Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust - Autumn update
On Wednesday 16th November Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust led a group of six volunteers working on the improvement and maintenance of the Stanborough Reed marsh Nature Reserve, situated at the far end of the South Lake. The group focused on re-coppicing the Willows in the south of the reserve. Coppicing is a management technique where trees are cut down on rotation and allowed to regrow. The regrowth forms dense stands of scrub, providing an important roosting, breeding and feeding site for birds and invertebrates. Through carrying out the coppicing on rotation it ensures there is a varied age structure of scrub within the reserve, increasing the structural diversity of the site.
The volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the day and made excellent progress despite the slightly gloomy weather! Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust run numerous work parties each week focusing on practical nature reserve management. Tasks are varied but can include coppicing, cutting and raking, pond management and cutting back scrub. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to learn more about nature socialise and gain experience working outdoors. In the coming months Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust will have a number of work parties running on nature reserves close to Stanborough Lakes including Lemsford Springs, Waterford Heath and Gobions Wood. If you are interested in joining any of the work parties please visit: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteering If you would like to make a donation to their next project, please visit https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/archersgreen
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust continue to support the Stanborough site, running many activities throughout the year, designed to make a desirable and safe habitat for the wildlife of Stanborough Park, as well as monitoring our water bird population. Better would like to thank the team and all the dedicated volunteers who continue to provide an excellent service supporting both the staff and the wildlife of the park.