Inert definitely returns to Manor farm, aiming for last push to complete restoration. 27th April 2022

Wednesday was an unpromising grey, overcast day. Pretty bad light conditions for photography. I almost didn't pay Manor farm a site visit. Am I glad I did - and was held up by two large lorries reversing into driveways. I managed a talk with Inert's site manager, who gave me an update on what was happening - as far as he knew.

• They are currently awaiting final design plans from Cemex for the site. He hopes to get them in the next couple of days. Whilst waiting for these designs, he decided to build up and reinforce the various land bridges to enable lorries to drive onto the site safely. Rather odd decision, I thought, as rain is not forecast for weeks and we are heading into summer, when the ground becomes rock hard; quite safe for lorries.
• The design of Manor farm differs considerably from the last seat of plans I have, from some years back (2016) e.g. no long lake along southern edge of site along the Backwater river, no medium sized lake to north of site, a new footpath to bisect the site (probably near the copse), not sure if bridle path will go all round the edge of the site, etc.
  
• Also, remember Cormorant lake north? Inert went to a lot of effort to create a really beautifully shaped lake. I was really impressed. So was a lot of wild life, which had started to use it. Well, after being asked by Cemex to create this wonderful lake, Cemex turned around a few days later and instructed Inert to fill it!!!! I have no idea who thought this one up, as the lake is desperately needed by the wild life (birds in particular), it was  a lovely shaped lake, and would have been close to a footpath allowing visitors excellent views of birds. Sigh.
  
• He also mentioned changing the shape of some of the wetland area to the west of the copse. Having gone to a lot of effort to establish and build the current wetland, some areas now need to be raised in level.
  
• They also had to dig a new, temporary, drainage channel to dry off part of the site. Not sure where.
  
• I asked him about a car park next to Longwater road. He was unaware of any plans for one. However, I did think he would not be involved in building a car park, it would be a job for a company who specialises in building car parks.
• Some of the myriad of changes might be due to requests from the organisation that is slated to take over the management of Longwater Road Nature Reserve once restoration is complete. More  on this organistion later, once I can ascertain whether they will truly be taking over the site, and whether I am allowed to reveal their identity.
• He didn’t mention completing various bridle and foot paths around Fleet Hill farm or Manor farm (particularly along the Blackwater river - and the bit of land currently  let back to the horse people), or fencing work around the estate. Though this might be the job of other contractors.
• In closing, Inert may take a short hiatus from working on Manor farm (days, rather than weeks), as the site manager doesn’t want to do anything until the final plans come through. I got the feeling he really wants to finish restoration.

Well folks, there we have it. Perhaps, after a couple of decades, and some six years since I started this blog, we might have a fully restored ex-quarry.

Oh, the site manager, who visited Manor farm to check up on progress, also turned on the pump. Water levels of Manor lake have been, apparently, too high. Looked alright to me. They've been at that level for as long as I can remember.