A Century up and almost a washout

Wildlife Trust team approaching river Dikler worksite

Tranquil setting just outside Upper Swell

Impressive riverside clearance by end of day

It wasn't looking good this week, especially for my 100th blog on countryside volunteer experiences, as both NT and WT sessions were cancelled. However the Wildlife Trust rapidly rescheduled for today and we didn't miss out on a very rare sunny winter day. Will {in spite of ill health}  and John led the team to Upper Swell {fortunately not as flooded as the name suggests} to carry out some clearance by a very full, fast flowing river Dikler. The usual shrub/tree clearance, to remove shade, was the order of the day  but with the added 'pleasure' of rampant brambles a real favourite of mine! We were treated to a raven seeing off a buzzard at the first break and it was hard to believe how pleasant the weather was with our youngest team member down to his tee shirt. What a fine spot, with a parkland estate further downstream and a characterful old bridge as our 'break spot' where we could  'bask' in the warm sun! Needless to say we did get stuck into the work and by close of play had made an excellent start of clearing this stretch of river.

Not so long ago the weather patterns provided us with 'too dry' winters but this year seems to be making up for lost ground! The seemingly constant wave {no pun intended} of storms blew away this weeks wednesday session at Sherborne. Fortunately I did manage a visit to Sherborne on Monday where, in the main, the water levels in the water meadows were higher than I've seen them, almost a waders only zone. Some wet socks and trousers testify to this especially down by the old Sherborne brook where lots of gulls, buzzards and a few remaining lapwing were on show. I also spotted 2 pairs of heron, pair cormorant, a flock of small waders {still to ID but plover is favourite} and 3 red kite in the pasture/lake overlooked from the 'hyde'. Most enjoyable sight was that of my second bullfinch of the year in the hedgerow on the boundary of Picardy followed by 3 fallow deer deeper in the wood. Not so good was some additional tree damage especially the fall of one of the trees into the Broadwater, an interesting removal challenge for Mike.

While on the topical subject of floods another sensible blog from Martin Harper.