It’s a busy time for a Northumberland nature charity.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust has started work on the first phase of its Hauxley extension with the installation of a new coastal boundary fence.
Meanwhile, one of the viewing hides, known as Eric’s Hide, is set to have a new roof fitted as the previous one was severely damaged in high winds in the early spring. Funding for the work has been provided through the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Volunteers are also hard at work keeping the grass under control on the reserves following the loss of the trust’s NHS grass cutting team earlier this year.
And there are lots of seasonal visitors for staff to monitor, including marsh harriers, which have returned to the East Chevington Reserve for a sixth year. It is hoped there will be another successful breeding season.
At the trust’s Linton Lane reserve a newly emerged ringlet has been spotted, while the woodland is full of willow warblers and song thrushes. Common spotted orchids can also be seen along the path edges.
However, the trust has also advised that residents do not need to visit its reserves to spot wildlife as there can be lots to see in their own gardens.
The UK Wildlife Trusts’ Garden Wildlife Weekend begins on July 12, and this year it focuses on the twilight world.
Trust People and Wildlife Officer Lynette Friend said: “I bet you don’t know your garden as well as you think. Grab a torch and stay up late and explore the mysteries of the night time. It’s a pretty exciting world to discover.”
Wildlife-friendly gardens can attract moths and other insects, which draw in bats, owls and small mammals.