The new Tern Hide is going up, work started on Monday with the footings, Tuesday saw the framework go up.
Framework going in
Going up
Taking shape
As you can see this is a somewhat different structure to the old hide. It has a steel frame and is raised off the ground, the old hide suffered when the floor started rotting out, not helped by the odd flood when water was flowing under the hide base.
By the end of the day the panels are starting to go up
It will take time to get all the sides up and roof on, and then there are the windows and internal fixings to do, but work is progressing well despite the windy conditions.
Starting to look like a hide now
The hide will have some higher level windows to make it easier to stand up and use a telescope on a tripod, hopefully a boon when doing a winter gull watch. Although it may not look it, it is larger in every dimension so it should also not get quiet so much of a crush when we do get a crowd in.
We have also made a more defined and level view point on the bank at the rear of the car park, which will give a great overall view of the lake and valley as a whole. Hopefully much better viewing all round.
I still do not expect work to be completed before the end of the month, but as you can see progress is now good.
This project has been made possible thanks to funds from the Veolia Environmental Trust.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve 