Torrential rain this afternoon has finally cleared the snow so the entrance track is now navigable, if a little damp! The reserve and Visitor Centre will be open for business as usual tomorrow.
A penduline tit was seen from the Hanson-ARC hide this afternoon and 16 goosanders were on the ARC pit.
A female Goosander on the River Tillingham by Marley Road, Rye, at 1 pm today was a new Atlas record not only for TQ92A but for the whole 10-km square. It was very wary and flew off towards Rye Harbour. With the recent freakish weather (–8°C late last night, +6°C now) it’s worth looking out for such displaced birds to add to the lists. More normal were several dozen Redwings feeding in the hawthorns up-river from Rolvendene Farm.
With heavy rain this morning melting much of the snow we were hopeful that we would be able to open today. Unfortunately, the access track is now covered in icy slush and more dangerous than ever. Please watch this space for more updates over the weekend or phone the Visitor Centre on 01797 320588.