Barge Canal Clearance

5 Wilder Romsey volunteers and Test Valley Borough Council were out on Romsey Barge Canal Wednesday 15th January. We cleared pockets of scrub on the far banks to increase light levels reaching the river with the aim of encouraging emergent and submerged vegetation in the channel. One of our WR volunteers, Goober Fox, has since seen an elusive Water Rail taking a stroll down the river. These are a common but very rarely seen bird, though you may recognise their call, a soundbite of which can be found on the RSPB website Water Rail Bird Facts | Rallus Aquaticus.

Canal

Water Rail

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​Our next task is a Tree planting Day at Mill Lane Meadows, Sherfield English. This will be to plant 10 trees (Oak, Crab Apple and Field Maple) across the site. These will be allowed to establish into large parkland type trees to create resting points for birds crossing the large expanses of grassland as well as adding interest for visitors. If you would like to join this task, please email Daisy Kennard, Reserves Officer, on [email protected]