In recent years we have developed a good relationship with a local scout troop who have done a lot for the reserve. They have worked on several projects - making and putting up bat boxes, coppicing, and reed raking and burning. This last task was a new activity for them last winter, and if the weather is dry enough they will do the same again on Saturday. Unfortunately this will influence the ducks on the mere, but very little else. I would still expect to see the usual flocks of finches, thrushes, tits and buntings, the barn owl in the nestbox, and the golden plovers and lapwings in the field opposite the entrance.