We had planned our first Work Party of the New Year for Saturday, 8th January but the weather forecast was for a wet morning so we switched it to Sunday instead. Sunday was forecast to be cloudy with isolated showers but as far as Ballachurry was concerned the forecast was totally wrong! We enjoyed a morning of blue skies and no showers at all. No one complained!
Our main task for the morning was to cut the Blackthorn right down to ground level where it had suckered into the paths over the years and was now making mowing difficult for the contractor during the summer season. With 13 volunteers on site this did not take as long as expected and after the break we returned to our regular task of cutting back brambles under the willows across the bridge and round the old beehive loop near the ash trees. Brambles are excellent for wildlife so we try to restrict their management to a minimum but do set a few "frontiers" which they must not pass!
Janet also cut back a large willow which had been affecting the growth of a young oak tree. The oak looked very happy to be given its freedom once more! Perhaps it can now catch up with its siblings nearby.
We had three new volunteers on site today and we regulars would like to extend a warm welcome to them all. Likewise to Mike who has been unable to join us for a while, but who was back with us once more today. Everyone worked very hard to get these winter tasks done and their efforts were much appreciated. We also very much enjoyed the cake Janet had baked to revive us during our coffee break. Thank you, Janet.
We now need a spell of dry weather so that the floods subside near the boardwalk site and this important task can be resumed and completed.
Just a few photos from Sunday's Work Party. Apologies to those whose photo I did not manage to take on this occasion.
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attacking the Blackthorn with a will (and a pair of loppers!)
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more room for the mower to get through in future
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chopping it up into more manageable lengths
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to go into the barrow
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before taking it to an area where it can rot down
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or perhaps it was unnecessary to chop it first?
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it could be chopped on site instead
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we tried various disposal techniques
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before breaking for refreshments -
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still smiling despite their exertions
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good to sit down
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and a chance to catch up on Christmas news
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a hot drink and a slice of cake before turning attention to brambles
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at the end of the morning the paths were looking much more accessible
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hopefully we can keep them this open in future
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oaks no longer swamped by willow
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A huge thank you to all the volunteers who gave up their Sunday at short notice to get this essential winter task completed. It won't be too long now before the remaining Blackthorn (a dense thicket) becomes a sea of white blossom. Something for us all to look forward to at Ballachurry Reserve.
Wildlife seen:
SC209694 Blackbird; Robin; 2 x Mallard ( pair)
Please click on photos to enlarge them
