On July 7th, 2015, Helen Atkinson, returned to College Lake Nature Reserve. The trust relies on volunteers to help with the upkeep of the reserve and make sure the habitat is right for both the native animals and migratory birds that visit each year.
In true British-Summer style it rained all morning, so we got drenched whilst clearing a large area of pasture. The land is an important area for wild orchids, which are becoming more endangered as our countryside is being taken up by building. However, the meadow also contains poisonous ragwort plants which spread quickly and must be removed in order to protect grazing animals. It’s not the most exciting of jobs, but essential to the biodiversity of the reserve.
In the afternoon we tidied a neglected apple orchard, cutting back the long grass and removing it for composting. We were careful not to damage the wildflowers which grow there or the small animals and butterflies who eat the fruit. We then cut back brambles, roots and branches to form a new public pathway. This enables visitors to reach the edge of the lake where there is now a viewing point to rest and watch the wildlife.
[By Helen Atkinson]