Halloween it might have been, but if you had ventured into Cow Myers SSSI, Galphay today there would have been no sign of any ghosts or witches (in spite of the nearby 'Witch-o'-the-Woods' cottage). You would have just seen a band of dedicated NCVs removing invasive scrub growth from the wildflower and insect rich meadows. Parts of the site are very wet so wellies were essential.
Osian reported....
After the trek to James' country pad, aka 'Witch-o'-the-Woods' we had our briefing and chose the day's weapons. Morning work was thinning out encroaching saplings and scrub in the form of the evil blackthorn. After lunch in and outside the Witch we headed through the maze of boggy ground to the enchanting glade to scythe and clear long grass and trim back encroaching scrub.
The saplings can be seen just behind the NCVs.
And now the NCVs can just be seen in amongst
the saplings as they got busy with bow saws and loppers.
Coffee below the tree.
Candle lit dining at lunch time.
(Thanks to Maggie for her 2 different types of delicious flapjack - Happy Birthday!!
Audrey sent some along too. Spoilt for choice!)
Phil warmed himself beside the non-existent fire.
Then it was outside again to get back to work.
Scythers at work in the matted rushes.
Too many to clear completely but it will be interesting
to see how the area fares next year.
Students helped to clear up the aftermath.
Meanwhile the blackthorn clearance
generated a considerable habitat pile.
The area was cleared of saplings by mid afternoon...
...and then the long walk out began.
So - no ghosts or ghoulies. At least - not before the NCVs left the area. Who knows what happened when it got dark? .....
.Whooooooooo
Another bit of news....
From next week there will be a second volunteering Oscar statuette in the NCVs' barn. Ros E. was awarded the Environment Volunteer Oscar at the 2017 Harrogate and District Volunteering Oscars ceremony last Friday evening. A most unexpected honour on her part!! Hopefully the two Oscars will get on well together.
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