Wed 14th Sept 2016 - Cockleton Meadow, Gurnard. GG # 652.

Alison's Photographs.

This was our 3^rd visit (see 24^th Feb and 4^th May) to Cockleton Meadows and again the sun was shining upon us.  25 of us turned up to be greeted by a long list of tasks.  The first item on the agenda was to make compost bins using pallets.  We then raked the meadow of the mown grass and this was piled into the compost bins. Meanwhile, others were planting trees, and clearing dead wood from the orchard area.  Tea was taken in the shade of the walnut tree.

After tea break, the raking continued……  the compost bins were filled up and covered with tarpaulin. Once the hay was raked off yellow rattle seeds were sown to help reduce the vigour of the grasses and thereby encourage wild flowers to grow. The boundary hedge to the west of the site was given a tidy and the risings were added to the bonfire. 

We were lucky enough to spot a small toad crawling through the grass – he was rescued and moved out of harm’s way.  Butterflies were in abundance with red admirals in the orchard feeding on fallen apples and a small copper found on the meadow.  The hedges were full of rosehips and sloes; the trees in the orchard are now in full production with apples, crab apples and walnuts.  It is not surprising this site is becoming one of our favourites!

Many thanks to Alison for the photographs and editorial this week. (Well done!)