Yesterday there was some excellent news in that it was just announced that the British Government had agreed to extend the Poole Harbour SPA (Special Protection Area) by around 44%. This means that nearly 50% more of the Poole Harbour area has this statutory designation, meaning stronger and better protection for the areas within the SPA.  Several new species have been included within the designation too including Spoonbill, Sandwich Tern and Little Egret, meaning that Poole Harbour is nationally and internationally important for these species. This extra protection is a huge asset to the harbour and a real accolade to those who work tirelessly to monitor and protect our local area. Well done to all involved. This evening 2 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver and c20 Red-breasted Merganser were off Hamworthy Park Beach. In Holes Bay NE there were 51 Avocet, c2500 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, c50 Redshank and 1 Peregrine overhead. In Poole Harbour west we’re now up to 3 Hen Harrier which is great news and 5 Marsh Harrier now with a Merlin still arriving in at dusk on Hartland Moor. In Brands Bay a Black Brant was found in amongst 185 Brent Geese and off Middle Beach there were 2 Great Northern Diver and 14 Black-necked Grebe. A Woodcock and 12 Lesser Redpoll were seen along the Littlesea nature trail at dusk. The Stilt Sandpiper was on Brownsea again. At Littlesea, Studland it seems last years Starling murmuration is beginning to form again with c5000 coming in at around 16:30 this evening. Last year this spectacle was a huge crowd pleaser and brought so many people together. We’re hoping the same can happen again this winter with even more people getting to enjoy this natural and breathtaking performance. 

New Poole Harbour SPA designation area