•  Update 18th May 2010

Report from Central Counties Region Countryside Care Officcer Tony Powell

The harsh winter did not enable a lot of projects to be undertaken, however work was carried out at Rutland Water (Barnsdale Wood) in November

The work was coppicing trees that normally stand in water but owing to the low water level we were able to get at the trees through the mud.

 Projects that were due for later in the season had to be cancelled due to weather conditions and a one day visit in to the reserve was all that could be managed in late February

This work consisted of a clearing a small stand of Blackthorn to enable air and light to get at an ajacent pond.This project was a concerted effort by several of the regions DA’s

Thanks go to Leicestershire,Northamptonshire,and Nottinghamshire DA’s and all other members who attended.

South Links DA were able to make 5 visits to the reserve at the side of Woodall Spa CCC site (Kirby Moor Farm).They did a variety of projects including dry brash hedging,hedge clearance and coppicing work.

The numbers were down on volunteers but this was proberbly due to the adverse weather conditions.

A big well done to South Lincolnshire DA

Nottinghamshire DA  were once again at Walesby Scout Camp and the work consisted of tree felling,coppicing and general scrub clearance.

It was most encouraging to see some of the DA’s  much younger members enjoying the countryside care projects that had been set for them

A  job very well done by members of Notts DA

After may years as Region Countryside Care officer Tony Powell has decided to stand down and hand over his duties.

The regions thanks go to Tony for his leadership but I am certain that Tony will still be at the helm of some projects in the future

• Updated Feb 2010