Saturday 10th May - Lashford Lane Fen

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 Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally and Eleanor

Although Parsonage Moor was on our programme, we were asked to work on Lashford Lane Fen instead as there was more work to do there. There were fewer volunteers than usual, only about nine. However, the weather was really sunny and warm.

We set off on our long trek to the fen. Carolyn and I volunteered to cut back vegetation from the sides of the path and trim overhanging branches while making our way down to the main work site.

Having arrived at the fen, the rest of the group set about sharpening scythes and picking up rakes and started work.

Preparing to work





Working on the fen



Carolyn and I arrived just in time for tea break, having worked our way along the path, cutting and clearing.

Enjoying the sunshine at tea break


There was a lot more to do, so the scythers and rakers carried on.


Reeds to rake up and carry



Meanwhile, Carolyn and I set off back along the path to finish clearing.

Carolyn pulling up nettles



While working we frequently heard a cuckoo. The sunshine and warmth had brought many butterflies out including many orange tips ( this is the height of their season. They will be gone by mid June.) and brimstones. The scythers had to be careful not to harm frogs.
Here are some other things we saw:

Marsh Lousewort





Flea sedge, only about 3 inches high






Germander speedwell





Lady's smock (cuckoo flower)






The fen after our hard work




By 12.30, we had completed our task, so we gathered up our tools and set off on the long trek back to the car park.

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