Generous-hearted Lincs Bird Club member funds new hide at RSPB Blacktoft Sands

Thank you to everyone for your very kind comments, it’s been quite overwhelming. Pete Short, the Blacktoft staff and the lads from Gilleards must take the credit…they suffered all the stresses that such a project inevitably entails.

Reedling Hide is a fabulous structure and I hope many of you will derive much pleasure from using it (even if you do have to cross the county boundary!). Let’s just pray for a good rarity to rock up now at Blacktoft, but of course, it’s a fab site at any time of year!

Wow what an amazing thing to do, looking forward to using it. Thank you so much.

Thanks Joy, Can't wait to go to Blacktoft and use it.

Pete

What a great thing to do, I am sure the new hide will bring hours of enjoyment to many people and for years to come.
A truly generous gift.

HATS off to Lincolnshire Bird Club stalwart (and former committee member Joy Croot) who has funded construction of an observation hide  at  RSPB Blacktoft Sands.

Joy came to the rescue when, after some three decades, an  existing hide came to the end of its useful life.

The replacement is known as ‘Reedling Hide’, a name she chose after one of her favourite birds.

It was officially opened at a ceremony this morning.

Joy has been attending Blacktoft Sands as a volunteer warden since 2018 after retiring from her job as a dentist in Cleethorpes.

Says she: "It is a beautiful reserve and so peaceful, with superb birds and very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

"There’s always something to see - not least a dozen pairs of marsh harriers in spring and summer. 

"I have learned so much here and just wanted to give something back.

"The new hide is fantastic. The RSPB team has done the hard graft and Garthorpe-based manufacturers Gilleard have done a great job."

Says RSPB philanthropy manager Sarah Standing: "It has  been such a pleasure to keep in touch with Joy and see the hide project come to fruition thanks to her decision to support the RSPB in this special way."

Reedling Hide stands higher than the  Xerox Hide, the one it replaced, and offers spectacular, unrestricted views across the site.

Built dual-level, it was designed with accessibility in mind, so everyone can enjoy the sights and scenery.

The building features an accessible lower deck served by two doors, allowing easy access for people with reduced mobility, and has the potential for a ‘pandemic-proof’ one-way system. 

A stairway leads to the upper floor with a viewing gallery which runs the whole length of the structure.

RSPB community engagement officer, Darren Johnson, comments: "We want people to access nature, and this new hide helps us achieve that."