A continuation of our work opening up the stream side at Kemerton Wood nr Bredon. We were able to complete this up to one the small wooden bridges across the stream. During the course of this we came across 40+ peacock butterfly caterpillars and also an eel. Exciting to know that the stream had such life in and around it.

A return to this nature reserve in the midst of Quedgeley. The task was to block off a path that lead too close to the pond. In this respect we decided to erect a dead hedge – mostly using previously cut material from when we did some coppicing. Knocking in some posts we then weaved in various small branches, some of which we had to cut fresh (mostly sycamore). It did the job, so well pleased with our work.

A chance to get together beyond our normal tasks, 13 of us met up at the Docks Gloucester. Started at the Lord High Constable before moving on to Brewer and Chef just a short way along. We did have to wait a bit for the food but it was pretty good stuff when it arrived.

A Natural England managed site that they are grazing with sheep. The task today was to move the electric fence to another part of the grassland, giving the sheep more grass to chew on. Quite a task to shift and roll up the fence material ready to resite it. Forunately the sheep didn’t take long to move across.

A joint task with Cotswold Canals Trust near to Coates, Cirencester. A lovely sunny day spent clearing trees that were close to the side of the canal.

Our work this Sunday was to erect a dead hedge on two sides of the pond to limit access for safety reasons. We knocked posts in and weaved previously cut material into these to create a barrier.

A joint task with Friends of Leckhampton and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK) at Leckhampton Hill. We helped to limit the spread of Hemp Agrimony on the site – mostly removing by hand. Also ragwort pulling on a couple of species rich fields.

An early start for some of us (4.30am) for a walk round Highnam Woods listening out for the delight of bird song, at just about the best time to hear them. many Blackbirds, Blue and Great Tits, Robins, Song Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker and of course Nightingales for which the reserve is well known.

This was then followed later on by a walk from Alney island via Highnam Woods and Minsterworth albeit with a slight unintended detour. Taking in different habitats and landscapes on the way.

Another sunny day at Stinchcombe Hill, managed by Stinchcombe Hill Trust mainly for Butterflies and other invertebrates. Removing small trees and brambles.

A well attended day helping the Kemerton estate by opening up one side of a stream to allow more light in. Hopefully to encourage more diversity in and around the stream. We were able to complete half of the work so aim to return later in the year.