The weather forecast was not so good for this weekend’s task and unfortunately it stayed overcast throughout the day with some rain and wind - however no ‘bad’ weather could dampen the team spirit and all in all we had a successful and productive day!
We split up into groups, with some of us clearing nettles from along the
banks of the reserve, making way for the other established species,
including lamium (dead nettle), periwinkle, cowslips and violets whilst also
leaving select areas of nettles where butterflies can thrive. This sounds
like an easy task, but it kept most of us occupied for the duration of the
day!
Other groups cleared small areas of brambles and trees, opening up space and light for wild flowers to grow and attract insects and providing a canvas for future bulb planting. Woodpiles were created from the felled trees providing a haven for wildlife. - the rest was burnt (there is always an excuse for a fire where LCG are concerned).
And last but not least we had a small team down near the pond on the far
end of the reserve, clearing and raking the soil on either side of the new
water drainage system in preparation for bulb planting – native daffodils –
and seed sowing along the banks. Nettles were also removed from this area
(they were everywhere)!
Many thanks to Barbara and Tony for their hospitality, which included piping hot homemade vegetable soup, tea, coffee and of course an array of cakes, including the boys’ favourite (chocolate) at the end of the task.
My legs are still tingling from the stinging nettles, but it’s all in a good day’s work!
Annaliese – 20/04/08
More photos on the Picasa website