Yellow rattle (c) Whitfield Benson

For a change (subject to weather) we’ll be gathering seed, primarily yellow rattle (which is easily identified). This will be used on the new Cornfield grassland to reduce grass growth thus encouraging the herbs. An article here explains a little about the process.

There were just two of us at the last work party (16th June) but we managed to cut around the New Meadow tansy, although not perhaps as neatly as we could. The subsequent work parties in July should help.

We’re hopefully getting Hull Trust for Conservation Volunteers to help pull curled dock on the 22^nd June, starting at the Pond and working north. Following the four months of inundation we do have a big weed problem, along with the usual Himalayan balsam!

The Floodplain Meadows Partnership did a few hours of surveys on the meadows this week, and the Copse Meadow was looking good.

There are loads more jobs to do including clearing the odd tree branch, re-puddling ponds and weeding around the other tansy areas but they’ll have to wait. Some jobs like finishing the bee bank and fencing will be done when we can by Martin, Don and I.