A new pedestrian gate has been installed at Etton’s Vergette Wood Meadow reserve to give members better access to the site.
Later in the summer access plans for members to walk around Christ’s College Reserve (the new site next to the Maxey Cut) will also be announced as part of the Trust’s overall ambition to open more of its reserves so that members can wander freely around them.
Work is currently going ahead on the reserve to make it safe for people to follow paths around the site.
At Vergette a new gate has been installed next to the metal farm gate. It is currently being left unlocked to allow visitors to walk through the wild flowers on the site. So far there is a good display in the corridor next to the south Drain and a pathway has been cut to allow easier access. The main meadow is struggling to reach its former glory but recent rain and some more sunshine might see improved results.
Plans are also in hand to add a pedestrian gate into High Meadow – the site of the Langdyke barn on the other side of the road from Vergette. The aim is allow members to get into the area where there are now three recently created ponds and enjoy the seating area.
If you sit there you will soon discover that the summer birds have returned to the area. Cuckoos at Christ’s College and Vergettes, Turtle Dove in Etton and Maxey villages and on the Etton Maxey reserve Operation Turtle Dove is in full swing, feeding to encourage post migration good condition and hopefully multiple broods. (Indications are that there are possibly fewer doves this year).
A bittern has also been booming loudly from the area around Vergette.
The more robust Oxeye Daisy is thriving all around the Eastern Reserves (and on the roadsides) but the more delicate Bee Orchids usually found at Etton Maxey reserve have suffered from the dry weather and many rosettes have disappeared.