A Frosty Day
Tuesday, November 19th 2019
The main track in to the reserve was repaired today which meant that staff and volunteers began their day with a walk through the scrapes. This was no hardship as the frost made everything look beautiful. Many of the ponds had a thin coat of ice.
The frost remained for most of the day with temperatures staying below freezing.
Even the benches were photogenic with an extra coat of frosty paint!
Potholes were filled and rolled the whole length of the access road. This is usually done manually but once in a while some extra TLC is required with heavy duty machinery used by Landmarc.
The regular Tuesday team worked up near to Spigot Mere which was also frozen in places.
Cutting and burning unwanted Gorse bushes from the moor was the main task for the day and at times it looked a bit like a scene from 'Dad's Army'!
The areas to be cleared were chosen carefully and it was decided to leave some 'pockets' of mature Gorse for the wildlife although just on the other side of the fence there are vast swathes of it so there is no shortage! It is hoped that more wildflowers such as Marsh Valerian, Northern Marsh Orchid and Meadow Sweet will spread on the newly opened ground.
The removal of some older Gorse will also open up the view into the heart of the Covert from the moor.
As usual, the job was bigger than first thought and will be ongoing for some time yet.
From Dad's Army to 'Last Of The Summer Wine' as an old silage feeder was taken away from the moor!
A huge amount was achieved today thanks to the regular volunteers. A special thank you too to Elizabeth T who made a gigantic pie for everyone to share at lunchtime. It was served warm by Carla and was absolutely delicious!
Finally, Happy Birthday to Carla who was 21 again; a perfect excuse for more cake!
Whilst on the subject of cake, there will be a Foxglove Coffee Morning on Thursday in Richmond Town Hall from 9am - 12 noon. If anyone has time to bake a cake or some biscuits, they would be gratefully received either at the Field Centre tomorrow or at the Town Hall on Thursday morning. Any help with washing up, making teas and coffees on the day would be appreciated too. Please get in touch if you can assist in any way. Alternatively, why not come along for a cup of tea, a 'sticky' and a chat to support the reserve? There will be a raffle and tombola along with homemade cakes.
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