It seemed it would not happen at all, foot and mouth combined
with almost everybody having other commitments that weekend. But,
first I discovered that Brownsea was one of the first places to
be 'opened up' by the National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Secondly, I had a stroke of luck - a chance meeting at a dinner
party with a couple who ran a NT volunteer group in Coventry.
They were keen, very keen - so I went to Brownsea with a select
group of six.
Arriving on Brownsea little has changed - even the weather (and 20 year old Land Rover) were as wonderful as always. We saw Nightjars, Terns and of course Red Squirrels in abundance over the weekend courtesy of Chris, the enthusiastic new reserve manager. A day of gentle 'rhody bashing' on the Saturday followed by the traditional walk around the island and alcoholic meal. Sunday provided photographic opportunities in abundance - rabbit fencing - using a post rammer or 'bonker'.
It was a good weekend but obviously quite
different to the great 15 or so people weekends we had on Brownsea
during the "Golden Era" of GVCV. Helen from Coventry
was so enthusiastic she is arranging a return visit for her group
later in the year - and there will be spaces for GVCV if you feel
you missed out this time (watch this space). Keep me away!!
MARK M.