Ballachurry Reserve, 23rd March 2019. Work Party.

I recently had a nightmare about calling a work party to paint the bird hide at Ballachurry Reserve and 40 people turned up!

 So I was taking no chances on Saturday! I explained to our regular volunteers that I was just inviting the 4 people who had worked on the hide and the boardwalk last time to come along once more to finish off these jobs. My husband, Richard, also came with his mower to give the grass its first cut of the season. I had a few jobs lined up for myself including staking some willow saplings transplanted last year but completely flattened by recent gales. So there were just the six of us.

The weather was perfect, a lovely sunny day, and I think we all enjoyed being out in the sunshine with worthwhile tasks to get on with. We even saw Reed Buntings flying round the reserve during the morning but the big surprise was a Brown Hare - a new record for the reserve.

a few more rotten planks to be replaced

the finished job

you can see the difference here

a second coat of preservative was clearly needed

easy to forget the bits that were out of sight
 but Peter was on the case!

a much smarter looking bird hide

this side gets all the sun ( when available!) so needed the most work

first cut of the year

just a path round the perimeter of our
potential wild flower meadow

the ground is so soft that the next
gale might blow the stakes over too!

our happy tea break in the sunshine

We also put up the Nesting Birds signs reminding people to keep to the paths for the next few months as many species of birds choose to nest on or near the ground rather than in trees or hedges. We therefore try to keep disturbance on the Reserve to a minimum and your co-operation is much appreciated.

This is also the reason why we shall not be working on the reserve over the spring and summer, apart from some occasional path maintenance perhaps.

However, there are other opportunities for volunteering with Trust should anyone be feeling energetic. The Reserves Officer has over 20 other reserves to keep up to scratch needing "muckers" just like us. There are also jobs in the office from time to time, likewise the shop in Peel. Help may be needed at Scarlett or the Ayres Visitors Centres and on stalls at shows. Volunteers also deliver newsletters to save postage. So why not contact the Trust to see how you might help? You will be made most welcome.

Phone: (01624) 844432

Email: enquiries@manxwt.org.uk

Or call in to the shop and office, during working hours, at:

7-8 Market Place, Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1AB             

I have been hugely grateful to everyone who has helped out at the Reserve over the past 12 months, not just for their hard work but also their moral support at Ballachurry.  I am looking forward to working with friends old and new again quite soon. Meanwhile, please keep checking this Blog to see how the wildlife is getting on this year or better still visit the reserve to see it at first hand.