​A return to this fantastic RSPB nature reserve near Newark. We were there to help the warden, David with their long term project (40 years+) to extend the wetland habitat along the River Trent after active gravel extractions are completed. https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/langford-lowfields/ 

​The work can only be done during August and early September when birds have finished nesting and before the water levels rise, and only on Sundays when the nearby quarry is not in action. We hope to go back next year. The work done so far has already proven very successful with at least 2 confirmed nesting Bitterns and possibly a third in the adjacent area next to where we were working.

​Nine of us turned out and walked the mile or so to the worksite. David and his small group of regular volunteers had already delivered the reeds and fencing so we waded across to the manmade island and spread out in pairs to set about planting. The weather was pleasant, not too hot which was just as well as there is no shade. We worked our way along the edges of the island planting the reeds about 6 plants deep. David surrounded the planted areas with wire mesh fencing to keep out the geese that would happily eat all the reeds but don’t like landing in narrow fenced areas. Breaks were had back on the ‘mainland’ in comfy bucket seats. By about 3pm we had run out of plants and called it a day, we estimated (if I remember correctly) we had planted about 2500 reeds.
Julian