AS the spring bird and mammal breeding season gets into full swing, the volunteer management team of Frome Area Wildlife Group (FAWG), headed by chair Mick Ridgard, is asking the people of Frome to cooperate with Rodden Nature Reserve’s spring and summer closure in order to protect its vulnerable wildlife.
FAWG explain, “This appeal is made following a recent spate of littering and persistent trespassing at the much-valued wetland site.”
FAWG’s management team recognised the valuable role of the reserve as a precious outdoor space for Frome residents during the pandemic lockdowns, and extended access to the site through February’s half-term holiday and into March.
However the group report that the reserve, recognised officially as a nationally important ‘Local Wildlife Site’ (LWS), has come under an increasing amount of pressure recently from people choosing to ignore its temporary closure.
Some have offered profuse apologies and explained that they felt they weren’t doing any harm by simply walking the site, whilst others have unfortunately confronted the reserve’s volunteers aggressively when challenged.
“Since the reserve closed at the beginning of spring our volunteers, who carry-out regular survey work, have had to deal with a lot of unpleasantness from a small minority of local people, which is so disheartening,” said Mick Ridgard. “We’re also having to clear significant amounts of litter on a weekly basis, from the grassland and wooded areas around the main lake, as well from the edges of the pools.”
According to the reserve’s chair, some of the littering bore all the hallmarks of a teenage gathering, with dozens of energy-drink cans among other waste left scattered around an area that’s important habitat for slow worms, toads and small mammals. “I’d particularly like to ask local parents to remind their teens how sensitive wildlife is to disturbance, particularly at this time of year when birds are nesting and feeding their young,” added Mick Ridgard.
Rodden Nature Reserve lies opposite the Asda superstore at Wallbridge and is home to an ever-increasing array of flora and fauna including, to the surprise of many, beaver.
The spring flowers are particularly impressive, with many being food-plants for a very wide range of insects. Otters are now being seen regularly during surveys, and an impressive 100-plus species of bird have been sighted at the reserve including cetti’s warbler, reed bunting and kingfisher.
fawg add, “Please put wildlife first when venturing out. We can all make a difference in this respect, and it’s worth remembering Greta Thunberg’s emotive words when she reminded us that we can all do our bit for the environment; ‘I have learned you are never too small to make a difference’.
“And perhaps the biggest difference the people of Frome can make right now is to simply leave Rodden Nature Reserve’s precious wildlife in peace.”
Pictured: above and left, rubbish at the reserve; right, kingfisher, grey heron and an orange tip butterfly.
