Inert blow out my predicted timescales once again. 13th November 2021

Last week, I estimated that Inert et al would take a further four weeks to complete the in/upfill of Cormorant lake (north). As always, Inert et al have proved me completely wrong; though in a very pleasant manner.

They have made spectacular progress, this past week. In/upfilling roughly 2/3rds of what remained of Cormorant lake (north).

There could be many reasons for this acceleration in restoration. Sufficient lorry numbers available for hire, rain (i.e. torrential downpour) easing off, someone from head office wanting faster progress, etc, etc, etc.

Conversely, these same factors could see progress grind to a halt, this coming week. Alternatively, Inert could do their usual trick and flit off to another part of the site.

If the gods and fair wind combine, and Inert et al work at the same pace then Cormorant lake north will be filled in, and upfilled to the level of the east ridge by close of play next week.

Anyone want to place bets? I wouldn't.

Unfortunately, all this infill and upfill of the once mighty Finch pond and Cormorant lakes north and south have produced a very boring flat landscape. A far more interesting reserve, with greater ranges of habit, great viewing positions, and greater water retaining capacity could, I feel, have been achieved cheaper, quick and with less effort by not filling in the lakes. Instead, a more judicious landscaping and contouring of the ridges and embankments, and leaving alone much of what was there, would have been better.

I also had another thought that introducing beavers would have produced a much nicer and varied ecology.

But then, I'm a simple pleb, who doesn't know diddly squat about how to restore a quarry.