Inert return to Manor farm. Shipping yet more stuff in!!! Fencing down along south footpath. 30th November 2022

Two heavy earth movers and at least one John Stacey tipper were shipping stuff into Manor farm and dumping in on the spit of infill sticking out eastward into the current Manor lake. Our hard working bulldozer driver was then merrily pushing this stuff into Manor lake, extending the tongue northwards. I can't tell if the stuff is spoil or topsoil. I need an onsite visit to determine which.

I'm still confused as to what Inert have been asked to do with this this latest bit of infill. Fitting it as best I can to the plans I have, it does suggest that Inert are constructing shallows for reed beds.

However, it is hard for me to ascertain, especially as the restoration plans have undoubtedly changed.  There are two inferences to be gleaned from current restoration. Firstly, there could be substantial infill to follow over the next few months as Inert construct the shallow area i.e. the dark green bits of the current Manor lake. Secondly, Inert have to dig out the deeper portions of the new, long Manor lake.

Now, matters may not be as pessimistic a picture I paint. There are extensive, established reed beds to the east of the current Manor lake i.e. east of the Potential Future Hide Location.  I don't remember there being any to the north east of the current Manor lake. It is possible that the amount of infill required is confined to the west of the hide location.

Regardless of whether the infill amount is positive or pessimistic, restoration of the current Manor lake is scheduled to be finished by autumn 2022. Meteorologically, that is today. Hmmm. Astrologically, autumn ends on 21st December; three weeks time. I think there is going to be slippage.

What is interesting about this restoration plan is the mineral extraction for creating paths around the reserve. Some of this extraction occurs in bits of Manor lake that need to be dug out to form deeper water. It remains to be seen if this will happen. 

Right now, I am resigned to restoration dragging on into spring of 2023. Not a disastrous slippage as reed planting doesn't take that long.

Other news. Inert are still working hard on Chandlers farm. There are large piles of spoil all over the place - almost as if they are building a military assault course. I have no idea what is happening there.

Rains have finally eased off! A blocking high has formed which could lead to many weeks of cold, dull, dreary, overcast but dry weather. This has already made an impact on Manor farm. Water levels in all the lakes (bar Finch pond north) dropping considerably. The large, deep puddles along the south footpath have disappeared - though it is horribly muddy.

Our faithful pump in still chugging away resulting in very low water levels in the current Manor lake. This should help with infill.