The washland path alterations have been completed here at Lakenheath Fen. It all looks a bit stark at the moment but the vegetation will soon start growing and will soften things up a bit. Culverts have been taken out, ditches dug and banks created.
Photo credit: Ali Blaney - view from visitor centre mound towards car park
The photo above shows a new ditch and bund curving round to the left and a new sandy bank on the right, continuing the existing bank that I was standing on to take the photo. While the earth movements have been completed, the overall work is not quite finished. There are some osier willows to be planted near the dipping pool, which hopefully one day we can use for weaving. There are also plans for a hedge following the curve of the new ditch. These will both require temporary fencing at some point to protect them as they grow.
Earth movements have been carried out west of the visitor centre too, on the grassy trails. A bay has been cut into the reeds that will be tailored to the needs of photographers, although it is not yet finished. The trail itself is currently closed as spoil removed from the bay has been used to raise the grass track. It has been flooded for a while after all the rain so the extra earth is welcome, but it is still rather wet to say the least! Here it is in its current state:
Photo credit: Ali Blaney - new 'photography' bay underway
Our contractor is starting work on our land north of the river in Norfolk - more on that next week! Before the work could start we've been surveying for water voles to make sure we don't inadvertently disturb any. Katherine, Dave and volunteer Tom have been busy looking out for signs and have carefully marked areas to avoid. It's good to know that we already have water voles over in our Norfolk ditches and hopefully after the upcoming work there will be new habitat available for even more of them!
Closer to home, work continues on the raised plant beds outside the visitor centre. The liners have arrived, the bog/marsh bed has been duly lined and filling has commenced.
Photo credit: Ali Blaney - the bog bed progresses
With spring seemingly here, the internal trail around New Fen North reedbed has been closed as usual ready for the breeding season, to reduce disturbance. The trails to the south and east are still accessible. Marsh harriers are sky dancing merrily to attract mates, nest building material is being carried into nest boxes and the geese are pairing up. It has been a beautiful day here with lots of sunshine.....there are even rumours of ice cream deliveries coming soon - watch this space!