Although there were only six of us in total (Judi, Ron, Masha, Pete, Carol and Mick) we managed to plant 160 well-established tansy plants on the banks of the Blue Beck. Sixty on the south side of the western stretch and one hundred on the northern bank in the Reservoir Basin. All these areas had plants at one time, and we planted many on the south side during 2014 but successive vehicle activity and dredging appears to have driven them off. There is less chance of grazing affecting the plants on the Reservoir Basin bank as the cattle avoid that area.

Whilst we were planting, Ron and Carol (less able to bend) were doing their best clearing flood debris nearby. A thankless task but one needed to be done to prevent (unwanted) weeds developing.

Thanks all, and although the sun disappeared at least the rain stayed away until we had finished. No Tansy Beetles could be seen on the banks of the New Meadow but one was seen from the cycle track by the Pond at the south.

Next work party will be on the 10th April by the Pond clearing flood debris from the funnel above it. On the 17th April we hope to be planting wild flowers in the Cornfield grassland to increase the biodiversity there.