The Laverock Bird hide on Tarras Valley Nature Reserve was opened on 15th March 2015 by Simon Lester of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project. It had been built by Daniel Lacey and the idea for it being created was from Dr. Cat Barlow who was the Project Officer for The Making the Most of the Moorland Project. Prior to that this place was a Feeding Station for Birds from early 2009. I have been a volunteer for this project for 17 years since 2009. I went along every Saturday morning until the end of April this year. The Tarras Valley Nature Reserve under guidance from RSPB are planning to stop feeding the Birds but to create a better habitat for them to feed naturally. Work started this past weekend in creating a new habitat for the birds. Myself and our two grandchildren from Newcastle have enjoyed many Saturday morning visits over the years. Our grandchildren from America have also visited.
Near the hide myself and Hannah and Leo planted trees a few years ago. Hannah is now studying Biology at the University of Nijmegen in The Netherlands and I like to think her interests were helped by out visits to the Hide and TVNR.
Leo topping up the feeders about 9 years ago
In 2018 when we were hit by The Beast From the East it was difficult to get to the Hide, but Bob & Nancy McLure and myself walked there and back in deep snow to provide the birds with much needed food.
Hannah topping up the feeders.
Cat Barlow used to do her bird ringing at the feeding station and Hannah loved going along to see the birds getting their rings put on. It is the end of an era, but the correct thing to do for the protection of the birds. I have loved every minute of my 17 years going nearly every Saturday morning and will miss the time spent in the hide after I had topped up the feeders.
The notice pinned up in the Hide telling its story.
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