Mud, Glorious Mud!

Just when we thought there was enough mud on the wetland, work has started on the new far Moor scrapes, as well as dredging out the current scrapes near the Field Centre.

The first job of the day was to lift two sections of boardwalk out in the Scrapes, to allow the digger to get through. The addition of three dogs trying to run across them didn't make it any easier! 

The reserve could give anyone digger envy today, with four on site, there was plenty of machinery for everyone to admire. The first of them was a yellow one working in the Scrapes… 

The channels have been cleared out of excessive vegetation to allow water to flow more freely between the ponds, and eventually back into the Lake. 

Work has simultaneously continued on the Wetland, with a red digger this time… 

A huge difference can be seen on the wetland after all the work. The ponds may look a little bare to start with, but a few months of growth will soon green them up again. We are looking forward to seeing which new inhabitants it attracts. 

And just when you thought you'd seen enough diggers, an orange one working on creating the far Moor Scrapes! This will be a large very shallow expanse of water, which will be ideal for wading birds. 

The ponies appeared to be enjoying themselves rolling around in the newly created mud bath!