Boar's Well Urban Wildlife Reserve

cutting balsam under the central pylonNine volunteers braved the heavy summer showers today to continue with our summer management of the site.

We returned to the three areas of Japanese knotweed between the central entrance and Coleman Street, though there had been very little regrowth since our visit in June. Having had success in reducing the amount of Himalayan balsam along the path we ventured up to the extremes of the slopes, in the depths of the willowherb, nettles and brambles to catch the last plants at that end of the site. Of course there some will have been missed but when we think back to the time we were using a scythe to cut through meadows of balsam we have come a long way in efforts to eradicate it.

The path was cut and over hanging branches removed and general litter clearance was undertaken.

Despite the rain there were many butterflies, mostly ringlets and large white, and many species of moths. The chiff chaffs were keeping us company.

the congested pond at beginning of the dayToday we completed the annual tasks of clearing some of the reed sweet-grass from the Boar's Well pond, and meadow cutting.

The meadow was cut with the auto scythe and then the arisings were raked off - this is essential to prevent a build up of the fertility of the soil which would benefit the grasses in the meadow and reduce the number of wildflowers as they will not withstand the competition.

We also undertook the usual patrol to collect litter and remove overhanging branches from the footpath.

The noisy jays were present again.

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My how it rained today! It was raining as we loaded up the tools and set off to site. But a group of 7 volunteers were undeterred. Some of whom had not been to the site before, so there was a brief reminder of the local history to the site and the key conservation features. Our main task today turned out to be the cutting back of the pathways along the site. It was surprising but since our last visit some sections of the path were impassable. The branches were weighed or beaten down by the rain while the grass, nettles and brambles had grown up and over the pathway. This all was cut back so that the pathway would be useable again. Also we cut the areas of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam that we are working to control. On the plus side there was little litter on the site, probably due to the weather recently there had been fewer visitors. The rain did not let up all day and it was still coming down as we put the tools away. So well done to all for seeing the task through to the end.

Due to the conditions, no pictures were taken.

It was Kaz’s last today, so we all said goodbye and wished him well for the future and his return to Japan.

Our task today was to prepare the hedge line that we will lay later in the season. This meant that we cut the lower branches of the hawthorn and removed the dog rose.  Also we started to prepare the coppice area of Hazel close to the hedge.  By doing this we open up the pathway to light, allow other vegetation to develop as well as create a different habitat on the site. After this preparation it was noticeable how much more light was entering the area. We also used the scythes to cut back the nettles along the pathway which will help us for when we mow the edges next year.

Today we worked with 6 volunteers and it felt like winter had joined us.

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Our work at the site continued today, and we soon got organised with the tasks. The edges of the path were mowed and branches cut back, this improves the access to the site. Some areas of himalayan balsam were pulled up, but it is noticeable how this year there is less about on the site than other years. Litter was cleared and taken to the entrance where the Council’s Clean Team came and removed it. The area adjacent to Spink’s Well was cut and by doing this it opens the area up and gives other plants a chance to establish, currently the meadowsweet is developing well. The meadow area is looking different to other years with hogweed the dominant plant, but there is also yellow rattle and knapweed present, which are good sources of nectar. It was also pleasing to see that the hedge we cut and layed in December is growing well and there is a photo of it.

Today we worked with  7 volunteers.

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There were several tasks undertaken on this visit. The entrance meadow was cut and raked off, this will enable to flowering plants to grow again next year. At last count there were over 20 different wildflower species, so this is worth maintaining as it is in such a prominent position. On the site the pond was cleared of the plants that are least beneficial and this will give the others a chance to grow next year which provide nectar sources for visiting insects. Further cutting and raking was carried out on the meadow area. We also cut the Japanese knotweed and some remaining Himalayan balsam.

Today we worked with 8 volunteers.

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Boar's Well 27 Feb 09  

Today we continued with the repair of the steps in the central area of the Reserve and now they are almost complete. We had to replace some risers, continue weeding and refilling with crusher run. We pruned back the dogwood that grows over the steps.

We also worked in the woodland area on the slope above the entrance. This area has not had any managament done for several years. We started by clearing the blackthorn that was blocking the gate and then selectively thinning some dead and crowded trees. We high pruned others and will continue with the thinning task next winter.

Day of the Triffids

Another wet Friday but 10 volunteers successfully completed tasks to maintain open pathways and to remove invasive species. 

BEES have been cutting Japanese Knotweed in several areas of the Reserve for 9 years. Although we can record success it does still continue to grow. The task of controlling it is now made more difficult by the colonisation of other species - nettle is dominant and makes the task uncomfortable. 

We also work to control the Himalayan Balsam. This plant is easier to get under control than the Japanese Knotweed but eradication will be difficult as many of the plants are on inaccessible slopes. The site was once used as a rubbish tip and the ground is uneven and unpleasant.

 Not much sign of the wildlife that we usually enjoy at the Reserve today, all sensibly hiding from the elements.

Meadow area cut and raked 

Today we carried out a number useful tasks that will improve the potential for wildlife for the site. The two remaining meadow areas were cut and raked following the management technique of an upland grassland, the wildflowers and grasses will of set seed and removing the vegetation will allow them to regrow next next year. Further work was carried out on the pond removing the dominant species which will give more open water to allow insects to visit the habitat. We also tidied up the trees that had been chopped down poorly by vandals, these were coppiced to a suitable hieght that will allow them to regrow.   

Today we worked with 11 volunteers.

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Removing Himalyan Balsam

Today we continued with our management programme at the site. Some members of the team cut the borders of the path and maintained the pathways so they are open and able to be used by people using the site. While others concentrated on the path up to Bolton Road, which after repeated work is beginning to be more accessable. The rest of the group tackled the invasive species of Himalyan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed.

Today there were 16 volunteers. 

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