Sustrans Ecologist Lydia Blake is leading additional workdays on the Colliers Way cycle path (route 24) with support from the FML Ecology Group and Sustrans Radstock Rangers. These events are to give people a fun day out, gain traditional skills and hopefully attract new members to the FML Ecology Group Thursday meetings (weekend days also possible if required by new volunteers).
Following these workdays the FML Ecology Group programme has to be less robust in the summer months so as not to cause disturbance in the bird nesting season which starts soon. Summer allows minor grass cutting, trimming, building bug hotels etc. and importantly for surveys to begin on such subjects as numbers of reptiles, hedgehogs and dormice, and for bat walks to be undertaken. The expertise gained from these surveys will inform the work activities in the period September to March.
Workday 1 – Sustrans Restoration of Orchard/Seating Area on Colliers Way at Conduit Bridge, Mells
Thursday 21st February, 10am – 4pm, meet at Conduit Bridge (Mells then via Park Hill and Conduit Hill)
Join us in learning how to safely use Slashers/Bill Hooks and other tools to remove brambles to restore Orchard on Colliers Way to grassland. Scything will be demonstrated as a possible way of managing grassland. Tools provided, bring your lunch.
To join, email lydia.blake@sustrans.org.uk.
Workday 2 – Sustrans Hedgelaying Training (Mark 2)
Saturday 9th March, 10:30am – 4pm, meet at Buckland Bridge, Great Elm
Join us in learning this traditional skill and help create wildlife habitat and open up views along Colliers Way. Tools provided, bring your lunch.
To join, email lydia.blake@sustrans.org.uk.
