Clare and Sheila joined the monthly BBOWT workparty at Haymill Nature Reserve alongside a number of regular volunteers. Our task was to repair the structure forming a dam across the stream that runs across the reserve The stream bed was dry, which made our task easier. One group carried out a litterpick along the streambed, amassing 2 big bags of rubbish, while others foraged for saplings suitable for use as stakes. These were hammered in place where needed and hazel whips used to weave between the uprights. Once dead leaves and debris have been caught in the mesh it should prove an effective dam to retain the water. Despite the damp conditions our spirits were high and we were pleased with our handiwork

Mick, Sheila and Jen joined BBOWT and Friends of Haymill for their monthly working party.

This month's focus was to finish cutting back the overgrowth that was impacting on the path, and removing nettles from the reed beds as well as the usual litter pick.

The report title reflects the little ditty I sang to myself to remember what tools needed counting back in.

The next working party will be September - the listing will be updated soon.

Mick and Sheila joined a regular workparty at Haymill Valley, run by the local wildlife trust. After the safety briefing we loaded up with tools and set off for the spot where we had finished last month. Our task was to continue clearing the brambles and other plants invading the path. Armed with hand-scythes and loppers we attacked the invaders, sometimes also using a hoe to continue Jen's mission to clear the grass from the paths. Luckily we were in the shade of the trees most of the time, but managed to stay hydrated with water and a tea-break with the traditional fruit cake

There was a good turn out today of GG, BBOWT and Friends of Haymill volunteers.

We set off to establish camp near the dam in the stream and then divided into a small group clearing branches and other debris from the stream, whilst the rest of us grabbed loppers, rakes, slashers, scythes and hoes to cut the overgrowth invading the path.

Seeing the path edge reappear was 'instantly gratifying'. There was even time for one volunteer to do a quick litter pick too.

Or rather it was a putting stakes in task as Sheila, Michael and Jen joined the Friends of Haymill and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) to build protective cages around the coppiced Hazel stools from previous sessions. There were seven stools to be protected from deer and other wildlife. The first job was whittling pointed ends onto the branches being used as stakes, then we weaved bendier branches in horizontally as binders before finishing by threading thinner branches vertically to act as filler. Lopping, sawing, moving, bending and weaving branches were the order of the day so a great workout, in the sunshine to the sound of birdsong. A perfect start to a Sunday.

We were joined by GG first timer, Mick, today who soon got stuck in, choosing his tool of choice.

We headed back to the area we were working in last time to do more coppicing of the Hazel trees. Jen also chopped down some older trees to encourage regrowth.

After the tea break, the main group resumed coppicing and layering whilst the remainder work on 'processing' i.e taking the cut off branches and cutting them down either into 5ft stakes, or binding, or infill for the tree guards that will be erected next month. The tree guards will stop the deer eating the newly exposed bark. We needed to prepare this job for April as its one of the few jobs we can do in bird nesting season.