Best Laid Plans

This winter, major improvements were meant to be carried out on the main wetland. Some of the pools are really overgrown.

The intention was clear these and also to strengthen the main western bank to prevent leaking. The leakage can be seen in the photograph below.

Last winter, the other half of this habitat was re-profiled and the result has been a success with the return of wading birds such as Lapwing and Oystercatchers. This is how the whole area should look once the works are complete with a low sward and open water.

However, it has been one of the wettest winters on record and the ground has been too soft for the contractors to complete the job. Time has run out this season as the amphibians will soon be back to breed as will the water birds. Over the last few days the diggers have been 'buttering' which is tidying up and smoothing out the earth before leaving the site. 

The ground will soon heal and fingers crossed that the work can continue at the end of the year.