Pitsford Reservoir - Nature Reserve Walk (Autumn)

I was hoping to get some lovely Autumn sunshine today and take some photos of the seasonal colour. Unfortunately though It is a grey and overcast day. On the positive side at least it is dry!

The nature reserve at Pitsford is a haven for wildlife but you do need a permit to visit. As a fully paid up member of The Wildlife Trust this is not a problem. Compared to the other side of the causeway this is free from cyclists,joggers, dogs and mostly other people!

The site covers nearly 450 acres and is made up of woodland, grassland, scrub, ponds, wetland and open water. It is around a seven mile walk around the three distinct bays.   

Pitsford Reservoir was built in the 1950's to supply Northampton with water. It is the Northern half that I will be walking today. The whole reservoir was designated a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1970 due to the large amount of wintering wildfowl and birds at the site.

I'm starting from the Fishing Lodge just off the Brixworth Road. Walking in a clockwise direction across the causeway. 

There are already a number of Great Egrets close to the edge, a couple of Great Crested Grebes and numerous Lapwings.  

The field to my left is full of Canadian and Pink Footed Geese, with more and more arriving regularly. The first of the eight bird hides (Maytrees) is very close to the feeding station. This part is called 'The Meadows'. 

Water birds literally flock to the reserve and include, Coots, Tufted Duck. In the Winter up to 10,000 can be seen across the reservoir and can include , Pochard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Smew. Little and Great Egrets are also common especially in the Winter. 

 

Scaldwell Bay has a number of exposed tree trunks. A Wood Sandpiper has been seen here but I'm struggling to see it today. I did however see a number of Red Crested Pochard. 
 

There are a few Herons patiently waiting for as fish. The Cormorants are not as patient as they dive frantically searching for a bite.

After the storms of last weekend a lot of leaves have come down. Despite the dull weather there are still some lovely orange and gold leaves to be seen. 

The woodland area is extremely important and thinning of the conifers allows more light. This allows for grasses and other plants to grow too. Species such as Oak and Ash are naturally regenerating and it is a very mixed woodland. Some of the Oaks are estimated to be over 200 years old. 

I continue around Walgrave Bay and into and area called 'Christie's Copse. 

 

 

 

 

I walk some of the perimeter route for a bit of variety. Surprisingly very few Fungi  around, did spot a few around the base of trees though.

There was a lot of Badger activity, latrines and digging for roots and worms all the way down towards 'Holcot Bay'.  

The scrub areas attract winter flocks of thrushes to their berry crop and over 40 species of bird are known to breed here in spring and summer, varying in size from Heron to the tiny Goldcrest.

Dense areas of thorny species such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn provide safe nesting places. 

The more sparse scrub can attract Warblers who prefer bushes in a more open position.

There are a number of ponds on the route which offer a different habitat to the open water.

Dragonfly larvae, Frog Spawn and young Newts usually have a better chance of survival in the smaller bodies of water where fish are absent. 

Sitting down to enjoy a sandwich and there is a rustle in the bushes. An adult Muntjac Deer wanders by oblivious to my presence. It stays a while until another couple of walkers come past and then It's off into the undergrowth. 

The wind has really got up as I arrive at the stretch between the 'lagoons' and 'Holcot Bay'. Away from the water it is much more sheltered. 

I make the turn for the last part of the walk . There is more evidence of the recent storm damage. I have noticed a lot of areas where tree stumps and other branches have been left to encourage wildlife to use it as a home. 

It has been a smashing walk at just over 7.5 miles. I will look to do a further write-up and photos for the other seasons. As well as doing other walks around here. It is just nice and calming with so few people and no dogs to frighten off the wildlife. 

It was sad to see a poor old Rabbit though who was clearly struggling. I was able to get close enough to touch it which is a bad sign in itself. Myxomatosis the cause almost certainly judging by the swelling of the eyelids.