CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 2nd July 2014
Wokefield Common ~ Car park maintenance

Following our task in May we were keen to further develop our car park maintenance skills, indeed our enthusiasm was such that we had hardly unloaded the wheelbarrows before Chris was attacking the 20 tonnes of 'Type 1' which had been kindly provided for us on this occasion.

Soon Terry joined the fray.

Team work was key, so while some loaded and 'barrowed' Mary (and others) spread and levelled.

As lunchtime approached the pile had almost vanished.

Final touches!

All gone!

Lunchtime and all 20 tonnes has been spread. About two thirds of the car park is now finished and we wait to learn whether we will be asked to return to complete the remainder.

Thanks to The Conservation Volunteers for the use of their minibus and providing us with additional tools, and to all who joined us on the day, Cathy, Chris, Bob, John, Judith, Mary, Peter, Terry and Alan. Thanks in particular to Cathy for loading tools and driving the minibus, no doubt ably assisted with the former by Chris.

The work was heavy but we hope all paced themselves sufficiently, changed jobs and took breaks when necessary so no one suffered too badly the following day. After lunch some headed home while the rest went for a walk around the common .....

On a warm summer's day there was plenty to be seen. In addition to the Ringlet butterflies pictured above, we also saw a Silver-washed Fritillary amongst others. Dragonflies were much in evidence including Brown Hawkers, Emperors and Broad-bodied Chasers. We also found a lively young adult male slowworm which having relieved itself over John soon disappeared in to the undergrowth. Chris's day was made when he spotted a Hobby flying high overhead. A fitting end to a task which was both challenging and rewarding.

Created: Monday, 7th July 2014
Photographs: Cathy Holwill, John Lerpiniere