The priority task is to demolish the wooden bridge near the bird hide. Do I hear a few cries of dismay? Let me quickly explain that this is to reduce access and disturbance to a very sensitive area round the pond. Water fowl could well be using this area for breeding. Not only this, as we all know, if there is a bridge we immediately want to stand on it. (I was doing it myself, only a few days ago!) This one overlooks the pool which again causes disturbance so it's better to remove the temptation. The smaller bridge will remain. This task will need some muscle and we are obtaining some crowbars to do the job.
There will be other less strenuous tasks for those not involved in bridge removal. I have discovered a whole lot more tree guards which need to come out as a matter of urgency, A couple of trees still need staking ( yes, I know I said that the last twice!) If ground conditions are suitable we might try to get down those last few plastic grids to repair the paths near the junction. Boardwalk maintenance etc. etc. If a delivery of wood chip is made earlier in the week then we may have time to start barrowing it for path restoration. So something for everyone I think.
We realise that Easter is not ideal for some people but if you are able to come along that would be great. If you have both muscles and a crowbar you will be made especially welcome! Other useful tools might be pliers/wire cutters ( to get the mesh off the bridge), something suitable for removing the screws on the bridge,old screwdrivers to get the grass off the boardwalk, Barrows and rakes for the wood chip, Stanley knives or whatever you found useful last time for removing tree guards. Working gloves and suitable foot ware, of course.
An eye will be kept on the weather forecast and a cancellation notice sent out to those on the email list if necessary, ( to have your address added to this list please email me at ballachurryreports@gmail.com The emails go out as bcc so your address remains private) Otherwise, check the Blog before leaving home if you are uncertain.
Have a Happy Easter whatever you are doing next week-end.
Finally an apology for the variety of background colours in this post - cut and paste jobs create problems!
