Chambers Farm Wood, 3 April 2011
This was listed as a task repairing habitat boxes for dormice, but we spent
most of the day preparing the habitat itself by coppicing a section of
woodland to make it more to the dormice's preference. There were lots of
tall poplars to be removed, to the delight of those who enjoy some serious
tree felling. This was part of a larger coppice rotation, with plenty of
coppicing still to be done.
Twelve of us turned up, including 4 new volunteers, welcome to Kirsty, Liz,
Maria and Trevor. It was a lovely day, with only a short sharp shower in the
afternoon to cool us down. There was a big bonfire to dispose of the cut
stuff and we created a short section of dead hedge to use of more material.
We also created some habitat piles including one intended for snakes.
In
the afternoon some of us went back to the visitors centre to do some of the
dormouse box maintenance, painting them ready for new residents. Ann, the
leader of the dormouse project, also showed some of us how they check the
boxes for dormice.
Our lunchtime was interrupted by the arrival of Amanda Thomson from BBC
radio Lincolnshire, too late to find her last Pirates Gold prize on the
treasure hunt. We got some photos on their Facebook page though! As we
left, we diverted to see, and hear the amazing sight, and sound, of loads of
amorous toads in a nearby pond, going about their spring activities. Isn't
nature wonderful!
Julian
