This week the Bog Squad were at Cander Moss SSSI. This was our second visit to the moss following our work party there in July. That day was a warm occasion and the volunteers were treated to an array of moths. This time was a bit different to say the least..... breezy conditions and plenty of rain led to a damp time as you can see in the photos!
We were joined on this occasion at the moss by an enthusiastic group of volunteers from the Scottish Wildlife Trust (who own and manage the site). Our task for the day was to remove an area of birch woodland that is encroaching onto the moss. As usual our diligent group of volunteers got on superbly with the task at hand and by the end of the day the section woodland had been thinned dramatically leaving only the largest trees behind. These will be felled by SWT at a later date using chainsaws and all the stumps will be treated to ensure the birch doesn't return.
The cut birch trees didn't go to waste with the larger logs being used to fill up a large ditch which has previously been dammed. The logs will help the sphagnum mosses colonize the ditch faster and hopefully help raise the water table in the surrounding area. All the other branches from the trees were placed in piles deeper into the woodland where perhaps they will provide habitat for all sorts of bugs and beasties.
A big thank you all to the volunteers from both Bog Squad and SWT who turned out to help. Our next action is a 'Come and Cut Your Own Christmas Tree' event at Easter Drumclair on Saturday 13th December. Maybe see you there.....