Wet and Wild!

Since the wetland hide was built, the vegetation around it has been growing unchecked. It had become so overgrown that the view of the wetland habitat from the viewing platform on the boardwalk that leads to the tower hide had been lost completely! The mid-week conservation volunteers have been hard at work to cut back the scrub to open up the vista once again.

Cutting back some of the brambles, gorse and willow on uneven ground was a challenge in the 'dreich' conditions.

Brushcutters and chainsaws were required for some of the dense bracken, gorse and willow. The willows were coppiced or pollarded and will grow back quickly by next summer.

Looking back from the hide towards the boardwalk was a bit like a jungle and as the area was cleared beautiful ferns and ponds were revealed.

By the end of today, the area was transformed and although the work is ongoing it has already made a good difference with the bird feeders clear to see.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with this 'larger than expected' task!

Work has also been carried out on the other side of the walkway. Beforehand, a wall of gorse was all to see through the viewing slots in the screen. Now, visitors can once again enjoy watching the wildlife on the wetland.

Peering through the fence this afternoon, Bob was spotted repairing the stand for the solar panels that power the remote camera.

Later on, he was delighted when a delivery of timber was received in preparation for boardwalk repairs on the red route! This big project will begin after half term and the work will be done in small sections in order to minimise disruption to the easy access trail.