This week we went back to the marsh and cleared more Balsam. Eight volunteers, including Leah, a new starter, cleared a considerable amount but as always there is still much to do. However next week we will take a break and attend to the fallen willow in the north plantation.
June 18, 2009
June 13, 2009
Kingfisher
Rachel saw a kingfisher down at the lake earlier today - flying from the bridge nearest the west end of Juniper Way along the bank into one of the bushes on the bank.
June 11, 2009
Green Gym 11th June 2009
Today we went back to the scene of Saturday’s triumph. seven volunteers removed three more blockages or partial blockages from the stream, which incidentally was back to normal depth. we also removed two fallen trees blocking the footpath. This was to prevent detours which involved skidding all over some uncommon sedges (according to Rupert). The process accidentally created a nice path side seat into the bargain. Oh and we pulled another clump of Balsam.
Mentioning Balsam, next week we are at the marsh again, this time to address Balsam growing around the fringes of the marsh.
June 8, 2009
We were on Springwatch
The Group got mentioned and shown on BBC2’s Springwatch broadcast at 8pm on 8 June 2009. You can see some clips from the programme by clicking here. Other details are on the news page.
June 6, 2009
Stream clearing and fame at last for Three Brooks
Despite extremely unpromising weather in the morning we had an unprecedented turnout – about 22 people in all I think - thanks to Springwatch/Dirty Weekend publicity.
Not only that, we were filmed for posterity by Martin Hughes-Games from BBC Springwatch and his cameraman Nick. If we feature on the show then it is most likely to be in the coming Monday’s edition (8 June, 8 pm BBC Two) and highlights will include Hannah being interviewed ( click here for picture ) and Dave D nobly getting soaked in the cause of conservation. However that may all end up on the cutting room floor in favour of the cute kiddies pulling out Himalayan balsam. That’s showbiz, folks.
The streams were high after the night’s heavy rain, but despite this and the need to accommodate the filming we did actually get some work done; we cleared a large log jam in the area upstream from the Tump, helped out by Martin. After lunch we moved on to Stoke Brook which is where most of the mess ends up. This year’s haul included a bicycle wheel, a car wheel, a hubcap, a large section of plastic road barrier, a perfectly serviceable push-scooter and of course (no stream clearing would be complete without them) a shopping trolley and a traffic cone.
Now how can we get David Attenborough down here?
June 4, 2009
Green Gym 4th June 2009
This week’s GG was back to Balsam bashing. Five volunteers addressed the area previously covered. Although substantial inroads have been made into the area covered there is still more to do at some later date. Dave Mathews saw a kingfisher!
Next weeks GG is a bit vague. It will be stream clearing but exactly where depends upon the main groups efforts on Saturday. There is a major log jam near the area covered this morning and if this is not addressed on Saturday we will be working there. Otherwise probably the Stoke Brook. I will know for sure by next weeks reminder.
Kingfisher
In today’s Green Gym big Dave saw a kingfisher near where we have been clearing the Himalayan Balsam.