Some of our volunteers are lucky enough to live close enough to spectacular wildlife spots, so were able to spend their lockdown monitoring what was happening. One in particular has had front row seats to all sorts of coastal wildlife, and has taken some amazing photos capturing it all. Mandy has monitored three Oystercatcher nests, and has been on a rollercoaster of emotions with them as their nesting attempts progressed through the summer. She’s also been spending many hours watching and photographing Sand Martins, Barn Owl, Grasshopper Warbler and cetaceans, and even has several local Hedgehogs so has built a house for them to use during the winter. Here are a few of her photos:
An Oystercatcher parent caring for its young
Sand Martins returning to their burrow
What a cutie!
A Barn Owl hunting for its dinner
Other volunteers have been using the practical know-how they’ve learned through Coast Care and making something new closer to home. Richard is part of our skilled team of dry stone wallers, and has built a magnificent example in his garden. He was trained through Coast Care last September and has been assisting with our Craster wall project. Here's the finished result.
Richard's wall
John has a garden full of wildlife. He’s seen a Stoat, Sparrowhawk and Merlin, and even has a peacock nesting against his car! He’s been working through all sorts of projects, from digging a new pond to building a grass-roofed shed.
John's pond