We don't usually have 2 Work Parties a month but this one is being
arranged around the availability of our volunteers with waders, as the
primary task will be to remove some Iris from the pond. It is to be held
on Saturday 24th November from 10 till 1 as usual. Those in the water
need a back-up team ( in wellies & waterproof gloves) to take the
iris to a designated area where they might well regrow, making a mini
claddagh area close to the pond. Please note that any iris taken out of
the pond must not be removed from the site as it may be contaminated
with New Zealand Pygmy Weed, an alien and undesirable species which
must not be spread to other locations on the Island. There will be other
related tasks for the back-up team including filling several buckets
of water from the stream to wash off waders, wellies and gloves at the
end of the task so that the weed is not inadvertently spread around the
reserve or off-site.
People not wishing to be
involved in pond maintenance will be asked to cut back brambles where
they are encroaching into the damp meadow and other areas + dig out self
sown willows along the path to the hide and transplant them to other
areas to fill in gaps.
Tools/ equipment
required: Wellies, waterproof gloves. Forks, spades, loppers secateurs,
shears, eye protection. We can provide some but bringing your own would
be helpful if possible.
I am bringing a couple
of pairs of spare waterproof gauntlets for those in the water, but
again if you have your own that would be helpful. I've been told that
wearing a pair of surgical gloves beneath the waterproof ones increases
warmth. Think about some warm socks too!
Refreshments provided, of course, but bring a mug if you can remember. I'll bring some extra for those who forget!
As
always this Work Party is weather dependant. I'll confirm once I've
heard the weather forecast the day before, so do check the Blog or your email ( if on the volunteer list) before
setting out if in any doubt.
I look forward to seeing some of you there.
Regards,
Sheila
