Now the bird nesting season is over our Work Parties can resume in earnest. We shall be meeting at the Reserve next Saturday, 3rd September, at 10 a.m. and have a variety of tasks in mind. These include cutting back the ivy and overhanging vegetation along the pavement. Within the reserve itself we shall be doing some "gardening" on what will become the wildflower glade.We shall remove a few docks and a large Hemlock Water Dropwort plant and plant some Flag Iris in their place. We'll be lifting and dividing some of the Marsh Marigolds and Meadowsweet plants and spreading them around the area. There is also some general path maintenance required where brambles and willow branches are intruding.
All of this will be taking place at the same time as a major task gets under way on the Bird Hide. James Nolan, who originally built the hide with the participation of children from Castle Rushen High School, will be replacing the Hide roof. Helped by a couple of our regular volunteers he will be demonstrating how to construct a "Green Roof". Anyone with an interest in how this is done is very welcome to come along to observe without being expected to take part in the work itself, as the task is being run as a Workshop.
We are very grateful to local firm J.D. Landscapes Ltd. for providing the turf for the roof free of charge. Also to Magic Carpets for allowing us to raid their skip!
Those attending the Working Party will find gardening gloves useful. Some tools will be provided but additional shears, garden forks and spades would be welcome. We shall also need some watering cans to water in the newly planted perennials.
As always, refreshments will be provided.
Hope to see you there!
