Last week the project began with vegetation clearance and the start of earth works. This involved:

Cutting and bailing the existing vegetation which was taken to Beddingham Green Waste Composting Site for use in commercial compost.

Stripping of the top soil from the design area. This is now stored in piles, which are less that 2m in height, in order to prevent compaction and to maintain the creatures within the soil, such as earth worms. This soil will be put back later within the reed bed design.

Removing several clumps of Willows and some Hawthorns from within the project area. Every effort was made to retain as many as possible of the existing trees. The timber will be used on site, with the branches chipped for use on footpaths, and the trunks cut into 2m logs for use as 'log piles' for wildlife habitats.

This week: The ditches and mounds that form the unique shape of Heart of Reeds are now being constructed. They were begun at the southern end of the site, and will be worked towards the north, linking up with the existing ditch so that the wildlife there can be gently eased into the new section.

Gambles, the main contractor working on the project, have a long history of working on sensitive sites like this and are liaising closely with the management committee to take every possible care of our Local Nature Reserve.

The main works should be complete within 5 weeks and we continue to thank visitors for their patience and interest.

week three -->