Over 2 years ago now Norm wrote a blog about funding we had recieved to create new ponds at Hodbarrow thanks to the Million Ponds project and Biffa (read about it here). The ponds were created in areas where the rare fern Pillwort had been found in the past. Machinery was brought in to create them and a hardy team of volunteers followed to tame the scrub.
One of the original Scrapes made with machinery two years ago
With the high rainfall over the past couple of years we haven't been able tackle any more willow scrub in the pond area without the help of waders! This year however this changed and because of the drier summer we have been able to get in and remove the willow. This has meant the ponds will get plenty of light and encourage lot's of species of plant, dragonfly and insect. Even teal have been known to use the wet areas that have been created.
One of the ponds looking towards the other wet areas covered in Willow scrub
Same view as above with scrub removal work done. The willows in the background have been removed and the area is much more open.
Looking at these areas today I could barely get past the first pond as the water levels have shot back up thanks to the recent rainfall. It just goes to show that a lot of the work we do has to be well timed and organised to take advantage of opportunities. The team here have done a brilliant job at the work parties we have had down there.
Brian cutting back some of willow
As I was down at the ponds I also managed to get a snap of these cracking bracket fungus on a some dead willow.