17 volunteers were at the Reserve on Saturday morning, all eager to help with a variety of tasks. That pile of rubble near the gate, pictured in the last Blog post, soon found its way down to the boardwalk area where Ian and Peter were busy making the foundations for the final ramp.
Three volunteers had been at the reserve the previous day to coppice a couple of willows that needed attention. Today's task for many of us was to cut the two resulting enormous piles of branches into manageable pieces to create poles, log piles and top up the dead hedge by the new pond with the lighter twiggy ends.
Meanwhile other volunteers were spreading slate chippings along the paths and raking them flat to make a less muddy surface. Outside the Reserve Richard 1 was making sure no overhanging branches or brambles were obstructing the pavement while inside the Reserve Richard 2 was laying the willow hedge by the hide.
Some water plants and oxygenating weed had been provided by the Wildlife Trust for the new pond and Rob made an excellent job of adding stones and pebbles to the shallows. Not only do these hide the liner but will also provide many nooks and crannies for water creatures to hide.
Such a large workforce needs plenty of sustenance and the "baking sub committee" had excelled itself with several varieties of cake on offer during our break. Thank you all very much, they certainly were appreciated.
 |
| keeping the pavement passable |
 |
| spreading chippings along the muddy paths |
 |
| more needed just here |
 |
| raking them flat |
 |
| Dessie about to start on the willow |
 |
| his chainsaw made short work of the job |
 |
| sorting some out to make poles |
 |
| not such a quick job with loppers |
 |
| but satisfying work |
 |
| the twiggy bits head off to make the dead hedge |
 |
| this way, follow me! |
 |
| packing the willow down between the stakes |
 |
| amazing how much could be packed in |
 |
| making a home for invertebrates, |
 |
| and a valuable barrier for the pond |
 |
| meanwhile........ |
 |
| the foundations were taking shape for the ramp |
 |
| the slab was too large |
 |
| so once in position |
 |
| had to be broken up |
 |
| with a hefty hammer |
 |
| coming along nicely |
 |
| this looks like progress |
 |
| spirit level a necessity |
 |
| has to be just right |
 |
| getting there |
 |
| time for a breather? |
 |
| an annual job on the willow screen |
 |
| making a shallow beach at the new pond |
 |
| and planting the new plants |
 |
| reinforcements arriving to do the next job |
 |
| a steady stream of helpers |
 |
| still they come |
 |
| many hands make light work |
 |
| the final two |
 |
| last task of the morning |
 |
| more chopping and dragging |
At half time we had enjoyed our break
 |
| what a spread! |
 |
| hot drinks and cake |
 |
| a good old chat |
 |
| and a welcome rest |
 |
| soon to start again |
Many thanks to Angie and Karen for organising us so well and to all volunteers for their hard work. Weather permitting, the next work party is scheduled for March 4th.
please click on photos to enlarge them
