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Sometimes wildlife can be easy to spot but not always . . .This Little Egret is fast becoming a regular in Portishead Hole. Its white plumage makes it easy to spot on the mud but look closely and you will see something else too! A very special bird with a beautiful call, long legs, a curved beak and plumage which blends it into the background . . . a Curlew.
Huge contrast between todays and yesterday's weather! We had a wonderful walk down to the Lake Grounds Yesterday, but got rained off after only two holes of golf today! BTW, I have named the egret Hilary as that was who first spotted it on the reserve a few days ago. Nature's bounty is everywhere as our resident bird population fatten up for the winter ahead.
The ivy flowers are buzzing with pollinators at this time of year. Look out for them on your next walk and count how many different bees, hoverflies, wasps and other insects you see. I lost count! If you get lucky you might even see butterflies feeding on the ivy nectar too.
Plenty of activity in Portishead Hole, just outside the lock gates . . . I lost count at over 70 Redshank. Always a great sight at this time of year, but they weren't alone . . . a Little Egret came along too.![]()
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Keep an eye out for them on the North Pools, especially at high tide when the salt marsh and mud banks are underwater and they are looking for somewhere to rest up.
You never know who might be out and about on the reserve . . . like this roe deer having a gander at the visitors.![]()
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A young Marsh Harrier was spotted by the South Pool last weekend too, so keep your eyes peeled and let us know what you see.
It's the beginning of July and I have just been down to the Seawall notice board to change the Dog Ranger of the Month Poster. This month Patch is on duty! Whilst I was down there I could hear curlew trilling out on the Portishead Salt Marshes. I think this is one of the most evocative sounds I have ever heard. Have a listen next time you are along the sea front. Haunting isn't in it!![]()
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We are always looking to recruit more Dog Rangers; the duties aren't exactly demanding and we welcome local dogs who may not even walk on the Salt Marsh and Reserve. I have attached this month's poster. You will see a QR Code that will take you to our sign on page - come and join us!
It's a monster tide this morning; 14.5/6 forecast with a westerly wind bringing it even higher onto the sea wall. It is overtopping the steps out of Portishead hole so some seawater will be getting into that end of the rhyne at the back of the seawall - that is what it's therefore. The seawall path is impassable for the next hour or so, and will be very muddy thereafter. Do please avoid putting yourself in danger along there
I’ve been putting together a Facebook page to report on what we see on the Spanish steps. Have a look and follow the page if you want to keep up to date on our wildlife
It was dry and sunny this morning so we ventured a little further afield to our sister reserve at RSPB Newport Wetlands, just over the water between the steel works and the sea. ![]()
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That wind was cold! and penetrating! ![]()
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But we had a lovely walk through the reed beds and pools. I say "sister" because both reserves have the same origins. Coal fired powers station fly ash was built up into huge heaps over the years and levelled off from time to time. Then the power stations on both sides of the Bristol Channel closed and the hugely toxic remains were landscaped, sequestrated, and planted with native species to get the ball rolling. And as they are so close to each other (as the dunlin flies), we must share so many species and habitats. I think we should build some stronger links with our neighbours - don't you (although my idea that we build a foot bridge between the two seems like a non starter!🤣 (But they still have a lot more pylons than we now have!) There's a nice cafe and shop too!
Willow Trees
A World in our Willows Trees
Don’t underestimate our humble willow trees – they are home to a rich and diverse habitat.
A single willow tree supports thousands of different organisms from bacteria in the soil, to fungi, frogs, insects, small mammals and birds to large mammals, raptors and owls.
Willow trees are dioecious meaning that each tree is either male or female. Holly, poplar and ash are other trees that have separate sexes. So to produce seeds there will need to be a tree of the opposite sex in the vicinity for successfully pollination.
Willows rely on insects for pollination and in return insects rely on the willow for food. There are over 450 species of plant eating invertebrates that benefit from the willow. This includes 162 different butterflies and 104 different species of bees and wasps. It is one of the most important plants of late winter and early spring when there is little food around. Perhaps for insects the male tree is the most beneficial. The female flowers only produce nectar but the male flowers produce both nectar and pollen.
Willow Trees provide an early harvest for insects
In late January and February, depending on the species of willow, the catkins (the flowers) reveal themselves. Like cat’s fur the male catkin are soft and silky hence the name pussy willow. The insects search out the sweetly scented nectar at the base of each catkin.
Nectar is a good source of energy for insects. Packed with carbohydrates this sugary water gives insects the energy to fly. So this is a vital food for insects that need a quick burst of energy. That’s why you will see queen bumble bees that have just come out of hibernation buzzing around willow trees.
Nature’s larder doesn’t stop here. These silky “pussy willow” catkins will soon be dripping with golden pollen. Pollen is protein packed and good for reproduction. So bees will feed it to their young so they grow strong and healthy.
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