The first day of October saw us down at Newt Hollow, though quite when
I’m actually going to see a newt is something I’ve been asking myself for a
while. Perhaps it should be re-christened Nettle Hollow – until our
eradication efforts finally succeed of course!!
Strength of numbers (total of 14 in all, including a pleasing number of new faces) meant that we could usefully split into two working parties: one half of the group did battle with the resurgent Urtica dioica, while the other half tended to the removal of overgrown vegetation down at the pond itself.
Previous hackings of the nettles seems to have had some effect and new growth appeared to have receded a little and was, allegedly, less vigorous than previously. David "Slasher" Nutter did a fine job of scything down vast swathes of nettles, while those equipped with loppers and shears clipped and worried away at other areas. The spoils were raked and pitch-forked away. In addition to scything, the nettle group also cleared a ‘test patch’ using the time-honoured method of brute force pulling. We removed a small area of nettles, roots and all, to try to, well, get to the root of the problem. This is easier said than done with Urtica dioica, since not only are they capable of propagating themselves magnificently by seed (tens of thousands per shoot) but they also show impressive vegetative growth. Thanks to extensive rhizomatous systems, they are well-established at Newt Hollow, sending out a network of shoots, with the result that by pulling on one nettle you can sometimes end up yanking on much more than you’d bargained with. It was a bit like grabbing a handful of underground cabling. And for me at least, despite long sleeves and gloves, it did turn into something of a sting-fest. Naturally, it remains to be seen which species will win this war of attrition…(my money’s on the brambles). On a more serious note, for the future, we need to establish whether the pulling method is a worthwhile investment of time and energy.
The
rain started just in time for lunch. Most of us managed to eat our
sandwiches before they were in any danger of becoming waterlogged. But the
rest of the afternoon was a soggy affair.
This could not dampen the spirit of most LCG volunteers. After lunch, the entire group (our work on the nettles was done for the time being) set about completing the pond clearance. And, indeed, by the end of the afternoon, the pond was indeed clear (as mud). The newts and frogs could see the light of day, whether they liked it or not. It was possible to dredge up some of the overgrowth and re-connect parts of the pond formerly clogged with the roots of the reedy grasses that thrives there. Ultimately, it was a scene of devastation (see pictures) and more like a bog than a pond. But as Dave N. exclaimed wisely: "It’s ironic but conservation IS all about destruction". He’ll forgive me if I’ve misquoted slightly. Well, hopefully not quite ALL about destruction, but I know what he meant. The habitat has to be managed before the wildlife can make a go of it, and sometimes that management has to be quite radical. Habitat management is therefore often a licence to batter into submission whatever adaptable/opportunistic/successful species has had the temerity to abound.
Well, I hope the newts (Delphine assures me there is at least one) and other residents soon recover from our disturbance (we saw one startled frog) and benefit from those grand efforts. They might show their appreciation by making the odd appearance now and again!
Many thanks to the leaders, Julie and Neil, and for everyone who helped to make the day a destructive, but ultimately satisfying one. We ended damp, but undefeated.
Sophie