20.4.2008 - VANDALISM & MURDER
Article & photographs by Nick Williams
In early April the wildlife and foliage of this beautiful area
really comes alive. There are many ducks nesting on the river
and canal banks the birdsong volume increases the wild flowers
are providing colours and the whole landscape is readying to
welcome visitors large and small.
Unfortunately unwelcome visitors also arrived in the area this
year and they were responsible for shooting and killing ducks by
the river and the male partner of the pair of breeding Canada
Geese who were regular inhabitants of the bottom fishing pool on
the Nature Reserve.
The female has been left to look after the nest alone, Nature
Reserve Rangers and concerned members of the public are trying
to keep her fed in an attempt to help both her and her future
off spring to survive.
This Goose may well not be seen here next year or even the next
time you visit the Consall Nature Reserve.
The Police visited the alleged culprits who were camping in the area but could not find sufficient evidence to take the matter further than a warning. We urge you to report to the Ranger Service or the local Police any sightings of person or persons doing harm to this beautiful environment.
On a more positive note the first reported sighting of a swallow in the area was on April 4th.