Hi,
In mythology the phoenix is reborn in a fire, so it was fitting that our Phoenix Group - our enthusiastic teenagers - should help us with a fire aimed at regenerating our grassland. Trees have their place, but we need grass at Saltholme to encourage the lapwings to nest, away from trees where predators can hide.
With saws and loppers, on Sunday the Phoenix Group cut down the thorn bushes, chopped them up, and fed the fire.
Now the trees are down the cattle will keep the grass at just the right height and stop new bushes growing. To compensate for the loss there are lots of new shrubs around the car park and discovery zone to ensure good crops of berries for thrushes and waxwings in years to come, and in places where they can easily be seen.
I know the Phoenix Group enjoyed themselves, and their effort has saved us (older) volunteers a lot of work! Thanks to Anne fror providing the potatoes from the cafe for the group's lunch.
Bye,
Peter.