August (1)
August 7th: Summer returns to the Nature Reserve after July's record-breaking rainfall.
Rain water streaming in from the neighbourhood brought significant silt. Ways of reducing its impact on the lake by the use of gabions and a strategically planted reed-bed are under consideration.
A new kissing-gate has been installed at the northern entrance, supported by a smartly refurbished gatepost.
The large branch, casualty of July's storms, remains at the base of the riparian ash from which it was torn. Negotiations are under way for its removal.
Purple loosestrife prospers in one of the new submerged beds.
Despite the recent heavy rain (and the warning notice!) the various sites composed of mud and detritus from the lake have continued to solidify, providing highly fertile bases for a variety of colonists.
Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown (P.Tithonus)
