This Saturday's work party had been postponed from the previous week-end because ground conditions on the Reserve had been unsuitable for it to go ahead. Although still very muddy, the flooding had subsided during the week just enough to make a work party feasible and the 15 volunteers on site achieved a great deal in the time available.
During the morning the willows to the left of the hide were reduced in height, the "trimmings" being piled along their bases to form a thick screen or "dead hedge"
getting stuck in 
this task was also done last year 
it's amazing how much Willow grows in 12 months
Meanwhile on the opposite side of the reserve, other volunteers were busy constructing another "dead hedge" between the new pond and the pathway. Dessie, with his Chainsaw, made light work of sawing up the thicker pieces of a trimmed willow to make retaining posts for the hedge. The rest of us, with saws and loppers, reduced the remainder to manageable lengths with which to infill the construction. Dead hedges such as this are excellent habitat for all kinds of small creatures and invertebrates. Additionally this one also acts as a safety feature by breaking up and slowing down access to the area with the deep water. It also provides a screen from behind which to observe any wildlife using the area.
work begins 
plenty to do 
making short work of the thicker timber 
at least the soft ground made putting in the posts a little easier
team work is the key!
Other tasks were also slotted in. Ian was busy preparing for another onslaught on the boardwalk, and the brambles which were attempting to cross it to the other side were put in check.
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| Mrs. Blogger at work! |
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| keep back, you brutes! |
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| just passing though |
We all broke off for a welcome tea break at half time, exchanging our Christmas news and taking a brief, well earned rest. Many thanks to Margaret ( and possibly others?) for the refreshments.
Then there was a final push to get the work finished before lunch time.
finishing off 
and tidying up 
the finished job
Many thanks to the Committee organisers and all the volunteers for an excellent work party.
P.S. The first people on the Reserve this morning were lucky enough to see Snipe and shortly before I left I heard the Water Rail calling.
please click on photos to enlarge them
