A Very Special Day

I’d like to add my congratulations to all involved in developing, maintaining and promoting a very special Reserve.

I would like to join Tim in thanking the very many people who have contributed positively to the reserve over 25 years.  The early days were hard with no power tools, in fact almost no tools at all.  Pioneering, determined young men and women took 9 months to reach what is now the lake - that is how long it took to cut a route through the tangled wilderness.  Bringing cabins onto site along muddy tracks was a serious challenge, and many young soldiers worked hard to dig out bogged vehicles, ease the heavy structures into position, and place them securely on plinths to prevent them sinking. The early volunteers spent months at a time crawling round on their hands and knees clearing the heath.  Since those early days countless people have helped in countless ways, carrying in the Phragmites, clearing the scrapes, cutting the woodland off the surface of the lake, removing acres of dense, dark conifer, and clearing Risedale Beck of two decades of fallen hard woods.  Much has been achieved, and receiving this award today for the 3rd time, is a fitting tribute to those who have given generously of their time and skills.  Just as importantly, the recorders and ringers have accumulated a huge collection of data which has been gratefully acknowledged by various agencies.  We are not finished yet - there is much to do, and we move on to a second phase with exciting aspirations and options on the horizon.