Hello Conservation Volunteers
Thank you to all who ventured out on a miserable and drizzly morning for our latest work morning at Shepherd Wheel, and a special warm welcome to our latest volunteer, Rebecca, who hails from the USA and had only moved to Sheffield 3 days before!
The weather didn't stop our plans however to remove the vegetation along the path up from Shepherd Wheel and alongside the dam, as well as on the raised shelf in the dam.
Vegetation at the side of the paths has been cut back about half a metre and the overhanging branches trimmed. The area around each of the benches was substantially cleared to allow people to have their picnics without the nettles and brambles becoming an unwanted addition to their sandwiches!
The plants on the dam shelf had grown to head height in places this year, and with the volunteers strategically spread out to clear their own patch the shelf vegetation soon disappeared. Michaelmas daisies which are in flower and some other plants have been left in places for the wildlife.
Whenever there is a task for volunteers to get into the water they don't need asking twice and the usual water crew were up at the far end of the dam in a flash to remove the barley bales which are put in by Jack, twice a year when the clocks change. (There is evidence the barley straw inhibits the growth of algae, it doesn't kill it).
The sun eventually came out and at the end of the day we were treated to a flypast from one of our resident kingfishers who hopefully appreciated our efforts!
On the way home, an impromptu cutting of the bushes on the path down from the tennis courts to the bowling green which were blocking the path were given a good cut back which competed a good morning's work.
The next work morning is on Thursday 12th October 2023 where we will be in Bingham Park working on the grass areas, installing posts etc. An email will be sent out nearer the time with details to confirm.
Lyndon
A Selection of photos from the work morning
Some photos before clearing
Preparing to start work
Cutting underway
Chris practicing being a kingfisher about to dive!
After cutting
Mandy with her homemade honey, oat and raisin cookies - vey nice, and Rebecca!
Bush blocking footpath in Bingham Park - before
..and after
