21.11.2011
Brickfields NLR
A small window of opportunity to visit this afternoon. The foggy conditions lifted about 2:00pm, so a quick walk around the reserve and it had to be quick, as it starts to get dark at 3:30pm. Well not much about including people, I think I was the only one.
Apart from the gloomy weather, the leaves still on the trees look lovely, some golden browns and yellows amongst them. Give it another couple of weeks and all the leaves will be gone, leaving bear branches. This  makes it easier for the beginner to birdwatching. You can see the birds that you could only hear before, don’t worry with experience you’ll find them.
This afternoon there were 2 Blackbirds, 4 Chaffinches, 3 Robins, 5 Blue tits, 2 Great tits, 3 Jays, 1 Dunnock and of course the usual Carrion Crows, Collared Doves and Wood Pigeons.  Interesting though, were several Pied Wagtails (8) pecking through the recently mowed grass on the back field, they were keeping very close together. On the pond were 4 Mallards (2pairs) 1 Moorhen. Overhead 3 Lesser Black Backed Gull were flying low and also a juvenile Heron.

Last Thursday (17th) a photo shoot was taken over Cranham Marsh for the local papers about the new installation of the wood carvings and the Interpretation boards. Now you can walk a path to and from Brickfields. Its 2 ½ miles or 5 miles return if you fancy it, more about that later.
Bye for now



 
12.11.2011
Brickfields L.N.R
Dim & Dank, no,  not a new comedy duo, that’s how Brickfields was this morning, around about 9:00am. Visibility not so good, so not a good morning for birdwatching, but still very mild, however the Robins and there were a good few, singing to mark their territories. Small parties of Great tits with a couple of Blue tits amongst them searching through the trees, looking for insects. A couple of Jays were on the ground, pecking around. Still plenty of Acorns for them to store away. Other birds seen; female Chaffinch, Dunnock, Wren,  Pied Wagtail, several Goldfinches, a Green Woodpecker, three male Blackbirds and of course the usual, Carrion Crows, Wood Pigeons, Collared Doves and an increase in the number of Starlings and House Sparrows. No sightings of Fieldfares or Redwings on the reserve yet, but there are a good few around locally.

The water level in the pond has risen a little from the rain last week, but is still low, but I’m sure it will be back to normal as the winter rain arrives.

Bye for now.

 
11.11.2011
 
4.11.2011
Brickfields L.N.R
I have recently been undertaking illustrated talks about the Brickfields reserve using ‘PowerPoint’ from a computer and I have enjoyed doing it. I have met some very nice people as well!
I have undertaken two presentations for the Havering Ratepayers Association ( H.R.A. ) one in Cranham and the other was on Wednesday ( 2nd ) of this week in Upminster. I must say the H.R.A are very supportive of any local community projects and I am very pleased to say of Brickfields and myself. The talks were advertised in their monthly ‘Bulletin’ and have been well attended. The point is more people are getting to know how good Brickfields is to visit and are surprised about the Wildlife within it.  I am aware that Brickfields has had a bit of history of dumped cars, fly tipping and some anti social behaviour in the past. However Havering council to their credit have cleaned the place up, installed hardcore paths, planted Trees, although volunteers have also put some productive time in as well. So through this website hopefully people can see how Brickfields has changed for the better and visit it more often, you might as well get your money’s worth, yes its free to visit, but as Ratepayers, like myself, we are paying for it indirectly. Money well spent, but that my opinion, but I am biased!
I  now have three other bookings confirmed to give the presentation too. But it is not about me...it’s about Brickfields having a lasting legacy to be able to give pleasure not only to the present local residents,but the future one’s as well. Also to be a safe haven for Wildlife, whose habitats are constantly under threat. I hope my two Grandchildren will enjoy Brickfields in years to come.
Future plans - What I plan to do over the winter months is try and organise a sort of ‘Friends of Brickfields’  where hopefully like minded people might be willing to met and perhaps undertake some voluntary tasks and help keep the reserve looking tidy, help with guided tours or just keep a  general eye on the place. Even 1hr a month could make a difference. Some people attending the two talks have expressed an interest and I have had some very nice comments made and some interesting questions asked as well, like what can I do to help !
All I can say at the moment is things can only get better !
Bye for now