the amazing Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve. The reserve is not just a stunning place to walk it is also a haven for wildlife. I love watching the deers but don’t worry I’m not a chaser so I can just sit and watch them whilst daddy takes loads of photos.
We often see various colourful birds of all shapes and sizes flying around, some in massive flocks.
I heard you were recruiting Dog Rangers to help promote good doggy manners whilst walking around the reserve. I would love to be part of this canine nature team to help protect the wildlife. Love Nova 🐾 #novasnature
Signed up in February 2021
Say hello to Max
This is Max and we love having the nature reserve on our doorstep. But we love the wildlife and so we take care not to disturb it.
We sign up to the pledges
Signed up in February 2021
Stella the Boston Terrier
Signed up in January 2021
Dotty the Shih Tzu
Signed up in January 2021
2020 Dog Rangers
Nolly the Tibetan Terrier
Signed up in December 2020
Read more from Nolly
Bailie the Springer Spaniel
I would like it known, like all good dogs I am always under control (or so my handler believes), so will not chase wildlife.
Signed up in December 2020
Return to the main Dog Ranger page