Fortunately, the weather forecast changed from the predicted rain all day to the rain stopping in the early hours, so we ended up with a pleasant dry day, perfect for working in. We had 8 volunteers so had to prioritise from the tasks the wardens had given us.

We started on the car park post and rail fence, which we usually we paint each year. This time we also replaced 2 posts - quite a task digging them out but it took just a couple of minutes to put in the new ones - and numerous broken rails. We first had to cut back the tall grass with shears and scythes to get access to the posts and there was also a little trimming of the hedge behind, where it encroached.
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Then all was needed was many brushes painting everything wooden, including the reserve signs.​

​I had moved some fly tipped rubbish to a corner and only later noticed I had just missed putting the bags on a group of Bee Orchids.

​The other task we tackled was to open up the path leading away from the car park to the drain.  It took a lot of work scything and cutting back the grass and hogweed that had closed the path right in.

We had swifts buzzing around catching bugs most of the day, which was a marvel to watch.
A very enjoyable day getting a load of exercise and catching up with people while doing a worthwhile job.

​Jeff