Hello Conservation Volunteers
For our final work morning of 2024 it wasn't a nice sunny early winter morning like those which we had enjoyed in our last couple of sessions but more a gloomy and damp November one but at least it wasn't raining. (The dense thick smoke coming from an allotment holder which kept wafting across the dam was less welcome though). However, this didn't put off our volunteers who were meeting at Shepherd Wheel for a couple of tasks, joined by Ranger Matt who had collected our tools.
First off were Linda and Claire to collect brushes and spades to take up to the old Health Authority path where Mandy was waiting (this was in hindsight a logistical error with Mandy being our baker!), where they were finishing clearing the path. The laurel has taken a beating too being cut back which should make it easier to maintain in the future. A great job ladies.
The rest of the gang were working at Shepherd Wheel. Usually at around this time of year we take the pond weed out of the dam as it grows profusely and takes over, however, for reasons currently unknown the weed has not grown on the dam this year, with just the odd patch growing near the bank. We had removed a large section last year, but still a lot was left. Had a balance been restored with fish and insects devouring it before it took hold? Very bizarre!
There was still plenty of work to be done though. The shelf on the edge of the dam which is full of wildflowers throughout the spring and summer had now died back, ready for its annual cut back. Down at the dam inlet, the old barley bale needed removing. We always get a mixture of volunteers who have their own preferred tasks and it's no different when it comes to wet working with the usual crew who man the start gate at the Duck Race sorting out the barley bales and cutting back around the inlet. The new bale has been repositioned nearer to dam inlet as an experiment this year.
With the dam shelf all cleared, the path up to dam was tidied up with overhanging brambles cut back and the thick mud cleared off the bridge. Whilst doing this we noticed a couple of bricks missing at the bottom of the bridge wall, with further inspection revealing they were in fact holes for drainage, totally bunged up with mud with a good growth of ivy having taken root in one of them! Obviously, forgotten about for a long time, and now cleared out. Will the mud congregate as much on the bridge, or will it flow out through the drain holes? We will have to wait and see!
A tyre had been spotted by our own River Ranger, Mel, across the road in Whiteley Woods so a quick trip across the road to recover it, only to find it was a 15" steel wheel with a brand-new tyre on it, unused, complete with the normal manufacturer's coloured marks around the circumference. Yet another mystery as to why a brand-new tyre had been left there. It's not the usual dumping of tyres we find. Had somebody lost it?
Having finished all tasks, the Shepherd Wheel group were wondering if we would miss out on Mandy's bakes. Fortunately, Claire turned up with Mandy's latest incarnation - Shrewsbury biscuits. Another delicious bake and enough for two each!
And with that we finished off 2024 work mornings with a final goodbye to Claire who is leaving Sheffield, although she has promised to return for the occasionally work morning so it's just "au revoir" for now Claire.
A massive thank you to all the volunteers who have helped throughout 2024 with all the various work and projects:- dead hedges, fencing and grass areas rejuvenation in Bingham and Endcliffe Parks, uncovering the long lost path in Endcliffe Woods, drainage etc. One memorable day enjoyed by everyone was in February when we started off in a light covering of snow doing dead hedging and cutting up one of the largest holly trees in the valley, the snow falling heavier, enjoying a well-earned coffee in the cafe (unfortunately Mandy's specially made flapjack didn't make it to us that day!), and to emerge to 4 or 5 inches of snow and Sheffield gridlocked (as usual!).
Many thanks also to Ranger Matt and Andy Phillips with the Parks crew for their help on our joint projects, and with materials and tool drop-offs.
The first work morning of 2025 is on Thursday 9th January. An email will be sent out nearer the time with details.
Lyndon
A Selection of photos from the work morning
Clearing the dam shelf
Dam Shelf all cut back
Rolling the wheel and tyre to Ranger Matt's truck. Ebay anybody?
Before and after on the old Health Authority path
