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info@fpwnr.org
We are delighted to see the return of our first common sandpiper to the North island and if you are thinking of popping along this weekend- the please keep your eyes open. You will probably need binoculars as this little chap is small as you can see from the video attached. Look for the tiny bird on the waters edge
Have you seen or heard a Long-tailed Tit recently (make sure to unmute the microphone on the far right of the picture if you want to hear it)?![]()
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The Long-tailed Tit is a pretty little bird. It is black and white with lovely touches of pink on its back and belly. You are likely to see them in excitable groups roaming hedgerows, gardens and on the nature reserve. They will be looking for insects to eat. When it gets cold they huddle together for warmth. It is often their high pitched call which attracts your attention. So listen to their sound by “playing” the photo.
Next to Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve is a salt marsh. This salt marsh is a hugely important ecosystem, so much so, it is even designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.![]()
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But why are salt marshes like this one so important? ![]()
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Plover Rovers - Talking the Coast are hosting a WEBINAR "Saltmarshes - Coastal Superheroes" tomorrow, Tuesday 16th March at 7pm! ![]()
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Their founder, Scott Xavi Gudrich, will talk about the important ecosystem services salt marshes provide, why marshes are threatened and what can be done to protect them.![]()
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Plover Rovers say: "Here are three reasons to tune in and show some love for salt marshes : ![]()
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🌊 They protect the coast against flooding and erosion.![]()
🦀 They provide a safe habitat for large populations of well-adapted species.![]()
🌱 They capture and store more carbon than our terrestrial forests!![]()
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Find out why the humble salt marsh is a coastal superhero and how it can assist us in the mitigation of climate change."![]()
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You can get your free tickets on their website at: linkin.bio/plover-rovers
Despite the Cold grey day, plenty of small birds around. Plus a Kestrel Hunting but light conditions to difficult for a picture. The Deer are far enough a way that we did not disturb them, so pictures suffered in difficult light.
Ahh another sign of spring on the reserve! Thanks David HorlickColt's-foot flowers starting to show at Portbury Wharf now. Yellow seems to be a popular colour for early signs of Spring.
Portishead's salt marshes are such important habitats that we thought they deserved their very own Facebook and Instagram pages. So as well as following the wildlife of the nature reserve on this page you can also see glimpses and even art from Portishead's salt marshes on our sister page Portishead Salt Marshes.![]()
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These fragile ecosystems need to be cherished and protected so the more people who know about them the better.
Look out for greenfinches on the reserve. The scientific name is Chloris Chloris which means greenish-yellow. They have a fizzy, wheezing call which you can hear here: www.xeno-canto.org/578272.
Temporary footpath closures tomorrow and Wednesday . . . also a couple of days in March.ADVANCE NOTCE - TEMPORARY FOOTPATH CLOSURE![]()
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On 24 and 25 February and 4 and 5 March, contractors will be carrying out some essential works to the banks adjacent to the Portishead substation entrance to the reserve. Unfortunately this means for these few days, access to this area will be restricted during daylight hours.
What’s Happening
It’s time to look forward to a hopeful spring!
So find out what is about in March and April . . .
While we have turned the corner into 2021, sadly, at the time this goes out, we are still in lockdown. So many of you are visiting the reserve for daily exercise and to enjoy nature’s therapy. Please be sure to carry out social distancing when you see other visitors and most importantly be kind to one another.
Small gestures can make a BIG difference and a cheery hello is always good for lifting spirits.
On this page (last updated 2 March):
What to look out for this month
March and April – what to look out for
While some winter birds are yet to fly back north to their nesting sites, spring fever is definitely on its way. March and April is such an exciting time of year with plenty of spring wildlife to look… Read More
Celebrating our Winter Birds
Portbury Wharf is an important place for migratory birds which spend the winter here to escape harsh arctic conditions. They are still here, though most will be thinking of moving back to their nesting grounds. So catch a glimpse while you still can!
You can find out more about these winter birds and how you can help them in our Bird Migration page.
Celebrating our Dog Rangers
Lots of us love walking our dogs here. So we want to celebrate wildlife friendly dogs who take the pledge to protect our endangered creatures. Nolly, the Tibetan Terrier is our current Dog Ranger but will be standing aside as soon as the Friends get around to printing the next poster!
Sign up your Dog Ranger
If your dog wants to take the pledge and become a Dog Ranger please visit our Dog Ranger sign up.
Wildlife Counts
Both the Warden and the Friends carry out wildlife counts. You need to know what wildlife is visiting the reserve so you can manage the land effectively. These counts also feed into national wildlife records. There are at least two counts per month. You can read more about the Friends’ wildlife counts and download a spotting card on our Wildlife Monitoring page.
Next “Friends” count:
We will let you know when things open up again and we can once more invite people along. Usually anyone is welcome to join us whatever your level of experience as it is a great opportunity to learn about the wildlife and pick up spotting tips. Please contact us beforehand to confirm meeting place.
Helping the warden
The reserve is managed by North Somerset Council. The Council employs a warden who is responsible for maintaining the nature reserve and with so much to do he needs volunteers. All sessions run from 09:30 to 12:30 meeting at the Wharf Lane Car Park (BS20 7TD). Tools, gloves and refreshments are provided.
The next Volunteer Community Work Sessions:
PS You can get in touch with the warden directly via Portbury Wharf Community Volunteers Facebook page.
Hinkley Connection Project
Important there are restrictions and closures at the Sheepway entrance to the reserve due to the Hinkley Connection Project. Please see all the latest updates below.
To protect the migratory birds which spend the winter here all work which might disturb these birds will cease between September and April.
To read about the pylon work project taking place on the nature reserve please see Hinkley Connection Project.
Previous briefing:
Hinkley Connection Update November 2020
This update relates to the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project. We are posting these briefings so… Read More
Hinkley Connection Update April 2020
This update relates to the continuation of work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve and the extra safety measures being taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the… Read More
Hinkley Connection Update February 2020
This update relates to closures and restrictions at Sheepway. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project. We are posting these briefings so you are kept up… Read More
Hinkley Connection Update September 2019
This update relates to the measures being taken to protect the environment and ecology of the reserve. This is a briefing we have received from the Community Relations Team of the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project. We are… Read More
New to website
Recent Pages:
Frogs (and other amphibians) have been active and so have we – they now have their very own page – added February 2021
Winter Trail added December 2020
Bird Migration added September 2020
Learn about insects on our Have Fun Learning page added June 2020
Wigeon added January 2020
Dunlins added December 2019
Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh added 15 October 2019
Portbury Wharf Plants updated 10 October 2019
Ivy added September 2019
Hinkley Connection Project added September 2019
Nature Trails added September 2019
Please support us added September 2019
Dragonflies and Damselflies updated August 2019
Dragonfly Spotting Tips added July 2019
Dragonfly Survey added July 2019
Portbury Wharf’s Roe Deer added in April 2019
Recent Posts:
March and April – what to look out for
While some winter birds are yet to fly back north to their nesting sites, spring fever is definitely on its way. March and April is such an exciting time of year with plenty of spring wildlife to look… Read More
February – What to look out for
Look out for FROGS and TOADS! This is their mating time and they are on the move. February and March is the time when we are most likely to see them as large numbers converge on their… Read More
January – What to look out for
Happy New Year! Although it is a shiny new start to the year, sadly we are in another lockdown . . . . . . but our winter birds are still flying free along our coast and on… Read More
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