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Conservation Matters: May

Aquatic plants blunt-fruited water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) - Linda Pitkin/2020VISION

Find out what the conservation team and our wonderful volunteers have been working on this month.

Celebrating fish migration

On 21 May, we celebrated International Fish Migration Day. In Essex alone, we have identified over 400 obstructions to fish passage. This means that all over the county, barriers like weirs, sluices and locks are making it almost impossible for migrating fish to make the journeys they need to breed and survive. For example, eels grow and mature in freshwater rivers, and make their way back to the sea when they are adults to breed. 

We are working on changing this. Through the Essex Fish Migration Project, our Rivers team have been working to map out and identify these obstructions, to restore the natural order of fish migration in Essex. 

Fish Migration Roadmap (https://youtu.be/fHjRizdI8hk)

View the roadmap and find out more 

Building bug abodes

Across our reserves, the team have been working hard to make our sites welcoming to all the lovely spring species appearing this time of year. 

Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

Rangers and volunteers from across the county visited Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park recently for the John Little workshop focusing on green infrastructure and pollinator habitats. Our centres are working to create more insect-friendly environments. Many of our centres are participating in the Red mason bee Guardian Project to combat the decline of these small, gingery bees that do not sting! 

Read our blog about the project here

bug hotel

Abberton's biodiver-city! 

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park's latest biodiversity building is a big hit with creepy crawlies this year. Our team have transformed an old shed into a sheltered insect hotel, with logs, tree branches, wooden planks and bamboo canes. Let us know what insects you see fluttering or creeping around if you visit this busy site this month! 

Belfairs bug hotel

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre was getting busy for bugs this month too. Lizzie, Education Officer for the Trust, was assisted by our volunteers to complete this insect hotel. From this, children can learn which materials provide shelter and safe hibernation for insects and invertebrates. The hotel was filled with moss, bamboo, bark, stones, and holes were drilled to create different textures and hiding spots. We look forward to young and inquisitive minds learning more about our interesting insect species and how to protect them! 

Birds of prey

kestrel

Gunners Park and Shoebury Ranges nature reserve has welcomed back its resident male kestrel for a fourth year. Since his arrival back from his overwintering grounds across the Thames on Sheppey, he has quickly paired and has been working really hard to provide food for his young family. He was even recently seen ambitiously carrying a grass snake back to his family. 

osprey nesting platform

Osprey nesting platform

A decade ago, together with Essex & Suffolk Water, we installed an osprey nesting platform for these large predators. Weathered and aged, the platform needed a renewal. This month, the team at Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Park were assisted by a group of venture scouts who built a replacement. 

Migrating to the UK in the summer, it was important that this platform was restored in time for ospreys looking to nest at our reserve, overlooking the wonderful view of the reservoir. Thanks to the team for their help! 

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