Work in the Reed Bed
Today the Adams and Lizzie have been working on the reed bed. This is a continuation of work to improve the quality of the reed bed habitat by cutting it back on a three year rotation. Since we started managing it we have seen an increase in sightings of Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting, it is hoped that with continued improvement we might see Reed Warblers in this area in the future.
Here is a selection of photographs to show how the work was done.
Before work started.
We used hedge-cutters and strimmers to cut through the reed. Some sections of the reedbed were deeper than others; fortunately Adam had his waders on!
Once the whole area had been cut we raked off the loose cuttings to prevent them from building up in the channel which would in time cause it to dry out.
We left the cuttings on the edge of the reed bed to allow any toads and insects to make their way back to the water. Tomorrow we will go back and remove it ready to be burnt.
The finished article…
The Wednesday flower walkers were out in force today searching for any early bloomers. They came across Daisy, Gorse, Greater Spearwort, Ragwort Spear Thistle (just!!) as well as a Buzzard displaying which drew their eyes upwards temporarily.
