clearance and re-shingling of some of the Tern rafts

Work Party Sunday 2 March 2025

We have had some good hedgelaying sessions over the winter months, and given the uncommonly mild weather this Sunday, it made our last session before bird nesting a real pleasure.  Now we can just watch and see the new growth thicken the hedge and provide good habitat for many species of wildlife. 

As our attention turns to the maintenance of cattle fencing, a second group set about removing overhanging branches, in particular willow, which has a habit of snapping and could cause expensive repairs to the stock fence. 

Over the last month a smaller group of us have carried out a couple of extra weekday work parties. On the 17th Feb. we progressed the hedgelaying ready for the final session on this March work party.

Another annual task we carried out on the 24th Feb. was the clearance and re-shingling of some of the Tern rafts. Originally these rafts were introduced by FOSL and over the years some have been replaced by ourselves and by HMWT. It's a mucky job clearing of old nesting material and resurfacing with new shingle.

Finally I would like to welcome Nick Gray, who has kindly agreed to join me as a fellow warden of FOSL. He will be helping me organise the work parties and better utilise our volunteers precious time, which we hope will keep Stockers lake a pleasurable place for all. 

Many thanks to Sylvene  Greaves, Nick and Christine Gray, Rob Liddle, Nicola Pazdzierska, Mike Lansdown,  Nilesh Dodhia, Nigel Daley and Phil Gibbs.

Jack Westbrook

Sylvene  Greaves, Nick and Christine Gray, Rob Liddle, Nicola Pazdzierska, Mike Lansdown,  Nilesh Dodhia, Nigel Daley and Phil Gibbs.

Jack Westbrook

Lead Warden

Friends of Stockers Lake

07716 296093