Local volunteers continue with helping to keep the area a haven for wildlife
Date published: 14 May 2022
The Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers had several very enjoyable tasks this month which started with checking the health of the pond they created last year. They were hoping, of course, that they might see that this is now a haven for the local wildlife and, indeed they were delighted to see the common pond skaters 'skating' over the pond. These little bugs are integral to the overall ecosystem, a joy to see, only 1-2 cm in length often in groups and will be now, hopefully, starting to lay their eggs. Also very exciting was to observe over the last month or so was the quite fascinating clumps of frog spawn. Ponds play an important role for common frogs so they were pleased to see their construction and placing of the pond is fulfilling its primary aim of supporting the local wildlife. The Marsh-marigold plant was added to the pond and is looking very healthy and will provide shelter for the emerging frogs and nectar for the insects.
A further task we have been focussing on over recent months is the installation of bat boxes supplied by the Canal and River Trust to provide the much-needed space for these lovely winged mammals. Fixing them at the required height and locations to give the bats a safe place to roost. Local wildlife watchers always tell the group just how they enjoy watching the tiny common pipistrelles, brown long-eared bats or Daubenton's bats swooping across the Saddleworth skies. They will now wait patiently and observe the homes of the various bats from a distance to ensure that the boxes are left well alone and undisturbed as bats are protected by law.
The group have also spent some time on the much-needed lock painting by Wade Lock in Uppermill. The locks are always in need of general upkeep and practical maintenance so UCAN are pleased to ensure this activity forms part of our annual work schedule.
UCAN's final activities included the regular litter picking and also tending the raised flower beds at various points alongside the canal path to just check the health of the soil, if the winter has taken its toll on the general structure and if, therefore, there are any running repairs needed.
Future dates for your diaries if you would like to join UCAN are:
Saturday May 28th, Thursday June 9th and Saturday June 25th
They usually meet at Spring Gardens, Moorgate Street [by the canal bridge], Uppermill at 10:00 AM but sometimes this varies so we will confirm this nearer to each of the above dates. As usual, all equipment will be provided by the Canal and River Trust (CRT). You are recommended to wear suitable clothing and stout footwear for the weather conditions on the day.
We always pleased to welcome new volunteers and anyone who would like further information please contact Peter Killan on 01457 878361 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com
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