Return to Priest Hill


A month ago I posted about a visit to Surrey Wildlife Trust's newest reserve, Priest Hill, only a mile from my home. It wasn't a positive post as I moaned about fencing and lack of access. Today I returned, determined to be a bit more positive!

Belted Galloway cattle are now on site and are being used to chomp away at the dense grass sward that covers the vast majority of the area. I circumnavigated the reserve, and started to feel the first fingers of positivity prodding me. My mood was lightened further when I was in conversation with a couple of local dog-walkers. They explained that, if the gate to a large field was padlocked, then entry was not permitted (due to cattle being present or management work being undertaken). However, if there was no padlock on the gate then access was permissible. If this is the case then I'm happy, as such access will open up areas to look for plants and insects. Birding on site will not be a problem whatever the access, as the habitat is open, with uninterrupted views across the site. No shrike or hunting owl can hide here!

On a dull, late November morning there wasn't much to see. But time and effort will surely reward the observer. It's so close to home that it would be criminal not to make regular visits.

Comments

Gibster said…
It takes me about 10mins to walk from my house to NESCOT, maybe 15 to East Ewell station. Rather appallingly I have yet to venture to this "brand new" reserve. Now that it takes me 40mins to walk to my beloved Epsom Common, you may have found me a new stomping ground...race you to the first 50 bird species of 2014 ;)
30 November 2013 at 20:52
Gibster said…
....and the first 100 bryophytes.....heh heh heh
3 December 2013 at 05:28
Steve Gale said…
Damn you Seth, jabbing away at my weak spots, taking the man down...
3 December 2013 at 11:38
Gibster said…
I went there today. Saw some stuff. Priest Hill Pan-species Listing has been initiated....
8 December 2013 at 21:41
Steve Gale said…
I hope you're going to share Seth...
9 December 2013 at 09:11
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