Volunteer Leader Update: Hide Maintenance

This month volunteer leader Jane led a task at Moor Green Lakes to clear in front of both Grove Lake hide and viewing slot.

Fellow volunteer leader Duncan and sixteen volunteers turned up to help, including 3 young adults.

Reeds, bramble and willow were cleared in front of the hide to give a clear view of the lake and island, ideal for winter birdwatching. Several toads and a water scorpion were uncovered.  Also, the stream leading from Horseshoe Lake into Grove Lake was cleared and is now running freely providing another good habitat for birds.  Time left at the end of the afternoon was used to clear willow and silver birch from the reeds further along the shoreline.

Grove Hide Clear 1

Volunteers cutting back vegetation blocking the view from Grove Lake hide

 

Bramble, scrub and some small trees and branches were cleared from in front of the viewing slot giving a good view of the lake and the island. Everything cut was then used to bild dry hedges along the fences, ideal for small bird, mammals and many insects.

Grove Hide Clear 3

The now clear view of the beautiful Grove Lake

Many thanks to everyone, in particular those who came for the first time. We hope you enjoyed yourselves and will join us again.

If you would like to learn more about Moor Green Lakes or help the group by volunteering then please see their website http://www.mglg.org.uk/.

Jane & Duncan

About blackwatervalleycountryside

The Blackwater Valley is located on the borders of Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire and runs for approximately 30km from the source near Aldershot, northwards to Swallowfield. At its confluence it joins the rivers Whitewater and Loddon. The Loddon eventually flows into the River Thames near Reading. Work in the Blackwater Valley is co-ordinated by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on behalf of the local authorities that border the Valley. Despite being surrounded by urban development the Valley provides an important green corridor for local residents As well as the Blackwater Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a small part of the Basingstoke Canal SSSI, three nature reserves within the Valley catchment and many other areas have been recognised for their ecological importance. The local planning authorities covering the Valley have designated 31 other areas as ‘Wildlife Sites’.
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