Very proud of my first welding of a chainsaw! Splitting this old telegraph pole was tough but rewarding.

These made a nice edge for the reflection pool which is almost finished.

Fine example of a Violet Ground beetle, discovered while digging.

Yes the Princes Trust were back to help with another group of willing workers.

We continued the effort to build another observation platform. The guys provided some muscle to move a mountain of stone to build a retaining wall at the front and helped with the building of a pallet wall at the back.

Another mountain of stone was moved to the memorial bench so we can build a dry stone wall wind shield.

Becka helped me transport the reeds for the screen and also transported the chippings for the paths.

Many thanks to them all for their work and the Northumberland Fire service (Sean and Charlotte) for supervising.

Big hailstorm today over the bog but a nice rainbow at the end.

This fine chap was one of two Snipe that we ringed on Sunday.

We have a healthy little flock of at least 8 Snipe, which hopefully will be nesting on the reserve and produce some young.

What do you do with a mountain of composting woodchip?

What we do is build a woodchip burm to keep out our doggy friends from the adjacent dog walking route.

Time will tell if it will be effective but if nothing else it will provide habitat for insects and rodents (I hope).

Well not the furry variety but the 6th Morpeth beaver Troop.

They came along to lend a helping hand, so we gave them a team exercise. They helped to construct an observation platform overlooking the reedbed.

Many thanks to the youngsters, leaders and parents for there hard work.

Before

During

After

I welcomed the Newcastle Railway Walking Group on the reserve today. They included Clarks Bog on their walking circuit today and I gave the group a tour.

This was the largest group (26) to be given the tour so far and seemed to enjoy it (i hope!)

I had a nice surprise yesterday when a donation of 11 bird boxes arrived courtesy of Morpeth Scouts (4th).

I’m sure my feathered friends will appreciate the choice of accommodation now on the reserve.

I welcomed Jamie on site this week, for a weeks work experience, as part of his Princes Trust course.

Jamie was a big help with the loading and unloading of our stone salvage, I was able to give him experience operating my mini digger, which hopefully will help on his CV, as he would like to do landscape gardening or something similar.

We also did some reed cutting and a little bit of construction, building some steps.

Jamie worked hard, without complaint, all week and I wish him well for his future.