Our regular work force has been notified of these dates by email but extra help is always welcome so do come along if you want to lend a hand.
Next Saturday, 11th August, was the fallback date if wet for Saturday's dragonfly walk at Cringle Reservoir. As the walk went ahead, next Saturday is now free to hold a work party at Ballachurry. Usual time - 10 until 1, or whatever you can manage in that time frame.
Tasks:
Digging out docks and Hemlock Water Dropwort from the damp meadow as we do not want these to spread or take over.
Laying the final grids along a section of path and possibly slightly raising a couple of those put down last time
Strimming/ shearing back the edges of the boardwalk
Removing grass from under the gate so it can be opened easily.
Hand weeding the boardwalk and ramp to the hide
Cutting back bracken and brambles from the pathways as last time + the few brambles that are overhanging the footway outside the reserve.
Making the single hurdle by the hide more secure.
Tools needed: barrows if you can get yours there easily
forks / spades for digging
loppers, secateurs, shears etc.
old screwdrivers can be useful for getting between the mesh on the boardwalk etc.
Some tools will be provided but it helps if you can bring your own.
Please wear suitable footware, work gloves + suncream and insect repellant if you use them (flies can be bothersome at this time of year)
There will also be a Work Party on Saturday 1st September to cut back vegetation along the two streams and dredge out silt where necessary. A reminder will go out nearer the time. September is our only opportunity to do this job because of restrictions governing water courses, so if the work party has to be cancelled on the 1st we shall try again the following week.
Later in the year we shall be raking off the meadow areas, repairing the boardwalk and repainting the hide as well as routine bramble clearing from the main ditch etc. We shall also be filling the new grids with pea gravel.
So now you know what lies ahead!
