Down by an old brook

To the left the over shaded brook, Birch copse top right

The Oak marks target for clearance, hedge looks good

Been a while but joined the GWT today for a session down on the old Sherborne brook, just down from Gravelpits copse and up from Birch copse. Emma led the smaller than usual team of 5 volunteers to carry out some 'shading' work to improve life for the water voles in this area. Two challenges awaited on the stretch we were to tackle, these being the blackthorn and the need for moving the cut wood to an area in Century wood some distance away. I also was surprised by the steepness of the river bank and the shallow depth of water which hid the very muddy river bottom. Anyway soon got into the swing of things sawing away at the blackthorn and willow. The new gloves  supplied on the day certainly helped protect against the thorns and the weather was surprisingly good. 

Fortunately for me, the initial stretch needing cutting back wasn't too bad and it was good to be back in this water meadow location.  I had to leave early which was fortunate given the state of my fitness after a long break and I missed tackling the really dense overshading further down the brook. Sadly saw no raptors or other wildlife on this occasion but you can't have everything.

Interesting comment from an NE employee to be found in Mark Avery's blog, will Defra or NE ever wake up and  'smell the coffee'.