Wednesday 26 August 2015

Bridge Partners

Those of you who have visited the woodland hide over the last month will, I am sure, have noticed the magnificent structure, that is the new maintenance access bridge over the stream.

Many, many, thanks and congratulations are due to all those involved in it's construction and installation - but a special mention must go to chief designer Neil Studman and his very able erection team stalwarts Simon Bunker and Martin Kinkaid.

Any dangers of a certain Chair Person getting his hands dirty were quickly averted by

a) The hangover following his 60th Birthday celebrations and
b) The other members of the crew refusing to let him anywhere near proceedings

The two halves of the bridge had been pre-constructed so the first job was to drive in new support posts either side of the old plank bridge.




There was to be no lying down on this job





 and anyone found slacking was made to walk the plank.




Once the new supports were in place the first of the two parts of the bridge was manoeuvred into place.






Then the second section was positioned in place



Finally it was time to plank the walk.


Please can we ask that members refrain from crossing the bridge unless involved in an authorised work activity.

In truth there is very little to be seen on the other side and constant activity will deter the mammals and birds that can be seen in the area and disrupt the enjoyment of anyone visiting the woodland hide. There will I am sure be ample opportunity for those interested to make visits across the bridge during work parties and other organised activities.

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Sunflowers, sundogs, sunsets, and a Saturday Special in September!

 
Saturday Special!
5th September 2015
'Grasshoppers, crickets and other small things 
that jump and hop at
 Linford Lakes Nature Reserve'
 Simon Bunker, one of our Friends of Linford Lakes Nature Reserve, has recently been spending lots of time at ground level studying some of the smallest creatures that live in our meadows and grasslands: Grasshoppers, Crickets and other things in the order Orthoptera that jump and hop.

He's very kindly going to share his knowledge of where to look, what to listen for, and how to identify Grasshoppers and Crickets and related mini-beasts, and invites you to join him at  

11am - 12.45pm or 2pm - 3.45pm
(£1.50 per person, £3.00 per family)
 
 The Centre will be open from 10am until 4pm, with all the usual Open Day delights on offer - refreshments including hot and cold drinks, cakes, 2nd hand books, crafts, and Friends to answer questions about the Reserve and its flora and fauna. 

Finally, a few pictures from today at LLNR...
   Sunflower
 Sundog

 Sunset

Some things are spectacular, aren't they?

Don't forget to put Saturday 5th September in your diaries!
(....and of course we also look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday, 16th August, for another of our regular Open Days.)