Vandalised nestbox

After months of hard work and having only been sited a few weeks ago, one of our nestboxes has already been vandalised. Culprit unknown-woodpecker, rat, squirrel all in the frame at present. 

Activity with CIAJ (Centro de Información y Animación Juvenil) Saturday 18 March 2017

On Saturday 18 March the volunteers entertained a group of Spanish students to help them practice their English. Following a short presentation about the history and function of the Parque and the work of the volunteers we took them on a short walk around the Parque to point out some of the features. We split into small groups to allow all the students the opportunity to practice their English. Conversations (all in English) between the volunteers and the students were wide ranging and not always directly related to Parque issues. Many of the students had never visited the Parque despite living in Torrevieja and surrounding areas.

Both students and volunteers enjoyed the morning and feedback from the students was extremely positive. In fact, they requested that we make this a regular event.

Stephen

Visit to El Hondo North Gate 11 March 2017

On a slightly chilly (for Spain) Saturday morning fourteen volunteers met at the North Gate of El Hondo for three hours of birdwatching. Once again we were ably led by Stephan and Els from the Costa Blanca Bird Club.

We were immediately guided to the first boardwalk where we were treated to excellent views of a Greater Spotted Eagle which posed in a palm tree for quite a long time and then graced us by landing at the water's edge even closer to where we were standing. Further stops were made at the other hides and viewing platforms

Altogether, some thirty two species were identified including marsh harrier, booted eagle, little bittern, glossy ibis, white headed duck, pintail and blue throat. In addition we were treated to an impressive display of jumping fish (identity unknown, no fish experts present!).

After thanking Stephan and Els we departed the park at 1130h.

Stephen

New system of planting to help restore the ecology of El Parque Natural

On 23 February 2017 a group of volunteers assisted at the planting of a number of shrubs (Lentisco Espino Negro) in an area of the Parque at risk of erosion. The area had been cultivated in the past and this had reduced the number of stones and indigenous plants so that there was no natural protection for the soil. This had resulted in significant erosion not only due to rain and wind but also by cyclists crossing the area. The eroded soil is gradually silting up the lake.

Using a system of planting originally developed in the semi-desert areas of North Africa, we planted 27 plants around the periphery of the field. These will hopefully grow to about 3metres in height and provide a natural barrier allowing the growth of native flora and fauna in addition to reducing erosion.

A hole was dug about 40cm in depth and a vertical plastic tube inserted which was filled with stones. The hole was then filled with organic matter from the surrounding conifer trees and the plant inserted. The plastic tube was removed leaving the stones to provide a route for rainwater to the roots. A plastic mesh was placed over the plant the plant and the the area covered with large stones, to stop rabbits attacking the plants and reducing evaporation, and then surrounded with acacia twigs to act as a windbreak. Finally, channels were made radiating from the plant to direct rainwater.

We look forward to monitoring the progress of this venture.

Pictures courtesy of the Parque.

Stephen

At work planting

Thanks to Ana Melendez for these photos

Siting of nestboxes

On a somewhat chilly Thursday morning a group of intrepid volunteers ably assisted by the staff of Parque La Mata set out to site the nestboxes which had been restored over the preceding few months by other members of the volunteers.

First there was a preliminary talk by Justo explaining how the aim of the project is to encourage Carbonero común (Parus major, Great tit), a natural predator of the procesionario caterpillar, to nest among the pine trees in the Parque and then we set off into the Parque.

With the aid of members of the Parque work force to clear any obstructing branches from the selected sites, all twelve nest boxes were successfully sited. The position of each box was recorded using GPS.

Over the breeding season the volunteers will monitor the nestboxes for signs of nesting activity.

More photos are available on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Lagunas-de-Torrevieja-y-La-MataVoluntarios-368312283377134/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED)

Stephen

The Day of the Wetlands

As a celebration of the Day of the Wetlands a guided walk in  the Parque Natural of La Mata attracted a group of 40 people, which included 5 of the Volunteers of La Mata, and several children.  We set off along the official route and the guide explained to us what the signs on the side of the path indicate.  We are asked to stay on the official route, not to pick the plants, and above all to keep dogs on leads as there are nesting birds on the ground at present.

The lake water is particularly high at present due to the exceptional rain which has fallen recently and it is hoped the nesting birds were able to move further up the banks and not be washed away.

We saw how new vines are propagated by using a cutting from an old vine which is then dug deep into a hole so as to put out new roots.  At one time all the land from the Park down to the sea was vines until buildings took over.

Our guide explained the different plants and birds and at the end of the walk we had all learned things we had not previously realized.   A most interesting morning in spite of the fierce wind and one we all enjoyed.

Jenny Dodd, Press Secretary