South Chard Gravel pits - EuCAN Somerset Volunteers

South Chard Gravel pits - nr Chard

We are back at this interesting worked out gravel pit today (and in a fortnight – Nov 3rd) – to carry out the routine scrubcutting on the open areas to prevent them closing in and to undertake some tree work to reduce the birch and willow trees that are shading the grassland areas.

Brown Hairstreak butterfly eggs on blackthorn twigs where they overwinter.

This is a fascinating area of former gravel pits now flooded and heavily vegetated where there is a very good bird and insect fauna. We have been helping with the management work there for many years working with the local volunteers and the aggregates company (which has just finished digging out the last of the gravel from other areas of the site). We will need registered chainsaw and brushcutter operators in addition to handtool users and haulers.
Meet at 9am at the point shown on the google map – the main haul road has been dug up now that the gravel working activities are finished, so we are going to meet in the carpark at the entrance .
Bring lunch, your own refreshments and working gloves.
Let me know if you need or can offer a lift.
It would help us to know in advance if you are planning to attend this task, please let me know.