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Friends of Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve
Hinkley Connection Update April to September 2022
This update relates to work to be carried out between April and September 2022 and is released by the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project : This overview is also available on the news section of the Hinkley Connection website, which includes images… Read More
Early on a December morning
Early on a December morning a buck and doe were quietly browsing on the salt marsh. But then a man and his dog walked along the edge of the salt marsh and disturbed them. The dog spotted the… Read More
Adoption of the nature reserve
Our statement re the adoption of the nature reserve The Friends of Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve broadly welcome North Somerset Council’s (NSC) adoption of Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve. We have been waiting a long time for the transfer… Read More
Goldeneyes
Two Goldeneye ducks appeared on the reserve this last weekend. They were seen on Saturday and were on the big North Pool when we started the monthly monitoring count on Sunday, but then moved to the South Pool… Read More
Here we see a superb demonstration of why nesting birds are camouflaged with cryptic plumage. Too good not to share
If you have visited the South Pool Hide recently, you will have noticed the perilous state of the bridge at the entrance. Well now NSC have installed a lovely new bridge!😀
Unfortunately there was some antisocial behaviour on the reserve last weekend. ![]()
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The door and guttering were ripped off one of the hides and a support beam damaged; the ramp and floorboards were scorched from a BBQ; two benches were thrown out; loud music and yelling were heard by a passer by and 4 youths were seen by the pools disturbing wildlife. The police have been informed and now they are aware of the problems they can increase their patrols in the area.![]()
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It is important that the police are informed of ALL such instances. So if you are unlucky enough to witness any antisocial behaviour could you please report it to them by visiting their website at:![]()
www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident OR phone the Police on 101 and quote: BS20 7TD.![]()
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Thank you.
The Chiffchaffs are back! This morning I heard my first chiffchaff practising its call. It seems strange when all they shout out is "Chiff-Chaff"! But when they get back from sub-saharan Africa they appear to have forgotten the words and shout out chiff chiff or chaff chaff instead! Give them a day or two and they will have it right. ![]()
You can find out more about Chiffchaffs on the RSPB website by clicking the link below![]()
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Chiffchaff Bird Facts | Phylloscopus Collybita
www.rspb.org.uk
A small olive-brown warbler which actively flits through trees and shrubs, with a distinctive tail-wagging movement. Find out more
I love this area of wet woodland with its tangle of willows. It looks particularly great in the spring sunshine. ![]()
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You might not have come across this habitat as it is a bit off the beaten track, along the muddy seasonal path. So to save you getting your boots dirty here is a glimpse.
Next week, contractors shall be replacing the existing footbridge to the South Pools hide at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve near Portishead.![]()
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The timber bridge has come to the end of its natural life expectancy and will be replaced with a recycled plastic bridge on the week commencing 17th March. The hide will be closed for the duration of the works.![]()
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The hides at the North Pools and next to the sea wall will remain open, providing stunning views of the nature reserve, Severn Estuary, and the wildlife within.
These are three of the photos we took whilst installing the new squares on the Wetlands Trail panels yesterday . . . a Stonechat on a hay bale, a Small Tortoiseshell on a Dandelion and a Wilbur (metal Water Vole) on a fence.
It was change over day on the Wetlands Trail today, so on your next visit, check out the new squares which will be up until the end of March.![]()
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Amongst the 12 new squares added can you find the WHAT WAS THAT NOISE?, WHOSE FEET ARE THESE? and CAN YOU HEAR ME SQUEAKING? squares?![]()
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Enjoy your walks on the reserve and learn a new wildlife fact or two as you go!![]()
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#wetlandstrailuk
We had a great time on World Wetlands Day, not only did we see the Marsh Harrier from the North Pool hide but we also installed the final elements of our Wetlands Trail . . . the Wilburs! ![]()
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The Wilburs are metal Water Voles. There are 12 of them to find as you walk between the Wetlands Trail panels. Whilst we have actual furry Water Voles at Portbury Wharf they are not very active in winter and keep themselves hidden from predators. So while you are unlikely to see a real Water Vole, say hello to the Wilburs instead . . . if you can spot them!![]()
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#wetlandstrailuk
Have you heard about the *FREE* 90 minute Connect3 Nature Wellbeing Walks taking place at Portbury Wharf every 2nd Monday of the month (starting 10th February)?![]()
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To find out more and sign up visit the organiser's Mudita Salus CIC website www.muditasalus.co.uk/connect3.
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Last Updated: July 1, 2022 by fpwnr
Press Release Portishead Salt Marshes Day 2022
Come and celebrate our salt marshes at Portishead Salt Marshes Day 2022! Salt marshes are really important habitats and Portishead can boast two, one at Battery Point and the other at Portbury Wharf. Sites of Special Scientific Interest… Read More