NEW  hide at RSPB Blacktoft Sands

A NEW hide has been opened at RSPB Blacktoft Sands thanks to a partnership involving Lincs Bird Club member Joy Croot, the team at the reserve and Gilleards, the firm which manufactured the structure.

After three decades, the old Xerox hide was nearing the end of its life, so Joy generously resolved to fund is replacement - known as the Reedling hide in honour of one of her favourite birds which is regularly seen at the site.

This is the reserve's 50th anniversary year, so what could be better timing!

The hide was formally opened on the morning of January 20 by the president of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Prof Sir John Lawton, with Joy and other project supporters in attendance.

Afterwards, Joy was modest about her one generous contribution, but full of praise for the others involved.

"I really want the credit for the wonderful new hide to go to the Blacktoft team and the lads from Gilleards,"she said. "In particular it was the reserve manager, Pete Short, who was magnificent throughout, weathering the considerable stresses involved in the project. 

"I just had to deal with a few emails and do a couple clicks on my iPad to transfer the monies."

Picture: Joy (at foot of steps) with others who attended, including master of ceremonies Prof Sir John Lawton at the door of the upper storey.