Mud!

 We have recently been enduring a spell of decidedly grim weather. Cosily-named storms have drenched the area (and much, much worse in some places), and recently we have been locked in a holding pattern where dreary day followed dreary day, with the light level rarely exceeding crepuscular. The useful weathervane flag on the Church Tower hung as limp as a time-expired lettuce, so still was the air, barely able to stretch out to show its true colours.

The clouds had been at about six inches above the ground, making for humidity levels almost requiring an aqualung when walking the dog (and where can get canine aqualungs? Amazon perhaps.) Overflying helicopters and warplanes were hidden from sight, although sadly not from hearing. Skeins of puppy-yapping geese could be just about made out as they dipped in and out of the murk, while hidden buzzards mewed invisibly, like locked-out cats.

Saturday afternoon’s sunshine and Sunday’s brightness came as a welcome reminder that there are times when it’s not so bad, but for those still in search of some light relief, now is the time to make a shameless plug for the panto at Sheringham Little Theatre. For anyone able lay hands on a ticket, the unalloyed joy, energy and inventive silliness of this production is guaranteed to relieve the gloom. It certainly did mine on Sunday evening, which is why this blog post was a little delayed; oh yes it was!

Another way to cheer yourself up is of course to volunteer on the Common, and that is what 13 of us did on Sunday morning, lured in no doubt by the promise of festive mince pies, courtesy of Kevin and Linda.

The redoubtable Grillo drivers had started the ball rolling some 10 days before this session, in the expectation that we would convene soon after, but Storm Bert put paid to that, for fear of trees falling onto the winch crew, which would have really given them something to sing about. Here’s how it looked after that pre-cut.

This small part of the main reedbed was last cut four years ago, between Covid lockdowns. The remainder was due to be dealt with the following January, but we weren’t allowed back until March, by which time it was too late. So we face future sessions on ground untouched for eight years with more than a little trepidation!

Arriving only a little early I had inevitably been beaten by team leaders and various other ultra-keen types.

Stragglers arrived, towing with them a group of unsuspecting walkers. They were spared being press ganged by their unsuitable footwear. (Wellies the bare minimum; full diving dry suits better).

Soon the work began; note the unaccustomed hint of blue in the sky.

Every step was hard work in the cloying mud. See the buried welly!

Our wonderful winch saves us a lot of effort in dragging sheets to the dumping site. When possible, it can also be used to turn the sheet over and remove the cut material  - so much easier than manually turning it over! Here we see it happening.

Eventually the half-time break arrived, to general relief. The stampede towards the aforementioned mince pies was not the thunder of rampaging herds of buffalo, but more the squelching of slow-motion progress through a lot of sucking mud. (Note: spelling has been carefully checked – ed.)

Pity the lonely photographer, driven out of the herd in order to capture the happy scene.

On being allowed back, this collection of recumbent tools caught my eye. We’re not just about pitchforks, oh no. Loppers, saws, spades and our trusty ‘tree popper’ all feature here, and were put to good use.

As usual, Noel found a comfy seat.

Break over, it was back to work with a whistle and a cheery hop, skip and jump.

The big event after the break was the discovery in the mud of some sort of metal wheel, possibly from an ancient tractor or other agricultural implement. (Sadly, the common had been something of a dumping ground historically.) If anyone recognises it and would like it back, please apply in person at the next working party – with wellies and gloves of course.

Four years of growth mean there’s a lot to clear away. Here’s our impressive dumping site, which will of course rot down in short order.

By the end of the session we had cleared all that had previously been cut, so we’re ready for the delights awaiting us in the New Year. Here’s how we left it.

All that remained was to take the equipment back to the store and wend our weary ways home.

Here is the Team Leaders’ message of thanks and festive greeting:

Hello all.

An enormous thank you to the thirteen who came today. gosh wasn't it the right call to cancel last week. We had perfect conditions today. The going was tough for everyone with very wet and boggy conditions. As always you work with good humour and the task was done. A huge thank you to Kevin and Linda for the mince pies which made the second half so much easier.

We wish you all a very happy Christmas and thank you for the brilliant work you have all done for your community, and the wildlife of Southrepps Common not to mention the flora.  We look forward to seeing you all in 2025. We restart on the 5th January when you may all need some extra exercise after the Christmas pud and chocolates.

Merry Christmas 🎄 🎄 🎄

Margaret, Kevin, Julie, Michelle and Sue.