A small notice left near the main path in case any dog walkers think they have found a new track!
First to arrive is veteran planter Fred Richards with a helper, being greeted by the Warden Gary Whitton.
Soon after that other Rotary big guns start to arrive (L to R) Derick Lawson, (with his Boys’ Brigade lads, plus Mums and Dads out in force), John Stewart, Chair Club Service Cttee, John Tootill, Club President, Brian Straughan, Club Sec. and Linda Watson, Immediate Past-President.
The real workforce sets to with relish and the job rattles along. The reserve’s bird hide, a unique feature not seen in any of Durham County Council’s other Countryside Parks, can be seen in the distance.
Warden Gary Whitton explains to Paul Keeley, Rotary’s Northeast tree planting expert, how the planting plan on Saturday helped him screen off some unsightly diseased Ash trees, while leaving his healthy ones in place. Culled deadwood has been moved back into the adjacent thicket to rot down over time and will add nutrient to the carbon-capturing woodland floor as it matures behind
John Stewart, Club development and Community Service Committee Chairman is thrilled at the turnout
Long-serving Rotarian Bill Holden and wife Nancy learned how to use zoom for meetings over lockdown,but are now keen to begin handing over the batonto the next generation
And so…Job done. Many thanks everyone. It was fun.Francis Phillips, Club Environment and Public Relations Officer: 07710743626 fephillips27@msn.com
(Photos: Kate Phillips)