There was nothing Christmassy about the weather for our traditional between-Christmas-and-New-
Year workday. Lots of rain in the days beforehand meant that everywhere was wet, and more rain
was forecast for later in the day.
Year workday. Lots of rain in the days beforehand meant that everywhere was wet, and more rain
was forecast for later in the day.
But it was fine, and warmer than we expected, when ten of us gathered at Digby Corner nature
reserve, on the edge of Digby village. Its potential as a reserve was first identified in the 1990s by
LCG founder Richard Davidson, and it has been a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve since that
time. Although it is small – about one hectare – the wildflower meadow and berry-rich scrub
supports a surprising variety of birds and butterflies.
reserve, on the edge of Digby village. Its potential as a reserve was first identified in the 1990s by
LCG founder Richard Davidson, and it has been a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust reserve since that
time. Although it is small – about one hectare – the wildflower meadow and berry-rich scrub
supports a surprising variety of birds and butterflies.
We had three main jobs for the day. The priority was to clear scrub that was growing out from the bank of the ditch that runs through the reserve and gradually encroaching on the green lane parallel to it. The scrub is an essential feature of the reserve, but if it isn’t managed it takes over and
reduces the biodiversity of the site. The LWT reserve warden, Sophie, had cut a lot of it with a brush
cutter a few days before our visit, but we cut back more along the less accessible parts of the ditch
bank. We raked up and burnt the cut scrub (known as 'arisings').
reduces the biodiversity of the site. The LWT reserve warden, Sophie, had cut a lot of it with a brush
cutter a few days before our visit, but we cut back more along the less accessible parts of the ditch
bank. We raked up and burnt the cut scrub (known as 'arisings').
Our second job was to gather up and burn small piles of arisings left around the reserve at the end of previous workdays with local volunteers. Our final job was to cut back a small block of scrub that was spreading over one corner of the wildflower meadow, to ensure that this important grassland area stays clear.
As lunchtime approached, we felt the first spots of rain, and it soon got heavier. Nick D and Nick W
rushed to string up a large tarpaulin from trees by our lunch site, improvising additional support
poles from the rakes and forks we’d been using on the task! And as the heavens opened and the
rain poured down, we stayed more or less dry, huddling under the temporary roof. There were a few
drips as, too late, we realised that the tarp we’d used had some small holes in it. But we didn’t mind
a bit of discomfort because, in addition to our sandwiches, we had treats of lots of sausage rolls,
mince pies, Florentines and chocolate biscuits to enjoy.
rushed to string up a large tarpaulin from trees by our lunch site, improvising additional support
poles from the rakes and forks we’d been using on the task! And as the heavens opened and the
rain poured down, we stayed more or less dry, huddling under the temporary roof. There were a few
drips as, too late, we realised that the tarp we’d used had some small holes in it. But we didn’t mind
a bit of discomfort because, in addition to our sandwiches, we had treats of lots of sausage rolls,
mince pies, Florentines and chocolate biscuits to enjoy.
By the end of lunch, the rain had stopped and we were able to finish removing all the cut scrub - and
also had time to clear a short stretch of the ditch that was partially blocked with fallen leaves and
other plant debris.
also had time to clear a short stretch of the ditch that was partially blocked with fallen leaves and
other plant debris.
It was a most enjoyable task. Thanks to everyone for your hard work and good cheer, undampened
by the rain!
Jude
by the rain!
Jude