RUTLAND NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

7th February 2010

DEEPING LAKES

A good turn out of members gathered at this Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve on a grey and overcast morning with the intention of identifying the winter wildfowl.

The reserve consists of a number of flooded gravel pits. The main lake (formerly known as "The Lake") was excavated in the late 1800s and has largely developed naturally since then. The two areas of smaller lakes and pools (formerly known as Welland Bank Quarry) were excavated in the 1990s. Being of relatively recent origin they contrast markedly with the older lake.

On the newer pools at the side of the car park was a good gathering of duck enabling the party to quickly develop a list typical of the time of year - Wigeon, Tufted, Pochard, Shoveler and Goldeneye along with Mallard & Teal.

The Lake is already noted for its wildfowl and waterbird communities. Recent management of this area has been aimed at: opening up the rather neglected path along the southern shore, pollarding trees by existing reedbeds to encourage new growth and, clearing trees from an area where orchids were known to grow. A bird hide has been installed over looking the lake.

On the short walk to the hide a small party of woodland birds was encountered including 3/4 Treecreepers whose undersides stood out well as they climbed up the dark tree trunks.

From the hide similar species could be seen on the water but a solitary Pintail was spotted some distance away before it drifted quietly out of view.

Management of the newer lakes has been concentrated on establishing the grassland areas, aftercare of the trees planted as part of the restoration process, and the removal of self sown trees around the edges of the various lakes. By keeping the margins tree free it is hoped that marginal vegetation and reedbeds will naturally develop, and there are some encouraging signs of this. Some islands are also being kept "tree free" or even totally free of vegetation to encourage ground nesting birds such as terns, plovers and lapwings.

The walk continued along the circular path to bring the party back along the embankment to the car park, this elevated part of the walk gave a good overview of some of the more recent developments around the reserve and the call of a Green Woodpecker could be heard regularly as it searched for food on the grassland areas.

In total almost 40 bird species were identified, an excellent total on a gentle meander around a popular reserve.

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