The herons were causing some drama today at Ladywalk, Heron and Coot stand off outside the River walk hide and a Heron stand off as well

I have spoken to Oli Douthwaite on Monday and Wednesday this week about the progress being made on reroofing the Forward and Stansley Wood hides. SSW staff were at the hides on Tuesday finalising the right platform size, and Oli confirmed he is now waiting for delivery to allow the work to start, which hopefully will be in the next few days, as always any questions please let me know and I’ll update with progress as it’s made with best regards Mark

Compiled from daily sightings – Belvide Reservoir, April 2026. With thanks to Steve Nuttall for collating the Belvide Bird Blog.

A strong finish to April with continued passage of terns and waders, alongside lingering wildfowl and increasing summer visitors.

Highlights:

• Black Tern movement peaked with 10 present on 30th (7 lingering into afternoon), following 11 on 24th and smaller numbers from 23rd.

• Arctic Tern influx on 28th with a peak of 26 birds.

• Black-necked Grebes (2) remained from 26th through to 30th, favouring the dam/south-east bay.

Hi,

I've had 3 visits now and managed to see an osprey near the dam. I also spotted this attached photograph which I think is an osprey dining table?

Please see attached sightings at Blithfield for April. Many thanks to Peter Betts for collating with best regards Mark

I have just spoken to the Blithfield Estates manager and he has advised that the SSW groups RAMS body who sign off / approve work on the sites have seen the planning to complete the reroofing of the Forward and Stansley Wood hides. The work is now planned for w/b 11th of May. As I’ve commented before no one is more frustrated than me at the inconvenience to members but we now have light at the end of the tunnel (and not just through the roof 😊). If anyone has any questions please feel free to call. With best regards Mark

I called in first thing this morning to the Estate office and SSW are aware of the pothole at the entrance to the public car park. Looking at it this morning it looks particularly bad because the road curb stone is what you would hit exiting the car park. I suggest extreme care to avoid it if you happen to use the Main North car park. I took some additional photos this morning to highlight the size and location of the pothole. Please bear in mind members can park opposite the cottages further along the estate road at P2 on the Blithfield map. Any questions please let me know with best regards Mark

Could I please draw any visitor’s attention to the condition of the main North public car park. Unfortunately one of our members hit a large pothole that ruined a tyre at significant cost and time delay at the end of a days birdwatching. I will be emailing SSW and visiting tomorrow to take a photograph and going to the Estates Office to emphasise the need to repair the pothole. With best regards Mark

If any member who visits or is close by that would be interested in volunteering at Blithfield, it would be great to hear from you. There are a number of sporadic activities such as leading beginner walks, small handyman tasks such as fixing or replacing catches / latches or site walks / reports of any issues that need attention. If you have some time and interest please feel free to give me a call to discuss on 07801 538059. With best regards and thanks Mark