Practical Conservation Work at Bell Lake Marsh, Red River Local Nature Reserve, Cornwall
A day of Practical Conservation Work at Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne
Saturday 30th November 2024
Leaders: Steve Jones and Jo Poland
Moving off from the meeting point at the bottom of Cuttings Hill, (SW629422), at 11.00am
Many thanks to everyone who came along to the first scrub bashing session of the season at Bell Lake Marsh last month, the sun shone brightly, three species of dragonfly were on the wing, (including a very late Golden Ringed Dragonfly), and we made an excellent start in getting the first half of the marsh back into shape.
In our November session we will be tackling more of the same, with lots more willow, birch, gorse & reedmace regrowth across the first half of the marsh still needing a short back and sides from your loppers & bowsaws!
Remember to wear old clothes, it’s a messy job if you get carried a way and sparks from Gary’s bonfire will damage clothing if you get too close!!! Wellies are a must and don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. We will provide tools along with gloves and protective eyewear, however you are more than welcome to bring your own kit if you feel happier using that. For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
You can see photos & read about the ongoing work at our Red River Valley sites, along with the species involved on the Red River Rescuers Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/redriverrescuers/ Why not register and get regular updates. Don’t worry if you’re not on Facebook, we have our own website where you can also read all about our activities here: www.redriverrescuers.weebly.com
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn left at the end of the slip road and go all the way around the roundabout and back along the same road to cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Bell Lake Marsh is one of the best remaining dragonfly sites along the Red River Valley, supporting breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In the last 10 years it has lost it’s colony of the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly & during the last 30 years it has lost a Marsh Fritillary colony. Our aim is to reverse the decline of this important wetland habitat by removing invasive willow, gorse, birch saplings & lesser reedmace, opening up the site with a series of work parties over the autumn & winter. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!
Join us at this major international conference to explore the role of ponds for biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions at a time of climate change.
This major event will bring together freshwater scientists, practitioners and policymakers from around the globe to exchange the latest research, practical applications, and policy developments on the importance of ponds for biodiversity, change adaptation, and as nature-based solutions.
The conference will be online. All elements of the conference, including attendance, will be free of charge. Conference time zone: Central European Time.
Image by Dave Smallshire
A day of Practical Conservation Work at Bell Lake Marsh, part of the Red River Local Nature Reserve near Camborne
Saturday 26th October 2024
Leaders: Steve Jones and Jo Poland
Moving off from the meeting point at the bottom of Cuttings Hill, (SW629422), at 11.00am
Its that time of year again, when the scrub bashing season kicks off after our summer layoff. Actually we are a little bit later than usual in getting started, but fear not we are very much alive and kicking!
Any of you who came on our hugely successful BDS field meeting back in the summer will know just how good our wetland site at Bell Lake Marsh really is, but equally you will know how much it is in need of constant habitat management to keep it that way. So we very much hope you’ll join us for this event so that we can all get well and truly stuck in to this essential work.
In this session we will be tackling willow, birch, gorse & reedmace regrowth across the first half of the marsh, (the Eastern end).
Remember to wear old clothes, it’s a messy job if you get carried a way and sparks from Gary’s bonfire will damage clothing if you get too close!!! Wellies are a must and don’t forget to bring a packed lunch. We will provide tools along with gloves and protective eyewear, however you are more than welcome to bring your own kit if you feel happier using that. For health & safety purposes we will be taking down contact details for all those attending.
You can see photos & read about the ongoing work at our Red River Valley sites, along with the species involved on the Red River Rescuers Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/redriverrescuers/ Why not register and get regular updates. Don’t worry if you’re not on Facebook, we have our own website where you can also read all about our activities here: www.redriverrescuers.weebly.com
Directions to Bell Lake Marsh: Leave the A30 dual carriageway at the Camborne West exit (Treswithian).
If you are travelling in a westerly direction turn left at the end of the slip road and go all the way around the roundabout and back along the same road to cross over the A30 before turning left on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
If you are travelling in an easterly direction turn left at the end of the slip road & immediately left again on to a minor road heading for Reskadinnick. After a quarter of a mile you will pass Camborne/Treswithian Downs Crematorium on your right and shortly after that you should turn right (which in effect is straight on) heading for Bell Lake/Coombe, (do not take the turning for Reskadinnick). Follow this road for half a mile, it will then drop down a steep hill, park at the bottom along the entrance to the track on the right or just after the river bridge.
Please park sensibly and do not obstruct vehicular access along the track.
Bell Lake Marsh is one of the best remaining dragonfly sites along the Red River Valley, supporting breeding colonies of the nationally scarce Small Red Damselfly & Keeled Skimmer. In the last 10 years it has lost it’s colony of the Scarce Blue-tailed Damselfly & during the last 30 years it has lost a Marsh Fritillary colony. Our aim is to reverse the decline of this important wetland habitat by removing invasive willow, gorse, birch saplings & lesser reedmace, opening up the site with a series of work parties over the autumn & winter. Please come along and lend a hand with this very worthwhile task, it will keep you fit while you have fun & enjoy a bit of constructive destruction!
There’s a secret world hidden all around us, full of amazing creatures…
From the tops of the trees, to the depths of the pond, we’ll explore different habitats and take a closer look at the incredible insects that live there!
Booking essential. Max. 2 adults per booking please.
Child members – £7.00. Child non-members – £9.00. Accompanying non-member adults – £3.00.
There’s a secret world hidden all around us, full of amazing creatures…
From the tops of the trees, to the depths of the pond, we’ll explore different habitats and take a closer look at the incredible insects that live there!
Booking essential. Max. 2 adults per booking please.
Child members – £7.00. Child non-members – £9.00. Accompanying non-member adults – £3.00.
The theme will follow the NBN Trust Strategy 2022-2027 “Making data work for nature” with each of the sessions linked to our four Strategic Ambitions.
Speakers and programme
The confirmed speakers are as follows. Please click on the names for more information and details of the individual presentations. We will be adding to the list over the next few weeks, so please do check back for the latest information:
- Keiron Derek Brown, Recording Officer at the Earthworm Society – “Earthworms: Beyond the Record”.
- Andy Cotgreave, Data Evangelist for Tableau. The Keynote address – “How to speak the language of data”.
- Oli Grafton, Principal for Citizen Science & Survey Partnership, Natural England – “Defra group, community science, survey, and assessment of nature and environment”
- Elina-Marielle Doss, Merseyside BioBank Manager – “Data at your Doorstep – Insights into Local Data”.
- Mel Hardie, Biodiversity Data Manager (NBN Atlas) – “A dip into the Data Lake; insight on the NBN Atlas”
- Dave Kilbey, Founder / CEO of Natural Apptitude / Coreo. Dave will be participating in the panel discussion.
- Ian Jackson, Volunteer/Trustee at Northumberland Wildlife Trust – “Digital rocks”
- Dan Lear, Head of Data, Information & Technology at the Marine Biological Association – “FAIR Marine Biodiversity Data Excellence: from the UK to the UN”
- Professor Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby. The Sir John Burnett Memorial Lecture – “Fixing our failing relationship with nature”.
- Karen Kramer-Wilson, Principal for Data Engagement & Analysis, Natural England – “Defra group, community science, survey, and assessment of nature and environment”
Join BDS & NatureScot to help improve the ponds for dragonflies at this wonderful Hotspot near Tayport in Fife.
10.00am – 3pm. Meet at the Morton Lochs car park – What3Words ref https://what3words.com/
Wear wellies (or waders if you have them), bring waterproofs, lunch & a cup (tea/coffee & biscuits provided).
Please book by filling out the form below:
Dave Smallshire will explore the Blue and Blue-tailed species of Damselfly that can often be tricky to tell apart. He’ll discuss how these 10 species can be distinguished from one another and delve into interesting aspects of their ecology and behaviour. He’ll also look at their geographic distributions and consider their rarity and conservation status.
The UK is home to 20 species of Damselfly (Zygoptera) that breed in the UK. Alongside Dragonflies, the Damselflies make up the order Odonata. These predatory insects are known for their fascinating life cycles, dazzling colours and impressive flight abilities.
Over 2 webinars, Dave Smallshire (author of Britain’s Dragonflies) will explore the damselfly species that call the UK home. Part 1 will take place on 02 October 24 and focus on the Demoiselle, Emerald, Red and Red-eyed species of Damselflies. Part 2 will take place on 30 October 2024 and will focus on Blue Damselflies (including Blue-tailed Damselflies).
Learn more and book your place
A bonus meeting to make up for disruption to our schedule caused by poor weather.