Bogs and Boardwalks

One of the many tasks volunteers worked on today was the installation of the boardwalks that were constructed last week.  These are being used to improve the paths in some of the more boggy areas of the reserve.

The sections were secured in place after posts were sunk into the ground, care was taken to make sure each piece was level and now several of them are in place.  We are hoping that over the coming weeks the remaining pieces will go in just as smoothly!

Gary and Colin worked hard to improve the drainage throughout this area, digging in new pipes under the pathways and creating ditches to channel the water away.

A couple of volunteers also worked hard strimming along the pathways to keep them clear and easily passable, with the final group checking saplings and weeding out some of the tree tubes from planting work last year.

Students from the Dales School enjoyed the splendid weather as they spent time pond dipping and then drawing the creatures they found - toad tadpoles, caddisfly and mayfly larvae were all found in good numbers.

Local farmers were also on site this afternoon to once again sow the Wild Bird Seed crop.  This was trialled last year though due to the poor weather never really got away.  The area was first harrowed to prepare the seedbed.

Once complete the crop was sown by hand.  The seed mix we are planting contains a wide variety of plants which can all be found in conventional bird seed mixes such as, Quinoa, White Millet and Linseed.

There has been a lot happening at Foxglove today, without the hard work of our volunteers we would not be able to achieve and maintain the reserve to such a high standard.  Many thanks to you all!