Dove Stone RSPB reserve.
We visited this new site today. Actually, I always thought that it was "Dovestones" and have sat on the Dove Stone overlooking the reservoir below. It's one of our local walking areas, near to wilderness on the tops of the moors. Not so much new to us, but now being managed by the RSPB.
Lots of work planned here, quite large scale restoration of the peat lands on the tops and replanting some of the pine plantations with deciduous trees. I hope I get old enough to see this come to a success.
The RSPB had a scope set up on good vantage point to see a Peregrine Falcon near and on its nest on the crag side above. The Peregrine was perched, sure enough, but a little too distant to make out good detail, In fact, until it flew away, I was considering the possibility that it might be a child's soft grey teddy, but couldn't imagine why it would have been balanced on the edge of a boulder. I got to have a play with my own scope again, very nice on a mono-pod, but for subjects at this distance, a good tripod would be worth carrying.
The RSPB man also pointed out some Black Pheasants. The females were almost entirely black. It was useful to witness the contrast between them and some normal Pheasants all within a few yards of each other.
Apparently, they are/were bred for shooting.
I remember once being "asked to leave" the tops hereabouts by a shooting party, when we were trying to cross to Ravenstones from the reservoir at the top. Actually they didn't ask, the smartly fitted out "Beater" suggested that we might not enjoy a walk on the top that day. I thought that he was right.
I wonder if the shooting parties will continue, now it's managed by the RSPB?
Lots of work planned here, quite large scale restoration of the peat lands on the tops and replanting some of the pine plantations with deciduous trees. I hope I get old enough to see this come to a success.
The RSPB had a scope set up on good vantage point to see a Peregrine Falcon near and on its nest on the crag side above. The Peregrine was perched, sure enough, but a little too distant to make out good detail, In fact, until it flew away, I was considering the possibility that it might be a child's soft grey teddy, but couldn't imagine why it would have been balanced on the edge of a boulder. I got to have a play with my own scope again, very nice on a mono-pod, but for subjects at this distance, a good tripod would be worth carrying.
The RSPB man also pointed out some Black Pheasants. The females were almost entirely black. It was useful to witness the contrast between them and some normal Pheasants all within a few yards of each other.
Apparently, they are/were bred for shooting.
I remember once being "asked to leave" the tops hereabouts by a shooting party, when we were trying to cross to Ravenstones from the reservoir at the top. Actually they didn't ask, the smartly fitted out "Beater" suggested that we might not enjoy a walk on the top that day. I thought that he was right.
I wonder if the shooting parties will continue, now it's managed by the RSPB?
Total Comments 3
Comments
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Interesting to read about this new reserve Dave.....is it near Dovedale???
We must make an effert to visit .......how odd re Pheasnets,it'll be interesting to see whether shooting still goes on won't it!Posted 10-05-10 at 09:05 AM by Twitcheruth
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Hi Ruth, It's not near Dovedale, it's on the East side of Oldham (and the east to north-east side of Greater Manchester) at Greenfield, on the road over the moors to Holmfirth (darkest Yorkshire). There's long been a TV mast nearby at Holm Moss (not sure if spelled correctly).
The moorland here, possibly within the area being managed/stewarded by the RSPB, is crossed by the Pennine Way as it squelches its way through the Dark Peak area.Posted 10-05-10 at 03:01 PM by Dave H
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Ah thanks for that Dave....I was getting my Dove names mixed up!
Near Last of the Summer Wine country then!
Posted 10-05-10 at 03:04 PM by Twitcheruth
