Today the reserve (and most of the country) is enveloped in wet & windy weather, so it's the perfect opportunity for me to put fingers to keyboard with another blog update (with Monty, my 6 month old Miniature Schnauzer curled up on my lap!).
My last couple of weeks at Frampton & Freiston have been spent mainly at sea - well 'at lagoon', I suppose. As, along with warden Graham, assistant warden Simon and jolly cadre of other volunteers, we removed a year's worth of weeds from islands on both reserves. We did this in preparation for the spring, to make them more attractive to nesting gulls, terns and oystercatchers.
Though it can be an inconvenience to visitors who happen to be visiting on that day, this kind of job plays an essential part in making our reserves as welcoming as possible to wildlife (and then ultimately, visitors). So we hope you understand!
The task was undertaken with the aid of a small tin boat (minus oars!), two long ropes and a lot of enthusiasm.
Firstly, Graham and Simon would row over to an island, using (with limited success but great hilarity) a rake and spade as oars. Once across (eventually!), they would tether the rope at one end, we would then pull back the boat via the other rope and send them the petrol-powered brush-cutters, which make short work of even the thickest of thickets.
Once the boys had cut down the weeds, we headed over in pairs to either rake the weeds into the water, as we did at Freiston, or pile them up for burning at Frampton.
Miraculously, we got through both days without anyone falling in the water, though we nearly lost Jimmy, (regular volunteer & Batman to my Robin), who insisted on testing his new waders to their limit!
The hardy bunch of volunteers who made this work possible were an absolute God-send. Ranging from eighteen to eighty (almost), they took the task by the horns, worked hard and most importantly had a great time doing it - I personally haven't laughed so much in ages!
In addition to aquatic adventures, I've also spent a fair bit of time in the visitor centre over the last couple of weeks. I really enjoy my time in the 'V.C.', as it's a great opportunity to meet the many different people who visit our reserve.
Now and again I get to share a bit of my knowledge with them, but more often than not it's the other way round!
Oh, one last thing: If you know of anyone willing to donate an oar or two to a good cause, please drop us a line at Frampton!
Si Evans