Over the summer the vegetation has grown and compromised the view from the hide. The sea club-rush and reeds need to be cut back at this time of year to give a clear view of the water but we have to leave enough to give cover for the birds.
With grass-hooks (sickles) and shears - and wellies and waders - we have cut vistas through the emergent vegetation to give clear views.
Assistant warden Dean with volunteers Ian, Brian and Linda are cutting the Sea Club-rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus) and in the foreground is the reed (Phragmites australis) which I had been cutting.
And a view of the hide not seen by visitors.
With clear water in front of it, looking from the hide there are now views into pools of open water but enough reed to shelter bittern as well as short grass to encourage water fowl and snipe.