The Low Barns Volunteer Task Force http://dwt.fotopic.net/ 23 rows en-gb 60 Burnhope Reservoir: Small Tree Felling (Sat 7th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777875.html A small Sat Team out today felling small trees on an important grassland site. Small is the appropriate word today! Come on Sat Team where have you all gone? :) Saturday 7 November 2009: A small Sat Team out today felling small trees on an important grassland site. Small is the appropriate word today! Come on Sat Team where have you all gone? :)

Ray (welcome back!) and Joe Joice That looks like Dougies Millionaire's Shortbread!? It is! Sue's new trailor! Joe Bagging tree shelters It wasnt that bad was it!?

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]]> Sat Nov 7 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management & <B>Sharon's BBQ</B> (Fri 6th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777328.html A brief session on scrub control around the margins of the reedbeds at Low Barns then BBQ time for Shazza's send off! We then finished the day off with sparklers! Friday 6 November 2009: A brief session on scrub control around the margins of the reedbeds at Low Barns then BBQ time for Shazza's send off! We then finished the day off with sparklers!

Craig waves a couple of canes about Craig gets excited about canes Craig explains what happened when he went swimming in the sea while on holiday on Mull David's holiday was in Germany, where the water was a bit warmer a likely story! Autumnal Silver Birch leaf David and Mel drag the scub off-site Its the boss doing the talk today Welcome back Percy! Mark Mels bum Rodney Some of the group Tool Count What is dougie doing thats making Mel laugh Daved pulling a funny face again Dougie looks impressed Mel feeds some Millionaire's Shortbread to Mark Craig is MC Sharon thanks her fans That's a Good Book There's a few packed lunches in there Shazza! Norman gets to grips with the Millionaire's Shortbread Norman tries some Millionaire's Shortbread Start of the BBQ people getting their fodder Whats Craig doing now BBQ overview Starting the presentation Speech time Craig showing Sharon how to ride the quad More speech Sharon giving her speech Sharon unwrapping her prezzies Sharon with her new gloves Lovely new book Sharon opening her card Oooooh! thats nice More eating A close up of Sharon More eating Must be time for Dougies shortbread again Mark, Helen and Nic Norman and Sue Dennys, Steve and Rob Stu, Davey, Bridgitte Rodney and Gillian Mark, Sue and Norman Lisa Recovering from all that food

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]]> Fri Nov 6 2009 Derwent Reservoir: Wetland Management (Thu 5th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1777013.html Another trip up to Derwent Reservoir to help Sue with some wetland management, on a beautiful November day. Thursday 5 November 2009: Another trip up to Derwent Reservoir to help Sue with some wetland management, on a beautiful November day.

Getting started with the raking Sue giving her snake impression!!! Brigette & David New volunteer Gareth Sue and Peter at lunch Cat Stu, Gareth, David and Brigette relaxing in the sun Sue and Peter Cat filling a dumpy sack with boggy rushes! The team hard at it Gareth and Stu building the compost mountain Ear, ear - should you be messing about up there!

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]]> Thu Nov 5 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management (Wed 4th Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1776666.html Today we once again returned to the Wild Wetlands reed beds to continue removing Typha. We concentrated on three areas and managed to remove loads with the compact but hard working team. At times we were not sure if it was wetter in the water or on dry land due to the changeable weather. Wednesday 4 November 2009: Today we once again returned to the Wild Wetlands reed beds to continue removing Typha. We concentrated on three areas and managed to remove loads with the compact but hard working team. At times we were not sure if it was wetter in the water or on dry land due to the changeable weather.

That is Stu in the stew Stu and Kate pulling Typha Chris Dennys Norman and Stu Most of the team New Volunteers Patrick Ye ha we have a new broom at last Mick

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]]> Wed Nov 4 2009 Hylton Dene: Litter Pick (Tue 3rd Nov 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1776354.html Today the Tuesday task force drove off into the unknown to Hylton Castle and Dene. We were helping Morris to litter pick various sites, then we had a wonderful private tour in the castle. Hylton castle belonged to the Hilton/Hylton family up untill 350yrs ago. It then had various occupiers including the National Coal Board who used it for storage until 1950. English Heritage is now responsable for the castle. Tuesday 3 November 2009: Today the Tuesday task force drove off into the unknown to Hylton Castle and Dene. We were helping Morris to litter pick various sites, then we had a wonderful private tour in the castle. Hylton castle belonged to the Hilton/Hylton family up untill 350yrs ago. It then had various occupiers including the National Coal Board who used it for storage until 1950. English Heritage is now responsable for the castle.

Morris telling us about the site Peter it really is too small for you Cat carrying rubbish Trailer of rubbish Shopping trolly fishing Nearly out Scott happy with the trolly Litter picking a bankside Chucking the bags in Hylton Castle On the way in Morris telling us some history Group Photo

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]]> Tue Nov 3 2009 Sharon's Best Bits http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1775678.html Sharon aka Shazza is off to work on the dark side - a consultancy! However, by the looks of it she will be doing the same stuff (burning, cutting, pulling, loppering and generally more of the fun stuff!)...just this time she will be getting paid. Farewell Shazza and see you next at the volunteer xmas BBQ at Low Barns! Sunday 8 November 2009: Sharon aka Shazza is off to work on the dark side - a consultancy! However, by the looks of it she will be doing the same stuff (burning, cutting, pulling, loppering and generally more of the fun stuff!)...just this time she will be getting paid. Farewell Shazza and see you next at the volunteer xmas BBQ at Low Barns!

Steady Eddie Sharon and Dave Litter picking at Hedleyhope Fell At rest with Lisa and Norman Yes another bum shot! She never stopped More trees vicar Suit you sir Juniper maintenance on the Fell Sharon and Colin at Stanley Moss Not the best image but what strength she had! Charcoal production at Baal Hill See was good for something Dirty girl Sharon She 'loved' raking Her dad came in handy from time to time Cutting grass Cross-cutting Into the Wild Between trees Shazza on the quad

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]]> Sun Nov 8 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Fri 30th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1774510.html Todays team of volunteers visited Hedleyhope Fell to remove and burn the previously felled trees. With the help of Shazza on the quad they made good progress. Friday 30 October 2009: Todays team of volunteers visited Hedleyhope Fell to remove and burn the previously felled trees. With the help of Shazza on the quad they made good progress.

The fire is getting started Stu and Rob preparing fuel for the fire Hello Mark Sharon the quad lady Its stuck in the ground Shaz It's free Oops, it's stuck again Stu drags a tree Is it stuck again Shaz Pete and Dave Chris

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]]> Fri Oct 30 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Thu 29th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1774196.html Work continued today on the Fell cutting and BURNING the scattered trees. The team made fantastic progress and got a load of the backlog burnt. Thursday 29 October 2009: Work continued today on the Fell cutting and BURNING the scattered trees. The team made fantastic progress and got a load of the backlog burnt.

Sharon and Emma giving the morning chat Everyone listening intently Stu lopping a tree to pieces New vol Peter dragging a tree to the fire Peter with sticks Mark dragging a tree Brigitte loading the fire A very happy Emme Davy and Brigitte feeding the fire Peter trying to keep away from the heat Mark dragging another tree The fire dying down while more wood is prepared for tomorrow Raking the prepared wood away from the fire

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]]> Thu Oct 29 2009 Rainton Meadows: Bird Ringing Training Day (Wed 28th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1773850.html Both the Rainton and Low Barns teams met today at Rainton Meadows to learn about the value of bird ringing for ornithological conservation. A big thank you to Martin Hughes for leading the day. Wednesday 28 October 2009: Both the Rainton and Low Barns teams met today at Rainton Meadows to learn about the value of bird ringing for ornithological conservation. A big thank you to Martin Hughes for leading the day.

Lisa doing the introduction Martin with the first catch of the day, a song thrush Big mouth!! Flying away too fast to catch!! A blackbird Attaching an identification ring Writing down the all important information Measuring the wing length No he's not trying to suffocate it, placing into a cone ready for weighing Mark Simpson about to release the blackbird Nick (with something in his eye!), Rodney, Gillian and Janice A captive audience Not sure what was being said here! Checking one of the mist nets Lisa modelling a swan identification ring If you look carefully there is a bird there! There is a mist net there and there were quite alot of birds trapped, honest! Blowing on the feathers Checking the weight A long tailed tit A long tailed tit A dunnock Stu about to release a blue tit A blue tit A wren A willow tit A reed bunting

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]]> Wed Oct 28 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Rush Cutting (Tue 27th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1773423.html A small Tuesday team started work on one of the areas identified for reintroducing the SPBF butterfly. In the fog and murkiness we managed to strim and rake an area of rushes to improve habitat conditions for the butterfly. Tuesday 27 October 2009: A small Tuesday team started work on one of the areas identified for reintroducing the SPBF butterfly. In the fog and murkiness we managed to strim and rake an area of rushes to improve habitat conditions for the butterfly.

Emma giving the talk in the fog New Vols Davy and Brigitte Colin, Davy and Stu filling the dumpy sacks Happy Stu Brigitte and Davy Brigitte raking Plenty still to rake Figures in the fog Colin Raking in a line Emma, Davy and Stu More figures in the fog Stu and Peter

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]]> Tue Oct 27 2009 Low Barns: Scrub Management (Sat 24th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771986.html On a very wet and yucky day Durham ConSoc joined the regular volunteers to remove willow from in front of the North hide at Low Barns. Saturday 24 October 2009: On a very wet and yucky day Durham ConSoc joined the regular volunteers to remove willow from in front of the North hide at Low Barns.

First big tree removed Our large group of vols hard at work What is it with boys and big trees Cane planting Getting close to the waters edge Work stops for frog ident Getting their backs into the task More cane planting View of north hide Group photo Joe flattening the brash pile Peter treating stumps End result

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]]> Sat Oct 24 2009 Malton: Scrub Management (Fri 23rd Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771662.html Today a small but perfectly formed team visited Malton to remove birch which had seeded in the grassland and heathland habitats on site. Friday 23 October 2009: Today a small but perfectly formed team visited Malton to remove birch which had seeded in the grassland and heathland habitats on site.

Before, scrub birch popping up allover More scrub birch among the heather and grass Mark,Nicola, Mark, David and some levitating gloves The task begins Colin and Rob Welcome to our new volunteer Mark David Whats down the hole Scott? Mark lops some gorse David lops a birch This may be Nicola or Cousin It Colin and Rob preparing a strimmer Another Rob strimming The sun comes out for lunch David and Scott raking the meadow Rob lopping birch in a ditch Scott lopping birch Another birch meets its maker at the hands of David The Heather scrub free of birch

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]]> Fri Oct 23 2009 Craig's Favourites (Loads of Sites and Dates) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771558.html From time to time I do this. A small selection of some of the best pics (that I could find!). Friday 23 October 2009: From time to time I do this. A small selection of some of the best pics (that I could find!).

Becky on a boat Trench digging at Hedleyhope Fell The gils litter picking Tree planting at Low Barns Cement mixing Trever and Becky Fire Pile Driving Heather planting Emma on the quad Chris Emma cooling off! Group shot The Rakers Bridge Finished

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]]> Fri Oct 23 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Thu 22nd Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771367.html The team continued the felling trees on Hedleyhope Fell. The team made fantastic progress on this rather large task! Thursday 22 October 2009: The team continued the felling trees on Hedleyhope Fell. The team made fantastic progress on this rather large task!

A 'fire' Stu with his bowsaw How! I think thats how its spelt! Cat Daniel Jorden and Daniel Shazza moving on to the next tree Helen getting stuck into a hawthorn Usually 'where theres smoke there are flames' but not this time Nick Lunch Look fire! Go for it Well done Emster A 'warm' fire Nick cutting a hawthorn down Mark

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]]> Thu Oct 22 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Wed 21st Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1771027.html Today was the second day of tree removal on the fell. We also had a fire which took some getting away but when it did plenty of material was burned. Wednesday 21 October 2009: Today was the second day of tree removal on the fell. We also had a fire which took some getting away but when it did plenty of material was burned.

Colin and Sharon starting to chainsaw Chris building up the fire Chris and Gillian fire starters Chris and Gillian posing through the smoke Rodney Jordon Daniel Smudger with his Goofy ears Colin processing a conifer Sharon Who lives in a house like this? The fire from afar Stu is hiding again David Rodney at work Davis dragging a tree to the pile Emma trying to get warm at lunch time Fireside contemplation Making the tree more managable for Emma and the quad Emma using the quad to drag the trees to the fire The quad looking happy with its hair do

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]]> Wed Oct 21 2009 Hedleyhope Fell: Scattered Tree Removal (Tue 20th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1770752.html The first day of scattered tree removal at Hedleyhope Fell. We will be spending many days over the winter on the Fell cutting and treating scattered trees and gorse patches to make sure the Fell remains open for the range of important species that currently live there! Tuesday 20 October 2009: The first day of scattered tree removal at Hedleyhope Fell. We will be spending many days over the winter on the Fell cutting and treating scattered trees and gorse patches to make sure the Fell remains open for the range of important species that currently live there!

Nick and Janice cutting through some hawthorn Stu looking for a way in Alan looking like hes going to kick the tree over I know Janice but its got to be done! Hedleyhope Fell at least we will be able to spot Cat Where are they going? Now wheres my sandwich? Hedleyhope Fell Hawthorn for the chop Stu and Alan enjoying a spot of lunch Jordan and Daniel Nick and Jancie clearing the burn site Scott cutting those trees as low as possible Stu working hard Jordan and Daniel taking on a tree together Now how do i get past all these spiky branches? What a couple of posers! A new olympic sport, tree rolling If i make a swift exit no one will know it was me! That tree didnt stand a chance with Stu and Alan on the job Cat waging war on a holly tree Jordan Scott finds tree felling easier in a horizontal position apparently Not satisfied with clearing all the gorse Nick and Janice moved onto the trees

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]]> Tue Oct 20 2009 Baal Hill: Woodland Management (Fri 16th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1768808.html Colin and Sharon were on their chainsaws today felling sycamore and beech as part of the ongoing management to remove these undesirable species. The wider team also made amazing progress felling 'smaller' trees with bowsaws! Friday 16 October 2009: Colin and Sharon were on their chainsaws today felling sycamore and beech as part of the ongoing management to remove these undesirable species. The wider team also made amazing progress felling 'smaller' trees with bowsaws!

Not sure what they are up to! Foxglove (one of the last ones) Peter and Stu felling Stu making the back cut Art or waste of paint!? Chris and Steve Contemplation Lunch Lunch Lunch Craig and Stu Peter chemical treating Colin

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]]> Fri Oct 16 2009 Low Barns: Sycamore Felling (Thu 15th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1768462.html Emma and the VROs got their chainsaws out and felled sycamore and larch at Low Barns whilst the wider team felled and treated small sycamore with bowsaws. Thursday 15 October 2009: Emma and the VROs got their chainsaws out and felled sycamore and larch at Low Barns whilst the wider team felled and treated small sycamore with bowsaws.

One larch down Helen on the finishing touches Yes colin its a goodin! Hidden art Colin crosscutting Helen painting stumps Colin fueling up Helen making her gob! Looking for some sycamore Sharon crosscutting Gillian cutting sycamore Peter and David synchronised sycamore sawing Janice Gillian finds Livingstone and Stanley..or is it Helen and Rodney Piling up the brash David dragging branches to the brash pile More brash collection Nearly there folks

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]]> Thu Oct 15 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management (Wed 14th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1768077.html Round two of Typha and Sweet-grass removal. An incredibly large team of vols descended upon the Wild Wetlands reedbed and made maasive inroads into the invasive species. Wednesday 14 October 2009: Round two of Typha and Sweet-grass removal. An incredibly large team of vols descended upon the Wild Wetlands reedbed and made maasive inroads into the invasive species.

Nigel and Chris Dave, Colin and Bobby Where's the fish gone? Peter and Mick returning from the Typha pile Rob and Steve returning Mick carefully climbing into the reedbed Which way am i going? Filling up another dumpy sack Dave and Bobby Is this the right type? Nigel making his way through the reeds Norman showing Christine how it's done Another photo for Peters mum Mike and Colin Rob and Stu Stu practising his poses Peter with another rake At least we won't loose Rob in the reeds Has the water gone over Mikes waders? volunteers in the reedbed Jeff trying to hide Jeff perfecting a new sport, Typha javelin

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]]> Wed Oct 14 2009 Low Barns: Reedbed Management (Tue 13th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1767753.html Today we put into practice some of the the things we learned at Leighton Moss. We removed Typha from Toad Beck and then Typha and Sweet-grass from the Wild Wetlands reedbed. It was a very wet (for some) and mucky day. We had two new vols and some students from Bishop Auckland college helping today. Tuesday 13 October 2009: Today we put into practice some of the the things we learned at Leighton Moss. We removed Typha from Toad Beck and then Typha and Sweet-grass from the Wild Wetlands reedbed. It was a very wet (for some) and mucky day. We had two new vols and some students from Bishop Auckland college helping today.

We are not bored honest Emma giving the task talk. Stefan and Steven getting ready to get stuck in Nic and Helen getting into the thick of it Is Mike chewing that? Cheesy grin there Helen Nikki and Thomas waiting for the first armfuls of pulled Typha They got alot wetter than this Yes Allan that camera is on you again New Vol Scott Mud masks are really good for you Is that a soggy glove Emma Allan and Mike An action shot Another action shot The finished Toad beck Toad Beck finished Cat and Janice dragging the dumpy sack a long way Tackling the Typha and Sweet-grass in the Reedbed This ones for Peter's mum If i close my eyes you can't see me These two were like a steam train through the Typha Is that a Gremlin on Emmas back Look at them go New Vol Catriona Mike chucking the Typha onto the board walk Pulling out the Sweet-grass Sweet-grass being exterminated Cat looking very wet and be-draggled Allan, Mike and Peter Excuse me do you think my hair suits me

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]]> Tue Oct 13 2009 Low Barns: Scrub Management (Sat 10th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1766359.html The Sat team came out and carried out scrub management in the West Pasture - cutting and treating alder and gorse. The team then moved on to cut and treat willow and alder on the fen habitat in front of the North Hide. Saturday 10 October 2009: The Sat team came out and carried out scrub management in the West Pasture - cutting and treating alder and gorse. The team then moved on to cut and treat willow and alder on the fen habitat in front of the North Hide.

The team at the start of the day Alistair and Joe Joice Hannah Yes Viv thats a bum shot! Joices bum! Its hard work you know! Peter adding to the pile Hannah getting stuck in! Alistair with some more gorse Viv John pulling some gorse to add to the pile A nice pic of Eleanor The team pauses for lunch Alistair John The reebed Joice Craig treating Making a start on the fen habitat in front of north hide Alistair cutting willow Hannah A view from the fen John

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]]> Sat Oct 10 2009 Woodburn: Grassland Management (Fri 9th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1766029.html The first volunteer day for the Heart of Durham project and Sue led the team up to Woodburn to strim and rake an area of wet grassland which is to become a habitat for the small pearl bordered fritillery butterfly. A seperate task was carried out to hang a new gate, led by Dave Liddle, a ranger with Durham County Council. Friday 9 October 2009: The first volunteer day for the Heart of Durham project and Sue led the team up to Woodburn to strim and rake an area of wet grassland which is to become a habitat for the small pearl bordered fritillery butterfly. A seperate task was carried out to hang a new gate, led by Dave Liddle, a ranger with Durham County Council.

Dave Liddle talking about the area Dave Liddle talking about the area Peter & Rob loading the dumpy sacks Strimmer lady Nichola Norman Norman Janice & Stu Stu digging a big post hole Nick & Dave hanging the gate The rakers Heave that sack over guys! Peter & Rob Nichola Stu & Nick Troublesome post! The gate hangers At last! Hello Karen Little channel needed! That'll do Good job Nice one

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]]> Fri Oct 9 2009 Stanley Moss & Baal Hill: Hawthorn Removal & Sycamore Marking (Thu 8th Oct 2009) http://dwt.fotopic.net/c1765670.html Today’s Task Force descended on Stanley Moss to remove a young hawthorn hedge before moving on to Baal Hill to mark sycamore in preparation for future felling works. Thursday 8 October 2009: Today_s Task Force descended on Stanley Moss to remove a young hawthorn hedge before moving on to Baal Hill to mark sycamore in preparation for future felling works.

Mark lops hawthorn while Peter treats the stump Fancy footwork required to find the stumps in long grass Colin treats a stump while Rodney fills a dumpy sack Sharon lopping Gillian and Rodney Shaz and Gillian Shaz and Gillian Hogging the camera a bit those two! Gillian, possibly wondering where Shaz got to Mark, Peter and Colin Hey Craig, we can see your house from here Rodney on the long haul to the tipping spot Peter and Colin trying to catch up with the loppers Chris demonstrating how to use a dumpy sack as a sledge Shaz, Rodney and Colin Baal Hill in time for lunch Shaz has a well earned cuppa Gillian,Rodney,Chris and Mark enjoy their lunch break in the autumn sunshine Mark looking for his next sycamore Yup!This looks like it Colin sprays a tree Careful Gillian, it's a jungle out there Are you sitting comfortably Chris? Can you tell what it is yet?

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