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(This page was last updated on Wednesday 4th January 2012 09:08am) |
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The Beckford Nature Reserve is located just north of the village centre...
Latest News -
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.
Posted 18th February 2012
A small band of volunteers spent the morning doing some tidying work in the Nature Reserve. A row of hawthorn hedges were planted on the northern boundary; the steps all round the reserve were repaired; the western bank was cleared ready for sowing grass and wld flower seed and various paths were re-stocked with wood chippings.
Posted 21st January 2012
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.
Posted 14th January 2012
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.
Posted 11th January 2012
We had the dormouse tubes checked on Sunday - alas no dormice, but evidence of woodmice occupation were in a couple of the tubes.
Posted 9th November 2011
We held the postponed working party on Saturday 5th November. The trees blocking the view from the South Hide were removed. Some alder trees on the north lake edge were thinned and the prunings used to create a brushwood barrier at the top of the Sandbank to discourage people from walking near the cliff edge. Also a brushwood barrier was constructed to prevent people from walking along the south lake edge and disturbing the grazing waterfowl.
Posted 5th November 2011
On Saturday 29th October we will be holding a working party in preparation for the coming winter. Please spare the time between 9:30am and 12 noon to come and help. All you need is energy, suitable footware and strong gloves - all tools will be supplied as required.
Posted 12th October 2011
The AGM of Beckford Nature Reserve Ltd will be held in the Village Hall on Wednesday September 21st at 7:30pm. There will be tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Any interested members of the public are more than welcome to attend, to find out the latest about your Nature Reserve.
Posted 24th August 2011
As part of their Bredon Hill walk today the local U3A group had a guided tour of the Nature Reserve.
Posted 7th June 2011
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 page or just click here.
Posted 7th June 2011
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. Call Geoff at the Shop on 01386 881482 or email him on bnr@beckford-stores.co.uk
Posted 1st june 2011
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.
Posted 8th May 2011
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.
Posted 9th April 2011
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As many of you who have visited the area recently, you will have noticed that the new Rupert Ellis Hide is now complete.
- A recent visit by members of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust identified signs that we may have dormice in the Reserve. Therefore over the past week they have returned to place some small nesting boxes around the lake. You have probably noticed the small black boxes hanging on the branches of various trees - now that the dormice will be shortly coming out of hibernation, they will need somewhere to live. As these cute little creatures are a protected species, please do not disturb the boxes.
Posted 20th Marchl 2011
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.
The green oak construction blends in well with the surroundings.
Posted 6th March 2011
By popular request the trustees of the Beckford nature reserve are holding another Village supper at The Beckford...
April 15th 2011 (Friday)
Tickets £10
Contact ...
Jennifer Berriman (01386 882029), Diane Colvin (01386 882532) or Angie Davies (01386 881126) for tickets. Click here for more information
Posted 4th March 2011
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.
Posted 9th February 2011
John Clarke's Flycatcher Report for 2010 is now available. Click here to view
Posted 22nd January 2011
The 2009/2010 hide report is now available. Click here to view or use the link on the main page under Hide Reports.
Posted 16th January 2011
The report from the visit by Worcestershire Wildlife trust in December 2010 is now available - click here
Posted 7th January 2011
With the increase in the numbers that have been bought, the number of monthly prizes has be increased to 5 again - 1 @ £50, 1 @ £25, 2 @ £15 and 1 @ £10. This will start as from the February 2011 draw.
Posted 6th January 2011
Some of you may have noticed some work going on coppicing the trees at the shore of the Island. Please on image for details./>
Posted 4th December 2010
The AGM was held at 2:30pm in the Village Hall on 24th November 2010. The financial report for 2009/2010 has been added to the list of documents on the Nature Reserve Home page.
Posted 25th November 2010
Nature Reserve Working Party. Don't just buy your calendars and cards - the Nature Reserve needs your help. Come and help at the autumn working party on 13th November.
Posted 29th October 2010
Please come along to the AGM to get the latest information about the Nature Reserve. Get up-to-date on our plans for the Reserve.
The Meeting will be held in the afternoon (2:30pm) of Wednesday 24th November in the Village Hall.
All will be welcome - cards and calendars will be on sale.
Posted 20th October 2010
At the recent Village Supper at The Beckford, the new cards and 2011 calendar were officially launched and many were sold. Make sure you get your orders in quickly as we may need to re-order from the printers before Christmas. They are on-sale in Beckford Stores, Drawer, The Beckford, Dumbleton Hall and of course right here from the secure on-line shop. Click here to place your order.
You can also place telephone orders by ringing Jennifer on 882029.
Posted 10th October 2011
The Village Supper in aid of the Nature Reserve was held last Friday. Reports from many of those who attended enjoyed the evening and said how well they were treated by the staff at the Beckford. The evening was fully booked, turning away several people who wanted to attend. We will probably repeat the evening sometime next year.
Posted 10th October 2011
In conjunction with the Evesham Round Table, we are holding a Barn Dance in order to raise funds to build the disabled hide in the Nature Reserve. The hide will be built in memory of Rupert Ellis who was closely involved with the Nature Reserve in it's early stages. Details of the Barn Dance can be seen on posters around the village...
- Date - 18th September
- Venue - Court Farm Barn
- Pig Roast with baps and salad
- Live Band
- Cost - £12:50 per ticket
- Admission by ticket only
- Prize Draw
- Tickets available at Beckford Stores or from Mr David Brodie from the Evesham Round Table (Tel: 08707 601383)
John Clifford has submitted a new progress report to keep everyone informed about activities in the Nature Reserve. Click here to view the report.
We are thinking of creating a new selection of greeting cards of the Nature Reserve based on some of the excellent photos which have been collected over the past few years. Keep an eye on this website for more information.
Posted 16th July 2010
The SSSI in the Nature Reserve has attracted a local geologist from the Earth Heritage Trust. He will be giving a talk at the Village Hall on Friday 25th June at 7:30. Click here for details.
An article about the nature reserve has been accepted by the free magazine Tewkesbury Direct. Click here for a quick view of the article.
Posted 6th March 2010
A recent visit by the Earth Heritage Trust to the SSSI site on the Nature Reserve has resulted in a report, which may be of interest to friends of the Nature Reserve.
Posted 2nd March 2010
The time has come to tidy the Nature Reserve ready for the spring.
Posted 8th February 2010
The company accounts for last year are now available for viewing - see under 'Accounts' below
posted 11th January 2010
John Clifford retired in December 2009, but hopes to continue helping out in the reserve as Conservation Warden, organising any working parties required. However, this means that we are now one short on the number of trustees required for a workable committee. So if your are interested in the reserve and are prepared to put in a few hours extra work in helping to keep the Nature Reserve 'up-to-scratch', then look at the local advert and put your name forward.
posted 2nd January 2010
The latest progress report is now available after the autumn working party.
posted 6th December 2009
The success of the 200 club means that we can now increase the number of prizes each month. As from December 2009 we will be adding a £15 prize each month. This means that each month you have a chance of winning £50, £25, £15 X2 and £10!!
posted 23rd November 2009
The Annual General meeting for the Trustees of the Nature Reserve will be held on Thursday 17th December at 2:30 pm in the village hall. This is an open meeting, so if you would like to know what's been happening in the reserve at first hand, please come along and support the trustees.
posted 16th November 2009
Due to the bad weather last Saturday, the working party has been postponed until Saturday 21st - weather permitting!
posted 14th November 2009
The 2010 Nature Reserve Calendars are now available. Get your copy by either calling in at the Village Shop or by post. The cost this year is the same as last year - £6 at the shop or £7 by post. If you wish to order by post, send a cheque for £7 made out to 'Beckford Nature Reserve' together with a delivery address to...
Beckford Stores,
Main Street, Beckford,
Tewkesbury
GL20 7AD
posted - 9th November 2009
The path for wheelchair access is now complete...
| The path leads to a hard standing next to the lake... |  |
Later a shelter will be provided to enable wheel chair visitors to view the lake in inclement weather. During the next working party the small trees and reeds in front of this area will be removed for better viewing.
A working party has been organised as part of the three year maintenance plan. All volunteer help will be very welcome. As you can see from the work required as much help as possible will be required if we wish to achieve everything on the list. Please put this in your diaries and come along.
posted - 9th November 2009
Friday 13th November - lucky for some! . It will be a Hotpot Supper & homemade mince pies, along with a shorter quiz. The cost is £48.00 per table of 6 (£8 per head). To book please ring either Jennifer Berriman 01386 882029 or Angie Davies 01386 881126 for further details. Click Here for more details.
A few things have happened in the reserve and some new fun raising events have been scheduled.
After successfully obtaining a grant from Wychavon District Council for the purchase of the Nature Reserve, the Trustees have written a small article for the council updating them on the progress since the purchase. Wychavon Council have posted this article on their website. If you would like to view this article please click here
We are already thinking about creating a 2010 calendar. Click here for more information or email bnr@beckford-stores.co.uk.
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The new disabled access gate is now installed. We are currently negotiating for work to start on a wheel-chair friendly path to the peninsula - which will eventually possess a 'bus shelter' style hide for wheel-chair visitors to view the lake in comfort. |
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...
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Installing the New Gates (Photo by Gill Kellett, the new footpath warden) |
The finished job (photos by Trevor McGill and Marion Slade).... |
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| The new gate near the hide | The new gate at the Rabbit Lane public footpath entrance |
| 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. |  |
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.
| Name | Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Geoff Stringer | Trustee (Chairman) | 01386 881248 |
| Diane Colvin | Trustee (Company Secretary) | dcolvin.beckford@googlemail.com |
| Jennifer Berriman | Trustee (Treasurer) | 01386 882029 |
| Tina Brown | Trustee | 01386 881771 |
| John Clifford | Conservation Warden | 01386 881674 |
| Mark Mccauley | Trustee | mark.mccauley@thales-ts.com |
| Trevor McGill | Conservation & Tree Warden | canon40d@o2.co.UK |
Progress reports can be viewed here...
- Spring 2011 NEW
- Winter 2010/2011
- Summer 2010
- Autumn 2009
- Spring 2009
- Winter 2008/2009
- Initial Report 2008
The Company Accounts can be viewed here...
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Early 2010 marks ownership of the Reserve by the village for nearly two years, during which time it has undergone some changes and improvements. We continue to attract many visitors from the surrounding villages and further afield, to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the seasons changing fauna and flora. The Reserve is also being visited by wildlife experts each specializing in their own various fields. We continue as far as possible to follow our three year maintenance plan, with volunteer working parties, and outside contractors providing mechanical backup for the heavier tasks. Some of the projects undertaken by the volunteers include coppicing alders, constructing much needed steps using materials from the coppiced trees, and building lakeside brushwood safety barriers. Paths have also been improved using chippings from some of our felled trees. Bramble clearance has been a major issue and will continue to be so for years to come; however, significant progress has been made by both contractors and volunteers alike. |
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| One of our more ambitious projects was the construction of a disabled access and pathway for wheelchair users on the Ashton Road side of the Reserve. Plans for the new hide are in progress, with the anticipation of completion by the end of this year.This winter has seen erosion to the SSSI geological face due to the heavy rains and prolonged frosts, but we have renewed interest by Natural England, and are awaiting suggestions for its maintenance. The University of Worcester are anxious to carry out monitoring tests of the topsoil above the quarry face. Click here if you wish to find out more about the SSSI - including a map of the reserve. A recent visit by the Earth Heritage Trust to the SSSI resulted in a report on the state of the geology of the site. After the initial purchase of the site, John Clarke from the Kemerton Nature Reserve drew up a plan for the Nature Reserve. Please click here to view the 3 year plan compiled by John Clifford. | |
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Check out the list of sightings in the Nature Reserve. You can now update the listings on-line from this website.
John Clarke has compiled a report on the sighting of spotted flycatchers in and around Bredon Hill. If you would like to see any of his reports...
There are two hides around the lake to observe the population of the lake. One hide on the south side of the lake is totally enclosed, while the second hide on the north side of the lake is specially designed to accommodate wheel chair access and is open at the rear. As a visitor to the hide, you are asked to fill out the log in the South Hide to let others know what they might expect to see on the Reserve. These logs can be viewed here...
The South Hide is secured by a combination lock - if you wish to use the hide, please contact one of the Nature Reserve trustees for the latest combination number.
Join the club by buying one of more tickets to enter the monthly draw - your chances will be much higher than the National Lottery or the Premium Bonds.
The winning tickets numbers are drawn each month by a member of the public in The Beckford, and winners will receive their prize within the week. Every member of the club (i.e. those who buy at least one ticket) will receive a list of the winners just before the 'renewal date' for membership. The monthly winners will be posted on this website and on a notice in Beckford Stores.
Please contact the Nature Reserve Treasurer, Jennifer Berriman on 01386 882029 for more information or to join the club.
To see if your ticket has won in the latest draw, click on the icon below...
The 2012 calendar is now available - you can buy your copy either here on-line, at the Village Shop or at Two Jays Coffee Shop (attached to Beckford Silk).
Cards are still available as before, but this year we have printed a few differnet ones especially for Christmas - they are available in a selection pack of 5 different cards...
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You may order by phone directly by calling Jennifer on 01386 882029, at the Village Shop or on-line here on this website. Delivery of orders within Beckford will be free, while a small charge (£1:00) will be made for orders that need posting.
View all the cards and calendar at the Nature Reserve on-line shop, where you can also use a secure web facility to pay for your order by credit card. The on-line shop has a minimum order of £10.