The Return of Northward Hill

After a long 3 months since lockdown began and the RSPB closed their reserves, I finally got a chance to go back to Northward Hill. Although not officially open yet there is access to some areas via public footpaths. This is where I spend most of my time volunteering, and it offers a great variation of habitat. Woodland hilltops descend into mucky scrub, which in turn opens into wide farmland and a huge expanse of marsh out to the Thames. Freshwater streams criss-cross the lower sections of the reserve, and a wide variety of life can be found here.

A number of viewpoints are dotted around the reserve, along with a solitary hide overlooking the main pool. Although closed at the moment due to Covid-19 concerns, breeding waders, notably Lapwings and Avocets can be seen from here on small islands, along with a variety of wildfowl. Little and Barn Owls nest around the site, and Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Peregrines can often be seen hunting. The scrub is also key for various Butterflies and Nightingales in Spring/Summer.

Highlights today included Hobby and Bullfinch, both of which resulted in several awful out of focus photos that I won't bother putting on here. No sign yet of the local Cattle Egrets, which are starting to become more visible in the area, but there's always next time. Until then I will furiously double check every group of grazing bovines, and any small white heron instantly gets my hopes up!

The lower edge of the woodland/scrub houses an off-limits area known as The Sanctuary, which is great for nesting passerines, and is also where I have set up a survey for breeding reptiles. Volunteer privileges allow me access to this area sometimes, which makes for some great sightings in this usually undisturbed area.

I found 11 Slow Worms today including this particularly scarred male, who had also unfortunately lost his tail, plus a few Viviparous Lizards. It's not uncommon to find lizards missing various appendages, particularly tails, which are often voluntarily dropped off to distract would-be predators whilst the animal makes a swift getaway.

Although I didn't get any snakes on this occasion, I did find a shed Grass Snake skin under a mat, distinguishable from Adder and Slow Worm by scale size and layout. At least this is evidence that the mats I'd laid out are positioned well, holding humidity and being used!

It will likely be a little while until the reserve is open to the public and I'm back here regularly, but hopefully I'll be able to document more of the summer visitors before they make way for the Winter migrants. Without wanting to spoil anything, there are usually some great birds to spot and I'll be sure to blog about them as the scenery starts to change!

I'll leave you with this cheeky little Slow Worm, until the next time, thanks for reading!