Showers

Yesterday's rain was still hanging around early on. A sharp shower took a few more leaves off one of the Rowans leaving little left but red berries. It could claim to have done its bit so might as well go into retirement for the closed season.

For the first time SRWT has had a go at the Himalayan Balsam, yanking it up and scattering it across the footpath. I first told them about it several years ago and told them again after their management plan implied there was none on site. Last year I pointed it out again and a not-very-serious effort was made to clear a few. The stimulus is as usual whether they've got a group of 'volunteers' and can't think of much else for them to do that's not too far from the car park.

Bracken clearance on paths is another example. It's little use clearing bracken at this time of year as the ferns are just about to die back of their own accord.

Also strimming or scything now leaves them looking particularly ugly along pathsides when this does not happen to the same extent in July or earlier - when it would be better for walkers anyway. If it's been left this late then should be left altogether and allow natural decay to do its job.

In previous years in late August they've sprayed bracken in larger stands. So what's happened this year? I've seen no notices though someone mentioned having seen a rather general poster message elsewhere. If they spray they should make it very clear indeed. But then this is SRWT.