Wintry showers might not be the best forecast for a long walk, but I was eager to start this first stage of the Walking the Humber, my first proper outing of the year. I drove to Faxfleet, a remote hamlet by agricultural fields drained by deep ditches. Winter crops are greening the soil. The foreshore is fronted by a wide fringe of tidal reedbeds and mudflats with two borrow ponds. I took advantage of a clearing in between showers to walk to Faxfleet Ness by a path open in the dry reedbed. From here, there is a great view of the head of the Humber. To the right, RSPB Blacktoft Sands, at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Trent, and opposite the ridge of Alborough village and Alkborough Flats, a nature reserve by the east bank of the River Trent. The place is called Trent Falls, and although there are no falls, there can be fast flowing races at particular points during tides. A Bearded Tit pings a couple of times from the reeds, but I don't see it. The tide is ebbing. Opposite on the spit with a lighthouse a Cormorant dries its wings. A flock of Wigeon and Teal sit on the mud along the tideline.
The wider area at the head of the Humber is part of the Humberhead Levels, an extensive low lying flat land with peat bogs and agricultural fields on what used to be a large freshwater lake during the last glaciation, the Humber Glacial Lake. The Humberhead Levels are the subject of an ambitious conservation partnership to increase the connectivity of its wetlands, improve its biodiversity value while working with the farming community.
I move along. Parts of the floodbank are not right of way to reduce disturbance to the birds as the floodbank is so exposed, so my next glimpse of the estuary is not until I get to Weighton Lock. This is the mouth of the Market Weighton Canal, which drains the area and also collects the water of the river Foulness, whose name has nothing to do with it smelling badly, but instead comes from fowl nest indicating the historical value of the area for birds.
From the lock there are great views of Whitton Island, a recently formed island. The Ouse and the Trent are tidal for over 100 km upstream of Trent Falls and carry a lot of sediment that is deposited in sand banks and mud flats. An old sand bank, Whitton Sands only fully emerged in the last 30 years. In 1998 it was only covered on the highest spring tides, however, the new island is now being quickly colonised by marshland and reeds. This island is now a key roosting site for waders and geese in the Humber and is fully protected. Last year, the RSPB carried out some conservation work creating a lagoon and ponds to enhance its conservation potential. Another shower starts as I look towards Whitton. A soft rainbow over the wolds. Four Greylag, some Wigeon and Teal and four Curlews are on the mudflats. A Grey Heron takes flight. A Buzzard flies over the reedbeds, mobbed by a Great Black-backed gull.
I make my way to Broomfleet village. The right of way moves away from the floodbank. This land was reclaimed from the Humber in the 19th century, as the names Broomfleet Island and Island farm testify. The rain gets stronger and it's time to head back to the car. Although quite wet, an interesting first stage relatively easy going.
Featured bird: Bearded Tit.
Breeding and wintering on reedbeds on the Humber. Had a striking recovery of populations from near extinction in the UK (just a few pairs in 1947) to 772 pairs in 2014. Prefers areas of extensive reedbed and the population suffers crashes after harsh winters (e.g. 2010-11), but bounces quickly as there are several broods per season. The Humber estuary is one of the strongholds, with ca 250 pairs in 2014.
The reedbeds at Faxfleet.
Trent Falls with Alkborough village in the distance.
Trent Falls.
Cormorant at Trent Falls.
A large piece of drifwood by Faxfleet ness.
road by the floodbank.
Stonechat. This species regularly winters in the area.
Path to Weighton Lock.
Dead roe deer.
Market Weighton Canal from the lock.
Weighton Lock.
Greylag and Wigeon at Whitton Island.
Buzzard on Whitton Island. The Humber Bridge in the distance.
Curlew and Wigeon on the shore at Whitton Island.
Buzzard over Whitton Island, with Shelduck on mudflats.
Rainbow.
Path to Broomfleet.
Flooded fields on the way to Broomfleet.
Fieldfares at Broomfleet
Other bird species
Marsh Harriers are common in the area, especially in winter, with a roost at Blacktoft that includes the occasional Hen Harrier. Pink-footed Geese and Barnacle Geese roost in Whitton Island. Spoonbills can be seen during the summer months.
Marsh Harriers are common in the area, especially in winter, with a roost at Blacktoft that includes the occasional Hen Harrier. Pink-footed Geese and Barnacle Geese roost in Whitton Island. Spoonbills can be seen during the summer months.
No comments:
Post a Comment