I've not really been able to find the words to blog about the gravel pits as my last visit with Jon really revealed the true devastation of the area. Whilst accepting restoration is always needed Cemex should never have moth-balled the site to save cash flow. This delay saw so many species of bird & wildlife settle only to now be completely crushed in the so called restoration.
After Jon & I had visited the site to do the WeBS count I decided enough was enough and the work of CEMEX needed to be shown to a wider audience. Many thanks to my followers who retweeted the photos and added their own words of dismay to the actions of this blue chip company.
The count produced the following return :- 8 Little Grebe, 11 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 21 Mute Swan, 425 Greylag (site record), a Shelduck, 22 Gadwall, 127 Teal, 435 Mallard, 1 Chiloe Wigeon, 2 female Pintail, 21 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 56 Tufted Duck, 2 male Goosander, Sparrowhawk, 133 Coot, 88 Lapwing, 85 Herring Gulls over flying SSW, 600 Wood Pigeon, 200 Fieldare in orchard, a Raven & 6 Reed Buntings.
Additional sighting from the week, care of Chris Lane & Mike Inskipp included 3 Wigeon, a Snipe, Brambling (Broom), 3 Jack Snipe (Pophills) & an excellent finch flock of Chaffinch & Linnet.
We will have to see what 2018 brings however the pools at the far end will not be checked very often due to the access & distance.
I will keep an eye on the pools at the far end .
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