Volunteering at Allerthorpe Common

30 Days Wild, day 5: On the first Sunday of each month, we have a volunteer task day at YWT Allerthorpe Common nature reserve. We must be careful what we do at this time of year, as it's important to avoid disturbing ground nesting birds, so we cleared vegetation growing along the fence line, taking out birch and willow seedlings, and brambles growing through the fence.

 Clearing scrub along the fence line

The creeping willow is producing large clumps of seed like cotton wool, the broom is in full flower and lots of tiny yellow tormentil flowers carpet the ground. A cuckoo was calling throughout the day, often quite close, but never in sight.

Fluffy seed heads of creeping willow

Broom

Tormentil

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