Final cut of the season (and far too much dog mess)

Despite the lack of our usual leader this time, a group of 11 volunteers gathered for the final cut of the current season. We wanted to have another crack at the central area, which is cut every year to encourage the growth of orchids, bogbean, grass of parnassus and a wealth of moss species. It had been cut at last October, but not finished as Grizzly's cutter bar was blunt. We've been waiting ever since for the right part to be delivered from Germany, but still no luck. Nothing daunted, we resolved to try to re-do some of the least well cut vegetation, and to finish off what had been abandoned. We succeeded, but only by going over everything twice.

Low point of the session: clearing three spade-loads of dog mess. Why, oh why, do some people think that the basic good manners of clearing up after their pets don't apply to them? Most of us do, but some seem to think they're exempt. I accept that I should clear up after my own dog, but I do take exception to doing it for other people.

High point of the session: a Jack Snipe was flushed when Grizzly got too close. That's the first one seen here this winter - we usually get a few sightings each year.

Chairman John being away, this working party was led by another John. Here is his message of thanks:

Another excellent morning on the Common - a hearty thanks to you all for your efforts which have enabled us to complete all the cutting and clearing scheduled for this winter, with time in hand.

This is down to your dedication, hard work and cheerful go-for-it attitude whatever the weather or the appeal of the Sunday morning lie-in!

We still have some booked winter sessions (the next being Sunday 1st March) which we will use for various other small works and maintenance tasks. Details will be sent to you nearer the time.

It's all kicking off now

I took the time to have a proper walk round all the five Southrepps Commons this morning, clocking up a very decent 27 bird species, and a muntjac. Now is the season for snowdrops, and not to be outdone we have a few ourselves, on the "Bradfield Road spur" of the boardwalk.

Walking along Bradfield Road, I noticed quite a few more growing in the woods.

Highlights amongst the birds were a heron at Scouts' Pond (both on my way out, and still there on my way back two hours later), a buzzard soaring effortlessly despite being harassed by gulls above The Pit, 3 siskins in Bradfield Road woods (I found them because one was singing), and best of all, a woodcock flushed from the trees opposite the area where the orchids and cotton grass grow. It was noticeable that large numbers of blue tits have moved into the woods; perhaps from nearby gardens, or perhaps from further afield.

The place was getting pretty noisy too: as well as the singing siskins, I counted four song thrushes living up to their names in a big way, a couple of skylarks, and loads of great tits, robins and chaffinches in good voice.

I think we can say that spring is under way - let's hope it keeps it up!

Big turnout on cold morning

The night before had been atrocious: driving rain, sleet and some snow in a howling wind. The early morning didn't seem much better, but once we arrived at area B (Warren Road end of the boardwalk) to do our work, it started to brighten up.

We thought numbers might be down, but in the event 17 volunteers turned up - it seems the nastier the weather prospects, the more some people like it! Such was the turnout that the area was quickly cut and cleared, and we all packed up half an hour early.

Here is Chairman John's message of thanks:

Hello All

Today’s thank you is especially well earned.  The Common was not the most uplifting thing when the alarm went off this morning, and finding the most believable excuse for staying put was much more fun to do.  I  am ashamed to say that I really didn’t expect the large turn-out and wondered if we would struggle to achieve my objective.  As we all know, I need not have worried and once again a truly splendid job was done, reflecting great credit on the SCT Volunteers, and appreciated by all the village.  And on that latter point, you don’t have to take my word for it, we receive a generous donation with the note, “Just to thank you for the pleasure the common gives us.”  I have passed it to the Catering Department with instructions for extra chocolate biscuits.

Next working party is on Sunday 15th February when we shall go back to Central Area.  That will complete this year’s cutting programme with time in hand to do some other important jobs which so often get neglected.  And now that you can take bookings for 2015, please note our big anniversary celebration, a village fete with a Merrie England twist, on June 21st in the afternoon.

Kind regards

John