The beast awakens and gets a shave. 26th August 2019

After spending a week in south Italy, covered in factor 50+ and hiding under any scrap of shade, we had hoped for some relief from temperatures in excess of 30 C when we got home. Instead, we flew straight into a heat wave with temperatures the same as we had endured all week. I wasn't in a fit state to visit the proto-reserves yesterday - partly as Ryanair's flight left late, partly as we were knackered, and partly as it was sooooooo hot.

I disappeared down to Manor farm early this morning (no way was I going to leave it later on and the stupid temperatures we're expecting today) and had to infer whether or not Inert have returned. Well, with no mid-week stomp, I have to say the jury is out; despite the evidence.

Firstly, I noticed the usual traffic control had been set up near the bailey bridge. To wit, some large tyres and boulders placed across a trackway.

Secondly, I noticed that the west embankment, bordering Longwater road, has had a shave. This happened last year, at roughly the same time. Contractors moved in and cut down vegetation on the west and north embankments bordering Finch pond. This year, their job would have been a little more difficult. Last year's very hot dry summer, stunted the growth of the thistles and nettles. This year, as evident from an earlier blog post, growth has been rampant. Shame I didn't wait a couple of weeks before scaling the embankments; though I am hoping the contractors will return to tackle the north embankment this week.

I was very surprised how much water levels had fallen over the past week - despite the deluge we got last week. In fairness to our pump (which was off today) Finch pond is now not much bigger than a couple of large village ponds, whilst Cormorant lake is smaller than it was. Still, it did surprise me.

I didn't go on to Manor farm to see if any bulldozing had taken place i.e. infilling Cormorant lake. I figured Inert hadn't fully returned, and that the traffic control was in main for the contractors who cleared the embankments. My guess is that Inert will return in force either this week or next.

Over on Chandlers farm, the great wall of spoil has grown out of sight to the east of the bailey bridge.  I didn't hop over said bridge, this morning, to photograph the extent of the embankment. It's very impressive, whatever it is.

On with the protracted slide show. This first batch (I may get round to putting some wildlife shots up later) were taken with my smart phone.  Those who know me may get off the floor or close mouth after being in stunned amazement.  Yes, after decades of not having a mobile, I have finally got one. Still don't really need it, but it does come in handy for wide angle shots - especially as the image chip in a mobile phone isn't much different to that in a bridge camera. Though I did miss the optical zoom on my bridge camera.