CROW (Conserve Reading on Wednesdays)
Wednesday, 10th February 2016
Padworth Common ~ Scrub clearance

Return visit! We had previously cleared the birch from this part of the Common in 2013 but on this occasion we treated the cut stumps so any regrowth should be significantly less.

A site visit on a sunny Sunday (7th February) unfortunately proved inconclusive in determining the area in which we were to work .....

..... and a further visit was arranged for the following day, which was to prove to be extremely wet and windy .....

..... but at least the location was successfully identified.

The cut material was taken to the fire site and burnt.

In addition to clearing birch we also raked leaf litter from the bracken either burning or heaping into habitat piles, leaving the ground bare to encourage the heather to re-establish and provide basking places for any reptiles (adders are to be found on the site).

Much of the surrounding area had already been cleared during the winter by other groups working with the Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

As we were making good progress after lunch part of the group went to tackle a second area, clearing and burning scrub which had previously been treated with a weed wipe.

A Shrew, believed to be a Pygmy Shrew, found during the task.

As with any CROW tasks there is always time to relax and have a chat.

By the end of the task a considerable area had been cleared and two piles of smouldering ash were all that remained as testimony to our efforts. "It certainly looks good and CROW has done great work there - Thank You." Liz Fricker, Reserves Officer, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust

Created: Friday, 12th February 2016
Updated: Tuesday, 1st March 2016
Photographs: Alan Stevens, John Lerpiniere