Hard Work Pays Off

Wednesday, May 6th 2020

The mosaic of habitats that make up Foxglove are extremely labour intensive. Staff and volunteers worked hard all through the winter months to improve some of these for wildlife. The benefits of this toil can be seen everywhere for example in the Orchards that were planted up with new trees. The new apple trees have taken well and have survived the wet winter thanks to the 'mound' planting technique that was used. The big Willow in the background is always left untouched as it is a wonderful feature.

Another example is the reedbed that was managed by cutting. Here is a photo taken earlier in the year when this swathe was cut.

This picture is of the same area today showing the fresh, bright green growth.

Willow was coppiced on the island in the scrapes to open up the area and let in more light. Again, here is the photograph immediately after the work was carried out.

Today it is looking very different.

Sunshine and showers have meant excellent growing weather and the orchid bank that was strimmed is now a fantastic open glade. The Early Purple Orchids that grow here are just beginning to flower.

So far there are only a few spikes but this number will grow over the next few days.

Finally, the field that is managed for bird seed has been ploughed ready for sowing. Hopefully, with a bit more sun and rain this may be a success later in the year.

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