As well as the habitat management we undertake, we also work on access to nature. This may involve path repairs, removing overhanging branches or providing secret viewings of nature while causing little disturbance – bird hides and screens. This access is very important in allowing us to connect with nature; being ‘in the moment’, observing and studying. It doesn’t always matter so much is you can’t identify that bird, observing its interaction with its physical environment and the other living organisms can be just as rewarding.

The Northumbrian Water Bird Hide is located on the north side of Derwent Reservoir and is down a path from the main road. A key must be purchased to access. The hide is well used and its location offers great viewing for many species of wading birds, foraging on the shore line, passing wildfowl and the yearly osprey visit. There is also a bird screen next to the hide with viewing slots at various heights.

The path down to the hide had become encroached with vegetation making accessibility with a wheel chair or push chair more difficult. The volunteers spent several hours ‘cutting‘ into the path and establishing a more recognisable edge and surface. This will hopefully allow easier access for nature lovers. Old rotten wood edging was replaced using branches of some of the windblown trees. The volunteers have also given the hide a spring clean, washing the windows and sweeping the floor.

During the recent storms the bird screen became very unstable and also underwent repairs by the volunteers. New stanchions were put in place to increase stability for now and to help it withstand future storms. 

The next part of the plan is to paint both the hide and screen with wood preservative.