Beckford Nature Reserve

Bird Boxes

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:58:40 +0000

Two bird boxes have been installed one on the outside of the hide and the second on the peninsula. These are to commemorate Pete Cosh who loved the Reserve.

Extra Seat

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:11:00 +0000

John and Sandra Hall have kindly donated a second seat, which has been placed in the small clearing on the north side of the lake. Visitors to the Reserve have already expressed their appreciation of these welcome resting places.

Gates Installed

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:21:02 +0000

The new gates on the public footpath are now in place, making access to the Nature Reserve much easier for those who find stiles a hindrance. We now have two new wooden gates on the public footpath and a disabled friendly gate installed on the northern Rabbit Lane entrance.

Disabled path now complete

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 21:25:13 +0000

The path for wheelchair access is now complete...

Work on the Island

Sat, 4 Dec 2010 21:31:02 +0000

Some of you may have noticed some work going on coppicing the trees at the shore of the Island. Please click on the title link above for more details.

New steps for Court Farm entrance

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 21:35:40 +0000

New steps have now been created at the northern Court Farm lane entrance. This should make this much safer as in the wet weather this entrance becomes very slippery.

New disabled hide nearing completion

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 21:37:22 +0000

The new disabled hide is now nearing completion as these two pictures by Trevor McGill show. The walls and seating are complete with only the roof remaining to be added. Why not visit the Reserve and take a look.

Youngsters helping the Nature Reserve

Sat, 9 Apr 2011 21:38:58 +0000

Archie, Sally and Coco made four birdboxes for the Nature Reserve. Tina provided the materials, then under adult supervision they made, painted and installed them on various trees around the reserve. With any luck they will be in time for birds to nest this year. Great to see the young people getting involved.

The Sand Martins are back!

Sun, 8 May 2011 21:50:11 +0000

The Sand Martins have been spotted in the old quarry face to the north of the nature reserve. Frantic feeding of their young is not yet in full swing, but you can observe them flying around the lake and popping in and out of their nests.

Severn Valley: the evolution of a landscape

Wed, 1 Jun 2011 22:05:27 +0000

Richard Edwards from the Earth Heritage Trust returns for another talk on the geology of the local area. Friday 1st July at 7:30 pm in the Village Hall. Free admission - refreshments available.

Spring 2011 progress report

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 22:10:11 +0000

Why not check out the latest excellent progress report from John Clifford, who spends so much of his time 'looking after' the nature reserve. Use the link on this news item title to see the report.

Water levels

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:15:08 +0000

It was less than two years ago that we were worried about the high water levels in the lake, but now after the driest year on record since the quarry was formed we are worried that the low water levels may affect the waterfowl breeding season. With an easy passage for foxes (and uncontrolled dogs!) across to the island, the ducks and swans have lost their safe haven for rearing their young. It will be more important once the breeding season starts to make sure all dogs are kept on leads when visiting the Nature Reserve.

Memorial tree

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:16:15 +0000

Tom Woollard and family have donated and planted a Rowan tree in memory of Anne. Placed close to the Rupert Ellis hide, the tree should produce plenty of berries in the late summer to attract the birds.

Getting ready for Spring

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:29:50 +0000

The first primrose flowers can be seen in sheltered spots near the north-side steps. Nesting boxes suitable for Tawny Owls and Little Owls have been put up in, we hope, owl friendly locations.

Village Supper

Fri, 2 Mar 2012 22:21:28 +0000

Following the success of last years' Village Supper, The trustees of the Nature Reserve have organised another Village Supper. Click on the title above for more information.

Bat boxes

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:29:50 +0000

Four roosting boxes for bats have been delivered and will be placed in suitable locations throughout the Reserve. Professional advice has been sought to make sure they are located in the ideal places.

Village Supper - update

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:32:02 +0000

What a shame - the Village Supper has had to be cancelled due to lack of support! We will have to now work harder to raise more funds to keep the Nature Reserve going!

Nesting Season

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:11:13 +0100

Now that the nesting season is in full swing, when visiting the nature reserve please make sure your dog is on a lead. Even the most well-behaved dogs can be attracted to the birds and coming close to a nesting adult bird can seriously affect the nesting process. Thank you.

Low water levels has its advantages

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:16:18 +0100

As you will notice from some recent sightings at the lakeside, the low water level has brought in some new birds to the Reserve. Both the Common and Green Sandpipers have been spotted on the mud flats.

New Dormice Boxes

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:56:15 +0100

We have installed a new type of doormouse box that is held on to the tree by wire for easy removal and inspection. You may think that the entry hole looks to be in the wrong place, but the doormice should access it from the branch. Let's hope these new boxes are not occupied by blue tits or woodmice!

Plaque installed on Rupert Ellis Hide

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:59:31 +0100

Take a look on this page for the updated information on the 'Disabled' Hide.

Canada Geese Families

Sun, 13 May 2012 09:05:52 +0100

Two families of Canada Geese were spotted on the Lake, each with at least 3 goslings.