I have just returned from a few days attempted r’n’r in my native Kernow and was pleasantly surprised by the verdant explosion of plant life that had hurried skywards in my absence. Cow parsley, comfrey and marsh marigold all flowering and a vast host of other botanical gems waiting in the wings for their chance to shine. The diversity of plant life that make up the verges of the reserves are a great source of pride and require very careful management to enable them to flourish while maintaining the paths as clear thoroughfares.
Sadly I was also confronted by a far less welcoming return to work in the aftermath of a wanton spree of destruction left by someone who I could easily find one hundred phrases to describe, but perhaps not in this forum.
Just part of the trail of devastation - one can only imagine the deep sense of satisfaction derived by the perpetrators.
A hammer frenzy had accounted for four ‘snap frame’ interpretation panels, part of the post and rail fence over the culverts on Buddleia Loop, a recently re-painted timber directional sign and the frame in which it once sat. Graffiti was daubed on the newly painted viewing shelter boards and several other items damaged. What naughty little monkeys...
Rectifying the above will cost Anne and I days that we can ill afford at this time with verge management rushing up, cattle imminent and a list of jobs as long as our collective arms… but rectify we will. We are in the process of arranging a meeting with the police to try and get Radipole better protected in the evenings but in the meantime we ask of you to phone the police immediately (01305 222222) if you see anything untoward.
Returning to the positivity that began this post, it was lovely to return in spite of the above, to see spring rushing merrily along. Garganey on North Pool, kingfishers feeding young, swifts wheeling, screaming and scything above and marsh harriers ruling the roost. Dragonflies immerging and butterflies flitting hither and thither amidst the spring flora... and multitudes more besides. With all this to savour it would be wrong to dwell on the piteous actions of a few who wouldn’t recognise beauty if it slapped them in the chops and for that, (to say the least) they are to be pitied.
The drake garganey - hard to stay upset for long with this dashing chap on our patch.
Photo taken by our very own Luke.
Great idea mate, ditch clearing here or rhodi over there? Wouldn't have the energy to swing a hammer or depress the nozzle on a paint can! I am a perfect case in point!
Oh dear. A shame their pent up aggression can't be channeled into some more socially useful task. If you catch them send them over to Purbeck next winter for some intensive gorse destruction!
Thanks Sean - it is frustrating but an inevitable consequence of our location. The number of incidents lately is unprecidented though so it is important that we remain vigilent and get the police involved if any 'anti-social' behaviour is witnessed.
A few weeks back I did confront a group of teenagers I saw throwing stones at birds from the viewing shelter and they were so brazen to not give a fig at being rebuked by an adult. Best to not get involved in any confrontation I'd suggest.
As you say the wildlife compensates us for any aggro caused by these sad, distructive people.
These people make me so made, wish i was a bit better on my feet id camp out to catch them... Sorry you had to come back and deal with this Nick.
Garganey was a great site yeterday, and i watch a perfect trasfer of food from the male Marsh Harrier to its Female was great to atch i got pctures but not happy with them..
Keep chin up Nick you have alot o good hard working people there...
Best Regards
Sean
Flicr site =se4ntanner