09/05/16 - Many hands

Recently our NNR staff hosted a volunteering day for staff from Aviva – which saw them swap their desks and office for the pleasant surroundings of Skipwith Common NNR. Armed with hammers, mels and spades, the team did a great job in helping to make further progress on the new easy access boardwalk leading off the bomb bay loop. A great day was had by all, and nicely finished off by fantastic views of a basking Adder on the nearby heath, along with a Common Lizard which appeared to be checking on the construction of a new sun bathing spot. Many thanks to everyone for their hard work and effort – if you work with any company which offers staff the opportunity for corporate volunteering days then please feel free to get in touch.

 

Last week we were also joined by our East Coast volunteer team, once again making the long journey from Hunmanby and Hornsea. With their help we made good progress in managing our wildlife and butterfly/bee garden ready for the season – whilst there a Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and a Large Red Damselfly dropped in. An hour in the afternoon was then spent extracting timber from Skipwith Common, having recently been felled on one of our chainsaw training courses. As well as managing the NNR this timber provides valuable wildlife habitat, whilst also providing the NNR with an income which goes straight back into the reserve - helping to develop conservation projects, research and educational work. Whilst on the Common a sighting of one of last year’s young Grass Snakes was a welcome bonus to the team. Many thanks to Sandra, Nick and Jeff for all their hard work and good humour.