This was a fine task and broke new ground in several respects. We hadn't
done reed planting, worked at Frampton Marsh, or worked for the RSPB before.
After an early start to get over to the Boston area for 10-o-clock, we
walked to the work area along an access track surrounded by wild flowers,
bumblebees and butterflies. Good start!
The work was planting up blocks of reeds 22 metres by 2 metres in a low
lying wet area created by the RSPB from farmland. Other groups of volunteers
had planted a lot of the area already, in fact ours were the last bits to be
done. We then fenced off the newly planted blocks to prevent geese and coots
from grazing off the new growth before the reeds become established. Once
they do they will spread naturally and look after themselves. The reeds will
provide habitat for bitterns, bearded tits and reed warblers. The work was
carried out accompanied by birdsong all around - avocets, curlews,
yellowhammers, corn buntings and the like. It's the first time i've had
difficulty hearing someone speak at lunchtime due to a lark singing directly
overhead!
In between the low lying wet bits where the reeds have been planted, there are 'islands' of higher ground covered in clover, birds foot trefoil and other flowers which are fantastic for bees, butterflies and other insects. Weatherwise it was a lovely day too. Our RSPB supervisor Paul appeared nervous just before lunchtime that we wouldn't get finished, we had got off to a slow start with it being new work for us, but he needn't have worried. We got finished comfortably about 3:30pm in time to go back to the newly completed visitors centre for complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits courtesy of the RSPB. They're doing a great job here turning what was formerly arable land into excellent bird habitat adjacent to the original area of the reserve. There may be more reed planting next summer for us to do and we may go back in the meantime as a social outing just to have more of a look around and see the birds.
Richard