A typical summer task at this Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve beside the River Witham just a few miles from Lincoln, and although the forecast had indicated a high probability of rain, in the end we just had one short, sharp shower and a few spots now and again.

The car park had become very overgrown along the fence line, and parts of the fence were broken – rotten posts and broken or missing rails. We cut back overgrown grass round the edge of the car park and trimmed back bits of hedges that had grown over the fence. 

Before

After

The fence was repaired and it certainly looked a lot better – particularly after it was given a coat of wood stain. 

Overgrown grass and hedge plants along paths into the reserve and to the bird hide were cut back to the established path line, to ensure safe access for walkers. We also cut back long grass around rotten posts in the fence along the meadow, to make it easy for a contractor to find and replace them. Finally we cleaned the information signs. ​​

At lunch time we held our Annual General Meeting in the bird hide (built in the style of a Bronze Age hut; the River Witham was very important for trade at that time).

​Overall it was a very satisfying day for the nine of us who were there, and made even better by the delicious tea bread that Sophie brought – made by her aunt.
 
Jude