Reserves report


As the cold, wet, winter days of work on the reserves begin to fade to a distant memory, the biological diversity of our sites becomes more apparent as they begin to come alive with wildlife activity. The focus of our work reflects this wildlife awakening as we shift from chopping, slashing and burning to the less disruptive tasks of repairing and monitoring. It is a time to take stock and plan for future management. This is achieved through the implementation of five-year scientific management plans which, thanks to our Heritage Lottery Fund grant, will soon be prepared for each reserve. An intrinsic part of our management planning procedure is incorporating biodiversity planning and, in particular, Cornwall's Biodiversity Action Plans. This may involve management relevant to a single species or the broader approach of trying to manage and maintain a particular habitat. Pendarves parrot problem At present the 1.5-hectare lake at Pendarves Wood Nature Reserve is choked with the non-native, invasive weed parrot's feather. If the growth of this weed is allowed to go unchecked it will eventually cover the whole lake. This will be detrimental to the diversity of native wildlife that thrives in the open water habitat. The Cornwall Biodiversity Action Plan for wetlands recommends that more open water habitat should be created. It is essential therefore that we maintain what open water we have. It was decided that the parrot's feather had to go and so this winter the lake was drained and machinery (see picture) quickly brought in. Unfortunately when the machinery was in the lake the only thing that it did quickly was sink. Now our problem was not just getting the parrot's feather out but also removing a five-tonne dumper truck. Eventually the dumper was pulled out thanks to some skilled digger work but the parrot's feather remains. Due to these unforeseen problems we have had to draw up a contingency plan which involves leaving the lake drained and waiting for a dry spell before moving in with more specialist equipment. The plan now is for the work to be carried out in late summer, so hopefully we will update you on progress. Charcoal burning Continuing the theme of biodiversity and people, it is always nice to report on volunteers who help us manage our reserves in a sustainable way. Achieving sustainable development is an integral part of the Local Agenda 21 action plan for the 21st century. It arose at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit where our Government signed up to the Biodiversity Convention. "Think globally, act locally" is a popular phrase associated with the Local Agenda 21 initiative and is very appropriate to the work volunteers help with on nature reserves. Charcoal burning is a good example of this, encouraging a sustainable form of woodland management. Management in woodlands often involves felling and clearing trees. This may be to create glades and rides or just to remove unwanted species from the wood. Charcoal burning is a very effective way of utilising this timber. The product is sold (available in bags at the shop in Penzance) and this raises money for the Trust. A number of charcoal burns took place this winter at Devichoys Wood and a kiln has just been delivered to Pendarves Wood, so keep a lookout for PARC tasks at these reserves in the future. Eclipse The eclipse on 11th August may or may not attract thousands of visitors to Cornwall but to be on the safe side we are making plans to ensure that any damage to our nature reserves is kept to an absolute minimum. If you are able to assist us in "policing" our nature reserves during the eclipse, please contact us. Callum Deveney