Thanks to a loan of a thermal imaging camera over the next few months we will be having a look at what goes on on the reserve after dark. Under the cover of darkness our very healthy Rabbit population was looking very relaxed out in the open near the Scrape Hide.

Something cute for mid-week 😊 This young Wood Mouse was out exploring next to the nature trail -at the weekend, showing no fear whatsoever of the phone. It is rare to get such a close view of this super little animal. Thanks to @limosawit.bsky.social for sharing!

1/2 Three more horses arrived for their summer holidays today, bringing the herd total to 9. These living lawnmowers keep our dry meadow in optimal condition and an effective check on the invasive saltmarsh species, Spartina anglica.

Deborah D'Arcy was lucky enough to witness a stoat killing a young rabbit on the nature trail. This may seem harsh but stoats help keep our VERY healthy rabbit population in check. Unlike its cousin the weasel, the stoat is native to Ireland. They will attack prey up to three times their size!

Our eco-friendly wetland summer vegetation management team has increased by two! On Friday Eve and Lucky made their introductions to the other members of the team out on the wetland. Looks like it's going well 😊

Almost all our Sand Martins have finished raising their first family & will start a 2nd in the next week or so. Here is a clip of two of the four very hungry chicks in no 21 being fed at the entrance. If they have not taken their first flight already they will do so very soon!

With mixed fortunes, our Sand Martins at no 19 successfully fledged two chicks about a week ago, and now after a very short break, they have started their second family. Laying started yesterday and full time incubating will start when the last egg has been laid.