Hay Bridge Nature Reserve

Hay Bridge Nature Reserve is situated 2 miles north of Bouth in the Rusland Valley. The reserve is owned by the John Strutt Conservation Foundation and managed by the Hay Bridge Society. The reserve covers over 250 acres and habitats include raised bog, woodland, open low fell and two small lakes. Bird monitoring is carried out by myself and society members, and ringing is carried out by Harold Dean.

Our nestbox programme was very successful this year with most of the 40+ nestboxes used, and very little predation of nests. Some ‘opportunist’ ringing also took place on identified natural nests. 138 young were ringed: Great Tit 57, Blue Tit 48, Pied Flycatcher 14, Swallow 7, Pied Wagtail 5, Sparrowhawk 4 and Meadow Pipit 3.

Most other regular breeders appear to have been successful, with very little evidence of loss due to weather conditions. There have been plenty of insects for feeding nestlings, and our feeding stations have been inundated with young birds.

Notable confirmed breeders included Little Grebe, Woodcock, Sedge Warbler, Mistle and Song Thrushes, Hawfinch, Buzzard and Merlin. Paired birds included Siskin and Crossbill, and Honey Buzzards were observed displaying over the reserve.

Harry Ashcroft