Our guest blogger this week is one of our fantastic volunteers and leader of Antrim Local Group Brenda Campbell. She keeps us up to speed on the Stepping up for Corncrake Project with Part 2- Bramble clearing on Rathlin island!
Whether you like it or not, the only way to get to an island is by crossing water!
On Friday 1st February, St Brigid’s Day, as part of an RSPB work party, we boarded The Canna Ferry at Ballycastle to travel to Rathlin Island and were pleasantly surprised to feel the wintry sun on our backs as she made her way steadily to Rathlin. On our arrival a squall of rain sent the softies running for shelter while islanders got on with the business of unloading and loading the boat. Then it was sunny again and although we could to see showers on the mainland, we smiled to ourselves, knowing we were benefitting from Rathlin’s microclimate.
The plan was to help prepare habitat to encourage Corncrakes to return to Rathlin and breed. On previous work days we had helped clear corners and make corridors, planting nettle roots to ensure there would be sufficient cover for the Corncrakes to breed. Today’s task was about grazing management, clearing brambles so that secure fencing could be put in place. The ancient stone walls on Rathlin are no match for the big friendly cows that lean up against them or use them for a scratch.
We set to with a will and made great inroads, cutting and piling up the fierce brambles, no mean feat! Encouraged by stories from Liam and Sean, Warden and Assistant Warden, about finding artefacts in stone walls, old bottles and ancient axe heads (none found funnily enough) we were surprised to see how much had been achieved by the end of the day.
The stone wall was clearly visible and we delighted in giving space to primroses trying to find sunlight through the bramble forest. The dry interior of the wall was also surprising after what has been a very wet spell, and we found tracks of animals using the gaps in the wall base.
Then word came that the boat now leaving would be our last chance to get home, as the forecast was for strong winds. We scampered to the vehicles and arrived in good time to board the boat. The journey was bumpy and we did get a wave or two coming over us where we stood at the side looking out for Whales or Dolphins. We had enjoyed another great day out on this beautiful and friendly island.
And as for those Corncrakes, if they don’t find us after all this work there’s going to be trouble! Come on Corncrakes, come and get it!