Today was the start of the joint project with CRT to repair the walls that form the boundary along the Caldon Canal between the aquaduct and Hazlehurst Bridge. We started just up from bridge 37 by the lock.
Paul, our Warden at RSPB Coombes Valley, got this fantastic photo of the rare and elusive Argent & Sable moth whilst out on the reserve this week. RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve is one of only 3 places in Staffordshire where you can find this day-flying rare species.
Let me introduce myself…
My name is Ian Kynaston and I am the new practical projects officer for the CVLLP. As part of my new job I'll be taking the volunteer flying squad out and about just like Richard Whiting has been doing for the last few years.
Well me for one thing! Hello, I'm Ian Wykes and I have recently been appointed as the new Development Manager for the CVLLP .
Some people say they think I've got a bit of Staffy in my genes even though I am meant to be a Parsons Jack Russell. Anyway, I was happy to celebrate Staffordshire Day with a heritage walk round the Froghall plateways. There was a big group of humans and three other dogs.
My last project for CVLLP was a watergate for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust with the brilliant Churnet Valley volunteers. Part of a series of Natural Flood Management works.
It was a nice change to be working by the river Churnet today with the volunteer team. Engineered log jam stabilised with living willow posts and some spiralling of living willow to sure up an eroding bank. Hopefully it will survive, Last year's seems to have taken well.
My perky white ears pricked up when I heard my human say ...walk to Cheddleton event...
That's not our usual walkies but I know it and the weather was dry.
Yesterday I was out hedgelaying with the Churnet Valley Practical Projects volunteer team. We tackled a 'hedge' near Swinscoe that some might have been tempted to rip out and replant... but not us.!
Walks in February can remind you of winter but a short walk from Cheddleton to Consall along the canal and back along roads was full of bright green and suggested that spring was coming.
