Novartis Refuge.

Nick & Jim,

If I decide to write a letter in regards to disabled access and parking would I address it to Novartis or the council?  

After reading what Nick says, it doesn't sound like my cup of tea if antisocial behaviour and problems underfoot will be an issue. I'd sooner stay in my area and feel safe! Most times when viewing with scope do it either from inside car or just outside.

I keep well away from areas local to me that will have dog walkers present (nowt against dogs).

As you both say it's a work in progress, so we will see.

John 

Thanks Nick & Jim.   Best leave it for a while. I could always write a "special letter" to them  

Cress may benefit from this site, as Novartis seems very popular with gulls. Since this site was flooded, there have been no gulls at Cress. Come the breeding season I think the previous predation by gulls might cease and give the avocets and other breeds a better survival rate. 
The downside to Novartis may be its access. Not to anyone that may be fortunate enough to be given site access, but it's overall proximity to the general public. At present, the barriers are in place, which does keep some people away. However, once Novartis finally leave their site will they abandon and remove the barrier system? There are many people who do know the barriers are not now a deterrent from entering, and countless dog walkers and others regularly visit the wall (watch where you set your scope up on the grass overlooking the site... hardly anyone picks up after their dog). There has already been one instance a few weeks ago of fly-tipping at the wall end of the road. I think it may be prone to anti-social behaviour and probably vandalism, unless NELC add some kind of security/monitoring system. Remember, Cress is very remote and the only deterrent there is signage, with the visibility of cameras at the car compound (which have nothing to do with Cress). I hope I am wrong, but knowing how other sites have suffered... we'll see.

Nick's right - it's still a work in progress (though no work was taking place on site this morning). It looks like there will be just one hide. This cannot be accessed as yet, and clarification is awaited from North East Lincolnshire Council on what the arrangements will be. They are keen for it to be a 'mitigation' area, not a Frampton-style visitor attraction, so it may be that hide access will be only for a select few. Looking through the palisade fencing is a bit frustrating, and a scope would definitely be an advantage when viewing from the sea  wall. However, I'm not complaining - once established I think it will be superior to NELC's other mitigation site, Cress Marsh (helped by the fact that there are not collision-risk power cables high over the lagoons). Also, the estuary wall path provides additional opportunities for scanning the bird-rich Pyewipe mudflats and the Humber beyond.  

Hi John
Unfortunately the site has not yet been officially opened. Therefore viewing is from the outside of a perimeter fence that surrounds the site. Viewing from this fence is not a good option, the fence is dark green metal riveted posts and the site lagoons lie beneath banks. What people are doing currently, is driving up to the site and then having to walk to the sea wall. From this vantage point you can look down onto, and across the site. It is possible to drive quite close to the sea wall, leaving only a 50 yards or so walk.
If you decide just to have a drive and a look, you will need to get through a security barrier first. Just drive up to the barrier, and press the triangular button (ignore the signage stating about Novartis employees only). The barrier will lift automatically when you exit the site. 

Just been reading someone's account of first visit to the above on the clubs Twitter Feed.  They say it was well worth the trip.  
I was wondering if someone who goes regular can give me a few facts about the place.  I've seen a map of the place on here.  Would it be suitable for me?
Can I view from the car as I do at Nebraska Wetlands and  most of my other places?  I rarely get out car except to stretch my legs cos walking can be very painful.  Is there a car park or somewhere to park safely?    

Any advice appreciated!

Regards

John
PS: while I think on has East Halton Skitter altered much since my last visit about ten to fifteen years ago, blimey doesn't seem it, I could watch from car in those days., Thanks