Summertime

During the summer months some of the habitats are grazed by livestock. These Dexter Cattle, on loan from Big Sheep, Little Cow in Bedale, are helping to lower the sward and poach some of the ponds on the wetland.

It is clear from the photographs that it has been a good growing season and there is plenty of work for them to do!

Some of the Bluebell banks and wildflower meadows require a more even cut and this is often done using strimmers. Later this year we are hoping to host some scything courses to be run by Steve Tomlin Crafts. This could be a perfect way going forwards as in Steve's own words it would mean:

“No more ear defenders, visor, strimmer fumes or noise; just the sound of the birds and the swish of your blade.” 

In the meantime, strimmers are necessary but all cutting is always done with the utmost of care, even avoiding thistles which are a valuable source of nectar!

Most of the work carried out recently has been on summer maintenance tasks such as replacing rotten gate posts…

...and painting the newly replaced boardwalk. Thank you to all of the staff, volunteers and work placement students who have assisited with these big projects.

A reminder that on Saturday 6th August we will be celebrating 30 years of Foxglove Covert with a day packed with Natural History events. There will be walks to discover more about butterflies, dragonflies, birds, flowers and insects. Please see the events page for details.