Raking and Burning

The Reserve Managers and Volunteers started the day by raking off what was cut from the bottom orchard yesterday.

It is likely that this area will need to be cut once more before the Autumn cut. At this time small areas of sod will be removed and sown with Hay Rattle so as to reduce the percentage of grass in the sward over the coming years, and to give wildflowers a chance to come through (FYI you can buy Hay Rattle seeds in the Field Centre Activity Room for £1 per sachet!).

After a short break work commenced on burning the brash that has built up at the Bullet Catcher over the Summer in preparation for the end of the bird nesting season, and the start of tree works on the Reserve.

There was plenty of time to admire the many Odonates at the Bullet Catcher Pond while waiting for the fire to die down!