CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 21st April 2010
Lower Southcote Allotments ~ Hedge planting/mulching, building bug hotel, rubbish clearance

Hoyte and John evidently pleased with the results of their efforts building this bug hotel.

But the bug hotel was not the day's only success. We also managed to complete planting and mulch the hedge which we started on our first visit to the site in March.

And then there was the rubbish.....

..... which grew .....

..... and grew .....

..... until we found ourselves with a heep containing two baths, three toilets, half a dozen radiators, a washing machine, a lawn mower, a wheelbarrow and .....

Many thanks to everyone who helped on the day and in particular to the volunteers from Berkshire Scout Enterprises, www.bsel.org.uk, who joined us for the task.

As well as tadpoles in the pond which was only excuvated during last winter, we also discovered this Scarlet Tiger moth caterpillar.

The moth which is a feature of the Kennet, feeds on Comfrey of which there is plenty at the damp Southcote site. It will also live happily on Alconet in gardens.

The adult flying along the river in July sunshine looks rather like a Red Admiral with its black and white forewings and scarlet underwings.