I attended the end of course presentations for the last Princes Trust group at Hartford fire station. It was a big surprise to be handed a cheque for £170 for Clark’s Bog Nature Reserve. The youngsters had done a days car washing in the freezing cold! Many thanks to all involved, the money will be put to good use.

It got even better as the sum raised was actually £175😃

Well we are making progress in pond 2, fine work by 4th Morpeth scouts continues. I must give a special call out to scout leaders Sean and Ellen who have worked like trojans for the last 6 weekends.

Our pond dipping boardwalk and jetty are progressing nicely, although a bit chilly going in the pond this time of year.

The 4th Morpeth Scout Troop paid their first visit to Clarks Bog today. A great hard working crew that started to dig pond II. It was a good laugh and they entertained, everyone was cold, wet, and very muddy by the end of the day but they also made a good start on the pond.

We did have a few victims of the bog monster dragging them into the bog but all survived to dig another day!

Still a long way to go but we’ve made a good start, hopefully the crew enjoyed themselves and I will see them again.

Ann Cooper has kindly donated our first viewing bench in memory of her late husband Bob. He enjoyed nature and the great outdoors so ‘‘tis is a good spot for him to be remembered.

Many thanks to AkzoNobel for donating enough paint to do both the classroom but also Vera’s Shed.

I predict a painting party in the not too distant future!

A very productive 2days with a group of 12 from the Princes Trust. A very enthusiastic group of youngsters gave me great help this week. They finished the gravel pit at the front of the classroom:-

Another group worked on the pallet boardwalk over a particularly boggy bit:-

We also added an emergency exit ramp and path at the rear door of the classroom:-

So even though the weather wasn’t kind and we got very wet on day 2 I was impressed that the group were still enthusiastic and stuck at it and did a great job. A fab group welcome back anytime.

Eventually we had some decent weather to enable John and myself to finish the roof on Vera’s Shed. Now we should have a cosy weatherproof hide.

I’ve tried to tidy up the front of the classroom, it also gives a solid base to stand on when putting on or taking off the window shutters.

Vera’s bottom has now been covered with a skirt and chipping, looks quite tidy now, if I say so myself😜