And the sun shone on the righteous

Despite lockdowns and restrictions, 2021 saw 39 of us putting in a collective 713 hours of volunteering effort on behalf of Norfolk Wildlife Trust! As well as many other small bits of work, there were 17 full working parties, with a splendid average attendance of 14.5. Most of the work is inevitably focused on the main common as it is a SSSI, and that accounted for 466.25 of those hours. Pit and School Commons, repairs to the boardwalk, and removing Himalayan Balsam were other major areas of our activity. As NWT's volunteering coordinator tells us, "… another very impressive total of volunteer hours given to the Trust, for which we are very grateful. It is also great to see how many volunteers have been involved, I hope everyone has enjoyed their time on the Commons, and that you are all well and coping with the strange times we have found, and continue to find, ourselves in. Please continue to look after yourselves and each other."

2022's efforts began on Sunday 9th January. Your usual correspondent being once again absent, he cannot claim to be amongst this group of the righteous, but the 20 volunteers who did make it to the Common on time were blessed with a beautiful sunny winter morning, even if it there had been an overnight frost on waterlogged ground. This will have made for cold hands and feet to start with, but clearing cut reeds is nothing if not vigorous exercise, so doubtless in no time there was joy unbounded, as the conditions were ideal for a spot of hard work without getting uncomfortably warm.

The usual ‘pre-cut’ had taken place on Thursday morning, so the scene greeting the Sunday party was this – lots of lovely wet stuff to be getting on with shifting.

Here’s some evidence of the frost:

Not having been there, it’s hard to say what this picture is showing, but my guess is they’re looking for a missing volunteer – your usual correspondent perhaps?

The dumping site for this section’s material was on the other side of the boardwalk, so getting the loaded sheets across it was tricky. One load (perhaps this one?) was almost shed as it made the crossing – the icy nature of the cut reeds making them rather slippery.

Although no photographic evidence exists, poor Sheila fell over backwards, no doubt with a splash (it was very wet) and a suitable verbal accompaniment.

This working party completed the programme of reed cutting for the season, so the reed beds can now get on with growing again. No doubt there will be other work for us to do before spring arrives and restricts much of what can be disturbed. Here are a couple more pictures from the day, courtesy of Team Leader Margaret.

Here is Margaret’s message of thanks:

A Happy New Year to you all. What a glorious day we had to start off 2022. 20 happy souls turned out to complete the cutting programme for the year. It looks great, a clear view from Bradfield Road across towards Foxes beck bridge.

It started off very cold and frosty with the cut material frozen and muddy swamp beneath, but our team are never deterred. A special thanks to the winch team who stayed an extra 1/2 hour to complete the job.

I am the proud custodian of a black Rebok fleece and a fine pair of yellow (ladies)? gloves. Give me a shout if they are yours.

Thank you for your sterling efforts.

Margaret