As we traveled to Easter Craiglockhart Local Natural Reserve on a meteorologically indecisive Sunday morning, the ancient rivalry between bus and bike people was once again renewed. This time, the cyclists won.
After a brief introduction from Ewan and David, who are responsible for the nature reserve, we set to work. A number of us donned wellies and waders and, now bearing a striking resemblance to a band of goblins, started clearing silt and vegetation from the small ditch draining a nearby pond (Which, as it happens, is home to group of famously aggressive swans. We maintained a healthy distance). The other group equipped themselves with hard hats, a bike helmet and a ladder and installed bird boxes throughout the wood. After a hearty lunch of sandwiches, biscuits and Ewan’s homemade rocky road, we returned to work with renewed enthusiasm and only started making our way back home as the sun was disappearing behind the rooftops.
I’m sure the birds enjoyed the day even more than we did: An all you can eat buffet from fresh river mud and a wealth of bird boxes to choose from is enough to make any bird’s heart beat faster.
Thanks Emma G
