Rare migrating birds return to Paddington Meadows

MEMBERS of Warrington’s New Cut Heritage Group are looking forward to some great sights this summer as migrating birds return to Paddington Meadows.
Two rare members of the warbler family have already been spotted – the rare Cetti’s Warbler and the increasingly threatened Grasshopper Warbler.
By the end of May, ornithologist members of the group believe nine different sub-species will hopefully have been sighted , including Black Cap, Chiffchatt, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroad, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
But although the group welcomes the interest being shown in the Meadows, there is concern at the sheer volume of people now walking the area.
Visitors who stray off the footpaths could have an impact on the wildlife.
Discussions are underway with Warrington Borough Council about how to further manage the meadows while protecting existing habitats and creating new ones and then how to raise the funds to implement the programme
Hedge laying, although temporarily halted for the bird nesting season, will be boosted by a grant of £1,400 from the council to purchase specialised tools for a team of 10 volunteer layers. Bow saws, loppers and axes are all included in the itinerary of equipment that will soon be put to good use on the overgrown hedges creating new safe habitats for small birds and mammals.
Terry Egan, of the group’s bird study section, said: “Paddington Meadows is a beautiful gem for everyone to come down and see the marvellous wildlife. It is a relatively short flat walk around the canal and riverside paths”