On 10 May, the Radley Lakes Masterplan was launched by the Radley Lakes Trust. The plan sets out a vision for the Lakes, focussed on protecting wildlife and providing valuable green space for local people. Major funding for implementing the plan will come from the ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’, raised on new housing developments in Radley and held by Radley Parish Council.
The masterplan, which you can download here, proposes:
• Safeguards and enhancements for the diverse and rich natural habitats of Radley Lakes.
• New pedestrian and cycling routes from the nearby residential areas and safer parking for cars and bikes.
• New and more varied walking trails within the area, with a variety of lengths and vistas, links with the Thames Path and places to sit and relax.
• Information displays and signage so visitors can understand where they are, where they can walk and what they can see. These will be at two entry hubs (at Thrupp Lake and Barton Fields) and also along the walking trails.
The area has become increasingly popular with visitors in recent years, especially during lockdown. The Radley Lakes Trust is now having discussions with landowners about permissive paths and controlled access to other parts of the wider Radley Lakes area. To prevent visitors from disturbing important wildlife habitats, the masterplan divides the area into different zones, with no public access to sensitive areas. Implementation of the masterplan, which will be a gradual process, will be overseen by Radley Lakes Trust. Discussions are currently taking place between Friends of Radley Lakes and Radley Lakes Trust about the future relationship between the two organisations.
The Radley Lakes Trust. Registered charity number 1192259
Popular Earth Trust Warden Leaves for Pastures New
Sadly, Lucy Duerdoth, the Earth Trust warden responsible for Radley Lakes, left at the end of March to work for National Trails as the National Trails Volunteer Coordinator covering the Thames footpath and the Ridgeway. Whilst she is sad to be leaving she is looking forward to a new challenge in a really exciting role.
Lucy did a lot for the lakes and will be sorely missed. We will update you as to her replacement in due course.
Glossy Ibis
At the start of May you might have noticed some unusual birds at Radley Lakes, three Glossy Ibis, who stayed at the Lakes for nearly a week. Glossy ibises are common birds in Spain and Portugal, with a huge global range that also takes in Africa, Southern Asia, Australia and tropical areas of the Americas. They regularly disperse away from their breeding areas in winter, with a few birds reaching as far north as the UK. In fact, they are increasingly frequent visitors to the UK, and can be seen in any month, although winter and spring sightings are most likely.
Glossy ibises are relatively large birds, similar in size to a curlew. Like curlews, and all ibises worldwide, they also have down-curved beaks that they use for probing for invertebrates such as worms and beetles, plus amphibians and small mammals. At first glance they appear black, but when seen well, especially in good light, they are well named as their plumage is glossed with green, purple and bronze.
