Low Dam: 08-11-2016

Editorial Note:

Apologies to all our blog readers who have been eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Late publication is entirely due to circumstances beyond my control.

This week 17 people, including students and zoo keepers, met at Low Dam, below Thruscross Reservoir, to clear pond vegetation and cut back scrub in a wetland  that NCVs had a hand in creating several years ago. We were met there by Peter Riley, well known in Wharfedale Nats and Otley Wetlands and the expert on the Washburn Valley. He and James explained the task which involved cutting down scrub and, if time permitted, taking out some of the vegetation that has invaded the ponds. This was all for the benefit of adders, slow worms, frogs etc. as well as flowers.  It was a good day, a challenge successfully met.

Tony

The photos below give a flavour of the day..... 

 Low Dam looked lovely.

 Observation hut.

"What's through the round window today?"

Another beautiful view.

The team are briefed on the plan for the day.

 Everyone got busy with busy with bow saws and loppers.

Dave did battle with a number of saplings.

Snip, snip snip.

Ros K, Anita and Laura built one of the most
impressive brash piles we've made to date.

It will provide a good home for many creatures over the winter months.

There was fun and games for those in waders...

...but there was always a risk of being hit in the 

face by a colleague with a bulrush.

 No. It's not an NCV task - perhaps Robin Hood got lost?

Saplings were hiding the ponds and slow worm habitats

Scrub cleared!

 A good spot for lunch.

Nice to see you back after your post-operative skive Graham!!

Say "Cheese". Eat cheese.