Letting In Light

The main task for today was to clear back overhanging branches from a pond along Risedale Beck. A team of staff and volunteers tackled the challenge and with a chainsaw going for the first time this year progress was quick! A small fire was made to burn the brash while bigger logs were added to nearby habitat piles. 

Working so close to the pond edge that was surrounded by trees was tricky and the only way to get from one side to the other was to wade!

By lunchtime, the job was done and so another one from the ever increasing list was chosen; cutting the Bluebell Bank. This will reduce the amount of competition from other plants such as Bracken and encourage more Bluebells to grow next spring. The Bracken had already been crushed at the end of the summer to knock it back.

Whilst waiting for the strimmers to get a head start, the 'rakers' made the most of a brief rest on the moorland stones.

It wasn't long until the rakes were required to make a start in tidying up the cuttings. Raking also helps to spread the wildflower seeds over the area.

Another productive day! Thank you to all involved.

Finally, there are lots of events planned for the autumn months. The Halloween trail is set out so come along and see if you can find and solve all of the clues hidden on the red route (easy access trail). Clues will be left out until the end of half term. Quiz sheets are available from the field centre for £1 and the answers can be found at the end.