Report from Bishampton Conservation Area

As in previous years, many hours of work were done during autumn, winter and early spring. The weather over the period was mixed and did not hinder progress. The work consists mainly of clearing bramble and dead elms, many of which were blown down by the wind. There is still a considerable number left, so there is plenty of work for the next few years. It is slow progress because of lack of volunteers and we have only hand saws to do the job. A lot of clearance was done at the western end of the reserve, which suffered badly in the floods of autumn/winter, 2000/2001. Some ditches have been partly cleared but these will have to be done more thoroughly next winter. Rainfall over the past year has not caused any flooding problems and the pond dried out during the summer.

About fourteen new bird boxes have been put in the reserve. The parish council paying for the wood, £38. There is sufficient wood left for another six boxes
for next season.

Eric Carter carried out a risk assessment in the reserve last summer. Most of the problems highlighted have been rectified. Dogs, however, are a minor problem and it is difficult to keep them out. There will always be some risk when entering a nature reserve, without it life would be dull!

Many thanks to helpers in the reserve Peter and Mary Averis. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer help.

Bob Averis