Winter Worky Day In The Snow

Foxglove always looks spectacular in the snow and this morning Imogen took some beautiful photographs before anyone else arrived. If you look carefully you can spot the ducks waiting patiently for their breakfast!

This wasn't the only reason for going into work early, she was keen to study footage from a camera trap that had been put out the night before. 
She wasn't disappointed as a clear image of a Barn Owl was captured early this morning. Although not a great picture it is a great record for the site as Barn Owls are a recent addition to the species list. In other pictures it appears to be wearing a ring and could be one from the artificial nest box on the moor. This is not really a surprise as one has been seen daily close to the wetland over the last few weeks.

Although snowfall last night stopped several volunteers from turning out to the winter worky day, there was still a good sized group to tackle the final area to be coppiced this winter.

The above 'timed' photo took a little bit of organising involving cake tins, coffe cups and gloves! 

One of our youngest volunteers (only eight years old) was keen to feed the Exmoor ponies and headed up to see them with a sledge laden with hay.

With their natural food hidden beneath the snow they were very grateful for a little bit extra.

He also worked hard in the coppice block by cutting up brash into smaller pieces for the bonfire.

Many hands made light work of this task which was made all the more pleasant by the blue skies and powder snow.

It wasn't just the heat and flames on the fire that kept people warm; 'the best ever' hot chocolate and Bovril also ensured spirits remained high! The usual camaraderie, cakes and curry added to a perfect winter's day. Many thanks to all involved, same time next month?! The final Winter Worky Day will be on Saturday 2nd March, for details and to book your place see our events page.