We couldn't have wished for better weather today for our work party. I'm very glad now that the last two dates were cancelled! Blue skies, sunshine and it really did feel like spring.
Fourteen volunteers tackled a variety of tasks. The reed bed was tidied up to improve water flow, brambles removed from a few trees bordering paths, tree guards removed where appropriate, wobbly wooden structures firmed up and grass removed from the boardwalk. With bird nesting season on the horizon we really did need to get on with these jobs to avoid disturbance later.
Sheila Scarffe tempted us with her delicious cakes at half time and it was pleasant chatting in the sunshine while we recovered from earlier exertions. Soon we were back at work though and by one o'clock it really was amazing what we had achieved.
A very big thank you to everyone who came along today- you really did make a difference. Especial thanks to Sheila & Janet for reviving us with their refreshments.
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| priority task of the day |
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| getting a better flow of water |
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| uh-oh! are you stuck? |
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| a very fiddly job |
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| but pleasant enough in the sunshine |
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time for the tree guards to come off
but sometimes the brambles had to be cut back round them first |
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| diagonal struts should make the noticeboard stronger |
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this handrail needed attention too
(Some work still in progress on the wooden structures) |
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| a welcome rest |
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| heads in the sun, feet in the mud! |
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| what a view! |
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| the healthy option! |
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| but most of us couldn't resist the cakes |
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glad to see you take health and safety seriously, Ian,
but how will you drink your tea? |
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the reward !
the birds think we did a great job |
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| Long Tailed Tit |
During the morning we saw quite a lot of bird life, they didn't seem too unhappy with our presence.
SC210694 male Blackbird; Robin
SC208694 Robin and Wren came down where we had been working while we were having our break
SC209694 Great Tit . 2 x birds of prey flying over ( unfortunately no one had binoculars, so difficult to identify)
SC208694 3 x Long Tailed Tit in the willows
SC209694 Water Rail heard near the hide once everyone had gone.
I wasn't making proper notes so the above, done from memory, is not a full list.
Sorry I didn't manage to say goodbye and thanks to everyone individually before you left, but your hard work really is appreciated.
