The Lull Before The Storm

Woodland work continued this morning as it was a good sheltered location with the forecast predicting gale force winds and heavy rain. Diseased Ash, Cherry and Sitka Spruce trees were cut down to make space for the new native hardwood trees that have been donated by Bettys tearooms.

The timber was graded into various piles; some for habitat, some for path edging and the brash for the bonfire. This tidy up operation will also reduce the risk of forest fire in the hot summer months.

The larger trees that were in good health were brashed up to head height to allow more light in to the woodland floor. Some of the dead trees that were away from the path were left standing for the wildlife too.

Thanks to Elizabeth T, staff and volunteers were treated to a delicious homemade pie. With that and Jo's lovely tea loaf everybody was re-energised and raring to get back to work!

With a storm predicted for later in the day, it was decided to work inside the workshop on the benches that had been brought back to dry. The seats from the outdoor classroom were oiled and came up really well. 

A bench from the Easy Access Route was also sanded down ready to be stained with preserver later this week.

Out on the moor, James from the Coxon Brothers (civil and environmental engineers) was busy flailing the Gorse on the outside of the reserve fence. This was necessary as the Gorse was beginning to damage the wooden posts.

The view from Plover's Pool is quite different now with some Hawthorn trees newly revealed.

Volunteers also replenished the vole feeding platforms with apples, edged footpaths and cleaned more bird feeders. Our sincere thanks to all who helped to make today another productive one on the reserve.