We had a visit today from Paul Fuller who brought along the diversity manager to introduce him to the team There have been many fears and concerns about how this would affect lineside. My apologies as his name escapes me but will this introduction affect us? The answer is yes in a potentially positive way. He has a practical knowledge and experience of systems and environmental issues through his employment in DEFRA and will be able to bring together the way we work on lineside. There are grants available for tools, equipment and other issues which he would help the railway access. He has already helped bring a clarity to the bird nesting season and that will be added to as time progresses.
We have the month of March to continue the clearance of Mrs Townsends embankment, we need to basically document our observations of our visits to clarify what we have seen, but not deliberately disturb any nesting birds and this can start next week. If I have misunderstood this please contact Paul for clarity and a brief resume of other matters talked about.
Only time will tell but in my opinion we have nothing to fear.
It turned out to be a mild day and as indicated a team of 5. We were slightly delayed starting the tidy up until Paul Fuller delivered a supply of fuel for the chipper, however, the time was not wasted. A number of smaller trees beneath the large oak tree high up on the embankment were felled ready for chipping and I spent the time making observations for signs of bird nesting on the next section beyond the 2nd cross drain and whilst there were several smaller birds flying about there was not any signs of nesting beginning.
Paul duly arrived accompanied by the biodiversity manager. After a brief meeting we set about the work for the day chipping the dross and freshly cut material. A section of the lower part of the next section of embankment was cleared for a distance of about 60 metres in preparation for next week when we hope to have a fire going as we will be a safe distance from any buildings.
We had a good day in all and are well set to continue our work next week. As stated there were no signs of any nesting birds but there were hoof prints of deer in the muddy ground under a crab apple tree so the area will have to be checked out next week again pre work commencing.
Well done everyone
Brummie Dave
BRUMMIE DAVE
Contractors clearance of the Malvern side at Mrs Townsends
Lineside clearance of the Cotswold side now clear to the second culvert
Comments
Post a Comment