Thursday, 27 October 2011

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!

Wednesday, 12 October 2011

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!

Thursday, 6 October 2011

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...