Welcome To The Kingfisher Wildlife Diaries – John Bailey
August 25th 2009
Helping Nature Help Itself
We were really honoured to have Peter, Alwyn and Ray from the local bird group come to visit us at Kingfisher the other day. Three great guys and we enjoyed wandering around the whole complex on a lovely afternoon with our binoculars at the ready. There's no doubt that the main Kingfisher Lake itself is a very vibrant home to all manner of birdlife both summer and winter and the guys were suitably impressed.
But the object of the visit was more than showing off. What we're trying to do in the Kingfisher Sanctuary is really build up the attractions there for mammals and for birds. We really want to make Kingfisher something to be proud of. Nature has already done a great deal but we're in a position to lend a hand, too.
The guys were full of good ideas. Rather than having sheep graze the meadow, they suggested investigating the possibility of rare breeds.
What we're definitely going to do is invest heavily in wildflowers, not only for the colour they bring but also to provide sanctuary for bees, butterflies and other insects.
We're investigating the possibility of a scrape on one of our flood meadows. This would bring in all manner of migratory wading birds for us all to enjoy.
Years ago, when the Norfolk Flyfishers had the lake, they built a fishing platform out in the middle of the lake. The remains of this are still there to be seen and it is suggested that we construct a tern platform out there for these enchanting birds to nest upon.
We also discussed the positioning of a couple of hides. Views should include the lake, the flood meadows and possibly even the river as well. Hopefully, then, from these hides you would have a real panorama of interest.
The Kingfisher Sanctuary, we know, is very much a work in progress but with the help of experts like these, we're going to make what is great even better very soon.
Thanks lads for your help and we're sure that this is only the beginning of a very fruitful collaboration.