May 26-29th. Mammal Group Weekend at Fingringhoe Wick
Nature Reserve. Altogether eight people arrived at
Fingringhoe Wick for a conserving weekend, and were
subsequently joined by a few day visitors. The work started
on Saturday morning when we went to Ray Island, This island
is only reached at low tide by a long walk over a salt-marsh.
Between showers and in strong winds the stakes for a break-
water were erected, in an attempt to arrest the rapid erosion
of the land next to the beach. On a walk round the island,
we caught a large vole, supporting various accounts that
they abound on the island. On the homeward journey we were
soaked by torrential rain, but this did not dampen our
spirits to finish the work next day. The evening was spent
bird-watching at the Fingringhoe Reserve, and a yellowhammer,
a heron, great crested grebes, redshanks, ringed plovers and
shelduck, amongst others, were sighted. A grasshopper
warbler was also heard.
We set out on Sunday to finish the breakwater on Ray
Island, but unfortunately the sleepers we required did not
arrive, so we were unable to finish the job. A pair of
cuckoos was seen flying from the island. The day was not
wasted, however, as the Warden at Fingringhoe soon found us
some work to do, erecting temporary bridges across to the
saltings.
By Monday morning the wind had dropped and, although
still cloudy, there was no rain about. We managed to dig a
drainage channel most of the way from the lake to the saltings.
Despite poor weather, I believe that an interesting and
enjoyable weekend was had by all, and it is satisfying to
know that our work is never wasted at Fingringhoe Wick.
Sue Hash.
26th - 29th May 1972. Geological Weekend - Church
Stretton Area. Another very successful and enjoyable week-
end was spent by members of the Geology Group in the region
of Church Stretton, Shropshire. The party of 24 members
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