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from this
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to this, in just 3 hours!
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On Saturday morning a dozen or so volunteers gathered at the reserve to spread the large pile of wood chip near the gate along the paths in an attempt to keep the mud at bay.
We had had very heavy rain overnight and water levels were high throughout the reserve. This had the advantage of showing us where the chip was most needed, whereas when I was there earlier in the week the paths were mostly dry.
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loading chip into barrows
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setting off with a barrowful
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a few more of these yet to go!
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off to where it's needed ( note water to left)
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keep 'em coming!
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then rake it out along the paths
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I'm afraid I forgot to take the usual teatime photos as interesting travelers' tales were being related and a bird picture was testing everyone's I.D. skills ! However, the usual wonderful spread of cake revived us and then it was back to work. Many thanks to those who provided cake.
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work done
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and the paths looking less muddy
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| we concentrated on just one area of the reserve |
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and round the hide
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a good flow of water coming into the reserve after heavy rain
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the first time I've seen water coming over the dam for years
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and a very full pond
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looking back at the end of the morning's work
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Other areas of the reserve will need the same treatment when time and resources permit.
Wildlife seen:
SC209694 Buzzard; Sparrowhawk; Goldfinches; 2 x Long -Tailed Tits; probable Woodcock; Large Carabus beetle; Very long earthworm. Water Rail heard. Those who arrived early to set up the work party also saw 3 x Snipe.
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identified by iRecord as Carabus granulatus
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A huge thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work, the Committee for organising the morning, the bakers for providing the cake and Roots to Shoots for the wood chip. All very much appreciated.
please click on the photos to enlarge them
