We had a brilliant afternoon yesterday at the opening of the new Maer Lake Hide. Over 50 people braved the weather and we had a very positive discussion about the formation of a North Cornwall birding hub.
Maer has always been wet grazing marsh, flooding in winter and after prolonged rain. In the 1980’s and early 90’s it was a little known birding site only watched by a few local birders including one Graham Sutton.
Graham brought it to the attention of Cornwall Birds (CBWPS) and CWT and persuaded them to buy it in 1993. He then took on the role of warden and remained so for over 20 years before retiring to Norfolk where he still lives. If it wasn’t for Graham there’s every chance Maer could be a housing estate today.
The hide has been a long time coming. A joint project funded by CWT and Cornwall Birds (CBWPS), it was initially conceived by Graham over 10 years ago and there were many hiccups along the way. Issues regarding siting, design, costs, planning and access, not to mention Water Voles – all contributed to delays. The finished hide is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of a number of people.
Pete Kent, CWT East Cornwall Reserves Manager steered negotiations with the Environment Agency, neighbouring landowners and graziers and generally oversees management. His team Stuart, Laura and Chris and others were instrumental in helping with the build and erecting the screening.
Adrian Lea navigated the project through planning regulations and hide design, liasing with the builders and general project management.
David Collins wrote the Ecology report, essential for meeting planning specs.
Above all our builders Lloyd Turner and Helen Shackleton for their expertise and determination to see the project to completion despite difficult circumstances.
There were many volunteers along the way too, raising funds, doing WeBS counts and keeping an eye on the reserve including the former CWT Bude group, wardens Adam Roberts, Rob Robinson Alan Rowland and Nigel Bastin and especially Mark Worden. Mark was Cornwall Birds warden from 2017 -2023 and he was deeply committed to the hide project. He sadly passed away in July but the hide is dedicated to his memory. He would have been very proud of the end result and it was a pleasure welcoming his widow Shirley to open the hide.
Details of location and access can be found here
