Working parties back on track

After a delay waiting for the right part to arrive from Germany, Grizzly has finally been repaired and we have been able to resume work on the cutting programme for the Common. On Saturday six of us managed to finish off the cutting and clearing away on area G (the bit where the cotton grass and most of the orchids grow), and on Sunday another magnificent turnout of 17 volunteers got about half of area A (Warren Road) done. The weather on Saturday was beautiful; Sunday started out wet, but by the time we started work the rain stopped, and we ended up getting pretty warm in the unseasonably mild conditions.

Here's Dr. Tim pretending to haul the cart; the winch was actually doing the real work!

Lots of small froglets about, a shrew and a vole, and we were serenaded by a song thrush. Great spotted woodpecker also drumming nearby - spring almost here!

Here is Chairman John's message of thanks:

Hello All

 

Many thanks to everybody who  helped on The Common yesterday (Sunday) morning.  All who use and enjoy the place deeply appreciate your work, even if they don’t exactly realise the level of commitment you displayed by ignoring the truly grim weather early on.  But I told you the rain would stop, the sun would shine, and suddenly there was no place you’d rather be.  Together with what was achieved by a few of us on Saturday morning, I think we have made up time and are in a good position to complete this season’s work. 

 

My thanks and greetings go out to Mike, another newcomer who joined us yesterday all the way from Norwich, introduced by Liz.  Also, Brian came along in a blind act of faith despite having dropped of my address list since early December, unbeknown to me.  This happens from time to time because my computer sits brooding in the office thinking up ever more ingenious ways of messing up my life.  So if you don’t hear from me between working parties, please enquire by email or telephone (01263 833001) to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

 

We shall resume the good work on Sunday 2nd February at 10:00am and I hope to see you then.

 

Kind regards and appreciation

John