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(copyright unknown)
Cup of tea, Ian? |
This work party was called to tackle some pond maintenance. The weather was forecast to be dry but very cold - not ideal for working in water perhaps! However, the Reserve seemed to be sheltered from the wind and the sun came out from time to time, so conditions were not as bad as feared. Those working in the water assured me that they were actually quite warm with all the exertion!
We are unable to do these jobs in the spring and summer, when a dip in the pond might be more inviting, because of potential disturbance to our nesting birds such as the Water Rail or Moorhens . In autumn and winter we are allowed to remove vegetation but not dig out silt. It is all quite finely balanced timing. A further complication is the presence of New Zealand Pygmy Weed on site. This is an unwanted, alien species which is easily spread if suitable precautions are not taken. We seized the window of opportunity to get this job done before the cold, winter weather really sets in.
The Iris flags were marching resolutely forward and the plan was to take out about 1 metre along their leading edge. Brooklime was also advancing rapidly from the opposite direction and indeed the two had almost met up in places, so we took the opportunity to curb its enthusiasm a little too. The result of the volunteers' hard work is a pleasing balance between open water for the wildfowl, cover, and foraging areas.
None of the surplus vegetation can be removed from the site because of the potentially invasive Pygymy Weed that might be lurking amongst it, so appropriate bio-security measures were taken at every stage. This also means that any water creatures in the weed were able to return to the water.
This task demonstrated excellent team work with the few in the water passing the Iris and Brooklime back to those on the bank for safe redistribution. Some turns were taken with the waders and I was mightily relieved at the end of the morning that no one had fallen in or got stuck in the mud!
We had 11 volunteers on site so this meant other tasks could also be undertaken such as cutting back the brambles,which every year make a determined effort to invade our damp meadow area which is designated for wild flowers. We also took out some self sown willows from along the path and transplanted them to other areas where they were needed.
Of course we all enjoyed hot drinks and cake around half time and conversation inevitably turned to Christmas.
We have held 3 work parties in November so will be taking a break now in December for people to plan and enjoy their festive season. We'll take up our loppers again in the New Year with fresh vigour!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have helped out during 2018 at the Reserve.
Everyone is much appreciated, whether it is the "regulars" who turn up nearly every time or those who are only able to help out occasionally when time and circumstances permit. You have all done a great job this year and Ballachurry goes from strength to strength because of you.
Enjoy the break and have a lovely Christmas and New Year whether at home or off-island.
Sheila.
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high water levels meant some of the iris to be removed
was no longer visible above the water! |
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some experimentation was necessary to find
the best means of doing this job |
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| necessity is the mother of invention! |
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| the barrow was floating |
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| the Brooklime raked out rather more easily than the Iris |
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| those on the bank spread it out on a large plastic sheet |
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job done, waders, wellies and tools
had to be carefully sluiced off..... |
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| ....to ensure no NZ Pygmy weed was adhering to them |
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| the finished job... |
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| ....end of the morning |
Meanwhile...............
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| the "Ballachurry Bramblings" hard at work |
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| chopping up the brambles before disposal |
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| time for tea and a power nap! |
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| waders - the new fashion statement |
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| welcome cuppa |
And finally, I was pleased to receive a report from a Manx Ornithological Society Committee member of birds seen or heard at the reserve the following morning, which included Reed Buntings and the Water Rail. The wildlife comes back remarkably quickly after work party disturbance. Whilst loading up tools on Saturday before leaving, I noticed a Blackbird back in the rosehips just across the pond ( SC209694) and there were 2 Wrens together at the gate as I left ( SC210694). A Snipe flew off from near the pond as we all arrived ( SC209694), hopefully it will be back soon. Opportunist Robins followed us round ( SC209694) in the hope that we would turn up something tasty.
