[Johnny Brown]

Word to the tradders/ evening soloists amongst you:

Ring Ouzels are back at Stanage and are nesting in the Green Crack area. As of today (signs should be in place by tomorrow) there will be a restriction on climbing for a short distance either side.

This is a traditional site and the restricted area is likely to follow the extent agreed in previous years; from April Crack to Narrow Buttress. Usually it will be in place for four weeks or so.

As yet this is the first pair nesting on a climb; if more appear other restrictions may be put in place, though generally we find most nests do not require a restriction. Likewise pairs sometimes move, or nests fail, and restrictions may be lifted early.

Updates will be posted below, but if in doubt, please follow the on site signage.

[lagerstarfish]

Just wondering; will they be putting signs at the top of the crag too?

[Johnny Brown]

Its a tricky one - they tend to attract more attention from birders and photographers. The narrow buttress descent should be okay so probably not.

[dave]

Maybe worth emailing bear grylls incase he happens to swing by with his helicopter for an evenings quiet soloing.

[lagerstarfish]

or in case Richard Hammond turns up with his shopping trolley

[Wood FT]

or in case Richard Hammond turns up with his shopping trolley

Morrisons making great savings on that rig using a boulder as the pivot point

[Johnny Brown]

UPDATE: Saturday 12th May

There are now nest restrictions in five locations on Bamford, Burbage and Stanage.

On STANAGE:

Firstly the restriction detailed above in the GREEN CRACK/ RUSTY WALL area.

Secondly there are two lower key restrictions in the Plantation and above the Causeway. We try not to draw attention to the nest sites where possible (increasingly photographers are seeking them out), so I'll not mention the exact sites, but the signs are obvious enough if you are in the area. Thanks to the party who left the Causeway site earlier today before the signs went up, the birds are back on the nest and no lasting damage was done.

Similarly there is another low-key restriction on the southern end of Bamford.

At BURBAGE:

There is a nest right of the Knight's Move area on Burbage North. Most of the routes are unaffected but please avoid the routes to the right - Big Chimney, Windjammer etc, and particularly the descent path beyond. There is a good descent at the other end of the buttress so no big ask. This area is now well signed so things should be pretty obvious. The crag breaks down a bit to the south so any routes further on (ie beyond Barry Manilow) should be fine.

Most of the eggs in these nests have now hatched so you can expect the restrictions to last about two weeks. As ever, the signs on site will change first, so follow them over info elsewhere.

[Palomides]

UPDATE: Saturday 12th May

There are now nest restrictions in five locations on Bamford, Burbage and Stanage.

On STANAGE:

Firstly the restriction detailed above in the GREEN CRACK/ RUSTY WALL area.

Secondly there are two lower key restrictions in the Plantation and above the Causeway. We try not to draw attention to the nest sites where possible (increasingly photographers are seeking them out), so I'll not mention the exact sites, but the signs are obvious enough if you are in the area.

Last Saturday (5th May) I was at the start of the route named on the Plantation sign. My friend and I had approached the route (which is on an upper tier) from the right-hand side, not along the top of the crag. I'd placed the first microwire from the ground and was about to put my shoes on and tie-in when some friends shouted up from below to let me know about the restriction.

This route was one I'd been wanting to try for ages, but I packed up and left the area immediately.

I don't really think that the sign is in the right place, or is just not obvious enough, given that it is in the center of the banned area, but anyone going to climb on the upper tier is not going to pass it, but go up a path about 10m to the left or right.

I even checked this thread before getting on the plane last Friday!

[Johnny Brown]

Thanks for the info. In many ways a pair of climbers oblivious to the birds are preferable than a gang of photographers following their every move, so I'd rather the signs in quiet areas like this aren't obvious.

However they should stop you getting on the route; I wasn't there when that one was placed, will make sure another sign or two go in.

If anyone has any similar comments just post on here or UKC, or email me or phone asap.

[Johnny Brown]

Went back up and checked the Plantation nest yesterday. The nest is on the lower tier, and the female is a tight sitter, so you could probably climb merrily on the upper tier without problems. However that is likely to draw conscientious types to think you are infringing the ban, so will probably stick another sign in as suggested.

PS, do I read this right, you came to Stanage by plane?

[Palomides]

My carbon footprint is a bit small so I have to go to extreme ends to enlarge it.

(Actually I live in France and had a trip back to do a few routes that'd I'd never got round to. HT was high on that list... but I backed off anyway. Aren't I a good boy :wrysmile:)

[Johnny Brown]

UPDATE: Monday 28th May

Thanks for everyone's cooperation so far.

STANAGE:

The chicks successfully fledged from the nest on Green crack late last week, so there is no restriction here currently. The birds are likely to have a sewcond brood nearby though, so watch out for signs.

Likewise the other Stanage sites have either fledged or are very near, so we should have a short period with no restrictions this week.

BURBAGE:

Apparently all the nests (7 in all) in the Burbage have sadly failed due to predation, probably by corvids. So no restrictions at present. The birds will likely try for a second brood, and will need all the help they can. Its a tricky question whether climbers are more likely to scare predators off or to draw them in by leaving food, but some predator control may have to be considered in the long run... a can of worms for sure!

[Johnny Brown]

STANAGE

Just taken the restriction OFF at Leaning Buttress, as the nest was destroyed by a crow yesterday. So no restrictions on the Popular end at the mo.

The nest at Tower Face is still doing well, and the restriction will remain in place probably for another couple of weeks.

[groovedog]

BURBAGE:

Apparently all the nests (7 in all) in the Burbage have sadly failed due to predation, probably by corvids. So no restrictions at present. The birds will likely try for a second brood, and will need all the help they can. Its a tricky question whether climbers are more likely to scare predators off or to draw them in by leaving food, but some predator control may have to be considered in the long run... a can of worms for sure!
[/quote]

Whats a corvid? Fox, rat?

Its a big shame that all 7 nests had failed. Never seen as many Ring Ouzels as I have this year.

[Stubbs]

Whats a corvid? Fox, rat?

In this case I assume crows?

[Johnny Brown]

Indeed. Hic, hoc, the carrion crow.

Nets predated by crows typically have the nest ripped out and scattered down the hillside. Mustelids (Stoats, Weasels) rarely do this, but they often succeed in surprising the female on the nest, so there are usually a few of her feathers lying about.

[groovedog]

UKB is the new Spring watch!

cheers for the knowledge.