Yesterday's work party was focused on improving the views from the hides. At this time of year the grass and sedges have grown and can obstruct the view of the water.
We have already cleared channels in the reeds to give open water at Wildlife Watchpoint Hide, so yesterday we had the more complex task of creating of opening up vistas of Bottom Tank radiating out from Phil Stead Hide. Because of the possibility of Garganey young all the work has to be done by hand - no strimmers, just shears and grass-hooks (sickles), then rakes to collect the vegetation,
This is a view of the front of the hide, with Freddie and Karen putting the finishing touches to one of the cuts.
Enough reed and sedge has been left to give cover to birds, especially Water Rails which will sometimes be seen crossing the cuts.