It was our weekly Thursday work party yesterday and it was one of those days where we couldn't get cracking with the big jobs of the autumn and winter such as cutting down gorse or knocking back regeneration. At this time of year there are far too many second broods , juveniles and fledglings relying on the vegetation for shelter and food so those tasks were off the table. We'd sown all the seed on the arable on a very wet Thursday last week and recently anything that stayed still too long had received a coat or two of wood preserve. The schedule for this week simply read TBA...only one thing for it... odd jobs!
The Discovery Zone was the focus and breaking into groups we set about getting on with all the odd jobs that needed doing. The first task was putting in a new path to allow visitors easier access into the dabbin hut. I made the mistake of asking whether we were measuring in inches or cm and the ensuing discussions meant I thought it was safer to get cracking with another task along with some of the vols. We were cutting back vegetation and removing turf from the bottom of the willow screen near to the outdoor classroom. We then used the turf for the edges of the dabbin hut path and filled the area with home cut chippings made from our very own chipper. We are trying to give the willow at the bottom a little more room to fill out.
Clay dabbin path - Top layer of stone still to go on.
Mulch around the base of the willow screen - hard work removing turf but worth it to help the screen grow better at the bottom.
The final job was gallantly started by Malcolm, John and Brian. It involved revamping the feeding station. Stephen had sketched a plan which transformed into the picture you see below. Within minutes of finishing birds were back on the new feeding station, Undoubtedly we will have to make some tweaks as we go forward but it looks really good and freshened up the area. With Judith's blog here highlighting how important feeders are we hope this new design will prove a hit with our avian residents.
The new feeders - a simple wire strung between two posts.
All of these odd jobs help to keep the Reserve accessible and inviting for visitors and without the volunteers we wouldn't be able to do nearly as much.