Conservation Conversations: July 2026 on the Holkham National Nature Reserve
July 28, 2026 | Nature news | 3 minute read
Sadly there was no let up in the dry conditions in July, in fact we experienced some of the summer’s hottest days. We managed to keep some water on a few of our scrapes and these proved a lifeline for migrant waders like Ruff, Green Sandpipers and Black-tailed Godwits. Three Glossy Ibis continued to grace us with their presence but due to their immaturity no nesting attempts were made, despite a pair investigating an old Heron’s nest. Perhaps next year!
black tailed godwits c. Andy Bloomfield
All our nesting Little Terns lost their young this year, Red Kites were seen taking young birds but whether they took them all we could not say for sure. At least there were some Ringed Plover young that made it but only two Oystercatcher chicks survived, one miraculously on the busy Wells beach. Presumably the number of human visitors kept the predators away.
One success story this year was the breeding Cattle Egrets, at least 35 youngsters fledged from Decoy Wood, a fantastic success. Another success story was that of the humble Stonechat, some 26 breeding territories were found on the reserve this year, the most we have ever had. It is a species that will have more than one brood in a season and obviously does well in the good weather.
cattle egret c. Andy Bloomfield
Apart from birds, we ended up having great success with our Natterjack toads. Despite the drying of their breeding areas, we saw several hundred toadlets, a phenomenon that does not occur that often.
Clouded Yellow butterflies were widespread on our farmland throughout July and should still be on the wing in August. Belated news of a new butterfly species for the reserve, the Purple Emperor was seen in late June. It is a spectacular woodland species that has been increasing throughout southern England in the last ten years and we have been hoping one might appear. It likes to breed in willows with oaks nearby, a niche habitat that the reserve has in the Meals wood, so maybe this might be the start of another Holkham story.
purple emperor butterfly c. Andy Bloomfield
One Holkham story that is set to be told to a wider audience is that of the marshes and their abundance of birds, within a new 216-page book entitled Wetland Wings – the History of Holkham Marsh and its Birds. Written by warden Andy Bloomfield and published by Holkham it is a colourful and thought provoking celebration of a living wetland and its birdlife. Signed copies are on sale in the Holkham Gift Shop at £40.
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