On the Rack...

No not a ranger technique for driving us volunteers harder but a fine days work on Bibury's Rack Isle. Given the weather had taken a turn for the better this week, Martin seized the opportunity to visit the Isle for some 'sedge' clearing with the aid of course of the 'beast', see below. At last the water courses surrounding and cutting through the Isle had a healthy amount of water spite of another dry year. So at the end of the day it was satisfying to leave this non woodland environment looking really good. Apart from the usual duck population spotted a water vole so must be doing something right.

the 'beast'

Spot the ranger!,  initial smoke fortunately disappeared

Earlier in the week worked with Mike, with the help of another 'beast',  on blocking & splitting at Sherborne. Two more loads of wood for members of the local community who continue to be happy with this service. Given the weather was amazingly good had chance at my break to visit the Pleasure grounds where the snowdrops are in abundance and in one corner where early daffodils, crocus and aconites provided great colour. Finished the day off with a continuation of fence clearing down in the water meadows, still plenty to do here! 

Beast 2 Maddie,  Mike's dog attempting to 'help'

All in all a satisfying week capped off with my first sighting of not one but four short eared owls!!!!