CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 11th November 2015
Hosehill Lake, Theale ~ Scrub clearance

We were once again to be found on what is known by some as the 'Butterfly Bank' which was intended to be kept as open grassland rich in wild flowers but has been invaded by scrub including bramble and hawthorn. On recent visits we have been attempting to reduce the amount of scrub and were to continue this process. Also some of the remaining grassland had been strimmed and we were to do more, raking and clearing the cut material.

A cleared area with a hawthorn which we pollarded.

In one of the bramble patch we discovered a wild Service tree, a once common but now relatively rare member of the Sorbus family .....

..... its leaves resemble those of maple although it is not related. There are a number of specimens scattered about the site.

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A habitat pile in the form of stacked logs created on a previous visit was enhanced with a topping of bramble and grass to make it more weather resistant.

A bonfire is always to be enjoyed - especially at the end of the day. Our thanks to all who joined us.

Created: Friday, 13th November 2015
Photographs: Alan Stevens, David Hume