Land Manager's Diary: Read it here>

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On the hottest day of the year, our volunteers joined us at Dam Mire Wood in Threlkeld. With lots of breaks for water and shade, we were clearing the grass from around the trees which are now in their second summer. The grass and tree growth has been amazing but we suspect hidden under the two foot  high grass are some trees we missed! It is not the planting of the trees that takes the time when creating a new woodland, it is the first couple of years of aftercare which are crucial but so often neglected. 

Such a hot day and evidence of climate change was a stark reminder of why Mike who gifted us the land, wanted to plant a wood to help ameliorate climate change impacts. It was encouraging also to see some more diversity in flowering species alongside the buttercup. There was some great burnet, hawkbit, bedstraw and sneezewort. The number of moths and butterflies was amazing and we took time out to complete the FIT Count (Flower Insect Timed Count) to do a survey of insects and upload the information onto a national database.

We are looking forward to the ecological survey which will be done shortly and give us some recommendations for how we can further enhance the biodiversity of the site. Following on from the grand opening in April and the feedback we have received from people about what they would like to see on the site, we are getting some bat and bird boxes made to put up later in the year.

The funny thing is that we have few trees large enough as yet to put them on! We are still awaiting the local quarry opening again to supply us with the hardcore to extend the path and we are still working up the other ideas people gave us at the opening. If you have visited the site but not given us your thoughts and would like to do so, you can fill in the survey here>

We have a quieter few weeks now in terms of work parties due to holiday time but also it is hard to get on lots of our land due to grass and bracken growth. But, lots is still happening. We hope the hay meadow restoration at Mazonwath will happen later this week. The existing field is cut and due to be baled shortly and the donor site will be cut and seed transferred at the end of the week.

Our restored meadows at High Borrowdale are looking amazing, but can be cut anytime from 20 July onwards so if you want to see them, it needs to be now!

We have tenders out asking for quotes for some wall rebuilding and fence renewal work that we hope to do on the Helm and and we are excited to be planning a virtual tour of High Borrowdale so that our members and supporters can explore the site from home if they cannot get to it in person.