Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes SSSI is a coastal reserve that includes a National Nature Reserve managed by Natural England and other areas managed by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. This important reserve contains tidal sand and mudflats, salt and freshwater marshes and sand dunes.

The group had worked here in the past but not for some years. Our work today was to cut back willow that is taking over areas of wet grassland, the priority habitat for that part of the reserve. Elliot from Natural England set us to work: initially it was hoped some of it could be pulled or dug up - but all turned out to be regrowth from large with a network of roots. Still, we worked hard as always and produced significant piles of cut material.

At lunchtime, Delphine the reserve manager (also from NE) made a visit to explain the habitats and management of the reserve to us.

It was a lovely place to work on a summer's day, warm at first with a breeze but decidedly hot by mid- afternoon. Some of us had an idea to walk to the sea, but after we walked to a high point and realised just how far it was across the marsh this was abandoned in favour of a rapid departure, stopping for ice cream and cold drinks on the way home. 

Thanks to Danielle for leading this task.
​Nicola

Toad (not a natterjack)