Hi Chris,

Many Thanks to you and Albert for the update on R/Bunting and Linnet sightings at Chadkirk. These are good records of sighting at or near to chadkirk as they will help with my application for Higher level Stewardship for Chadkirk.

I wanted as part of my HLS application put in some wild bird seed crops in but under the conditions of the scheme I can't take up this option, due in the main to having established meadows/pasture. I can however apply for a nectar rich seed mix for some bizar reason but this should help the birds as well as the bees! if i can find a suitable crop that will readilly set seed. I can then leave this as a standing crop for wintering birds which may or may not encourage Linnet and Yellow Hammer accross to Chadkirk from the 'Middle' Farm area.

I have not heard abything about the grant I have applied for for the new ponds but i'm hoping to hear this month so i'll keep you all informed.

Bye for now,

JR

Wander along the Goyt from Marple Dale to Chadkirk this afternoon.

1 Dipper
Pair of GS Woodpeckers feeding a couple of youngsters near Manchester Canoe Club
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Sparrowhawk
15 - 20 Swifts at the Weir
Female Mallard with a brood 0f 3 chicks

2 empty shotgun cartridges upriver from the weir.

Also saw a few Linnet's last May/June down Bong's Lane near the farm, not far from the Kennel's.
Chris H

There was a single reed bunting during the cold snap in January, along the footpath running along the stream north of the parking place

Not been for a while, but there used to be a fair few Linnets around the hedges at Middle Farm too, near Bredbury Hall.

Hi Fellas,

Many Thanks for your info.

Andy if your ever visiting your old records and come across any records for RB at Chadkirk I wouldn't mind having the date/s.

I've got another one for you as well. Wallking back down Vale Road from the bend towards the farm myself and Emma spotted a male Linnet come out of the hedge row and circled around to land twenty foot away on a post in Chapel Field. It then circled around the area where we were standing (near the point in the hedge where it came from) and got a bit agitated, so we walked on.

The thing is about a fortnight ago I thought I saw two Linnets flitting down the lane in front of the car but they popped over the hedge before I could make a proper id so I just dismissed it, but now i'm beginning to wonder! With the reaction of this male bird I'm wondering if they have a nest in the hedge? I'll keep a close eye on the area and let you know.

Cheers,

JR

PS I don't suppose you know when the last sighting of Linnet at Chadkirk was do you?

I'm going way back here (late 80's/early 90's), but I'm fairly certain they used to be regular at that pond when it was much more overgrown. I'd have to check the record books to be certain.

Hi John,
I've seen Reed Buntings at 'The Other Side' of Chadkirk by the Kennels and near Bredbury Hall before, but never on your side...Definately a good sign!

Anthony

Originally posted by John Rowland, 25.05.10, 7:10pm:

Hi All,

Had a nice sighting this morning. As well as the Gold finch. Green Finch, Black Cap and my regular sightings of Bull Finch i saw a male Reed Bunting in the small trees adjacent to the marshy mill pond near the laybye on Vale Road.

this was about 9.30am and unless you know any different i think it may be a first although i'm sure some of you long standing birders at Chadkirk will correct me?

If any of you do come down please keep an eye out particularly around the marshy area and let me know if you see a pair. It may help to protect the site in the future.

Bye for now.

JR

LS Woodpecker drumming Sunday morning and again today. Seems to be in some large Oak trees just off the path running through Little Wood adjacent to the 'Pink' barn.

JR

Hi Phil,

The money has already been allocated to Stockport for this project. We are at the moment awaiting planning permission for the bridge to be granted via two Committee meetings later this month i believe.

There are also one or two other issues that need to be resolved as well before the project can be completed.

JR

Further info regarding the proposed bridge over the Goyt at Chadkirk :-


Stockport has successfully been included in the list for Sustrans (the UKs leading sustainable transport charity) Connect2 project, which could see the borough benefit from the charitys bid for a single multi-million pound grant from the Big Lottery Funds Living Landmarks: The Peoples Millions competition.

Sustrans Connect2 Project is about overcoming long standing barriers that prevent people walking and cycling within their local area as part of their everyday journeys. Stockport Council submitted a proposal to become part of Connect2 and is now looking for public support to ensure that Stockports project makes the final shortlist.

The Councils proposal is for a new river crossing in the vicinity of Chadkirk Weir which would greatly increase access to and through surrounding green space, including Chadkirk Estate, for trips to local schools, stations and local centres within Stockport.

Jim McMahon, Stockport Councils Assistant Director for Transportation and Planning, said: Its great to see that Stockports proposal has got so far. Were up against some tough competition but believe that our scheme will have huge benefits for people living in the area, and encourage more people to visit the beautiful Goyt Valley.

Our scheme will help to break down barriers that have been dividing communities for decades. Traffic-free links between Marple, Romiley, Offerton and Stockport town centre have been blocked by the River Goyt and main roads. However, with Big Lottery funding we could create an exciting new route over the river for pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders, linking one side of the valley with the other and making sense of the paths and routes that have been built over a number of years.

If Stockports scheme makes Sustrans final short list of around 75, then it will form part of their final bid for the £50m Big Lottery Fund grant. Connect2 is one of the projects being considered to compete for the grant, and the winner will be decided by public TV vote at the end of this year.

Richard Leyshon, the Councils Head of Policy, added: Community support for this scheme will go a long way in helping us get through to the final stages. To help champion our scheme, people can pledge their support online by visiting www.sustransconnect2.org.uk or by calling their information line on 08450 581373 by April 23rd. Every vote counts!

We are also looking for community groups in the area who would like to work with us to develop and promote the scheme. If youd like to get involved please contact the Councils Transportation team on 0161 474 4593.

It's good toknow the Swallows are back among others of course. I have started leaving the stable and cow shed doors open now so hopefully they will come in, in good numbers..

There are two or three pairs of Stock Dove getting very amorous so hopefully they will breed as well this year. GSW are drumming in Kirk and Little Wood but not heard any LSW up to now. Chiff Chaffs are singing in several spots mainly in and around kirk Wood.

It's good to see that there are still good numbers of birders coming to Chadkirk, and your records are very welcome indeed.

So please keep up the good work.

Regards,

JR

A flock of 16 Swallows feeding around the Weir on 5th were joined today by 1 Sand and 1 House Martin.

Cheers, John

Phil,

Many thanks for your notes of guidance. This was the first time that I had walked this stretch of the Goyt. It is a beautiful, and uncongested, part of Stockport: I shall try again soon.

Nigel.

This afternoon the Kingfisher was just below the new wall near the Hare & Hounds

Cheers, John

Walk down from Marple Dale to Chadkirk this morning.
Unringed Dipper behing the Canoe Club
Grey Heron
4 Buzzards
Pair of Mandarins upstream from the weir
Pair of Goosander downstream from the weir
Mixed group of Hirundines over the weir/ford (4 Swallows/7 House Martins)
3 Chiffchaff
Female Blackcap

Nigel..Last couple of times i've seen the Kingfisher its been around the tree thats fallen across the river just before Lower Dale Farm, if you're walking up from the weir.
The Dipper tends to favour the stones in the river, just up the lane from Lower Dale Farm, (obvious whitewash markings), but if the river levels are a bit high, then they are further upstream behind the Manchester Canoe Centre.
Continue up the lane past Marple Dale Farm & the Canoe Club building is on your left.
There are some steps with a metel hand rail behind the building leading down to a path that leads upstream to a fast flowing section.

-- Edited by Phil Panton on Monday 5th of April 2010 12:46:21 PM

I walked the bank of the Goyt on the opposite side from Chadkirk this afternoon, as far as Lower Dale Farm. Over the large meadow opposite the weir was a small, but noisy group of hirundines, comprising about 12 Swallows and 3 House Martins (my first of the year). Other riparian species included a pair of Gray Wagtails and a Heron; no sign of Dipper or Kingfisher.

Phil Panton wrote:

---

Whilst out yesterday, i noticed a Stockport Council planning notice on a tree by Lower Dale Farm, regarding a proposed footbridge over the Goyt at Vale Road Chadkirk, presumably by the weir/ford.
Has anyone heard anything further ?

---

Hi Phil,

The proposed location for the bridge is just up stream from the Weir but as yet planning permission has not been obtained,i'll keep you all up to date with any relevant info.

cheers,

JR

Hi John,

No this is not part of the Estate and is part of the Mill. You are right however inso much as it is excellent habitat. I was out four nights last week picking up Toads off the road before they got squished by cars! Picked up around 250 and about two dozen Smooth Newt as well.

The timing of the pond work at the Mill Pond was a bit iffy really and should have been done at least a month before. I don't believe for a minute though that it has anything to do with creating habitat for birds or anything else for that matter.

I've still not heard anything from the grant application that I submitted a while back so keep your fingers crossed we can still get to do the ponds/scapes.

Got the first singing Chiff Chaff on Saturday afternoon behing the farm house.

I have had Perigrines where they bred last year for the past two weeks, so hopefully they will breed again this year.

Hope to see you soon,

JR

Phil Panton wrote:

---

Whilst out yesterday, i noticed a Stockport Council planning notice on a tree by Lower Dale Farm, regarding a proposed footbridge over the Goyt at Vale Road Chadkirk, presumably by the weir/ford.
Has anyone heard anything further ?

---

Not heard anything for a bit Phil, but have seen "men about" a few weeks ago. I will ask John if I see him this week, unless he picks this message up.

No snipe again, but at least 5 meadow pipits in front of the gate to the left of the Pylon.

Whilst out yesterday, i noticed a Stockport Council planning notice on a tree by Lower Dale Farm, regarding a proposed footbridge over the Goyt at Vale Road Chadkirk, presumably by the weir/ford.
Has anyone heard anything further ?

Nothing in Pylon Field but the reedy pool opposite is half dredged and now looks good habitat. 2 Snipe here.

John, Is this part the Estate management work?

Cheers, John

2 pairs of gossander on the river up from the weir.
2 mistle thrush in pylon field
3 buzzard reported 10 mis. before I arrived, and confirmed by John the Senior Warden

A couple of snipe, a greenfinch, and the other small stuff.

A couple of snipe, stock doves and mistle thrush.

Ian McKerchar wrote:

---

Anthony Dixon wrote:

---

2.30-3.30pm

Highlights...

Yellow Wagtail

Anthony

---

Is Yellow Wagtail a typo Anthony? It's over a month early if not

---

Yes!!!
Sorry Ian should be Grey Wagtail...Had a moment there!

Anthony Dixon wrote:

---

2.30-3.30pm

Highlights...

Yellow Wagtail

Anthony

---

Is Yellow Wagtail a typo Anthony? It's over a month early if not

2.30-3.30pm

Highlights...

Kingfisher
Goldcrest
Yellow Wagtail

Lot of forestry work going on so didn't venture into woods.

Anthony

Not a lot doing on the way back from Gyot Valley LNR.

A few mistle thrush and a goosander on the river up from the weir, and a couple flying over head, probably from GV LNR.
Lots of mallanrd, but no sign of snipe.

Walk along the Goyt from Marple Dale to Chadkirk.

River was very high this morning, most of the Dippers favoured perching stones were covered.
Fleeting glimpse of a Kingfisher, along with a Goldcrest, half a dozen Long Tailed Tits, & a couple of Treecreeper who looked to be setting up home together.

Kennels area 4.30pm...

C300 Jackdaw roosting in 2 fields either side of the road...Very noisy!

2 Raven also.

Anthony

good numbers of snipe (22) showing today (sunday) over three sites in OH go on then Pylon Field! good numbers of Stock dove both in the field and in the wood, and apart from an odd male Kestrel and the usual array of tits etc that was about it. no sign of any Brambling unfortunatelly. the Grt Spotteds were drumming today as well, good sign.

there was a pair of tufted duck on the bend in the river below the crossing on Otterspool Road, and fantastic veiws of a female Sparrow Hawk circling the snipe site by the gate in Pylon Field trying to put them up.

sorry i could not have a chat the other day john (Reynor), but i was explaining (yet again) to a disgruntled regular about the woodland management in Kirk Wood.

Bye for now,

JR

Glad you had a good session Chris.

Early afternoon, I also managed no snipe - not seen any for a few days! Like you, Robins,Long tailed tits, great and coal tit. Stock doves and wood pidgeons,rooks,song thrush and magpies. Nothing also on the river. The stones were showing, but no dipper.

I have not seen a heron on this estate for months now.

Stroll around the estate yesterday afternoon (between snow showers!), 120 + wood pigeons ,with a generous scattering of very amorous stock-doves! were feeding in pylon field and surrounding areas.Also 6 crows and about 20 magpies ,no sign of any snipe .Blue,great,long-tailed and coal tits in abundance around the chapel and in Kirk Wood .3 separate treecreepers seen in woods,also song thrush and robins.Nowt on river, but sparrowhawk over towards Marple .Hedgerows leading back to car-park were unusually quiet,with only the odd chaffinch and blue tit ...I suggested to the missus ,that she might like to join me on the 15th May ,for the dawn-chorus walk around Chadkirk...however when 4-30 am was mentioned ,she went strangely quiet!!! Must try that one again sometime !!! LOL ...

Reckon I saw it in the tree at the end of that fence about 2.25pm, but would not bet my bins.

7 snipe(just)

Anthony Dixon wrote:

---

John, Brambling was on hedgerow on the right as you go through the gate to get to the weir...Not a million miles from the woods.

Anthony

---

Hi Anthony,

I've sent you a PM about this.

Cheers, John

Well, you allsaw more than I did this afternoon. A hint of snipe and that was it. I did I think sport David, peering into the river over the new green railings

John, Brambling was on hedgerow on the right as you go through the gate to get to the weir...Not a million miles from the woods.

Anthony

Where was the Brambling Anthony? I noticed seed put down in Kirk Wood and always thought that was a likely spot.

Cheers, John

Unringed Dipper on the Goyt this morning in its usual place between Marple Dale & Lower Dale farms.
Kingfisher about 200 yards upstream of the weir
Male Goosander flying downstream at the weir

Other than that, very quiet.

8.00-9.30am Male Brambling with a pair of Chaffinch.
Dipper showing well at usual spot.

Anthony

Saw 11/12 about 2.20, plus one robin

Only a quick look, but least 11 snipe showing well in a fairly small area to the left of the pylon this morning (10AM).

Lunchtime walk from Marple Dale to Chadkirk this lunchtime included:

River Goyt Marple Dale
1 Dipper on the stretch between Marple Dale Farm & Lower Dale Farm
2 squadrons of Gossander flying upriver from the weir..1st contained 3 Male & 2 Female, closely followed by a 2nd with 2 Male & 2 Female.

Chadkirk
5 Snipe showing well to the left of the pylon

Sorry, yellowhammers,Dave Pollard

It's an invasion! 17 snipe there this morning about 10.30am.
9 by the large rut, and 8 to the right at the rear of the other wet area. They were all easy to see, so I wonder how many others there were?

First visit to this site. Couldn't see any snipe but 8 stock dove and single lapwing on pylon field.

Saw distant buzzard being mobbed by crow. Also Kestrel and 2 separate sightings of sparrowhawk.