Another successful work party today. Thanks to all 20 :t:
Andy A. Bob O. Bobby P. Charles. Graham L. Ian Joh. Ian Jos. Jim B. Julie W. Keith M. Kim W. Nick F. Paul M. Ray C. Roger S.
Steve S. Steve and Sue T. Tony B and me.
Work:
Completed a 60 m stretch of dead hedging along the west side of the North Moors trail . This now links two areas of scrub. We will be planting up with hawthorn later in winter. Two large willows were pollarded in the NW corner the cuttings utilised in the dead hedge.
Also completed a 20m length of hedge laying along west path of Moors pool. This will thicken up the hedge for nesting birds and at the same time offer views over the pool.
The stock fence in SW Marsh was repaired which will allow cattle to feed in this section.
East fence was repaired.
The new hide windows have now been modified. They were 18inches wide which meant that when opened birds would be spooked. If you visit Slimbridge the windows are probably no more than 8 inches..the reason for this is to stop the waterfowl from being spooked when people look through them. Thecwindiws are now slightly wider than the East hide. This will allow scopes and large lenses still to be used. The feeding station window has been left untouched as this doesn't face the water.
B
john
Next week we will be working at the FLASHES. :t:
Pics
1, 2 and 3 different views of the dead hedging along west side of North Moors.
4. A large willow pollarded to preserve it and its branches were put in the dead hedge. When willows and hawthorn grow too big ultimately they will fall over, split and die. Many of the old hawthorns have grown out of control and have not been laid which not only prolongs the bush but also provides a thick cover and a better fruit crop. We will be carrying out this practise at the Flashes where recently an old hawthorn has toppled over next to the path. The hedgerow there is all quite old and not been laid for over 20 years, it might be too late to save it but we will be giving it our best shot (probably next week).
5. the west track Hedge laying.. unfortunately the hedges are not too thick because there is only a single line of old hawthorn bushes. We plan to plant more hawthorn parallel to the the old hedge.