NOLLY'S FOLLY

Walked along the highly praised "Nolly's Folly" across West Mersea's St Peters Meadow on Monday 19th. Instead of squelching through saltmarsh puddles and getting boot-loads of mud, a raised recycled plastic board-walk now ensures walkers can enjoy their visit to the area more. This essential walk-way should help to restore the saltmarsh (Site of Special Scientific Interest) which has been badly eroded in recent years by many pairs of feet.

The rock pipits seemed to appreciate it, as at least four were seen perching on it before dropping onto the nearby marsh to feed. The now familiar sight here of a little egret was seen stalking the little creeks and pools, as was a curlew.

However the rapid and fast flight of a female pheasant heading from the marsh to a neighbouring garden was an unusual sight. There was also a female stonechat perching on the sea-blite bushes, which was a bonus too, as they rarely get to this corner of the Island.


The tide was well out and all sorts of waders, gulls and brent geese could be seen along the mud of the Mersea Quarters. There wasn't much bird activity amongst the boat moorings except for a cormorant and dabchick, although at the entrance to one of the creeks, three common scoters dived for food as did a pair of great crested grebes.

There was the usual selection of waders using the mud between the Hard and St Peters with redshank, curlew, oystercatcher, grey plover, ringed plover, dunlin and turnstone all widespread and easy to see.

Around 200 brent geese were seen in several groups on the mud or in the water with one large flock of a hundred, gathered beside the freshwater stream near St Peters. This is always a popular spot for them where they can have a drink and a bathe.