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Barnie needs your help at Mersehead

Can you spare a few hours to help us and the Barnacle Geese? We are looking for extra help with a hands-on physical task

The Svalbard Barnacle Geese have left RSPB Mersehead and the shores of the Solway Estuary to depart on their 2,000-mile migration back to the Arctic Circle. Our thoughts, here at Mersehead now turn to preparing the reserve for their return in Autumn.

Barnacle geese prefer to feed on nutrient-rich short swards of grass and an excellent way to create this habitat is by taking a crop of hay from the field. Ragwort is a biennial plant which is common across the countryside. Although a number of myths circulate about ragwort, the chemicals it contains may lead to liver damage in livestock if consumed in high quantities, so we need to ensure it does not go into the hay bales. Ragwort is a prolific spreader and only by removing most or all of the root system is it meaningfully dealt with.

Come and join us for the day or for a couple of hours, remove some ragwort and help to create prime barnacle goose habitat. Many hands make light work.

Few things are more powerful than nature when it comes to living in the moment and feeling relaxed around it. Spending time outdoors in natural spaces and gaining a greater understanding of local wildlife provided a vital escape from repeated lockdowns. As the world slowly returns to normal it is important we do not lose this connection and this event will help slow you down and experience the healing power of nature.

Bring a packed lunch for a picnic on the beach, take a deep breath and enjoy the sound of skylarks, the wind on your face, social interaction and help us create a wonderful habitat for the returning Svalbard barnacle geese.

*If you have your own garden fork please bring it, along with a pair of gloves and sturdy footwear.
*Families activity
*Bring a packed lunch, if staying for the full session
*Meet at the Visitor Centre at 10am. Drop-in event stay for as long as suits you.

No need to book but for further information, please email the reserve: mersehead@rspb.org.uk

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