As the days
get colder and inevitably wetter, the coastal ranger team set to work on more
autumnal tasks. In the last few weeks we have been focusing our efforts on
Newton Pool local nature reserve. A brilliant wetland habitat it is home to a
host of different species; from shoveler and little grebe to water plantain and
otter. Various forms of vegetation management ensure this area is kept in top
shape for its inhabitants.
One of the
easiest residents to spot are our Exmoor ponies who graze the area throughout
the year. Through munching and trampling they ensure the grasses and reeds are
kept low, creating open areas for birds and allowing less robust herb plants to
flourish. The rangers and volunteers give them a helping hand by cutting and removing
areas of grass to create open areas and reduce nutrient levels. Later on in the
year we will also coppice a section of the willow and alder to encourage
regrowth.
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One of the many residents: an elephant hawkmoth caterpillar © KateBradshaw
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Arguably the most
entertaining activity is reedmace management. Although a native species to
Britain, reedmace Typha latifolia was
introduced to the site many years ago and is starting to take over; out-competing
other plants and closing in around the pool, making it a less open habitat for
birds. Reedmace has an incredible root structure with a good rhizome system
that creates a network underground, stretching into the open water. This means there is only one thing for it –
to don the waders and get stuck in (sometimes quite literally).
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A volunteer tackling a stand of reedmace
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Volunteers
have found themselves knee deep in mud pulling up the towering plants to
compost them. There is always the occasional casualty. Although we are yet to
have a full face first tumble into the mud this season, we have had two cases
of being stuck with a rescue operation required, one lost wellie and a lot of
wet feet.
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Awards for muddiest participant...
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We have to
admit we are often distracted by the awesome creatures we find hiding amongst the
vegetation. Chasing a spider around trying to get a photo is always a good excuse for a few minutes break.
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Pachygnatha clercki found and painstakingly identified by one of our volunteers © KateBradshaw
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