Saturday 11th May

Much more litter in the predictable spots, and signs of swimming at the mosaic by the veteran willow. Ragged Robin coming out, and a second flush of lady's smock. A beautiful sunny morning, and the hawthorn still looking gorgeous.

Thursday 9 May - South - maintenance points

As usual for a Thursday morning not too busy. A few visitors, minimal rubbish (one couple confessed to some litter and said they were going back to get it - but I got there first). Much birdsong in the wooded area. Plenty of tadpoles around the dipping platform.

Maintenance: 

One rail was detached at the SPM east side gate; I nailed it back.

A stringer under the cross boardwalk 1/3 of the way from the west end has collapsed and three boards are now unsupported at one end - needs attention soon.

Veg is growing up around some of the benches (personally I’d let the one at the front entrance get overgrown or even plant brambles around it 🤫)

Detached rail, now nailed back

Collapsed stringer under cross boardwalk

Wednesday 8th May

 Beautiful warm sunny morning brought out a couple of red admiral butterflies, along with the orange tips and brimstones. Many more visitors than of late.  Met the pre-school  children again enjoying their picnic on the pond dipping platform.

A couple on their first visit wanted to know why no dogs are allowed. 

Two lots of people wanted to know why the northern end is closed off as the only sign on both gates is the original sign regarding animals grazing and they couldn't see any animals!

Sam - a new sign is needed on both gates as to why they are locked.

Picked up several torn up bus tickets, food wrappers and drinks bottles by the bench at Durngate entrance - sad that the person/s couldn't be bothered to put them in the nearby bin!

Anne and Tim Ardill 

Bank Holiday

 I don't want to say the Q word but it was. 1 walker. Fair bit of bird song, no litter and I missed the showers. Someone's had a go at "weeding" near North Walls bridge. As observed elsewhere, no "gate closed" signs.

Sunday 5th May

No water on the paths, or what is left of them, in SPM.

A few people out and about.  One silly runner.  Is it time for the new signs (not working at the moment if you need help with that).

                                      

Saturday 4th May

Amazing birdsong this morning, including the cuckoo. Happy visitors, but more litter than in previous weeks.

Wednesday 1st May

 Now the water level has dropped we met quite a few people this week but sadly had to pick up much more litter than of late including the remains of a take away meal and drink cans stuffed down the back of the seat by the stream dipping platform. Tried to remove 2 wine bottles out of the stream but the water flow was so fast that they were simply swept away further into the middle of the reserve! Met two youths on bikes as we were about to leave via the rugby ground entrance, had a chat  with them and they did get off their bikes but not sure how long for!

Anne and Tim Ardill