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News (Last updated: 17 October 2011)
Wet weather in early 2010 resulted in pathways in
the Pease Dean reserve becoming unsafe in places and in a
footbridge on the Southern Upland Way (which passes through the
reserve) being washed away. As a result, walkers using this part of the
Way will be required to use an alternative route until the bridge is
repaired, while stretches of the other paths will require to be closed
off and re-routed.
Meanwhile, drainage work on farmland surrounding Gordon Moss
continues
to have a significant impact upon the reserve. The Moss is drying out
and birch is relentlessly colonising the previous species-rich
wet open areas. The good news for the area is that a survey
in the summer of 2010 found 3 colonies of the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
butterfly in unimproved grazed fields adjacent to the Moss.
Unfortunately, with the
SWT owning only part of the site (other landowners owning the rest),
the issue of conflicting land use is a matter which is likely to remain
unresolved in the short term, though the SWT is attempting to try and
reach some sort of compromise with the the other landowners and
land-users.
Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary
Work is progressing on making the Hare Moss reserve
more easily
accessible and easier to get around. Signage has been improved, new gates installed and
there has been more felling of Sitka spruce. Pathways are also being improved. A "tree
corridor" between the Hare Moss lochan and Dunhog Moss has been
planted. One of the Selkirk primary schools is about to use
the Reserve for educational purposes.
At
Bemersyde Moss
reserve recent work has been done to clear some of the tall vegetation
around the hide. This has improved views from the reserve
hide.
For reasons which still remain a mystery (possibly otter
predation), the
reserve's gull population desertd the site several years ago but this
spring has seen the return of several hundred breeding black-headed
gulls.
A number of species of wildfowl, including Shelduck, Gadwall and
Shoveler, can be seen from the hide. Otters have also been seen on
several occasions this spring.
The Borders Members Centres have been fortunate in recruiting two
Planning Volunteers. This is a skilled and important role and
both members are currently busy learning the ropes (with help and
guidance from Dr Maggie Keegan, SWT Conservation Officer).
To stand any chance of being effective, conservation
organisations need to be involved with planners and developers at the
earliest possible stage of their proposals. Our Planning Volunteers
have also joined a Scottish Border Council steering group which will be
implementing and updating the registration of the Borders' many Listed
Wildlife Sites.
Following recent wet
weather, paths on the Whitlaw Wood reserve are very muddy in places;
suitable outdoor footwear is strongly recommended and caution is
advised.
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