Here at Middleton lakes we are often asked if we would like extra muscle for work on the reserve and last week was no exception. I had been asked by a small group of employees of HSBC if they could have a day's hard labour at the RSPB. I had just the job in mind for them.

Spending all day out in the play meadow (a dry and sunny day believe it or not) they put in place two benches which were paid for and donated to us in memory of loved ones. We had previously picked and positioned the benches and the small team from HSBC set about their task with purpose and vigour.

Not even waterlogged ground, large pebbles and a dodgey hole spade could stop them from achieving their goal of putting the benches in the right places. Not a word about work, no mobile phones and no computer screens to look at, only the satisfaction of a job well done and the praise from one of the donors who came out to see their handiwork the following day.

Well done to all. I have posted a few photographs in the gallery to see the team hard at work.

Many thanks to our volunteer Alan Powell who supervised the team.

See you on the reserves,

Best regards,

Chris Edwards