Birds lap up new wetland (From Bournemouth Echo)

Birds lap up new wetland

11:26am Saturday 20th June 2009 in

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A NEW wetland has proved an instant success attracting lapwings and curlews to breed in its first year.

The new habitat on the Tadnoll and Winfrith nature reserve was created by Dorset Wildlife Trust and consists of two scrapes, or shallow ponds, on the old Prison Fields.

“We were hoping to see waders feeding on the new scrapes over the winter, with the possibility of breeding within a few years,” said Sarah Williams, rivers and wetlands conservation officer.

“I am over the moon that both lapwings and curlews have found the new habitat good enough to raise their young in the very first year.

“We hope these will be the first of many waders to breed here.”

Lapwing and curlew pairs raised two chicks each, but the curlew chicks are believed to have been killed by foxes or dogs.

The two young lapwings, an endangered species, survived and flew off with their parents.

Work began on the reserve last summer and sluices were installed on the existing ditches to hold water and the shallow temporary ponds were added to provide wet, grassy areas.

Wading birds first arrived last winter, including green sandpipers, snipe and lapwings. This spring dragonflies attracted hobbies, small falcons which hunt them.

A bird hide will be installed in the autumn so people can keep an eye on the waders and there is a new dog-friendly trail which avoids the bird sensitive areas.

Ground nesting birds include nightjars and Dartford warblers on the dry heath.

•Have you seen our nest cam watching goshawk chicks in the New Forest? Visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/goshawks