Scrapes boardwalk

The contractors were working as fast as possible today in the heat. You can see them working on the boardwalk and the dipping platform. Although they have got a lot of work completed the walkway remains closed all the way through. You can however have access part of the way to go and see what has been taking place. They will be back on Monday to finish off.

The next photo (courtesy of Elizabeth) is of a new species found on the reserve. These are the flowers of Bittersweet or Woody Nightshade. It is the first time this flower has been seen. The green berries you can see forming will eventually turn bright red by the autumn.

A Giant Wood Wasp or Horntail was seen flying between the panels of the new wetland screen. This huge insect, around two inches in length, gave quite a shock as it came flying around the corner. This wasp in not at all harmful to people and can stay as a grub for up to four years. The long 'tail' is not a sting but is an ovipositor which drills into wood to lay eggs. There is a possibility that it has hatched out of the new timbers! Watch out for it up there along with the Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly which was again seen hawking along the ponds!