Thursday was a lovely mild sunny day so we decided to visit Bodenham Lakes Nature Reserve which is a Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Reserve near Queenswood Arboretum and Country Park.
Bodenham Lakes habitats include meadows, one of the largest lakes in the County, wet woodland and orchards. In the 1980's when quarrying ceased the pits were linked to form one large lake of about 50 acres. The lake is designated a Site of Local Importance, and where the reserve borders the River Lugg it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation. 170 species of bird have been recorded and otters are regularly seen. It is also a good site for butterflies and dragon and damselflies.
In 2018 Herefordshire Wildlife Trust started to naturalise the steep sides of the lake and created shallows and reedbeds. In 2019 three islands in the lake were improved for birds such as Little Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. An osprey platform was also installed.
A large area of the lake is closed to the public to protect wildlife and seeing the many dogs there (some off the lead and running into the water!!) I think it is just as well.
Pussy Willow
Cherry Plum as the sepals were reflexed (bent backwards) as opposed to being around the flower as in Blackthorn.
Oontitoomps!
We spent an hour in the hide just enjoying watching the birds.
Species seen included Canada and Greylag Geese, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebes (in courtship display), Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mandarin, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Teal and Little Egret.
We walked back via the two orchards which have been cultivated since around 1700. They contain cider and dessert apples, some perry pear, cherry, greengage and walnut trees. More trees have been planted in recent years.
More oontitoomps!
Photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera. (I don't particularly rate my photos but if anyone wishes to use one I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).
Reference: Herefordshire Wildlife Trust's Guide to Its Reserves.
