Sunday May 1st provided an opportunity to step back from our tasks and appreciate some of the beautiful countryside that surrounds us as we gathered in a small Sayers Common woodland pond area for a group supporter open day. This also gave us an opportunity to demonstrate some of the nature conservation work we had been undertaking in the area for many years previously to our supporters and others who had been unable to visit with us on our volunteer project days.

 

The pond as it now appears after extensive work by group volunteers to restore it.

 

In May the bluebells begin to appear around the pond and in the surrounding woodland area. With fresh green leaves beginning to emerge and wildlife starting to breed, this early summer period is the perfect time to appreciate nature’s beauty.

 

The surrounding woodland begins to spring to life with a carpet of bluebells.

 

Visitors start to gather next to the woodland pond.

 

The extent of the work undertaken in the area by the group is explained to attendees.

 

The long and difficult task to retrieve the pond from its previously derelict state is described in detail.

 

The party of people then head toward the surrounding woodland.

 

Within the woodland, a carpet of bluebells skirted the pathways….

 

….stretching as far as the eye could see.

 

At regular intervals the party paused to allow everyone to catch up and gather to appreciate the flora and the wildlife boxes installed for bats and dormice.

 

One of the witnessed dormouse boxes erected in the woodland.

 

When looking up, bat boxes were seen mounted on the woodland trees.

 

Amongst the bluebells some orchids were observed. 

 

Occasional obstacles were encountered following wind damage in the early months of the year.

 

Once manoeuvred, all continued along the winding pathways….

 

….through the woodland towards the surrounding fields. 

 

When reached, everyone walked out into an area where further wildlife conservation measures were in place.

 

Here several barn owl boxes were sited.

 

An explanation was given of the box positions in an area where high usage was made of them. 

 

Once all boxes had been visited, the party of people headed back through the woods again….

 

….appreciating the scenic beauty as they went.

 

At the end of the journey the landowners had kindly organised refreshments….

 

….which were appreciated by all.

 

Cakes, sandwiches and drinks were gratefully consumed.

 

The Woodland, Flora & Fauna Group are very grateful to the landowners who permitted this event to take place. They have been very supportive of our work for many years and allowed us to undertake a number of conservation projects in an area of extreme natural beauty. We would also like to thank all those who attended and the generous sum they contributed afterwards in voluntary contributions towards the ongoing cost of our work.