Working in the Willow

Sunshine and showers summarise the weather this week. In between the wintery rain the blue sky contrasted greatly with the reedbed in the Scrapes. 

Only a stone's throw from here, work continued on the main task for the winter which is to coppice one of the areas of Willow Carr. Although it looks quite drastic the vegetation soon grows back and by spring next year it will be green again.

Useful wood was carried out to the roadside to be used on other projects, it was quite a trek!

It was a good work out and although everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace it did get a little competitive!

Invasive Birch was cut down to make more space and light for the wildflowers such as Betony that flourish here.

By the end of the week, almost a third of the Willow was cut. Fingers crossed for some drier weather next week when the team hopes to get the job 'bossed'!

On the wetter days, the team thinned out more conifer plantation and edged the woodland walk path, this winter's 'wet weather' job! Inside the workshop, Mink rafts were built and signs were painted, it looked a little like Santa's workshop! 

Thank you to everyone who has worked on the reserve this week.