Observatory 6
Wellmarsh Hide, Elmley / TQ 939680/ Moonrise 14.20

A fox strolled casually along the front of the hide beside the waters edge. Three lapwing were having none of it however, and he was forced into an undignified and faltering trot away from their ‘birds only’ sanctuary.

There are an over abundance of fox on the reserve with many ‘urban rescues’ being left to survive in the etablished territories of the wild population. I hear that five from Peckham were pitched out from the back of a van recently to make a new start on the Island. Unsuited to the wild life, they went to a nearby farmhouse and sat (as they were doubtless accustomed) waiting to be fed. Their bellies that night were filled with lead.