Yesterday our group had a work day at Raw Nook nature reserve. The reason for the work was to clear Silver Birch seedlings and saplings which have a detrimental effect on the heather which forms a lowland heath habitat at the site. This type of Lowland heath habitat and the species it attracts is uncommon within inner cities like Bradford and has to be preserved.
APOLOGISE FOR THE POOR QUALITY OF THE PHOTOS…
Members of the Low Moor & Oakenshaw Conservation Group …mentally preparing for the hard work ahead..
So the enjoyable work involves using Matlock’s to permanently remove the Birch saplings
The work is very rewarding and a minimum of 104 Birch saplings were removed in just two hours…Excellent work…
And just look what was achieved…about a 10 metres square ( Thanks Richards…) which will allow the heather to flourish and in turn will benefit a wide array of insects including the Heath Rustic moth (uncommon in the Bradford area) however the species may possibly breed at the site as I have recorded it 4 times in the last couple of years.
Leaving the site tired but with a big smile on my face and a warm glow of satisfaction on what excellent work we had all done….these Scalet Felp Cup fungus which are easy to see at the site made me realise what a wonderful nature reserve we have on our own doorstep…
What a success! Thanks to everyone for their hard work and the great company. Still amazed at the number of saplings removed!
Good work, I noticed a few weeks ago that the birch was getting a good grip again.