SAY NO!



The Mere from edge of proposed development

If you are concerned about the effect of the proposed housing development on the field bordering the Mere Park, then now is your opportunity to make your voice heard. The public meeting about the SAMDEV proposals is on May 3rd. Check out  http://saveourmere.blogspot/ for details and links to the maps of affected areas.

MOSCOW ISLAND

Moscow Island  Ellesmere

Do you know how Moscow Island came into being?
The island was man made in 1812 & named to commemorate Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.
 As a way of finding work for local unemployed men, the local lady of the manor had built the Garden Terraces (presently called The Arboretum). The spoil from these works were taken by cart out onto the frozen mere. When the ice melted, the large amount of spoil protruded above the water and became a new island. Later, a wall was built around the island and it was used as a pleasure garden and picnic spot..
So that is how Ellesmere & Moscow are linked. Come to the visitor centre and use the camera to see the Victorian wall around the island for yourselves...

BAD WEATHER OFFICE

Not much to look at, I know...but when the rain is coming sideways at me..this is the place to be!
Remember, you can leave a comment by clicking on the comments box - or contact me at merecat47@gmail.com

WILD GARLIC SOUP( aka RAMSON)

This is the perfect time to go foraging! If you catch a mild whiff of garlic in the air, it's probably because there is a lot of it around your feet! Be brave, pick yourself a couple of handfuls of leaves & try some wild garlic soup....you will also need
. a knob of butter
.2 medium spuds
.800ml stock (chicken or veg)
. salt & pepper to taste
First, roll the washed leaves like a cigar & cut into strips. Melt the butter in your soup pot, add the leaves 7 put the lid on so they wilt. While this is happening, peel & cube the potatoes..then add them to the pot ,also the stock. Bring to boil & simmer for about 20mins. If you like, you can add a spoon of cream. Also a small leek could be good.
Delicious.
Wils garlic leaves can also be added to a stir fry..so go on..experiment!!

MERE SNAPS

 

BIRDS I HAVE SPOTTED

Today (1st April), I was pushing my wheelbarrow through Cremorne Gardens past The Mere and  thought I would list all the birds that I could see on just trip to weed one of the flower beds..so here goes.
Mute Swans (breeding pair)

Black Swan                                                       

Coots (on the nest)

Moorhens
Emu

Mallards

Tufted Ducks

Herons

Cormorants
Condor                                  

Pied Wagtail
Chaffinch
Albatross
Wren
Blackbirds
Starlings
Goldfinch
Nuthatch
Robin
Sparrows

Nothing on this list is particularly rare or exciting to birders..but all these were seen in one small part of the park and mere in only about 20 minutes..its a great place to work!!! P.S. How could I forget???? Geese! Lots of them! PPS...If you are surprised at a few of the birds listed...check the date again...