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Thursday, May 20, 2021

Newbury Weekly News

Have a splashing time

Photographs by PHIL CANNINGS

THATCHAM’S Nature D covery Centre has beco a haven for more than j wildlife over the past yea The lockdowns brou about by the Covid pande gave many more people the portunity to discover the be ty available on their doorst And Thatcham’s nature serve proved to be a popu destination, with its inter tionally important reedb – one of the largest areas of land reedbed in Southern E land and home to some of country’s rarest reed spec ists, including Desmoul snail – and its wetlands of ing a wide range of wildlif spot and fresh air to enjoy. The starling murmurati during the winter mon drew in many fascinated w ers in the early evenings, glancing up to watch the s gering displays of aeroba taking place above them. The 35 hectare site contains a myriad of different habitats, with a large network of foot- paths offerings walks for all ages and abilities. During the spring and sum- mer it is a popular breeding ground for common terns and house martins, swallows and swifts are a common sight over the lake. Other birds spotted in recent years include bittern, Cetti’s warbler, sand martin, kingfisher, grey heron and cormorant. The area is also a haven for moths and butterflies, dragon- flies and damselflies, as well as a range of beetles. And it isn’t just wildlife that draw in the crowds. The area has wonderful displays of plants and trees throughout the year. Anyone visiting now will be able to see the ducklings enjoy- ing their first forays out on the lake. is- me ust r. ght mic op- au- eps. re- lar na- eds in- ng- the ial- in’s fer- e to ons ths alk- all tag- tics

Geese and goslings

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Female pochard