Hello Conservation Volunteers
A big thank you to all the volunteers who turned out at Forge Dam for our first work morning of 2023 - a great start to the New Year, where we also welcomed two new volunteers, Andrea and Eddie. Fortunately, our work morning coincided with a break in the recent downpours!
Our first task of the morning was to plant the remaining hawthorn whips at the far end of the bridle path. Whilst some were digging and planting the whips others were out collecting rubbish and debris and generally tidying up the area. At least this time the ground was not frozen for the diggers as it was on our last work morning before Christmas!
As we made our way back towards Forge Dam a team tackled the drainage on the footpath, clearing out ditches and uncovering french drains which had disappeared under the gravel and mud. Surprisingly, after all the heavy rain we have had recently the path was nowhere as bad as it has been in recent years.
Our final task of the morning was to tidy up the area where we had recently built the hibernaculum, not the best area to work in where you sink up to your ankles in the clay and mud if you are not careful! The large logs which had been cut down by the contractors were all moved and carefully stacked to the side to create a natural hedge which the wildlife should appreciate, as well as making the area look more presentable as it recovers this coming year with grass, and the wildflower seeds we planted previously.
The next work morning is on Tuesday 24th January 2023. An email will be sent out nearer the time wirth details. If you wish to be included on our volunteer list please
Lyndon
A Selection of photos from the work morning
Chris collecting rubbish as one team plant a section of whips in the background
Another team planting whips and collecting rubbish
Finished section of planted whips
Dave and Les clearing out a ditch
Clearing out a french drain. There is a wooden drain edge in there!
Moving and piling up the logs
Team photo in front of the neatly stacked logs
