Fairhaven September Newsletter

This months Wildlife update.....

What a changeable month August was, a few sunny days, followed by lots of cold, cloudy and windy weather and seemingly always a cold North wind. The poor birds going through their moults are staying hidden away in the undergrowth until they have their new Winter plumage, but they can still be seen especially at the feeding stations where various members of the Tit family hang out. The type of bird food we predominantly use in the feeders is designed for finches, this is fed all year round, fat balls are fed, but during the Summer months the amount given is restricted and good quality peanuts are for Winter distribution only; The last thing we want is for the birds to become reliant on hand-outs and our method seems to work well. Most of our Summer migrating birds have left for warmer climes, but some are beginning to stay and over-winter with us, notably the Cetti's Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcaps and my guess is that it is all down to climate change.

On the insect front, the changeable weather with lots having to shelter from the wet and windy and the cool temperatures for days at a time, this has discouraged dragonfly and damselflies from leaving the water, but as soon as you get a sunny day or two they emerge, find a mate and get on with egg laying as soon as possible. Our colonies of Willow Emerald Damselfly are just beginning to emerge some 3 - 4 weeks behind schedule. The larger dragonflies had a very short breeding season, I just hope they laid a lot of eggs in a short space of time. Butterflies too are running late but good numbers of them are on the wing now.

The little Muntjac deer seem to have produced yet another fawn, but the numbers on the estate are about six, the dominant stag sees off the competition. The Otters have been seen during the month mainly along the shoreline of the Broad one leaving a present of a skeleton of a large bream and a small number of large swan mussel shells, obviously dining well! The Grey Squirrels have demolished the hazelnut crop with the help of Jays. and Woodpeckers who stash them into little holes bored out by them. The squirrels of course just bury theirs and then forget exactly where they left them. Acorns will be next on their agenda. We seem to have a good crop of Beechnuts so with luck we can expect to see Bramblings arriving during November.

Great to see the ever increasing numbers of visitors along with their dogs enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the estate.

Looking forward to seeing you all again soon and in the meantime stay safe

Tab's Taberham
Wildlife/conservation Warden

Wednesday Canoe sessions

Uncover the secret of our hidden waterways and get up close and personal to our wildlife with this guided exploration of the broad and backwaters of Fairhaven by Free Spirit Canoe Tours. Small groups. All abilities welcome. Friendly guide is qualified BCU instructor with over 40 years' experience.

Booking only please.
Allow at least 2 hours for the whole event.

Please arrive at least 1 hour before event start

Wednesday Canoe sessions

INTRO TO PADDLE BOARDING £30.00

Our basic one hour sessions are a fun and safe introduction to SUP where you can gain confidence on the water as you progress from sitting or kneeling to standing. Enjoy a guided paddle along the edge of the broads and spot some magnificent wildlife.