Over the last couple of months our team have been splitting their time between the Lower Derwent Valley and Forge Valley Woods NNR, where we’ve been teaming up with Raincliffe Woods Community Enterprise and Butterfly Conservation volunteers to help manage this special woodland đ˛đŗ
Our team, who are not shy of a challenge, have been hard at work (and in all weathers) clearing fallen trees from public rights of way and tackling storm-damaged trees so that the boardwalk can be replaced with a safer and better surface for visitors to enjoy, and whilst one section of the boardwalk does remain closed for now, the northern part of the reserve is still open, with the planned work expected to be completed by the summer đđđĨž
During this time we’ve also been busy working alongside the river, opening up glades and re-coppicing bankside trees to let more light in, which will lead to more spring flowers, and provide a much-needed boost for butterflies, moths and bees, and when the coppice regrows, it will then create perfect nesting spots for birds and hiding places for mammals like wood mice and field voles đĻđđĻđđ
More recently we've also been opening up the quarry faces for their geological interest and valuable invertebrate habitat, and strimming the calcareous grassland pockets which will hopefully help species like rock rose flourish. A full litter-pick has also been carried out at both quarries and along the roadside, making the site nicer and safer for wildlife and visitors alike - nice to also see spurge laurel and wild garlic, and the first snowdrops of the year đŋ☘️ đˇđĒģđē
Huge thank you as always to our fantastic team for their efforts recently, without whom, we simply would not be able to achieve even a fraction of our work load. If you'd like to join our team and are interested in helping out on your local NNRs, please contact Lucy.Murgatroyd@naturalengland.org.uk for more details đŠ
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