For us here at Blackwater Valley, September marks the end of nesting bird season and the commencement of scrub clearance. This past week, the Moor Green Lakes Group volunteers have got off to a cracking start.
Moor Green Lakes nature reserve is a fantastic location for aquatic birds to nest undisturbed. We ensure it is kept this way by cutting back willow saplings and bramble. Without doing so, this flora would easily take over the banks of the lake, making access to the water difficult. It also encourages the birds preferred vegetation to grow and flourish.
Our volunteers never cease to impress me with their hard work. This day was no exception. They were able to clear almost all of the Colebrook Lake north bank! What we cut was burnt on our bonfire (a convenient way to keep warm as we move into autumn). Thank you so much to Tony and Jess for getting it going. The stumps were then treated with herbicide to prevent them from growing back.
Jon and Magnus also did a fantastic job cutting some vertical exposures into the bank side. It was tough work (so I’m told) as the soil was hard and stony. Hopefully, the bees will appreciate their new sunny home.
A big thank you to Jon for leading the task and to everyone who gave up their Sunday to help. It was a pleasure as always and a fantastic way to kick off the winter season.
The next task at Moor Green Lake will be Sunday 8th October were the group will be cutting back vegetation to improve the view from the Grove Lake hides. If you would like to come along please meet at Lower Sandhurst Road car park at 10:30am. For more information on Moor Green Lakes, please visit their website located at www.mglg.org.uk.
Acting Ranger Jenny
