We were blessed with a dry but windy day for this task at Whisby Nature Park. We had 12 volunteers who were lured by my promise of mince pies and the chance to meet again the friendly sheep we have met at Woodhall Spa Airfied LWT reserve on previous tasks. The sheep apparently love nibbling brambles and soon tucked into green shoots exposed during our clearance work.
We have worked in this general area before, as part of a major long-term project to improve the reedbed habitat. Today we coppiced an area to improve the age structure of the wood, graduate the vegetation from reedbed through to mature woodland, open up a network of ponds to let in light, and prevent the trees at the front becoming mature enough to drop seed into the reeds. All cut material was formed into habitat piles.
Under the guidance of warden Emily, we also ringed some of the larger birch trees - probably the first time our group had experienced this technique. This will create standing deadwood, which has proved a great habitat for invertebrates and birds, especially the woodpeckers.
We made a good impression on this enjoyable task opening up the area, which I’m sure will be an ongoing task for the future.
Jeff
Jeff