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Birds attracted to new reserve |
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Monday, 22 May 2006 |
Birds attracted to new reserve
A new nature reserve in Preston is already causing a bit of a buzz with the sighting of a kingfisher.
The distinctive blue and orange bird has been seen around the Savick
Brook area of Haslam Park which has been cleaned up to create a reserve.
Julie Livesey, local nature reserve officer for the Lancashire Wildlife
Trust (LWT), said there have been kingfishers at Martin Mere Wildfowl
and Wetlands Trust in Burscough, West Lancashire, but it was unusual to
see them in Preston.
continued...
She said: "Kingfishers are very difficult to spot and it proves the
water is in good condition because they are attracted to water with
plenty of fish for them to eat.
"It could be a real eye catcher for visitors to the park."
Further improvements will be made at Savick Brook to shallow the banks of the stream to encourage more water vegetation.
A wetland will be created next year at a second site earmarked as a
nature reserve at the side of the former athletics track off London
Road, Preston.
It is hoped the new site will attract great crested newts, water voals and dragonflies.
Mrs Livesey said: "Children don't often get the opportunity to see
wildlife close up and they're always fascinated by dragonflies and
other unusual looking insects.
"Hopefully it will attract people along as well as wildlife and create a lovely environment."
Both reserves will be maintained and looked after by Preston City Council and members of the LWT.
Government agency, English Nature, is expected to officially designate
the areas as nature reserves in the next few months following a public
consultation. |
Bird News 