Walking Trees

October Sunrise at Cremorne Gardens

In a recent blog, I wrote about the abundant fruit on all the wild trees this year. When in the ranger station last, I spoke to Shaun Burkey about it, to ask if it was as a result of last year's cold snap. Not at all, I learnt. Apparently, it is more likely to be as a result of the prolonged dry spell....even large trees are under stress through lack of water and so try to move to a better area by producing nuts/seeds. In effect they are "walking" away - in slow motion. It's not often I want rain, but I do now!

Characters of The Mere (3)

Mrs D

Mrs D has been with us almost 2 years now and has managed to survive despite all the odds. She has successfully raised one lot of half mallard ducklings, although spring of this year was a bad one for her as her nest was smashed twice with all the eggs destroyed/taken both times. Better luck in 2012 Mrs D!
She can be seen most mornings tapping on the visitor centre door for her breakfast.

POETRY AND PROSE EVENING

A warm welcome at The Boathouse

The evening of Poetry and Prose was a resounding success! Held at the Boathouse, there was hot food and convivial company, with local people free to read their own work or that of established authors/poets.Great to have this sort of opportunity in a small town like Ellesmere. Thanks so much to the Friends of the Mere group who organised the event - well done!

Herons & Greylag Geese

Heron fishing in the inlet by The Boathouse

Spotted on the water this week, this heron was oblivious to me as it concentrated on finding a big fat fish for lunch.
Also arrived this week, a flock of Greylag Geese which were spotted by Nicola in the visitor centre...which is an ideal spot for bird watching in the warm & dry! Do let me know what bird and animal life you spot around the mere ..I may even be able to get a photo.

Yummy Shortcake!

The Boathouse

Just treated myself to a coffee at The Boathouse (well, it is my day off) & they were giving a complimentary piece of home made shortcake with every cup ...it was gorgeous! Kate sure can bake!

Swan update

Sadly, the rescued swan did not make it ..passed away at the swan sanctuary.  It was originally ringed as a signet in Oct 2010 in Liverpool and was noted on the Manchester ship canal in June of this year, ending up with ourselves. Cuan House in Much Wenlock are our closest animal sanctuary - tel no 01952 728070. Lovely people, doing a brilliant job with little resources!

Another Swan Rescue

Thanks to Gerald (regular morning dog walker) for reporting listless, sick swan on Monday. It was the same one as previously rescued so I put it in my car and drove to the rescue centre in Much Wenlock who are trtying to nurse it back to health, but it is a very sick bird. Fingers crossed & watch this space!!

Characters of The Mere (2)

George

Meet George a long standing regular, especially around the promenade in summer! George is (in part) a Chinese goose (by breed, not nationality) and can be easily identified by the large lump on his forehead. Don't worry, he's meant to look like that!

LIKES... food, people who give him food, his son (Boy George) and more food.

DISLIKES....being chased by dogs, not being given food.

HOBBIES...eating, following people in case they have food,sleeping with a full tummy.

Characters of The Mere (1)

Grumpyoldman

Number 1 in the new introduction to characters to be found around The Mere is "Grumpyoldman", a treasured friend and workaholic volunteer. Usually to be found strapped firmly to a large strimmer and always within a few yards from a well stocked (with tools) Land Rover. Always "doffs" his cap to ladies as he drives by..presently sorely missed as he is taking time off to be given a bionic leg...get well and come back soon.

Contact Merecat

If you have the urge to contact me re any of these posts, please feel free to do so at merecat47@gmail.com

Vanishing Mere

A Picture really is worth a thousand words!

fenceline at Stokes' field

This cattle fence at the bottom of Mr Stokes' field is usually 20 - 30 feet out in the water and there is not normally a huge strip of sand...oh well, if the hot weather keeps up at least there will be somewhere to put the beach towells...

Dry Mere

Where has all the water gone? Has anyone else noticed how much the mere has evaporated? The new beach that has appeared at Mr Stoke's field is starting to resemble Borth!! Not only the beach, the water is only a few inches deep for the next 20-30 feet out into the mere. We have had 2 quite dry winters so it has not been fully replenished for a while and now looks as though somone has pulled the plug!
Take care if you or your dog are going into the water, the shallow depth & warm weather seem to be ideal conditions for the blue green algae..don't go near it!! Stomach upsets, skin/eye irritations can occur and it can be very unpleasant.

More Swan Excitement

Pictured here is yet another rescued swan! This one had got itself stuck on the landward side of the waterfowl netting and forced it's head right through the fence...therefore ensuring a lingering death until fortunately spotted by a dog walker. After it had been trying to get free for at least 18hours, I was told & managed to cut the fence & carry the poor thing out. The vet kindly came & had a look but fortunately there was only minor wing damage & after a few hours in a hastily rigged pen with some food & water, it was released happily onto the mere.
Two days later I had to catch it again as it was in the kiddies playground trying to get food from toddlers...whose mums & grannies were not very keen!!! So if you notice a strange woman who seems to constantly be walking around with a swan under one arm, do come & say hello!
On a serious note, all the birds & animals on the mere are wild creatures and should be left to their own devices but if you spot one in distress, the best thing to do is call the RSPCA. It's no good being angry at the visitor centre staff because they are not open at night..no one (or perhaps everyone) is responsible for looking after wild birds/animals...

Wandering Swans

There are a couple of young swans being forced off the water by a dominant pair on the south side of Heron Island. After rescuing one from where it fell down the cattle grid at the Castlefields entrance, we have tried luring them back to the water with food - but now they are trying to come inside the visitor centre and the restaurant!
 So any feeding of swans, please do it towards the prom or into the gardens, they seem to be safe at that end and may then stay down there...we can only try!

The Grand Volunteer Day!





Newly cleared mere edge.



Thank you so much to all the volunteers from Severn Trent who came on Friday 16th and helped tidy the flower beds and clear some of the scrub from the mere edge. It was hard work which was done cheerfully and enthusiastically by a large group of about 30 people.  Periodic removal of overgrowth from the edge of the water is important  as it allows the natural reed & marginal vegetation to grow back after being shaded out by self seeded trees.                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                        

                                           SAD DAY                                                            



Well, the beech trees have gone...a sad day for all...hopefully we will have some new saplings planted soon.

Dawn of their last day



Poetry and Prose

How many of you are going to the Poetry and Prose Supper on Oct 15th?
It starts at 7:00pm and there is an "open mic" which means anyone can read their own work or favourite piece (maximum 10 mins duration). There is a fork supper (with vegetarian option) and a glass of wine - all for only £10 per head! If you have any queries, ring Kate Taylor at The Boathouse on 01691 623852.

Well the RSPCA have been and taken away the 2 young bantams we rescued - many thanks to the gentleman in bike leathers who helped catch them. No sign of the remaining "dirty dozen" chicks who have probably contributed to the full tummies of some fox cubs by now.
 There seems to be qiute some interest in the Grand Volunteer Day on Friday - we are expecting about 30 plus people from Severn Trent together with some Friends of the Mere & anyone else who would like to help out with some physical work whilst making new friends - all welcome!

Its a beautiful day out there - the sunrise was golden this morning and my camera holds the evidence -watch this space for proof!  Lets all get out there and enjoy this wonderful spot!
Merecat

Cattle Grazing

The regular autumn visit of a small herd of Herefords has begun, so please keep dogs under close control when walking over Castlefields for the next couple of months - thank you. These cattle are a regular feature on Castlefields, they are an integral part of the maintenance on the wildflower meadows, grazing it down and adding a little of nature's fertiliser at the same time.
We have some new guests on the park (hopefully temporary) as some uncaring person has dumped 15 bantam chicks on the side of the road between The Boathouse and The Moors. The RSPCA have been called but may not arrive in time to save them, even if they can be caught. After much rushing around, we have caught two of them and they are presently held in a box awaiting the RSPCA - unless one of you can offer them a home? Chicken wrangling anyone?
Bad News - a report has come in of five dead swans in a field off Grange Road - I have not been able to confirm this yet but it sounds as if something awful has happened - does anyone out there know more?
GOOD News - The Ellesmere Boat Festival was this last weekend and it appears to have been a great experience again, with decorated boats all lit up at night and a VERY loud firework display. I'm told that the Japanese Drummers that performed on the Promenade were really entertaining and will come back any time if we ask.
High winds today, so be careful in the woods - but it's gloriously bracing!
On Friday, we are having approximately 30 volunteers from Severn Trent arriving to help with various jobs around the park - so if you spot groups of people trimming, digging and cutting - do let them know how grateful we are. Join in if you feel like it!

Until the next update.....
Merecat

Vandalism

Just a reminder to anyone passing through the park at any time, if you notice anyone behaving in an anti-social manner, please telephone the police on 0300 333 3000. This includes any groups drinking alcohol - even if they are fairly quiet when you see them, they could be very loud and intimidating an hour later!
The park management have tried to close off the loos in Cremorne Gardens but no sooner were they boarded up than the doors were kicked in again.
On a more cheerful note (if there are any early risers out there) do try to see the sunrise over the mere at about 6:30 - 6:45am. It's well worth getting up for on a misty morning!

New Views Over Mere

Have you noticed that there are some new points to admire the views over the mere? 
Some of the Friends of the Mere group have worked hard and cleared some overhanging branches and scrub to open out some points in Penley Woods. This has started something as Stokes' Field has been virtually cleared along the Mere edge in the last few days. Do let me know what you think of the new view points and edge clearance.
Merecat

Has anyone seen Romeo

Hello and welcome to the brand new diary from the Mere in Ellesmere.
Over the last few days I've noticed the return of a certain small group of swans which have a Canada Goose among their number. He was with them all last summer, swimming together and flying with them every time they left the water. Having stayed faithful to his Juliet all year, they have returned to us...definitely a case of star-cross'd lovers.
Other signs that autumn is almost upon us  - kids back to school, leaves turning already & the haunting sounds of Canadians flying in over the Plantation (the geese of course)
Thats it for today, keep looking in and I shall be telling you all about the happenings on & around The Mere.
Merecat