It's a good job they've got long legs...

  4pm - and night drawing in.

Had to pop out to the release enclosures yesterday afternoon to retrieve a ladder which we need to fill up the autofeeder - which we plan to set up tomorrow to provide a little supplementary feed over the short, cold and lean mid-winter days. 

 The release pen and flood.

My wellies sprung a leak - (they've had almost constant use for at least a year now) but this really didn't matter as they soon over-topped anyway.  Infact I found that the water actually came to just over my knees.

All I needed was a knotted handkercheif on my head, to complete the English-man at the seaside look.  With trouser legs rolled up above my knees and shivering slightly I waded on out and managed to get these photos without dropping my phone.  

 The pen entrance... with floating empty feed-bins

I think it was worth it - what a stunning afternoon - completely still, the sound of teal piping in the rushes, the woosh of flocks of lapwing overhead, the gentle ripple of the water around my legs ...... but the pain in my feet on return to the office... ouch!  

About the author

Damon’s role is to act as the hub of the project - making sure everyone involved knows what is going on and that it is all running smoothly. He is also responsible for project community awareness work in Somerset, construction of the release enclosure, and running the post release monitoring work in Somerset.  Damon works alongside the RSPB reserve teams in Somerset.