What a glorious day! Dry but cloudy to start. Rain through most of the morning. Dry, hail, dry during lunch and early afternoon. We were warm and nearly dry after standing round the dying embers of the bonfire at the end of the day and then … it rained all the way back home so we all got wet again.
But nothing could dampen the spirits of the nineteen volunteers who turned out for the task at this lovely, and largely unknown, reserve not far from Tritton Road. Ponds, lakes, woodland, a distant view of the cathedral. Many of us were able to walk or cycle there.
We cleared scrub regrowth, brambles and saplings around the edges of the ponds scattered through the reserve, so that waterside plants have plenty of light to flourish. The very welcome bonfire got rid of most of the scrub, with larger pieces of wood stacked to create an insect-friendly habitat pile.
Anne and Howard did a wonderful job of rebuilding a dead hedge by the bird hide to stop people from walking in front of it and disturbing birds on the lake. (Why would you battle your way round in front of the hide when there is an easy path through the reserve?) Andy, a local birdwatcher, was delighted with the hedge and (appropriately) has tweeted a photo of it.
We nearly had a crisis when the hot water for drinks almost ran out – thanks to the large turnout and everyone needing drinks at lunch time as well as tea break to warm up – but we managed.
Thanks to Niamh for doing the brew kit – and reminding me to get the milk! – and to everyone who worked so hard through less than perfect weather conditions.
Jude
But nothing could dampen the spirits of the nineteen volunteers who turned out for the task at this lovely, and largely unknown, reserve not far from Tritton Road. Ponds, lakes, woodland, a distant view of the cathedral. Many of us were able to walk or cycle there.
We cleared scrub regrowth, brambles and saplings around the edges of the ponds scattered through the reserve, so that waterside plants have plenty of light to flourish. The very welcome bonfire got rid of most of the scrub, with larger pieces of wood stacked to create an insect-friendly habitat pile.
Anne and Howard did a wonderful job of rebuilding a dead hedge by the bird hide to stop people from walking in front of it and disturbing birds on the lake. (Why would you battle your way round in front of the hide when there is an easy path through the reserve?) Andy, a local birdwatcher, was delighted with the hedge and (appropriately) has tweeted a photo of it.
We nearly had a crisis when the hot water for drinks almost ran out – thanks to the large turnout and everyone needing drinks at lunch time as well as tea break to warm up – but we managed.
Thanks to Niamh for doing the brew kit – and reminding me to get the milk! – and to everyone who worked so hard through less than perfect weather conditions.
Jude
