Sometimes forward planning goes awry. We intended to continue with path improvement on what has been a particularly muddy section near the Iron Bridge. Unfortunately we couldn't obtain the gravel delivery in time. We had also planned to cut the grass on Ryall Island but we couldn't do this either, because Moorhens were found nesting on several eggs.

However, we still achieved a good morning's work, with one group clearing undergrowth around the kissing gates and some sections around previous hedge planting. A second group returned to the Jain tree planting area, where once again undergrowth had swamped the young trees. Finally, the Duke of Edinburgh group worked on clearing vegetation around the newly planted saplings on the riverside of Meadow 1 before mowing on either side of the footpath between the Iron Bridge and the Mill End entrance. The youngsters finished off with a litter pick around Stockers and the entrance at Springwell Lane.

Many thanks to Ken Davies, Nilesh Dodhia, Tony & Sheila Lee, Phil Gibbs, Christine & Nick Gray, Peter Ewer, Nicola Pazdzierska, Russell Ball, Nigel Daley, Stanley, Hattie & Mimi.

Jack Westbrook