Our main task at Snakeholme was to rake up pre-cut grass and dispose of it well back in the ditch at the back of the meadow. This is part of the management of the reserve, to reduce nutrients and thus favour the wildflowers that thrive here. 

We'd also been asked to remove two sycamore trees and cut back some ash and osier that were overshadowing the meadow.

It was a hot day but fortunately we had a great turnout of 14 volunteers so were able to get the work done with plenty of time for rests, conversation and looking round the reserve. Toads and voles were spotted and Richard shared his knowledge of various flowers and bugs (notably willow emerald damselflies). We spotted some litter in the layby so Julian volunteered to do a clean up - and filled two and a half bin bags!

More information about this reserve is available at butterfly-conservation.org/our-work/reserves/snakeholme-pit-lincolnshire.
​
Nicola

Before

Volunteers hard at work

After

Disposing of the cuttings