This was Lincoln Conservation Group's 25th anniversary task, i.e. our first was in October 25 years ago, 1994. The weather forecast for Sunday had been bad for some days, the only variation being whether the heavy rain would last all day or give way to light rain at times. However, 13 determined volunteers turned up at Hartsholme ready for anything and in the event it hardly rained at all!

The project today was to open up views of one of the Swanholme lakes, to improve visitors' appreciation and let in some light to the water's edge. This involved two jobs: building a viewing structure in one spot and re-coppicing the adjacent stretch of tall willows, alders etc. Fortunately there were volunteers with a clear preference for each of these and we were soon hard at work. ​Ranger Al worked with the construction group at first then left us to it.

Three volunteers chose a third option offered by Al, clearing regrowth of birch and brambles from an area of heath nearby. Since the previous clearance, heather has been growing back well in this area and the Rangers want to encourage this to retain variety of habitat in the reserve. 

Richard found and identified some Gorse Shieldbugs on the bushes near where we were working. Here's some info about them: https://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Pentatomidae/piezodorus_lituratus.html

As usual we got through an impressive amount of work, despite all the chatting, welcome tea break (with celebration cakes) and lunch. The viewing enclosure, with bench, was completed; the lake view appeared as large amounts of wood were cut and used to replenish dead hedges; and an area of heather was freed from scrub.

All in all it was a great day with a variety of tasks - and we couldn't believe our luck that the rain held off! Al has let us know that he's already had some great comments about the view point and the tree work.