Cow Myers: 12-02-2019

YES!                        NO!  

This week the NCVs were back at Cow Myers, returning to remove scrub encroaching into the SSSI meadows where many rare flowers grow. It was definitely a packed lunch day today. There was no chance of a pheasant casserole or apple crumble this week. We did run the idea of buying a mobile kitchen past Alwin so that she could come out with us every Tuesday but she didn't seem to think it was such a good idea. Never mind - it was nice while it lasted. 

So - how did the scrub removal go? Let's see the progress report from the CMSRC (Cow Myers scrub removal committee):

Status of the 'to burn' heap at close of play last visit.

Status of the heap during the course of the day as work progressed.

One heap became two heaps that then merged into one mega heap.

Status of the heap by the end of the day. 

Committee's conclusion - Excellent heap removal progress was made.

Status of the 'still to clear' area at the start of the day.
A big hill to climb.

Status of the 'still to clear' area at the end of the day.
Committee's conclusion- potential wildflower surface area impressively increased.

Progress made in lighting a fire.

Committee's conclusion - conflagration coaxing second to none. 

Some NCVs were clearly out of their comfort zone 
when it came to handling unwieldy logs.

However - they heaved with great determination....

...and worked well in pairs to transport the brash to its final resting place.
Committee's conclusion - leaders in log lifting 

Status of the work party at the start of coffee time (20 personnel on site).

Status of the work party at the end of coffee time. 
(An additional 13 personnel arrived, cavalry like, from Askham Bryan College.)
Committee's conclusion - Commendable group number increase. 

Progress made by student group A in habitat pile construction.

Progress made by student group B.

Committee's conclusion- first rate construction from first time  constructors.

 Progress in clearing up the debris and putting it to good use....

... to dress the top of a HUGE log pile (this apparently makes it more inviting to invertebrates and 'seeds' the pile with fungus and microbes).

Committee's conclusion - ingenious use of floor sweepings.

 Progress made by one NCV in personalising 

her new AONB work gloves which normally look like this....

...but now look like this.

Committee's conclusion - superb use of sparkly bits.

Challenge to other NCVs - can you personalise 

your black thermal gloves in other ways?

CMSR committee's final verdict?

"Excellent progress was made clearing this important site. Well done to all those who took part in the task!"