The area of Radipole recently referred to as the summer cut (because we cut the reeds there in summer) has had some nice features added to it this week again thanks to Andy Yeatman of Alaska Environmental. Last week we removed the unsightly post and wire fence which was replaced with this meandering 'wet fence'. Another isolated pool, larger than those excavated in recent winters has been added too which will be good news for wildlife and visitors alike.
Summer cutting was carried out in this area to suppress reed growth to allow the development of a diverse flower rich meadow. While this was undoubtedly working the reed was proving a tricky foe. The breaching of the rhizome to make the ditch will aid this conversion as it has isolated the summer cut reeds. As with all the hydrological features we have added in recent times, much of the appeal is the prospect of watching them develop over months and years to come, much like when our amphibian pools actually became amphibian pools! Maybe we should name this latest ditch the great-crested newt ditch – you never know it might just happen!
Or perhaps a more optimistic than that name could be the Hippo Water Hole!?
Seriously though, the work you are doing is excellent and it's nice to keep up with it through the blog and especially with pics to see the results. I'm looking forward to seeing the follow up pics in a couple of months.
Seize the day!