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Click
here for map of reserve
NEWLANDS
A developing reedbed linked to open water and marshy grassland. Ideal for
warblers and
reed bunting. In time it may attract otters,
bearded tit and perhaps even
bittern. Visit the Carlton Hide for an excellent view of the area.
EAST MARSH POOL
The most important area of open water attracting a wide variety of birds
including
common terns which come here each summer to breed. Other birds to look out
for include
Redshank and
Lapwing. In autumn, migrating birds can often include
dunlin and sometimes
ruff.
SWALLOW POOL
Swifts and
swallows frequent this area, along with a resident pair of
mute swans,
coot,
mallard and
tufted duck.
NEW HARE COVERT
A small woodland comprising mainly oak and ash with some scots pine and larch
here and there. It shows a carpet of bluebells in the spring accompanied by
foxglove and dog's mercury. There is also plenty of intriguing fungi such as the
stinkhorn and honey fungus to be seen.
GREBE POOL
A common sight on this pool is a pair of
great crested grebes and occasionally the
little grebe.
GOOSE POOL
Look out for the surrounding tall Lombardy poplar trees for bat boxes which are
occupied mostly by pipistrelles.
TEAL POOL
A shallow pool used by dabbling ducks especially
teal. Also see many waders, especially
green sandpipers in the autumn.
RIVER POOL
This pool's water level is directly linked to the River Avon. When it is low,
look for waders such as
redshank,
greenshank and sandpipers. Also a good place to spot
grey herons feeding along the reed lined edges.
CENTRAL MARSH and POOL
The lush vegetation here includes reed sweet-grass, pond sedge, common reedmace
and teasel. The nearby alders attract
mealy redpoll,
lesser redpoll and
siskin, while the willow is attended by a vast number of insect species
including the blue leaf beetle.
WEST MARSH and POOL
This area has been managed in the interests of
dragonflies but if you
approach the pool quietly, you may also see dabbling and diving ducks, swans and
geese.
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