This weekend saw us once again helping out at this local nature reserve, an old orchard abandoned for many years then rescued by local residents and Lincolnshire County Council in 1995. The orchard is managed on a voluntary basis by Richard Borrill and a small number of local residents, for the benefit of the community and wildlife.
Working alongside and under the guidance of Richard, our main task today was to cut back overgrown brambles that were encroaching onto a path and overwhelming some of the smaller fruit trees. This will create space for fresh regrowth and hopefully more delicious blackberries in due course. The cut material - a considerable amount - was disposed of gradually via a bonfire.
The forecast had been for heavy rain over the weekend - but with uncertainty as to when it would arrive. In the event we were lucky, as it passed through overnight and we had fine, mild weather, with even some sunshine at times. The site was pretty soggy underfoot after the repeated heavy rain we've been having but we avoided the flooded areas and trod carefully.
The work may have required less skill than last time's hedgelaying but this had its advantages - more opportunity to chat to fellow volunteers while working and less chance of getting cold. It was a very enjoyable and satisfying - if tiring - day (further enhanced by Richard's kind provision of excellent M&S biscuits!).
We've tended to work at this site in the autumn, so it was really nice to see it in the spring, with a lovely display of snowdrops and cherry plum.
Nicola
Nicola