Working in a coal mine....?

Finally 'captured' fritillaries, Cirencester park though!

Deep in thought for next stage of construction, our Dark Knight

Early start at Sherborne today, I even had time for a quick visit to Sherborne Brook where I was treated to the splendid sight of a kingfisher sitting on  a white post on the far bank of the brook. We had a fair size team working today with Mike-lead Ranger, Morris- Dark Knight, Richard and I as volunteers. A good job to since much work was needed for the planned bat cave construction work. The morning was spent by Richard and myself reconstructing the steps down to the cave entrance whilst Mike & Morris operated inside on early construction work.  Not all was plain sailing as outside we were plagued with flies and inside Morris uncovered some hazardous material which fortunately was safely dealt with.

Spent lunchtime down by the Sherborne Brook where I was pleased to see the Swan family, all 11, still looking healthy. Also present were 3 herons, 2 perched in the standing dead trees, one of them looked to be a juvenile! Bumped into some German tourists where we were treated by a close fly by of a red kite. Walked back to the Bat cave, for the afternoon work session, via the Pleasure Grounds and was happy to see the play area, constructed last year, busy with children and their mums/guardians.

My afternoon assignment was working underground with Morris {as his apprentice} while Mike initially with chainsaw fashioned timber blocks for positioning between Acrow props and the ceiling faults. Richard remained outside on safety duty and helping move materials from the outside to the cave entrance. With Morris directing location of Acrow props and using a spirit level to ensure correct positioning I was on 'tightening', nailing and moving the props to correct position using a lump hammer duties. Mike meanwhile after sourcing the timber blocks started to fix the strengthening poles between appropriate Acrow props. With the available  material we had managed to set up over 6 more Acrow props deep in the cave system. Lots more to do since the extensive shopping list compiled during the survey last week has yet to be procured. At least we have made a good start to the planned work and we will be getting stuck in again next week. As last year the work will need to stop some time in September since the bats will be returning to this winter roost in this month.