fugtifino Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 (edited) Apart from Geoff, I don’t know how many of you know of Woolston Eyes, but it’s a real hidden treasure where my teenaged son spends most of his weekends. http://www.woolstoneyes.com/ It’s been nominated by Chris Packham as Nature Reserve of the Year in the annual BBC Countryfile Magazine awards: http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/articles/20043/1/Nature-reserve-nominated-for-national-award/Page1.html The reserve is the only nomination which is run completely by volunteers who work incredibly hard to manage and maintain the extensive site (just controlling the spread of Himalayan Balsam is a constant and full-time activity!). I’d be really grateful if you could take the time to support the nomination, which you can do here: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2014-15 If you’d be interested in becoming a member, which only costs £10 a year (£20 for families) plus a one off £10 fee for a key to the site, you can print a form from here: http://www.woolstoneyes.com/woolston-eyes/permits/ It really is a gem of a place and over the last year I’ve been lucky enough to see peregrine falcons, kingfishers, badgers, lots of bats and, only a few days ago, around 50,000 murmurating starlings, which was absolutely stunning. And all this is right on your doorstep. Thanks for listening. Edited January 9, 2015 by Dizzy link codes corrected Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P J Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Thanks for the links and the heads up. I will be joining and will try to get some nice shots of the place. It's not often that Warrington has something to be proud of Nationally so I hope folk get behind the push for votes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fugtifino Posted January 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Cheers fella. I'm told the starlings should be around for the next couple of weeks or so, the "show" happens around dusk. Btw, some sterling work from you on here over the last few weeks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I lived in Woolston for nearly 20 years before I realized I was living right next to a full blown nature reserve. An old friend of mine (Dave Riley) is a warden there, you most probably know him. It was exactly the same with Paddington Meadows. I was stunned to find there were rare breed cattle and horses grazing just a couple of hundred yards from my house. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I'd heard a few people mention Woolston Eyes in the past but I had no idea it was a nature reserve until I saw that it had been nominated for the Countryfile awards. It looks a great place and we'll definately go there now we know and I've voted for it Re Paddington Meadows... where's that Bill and how do you get to it? PS fugs your links work now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I think you can get to in in several ways but I just parked up at the bottom of Larkfield Avenue and crossed over a small bridge. Bit of a warning though, the last time I walked round there, I got bit by a horsefly that must have had ebola. I ended up in A&E. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Thanks I know where you mean now but if I ever do go I'll cover myself in insect repelant now. How big is a horse fly and are they active all year round ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Sid Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 They are about half an inch long with an inch wingspan. Only the females bite aparently. They are active from may through to september. Sometimes people talk about a horsefly sting. But a horsefly doesn’t sting, it bites. What do you have to do right after a horsefly bite to alleviate the pain and reduce the swelling? Cool the area of the horsefly bite with a wet cold washcloth, a coolpack or some ice cubes in a washcloth. Disinfect the bitten area by washing thoroughly with water and soap or treat it with (for example) alcohol. Disinfecting with vinegar is also an option. Keep an eye on the bitten area for a few days. There’s a small chance a bacterial infection might occur. If the area stays red or you see little yellow crusts, then go see your general practitioner. Treat the area with special medication. Your pharmacy sells several treatments for insect stings and horsefly bites. Take an anti-allergy tablet (e.g. one you use for hay fever) to reduce the itching and allergic reactions( (note that the alcohol should used externally and not internally) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I'd add to that, if you end up seeing red / purple veins creeping away from the bite get it seen to right away because it's blood poisoning. I ended up getting a right rollicking for not going sooner and was told I could have died in another couple of days. Then they tell you not to go to A&E with none life threatening problems and this was almost just an insect bite. You can't win! Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davy51 Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 I remember a few years ago reading a magazine & there was an article about some one who'd been bitten by a very small fly or creepy crawly on a beach in Spain. The man ,who i think was from Haydock, thought nothing of it ,dismissed it as a holiday inconvenience & was dead within two weeks. As Bill says you can't be too careful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Blimey... I think I'll just stay indoors with fly screens over all my windows from now on.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfie Posted January 9, 2015 Report Share Posted January 9, 2015 Don't worry Diz, he was hit by a bus 2 days after he got back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Sid Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 now has this mental picture of dizz wandering around the warrington area in a hazmat suit with a bandolier of fly and wasp repellent draped across it and carrying a monogrammed fly swatter. (must get out more or get more sleep) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted January 10, 2015 Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey Settle Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Apart from Geoff, I don’t know how many of you know of Woolston Eyes, but it’s a real hidden treasure where my teenaged son spends most of his weekends. http://www.woolstoneyes.com/ It’s been nominated by Chris Packham as Nature Reserve of the Year in the annual BBC Countryfile Magazine awards: http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/articles/20043/1/Nature-reserve-nominated-for-national-award/Page1.html The reserve is the only nomination which is run completely by volunteers who work incredibly hard to manage and maintain the extensive site (just controlling the spread of Himalayan Balsam is a constant and full-time activity!). I’d be really grateful if you could take the time to support the nomination, which you can do here: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2014-15 If you’d be interested in becoming a member, which only costs £10 a year (£20 for families) plus a one off £10 fee for a key to the site, you can print a form from here: http://www.woolstoneyes.com/woolston-eyes/permits/ It really is a gem of a place and over the last year I’ve been lucky enough to see peregrine falcons, kingfishers, badgers, lots of bats and, only a few days ago, around 50,000 murmurating starlings, which was absolutely stunning. And all this is right on your doorstep. Thanks for listening. Thanks for the heads up fugtifino and reminder - Voting closes at the end of the Month so please get voting. I've yet to visit the Eyes but read and heard so much about it and the members are very enthusiastic and keen. To gain access you will need to become a member and have a key to get through the gate and across the bridge - look at the web site for more details and make contact Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 Back in the days I used to go there wasn't any key required but I think there'd been some vandalism at the hides. Shame you need to be a member now so I guess I'm never going to see it again given I'd only maybe go once in a blue moon. Yet again the vandals spoil it for everyone. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P J Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 It's only ten quid a year, not bad value for essentially a private nature reserve on your doorstep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 £10 a year is only the price of a few pints in the pub on a Friday night Bill.How does it work if you want to go for a wander with a friend or other family member though.... do they have to have a membership too or can they go in with you ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P J Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 If they catch you without a membership they tie you to a tree where the starlings roost Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P J Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 I imagine it is honesty based and I don't think taking a pal will be a problem tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Sid Posted January 12, 2015 Report Share Posted January 12, 2015 I'll stick to sankey valley park for now. although since they did a bit of "pruning" the wind gets into some very odd places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoffrey Settle Posted January 13, 2015 Report Share Posted January 13, 2015 Evil Sid with a coat like yours that shouldn't be a problem. The thing about the Eyes is that you will definitely meet loads of enthusiastic birders who I'm sure won't mind spending a few minutes to describe the widlife. Yes there maybe a charge but it will go back into the Eyes. BTW did you know that Chris Packham is the patron or president? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algy Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Who are the land owners of Woolston Eyes?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Who are the land owners of Woolston Eyes?. Peel Holdings (Manchester Ship Canal; Company) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
algy Posted January 18, 2015 Report Share Posted January 18, 2015 Thanks Gary much apprecated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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