Whilst the Wednesday Work Party has continued it's good works throughout the summer months, our meetings have been fewer and our tasks constrained by the breeding season.
After a glorious summer and with autumn looming large, we're now back to our regular fortnightly meetings. The first of these on the 11th September, was at least dry and warm, and we welcomed Wednesday Stalwarts - Brian, Dave, Gareth and Michael and Sunday regular - Yudistrha.
Our priority once again is habitat management namely scrub clearance. We were continuing the good work of the Sunday group, mainly removing large specimens of birch and sweet chestnut to encourage the heather layer to thrive. This seemed like a daunting task initially as some of the stands were tall and multi-stemmed. They soon succumbed to our trusty bow saws (complete with new blades!) and impressive brash piles were soon evident.
Such exercise seems eminently preferable to the gym, and of course justifies the break time biscuits! As the weather was a bit overcast, there wasn't a great deal of wildlife about, but we were serenaded by a calling Chiffchaff and had an afternoon sighting of a late Speckled Wood Butterfly.
Thank you to our volunteers on the day and to Assistant Warden Tom and a warm welcome to Chloe our new Assistant Warden, who came to lend a welcome hand in the afternoon with Reserves Manager Steve (pure coincidence their arrival at tea time...)
Our next Work Party will take place on 25th September. If you haven't yet attended a Work Party at Tudeley Woods Reserve but would like to join us on either a Wednesday or Sunday, please contact the Reserve Team for further information on 07872157743, 01892 752433 or email tudeley.woods@rspb.org.uk We'd love to welcome you along.
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