21.11.08 | NWF Volunteers put on their wellies and get digging!

Natures Way volunteers have been braving the cold and wet to help the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group with their habitat conservation work. During the Autumn and Winter months the group, made up solely of local volunteers, focuses on projects such as ditch clearance, pond maintenance and willow coppicing, all of which are vital in the conservation of wildlife, such as the endangered water vole.

Phil Cook, Matt Dopson and Paul Haliwell, spent the day establishing and maintaining a discovery pond at Pagham Harbour:

“Wednesday 22nd October, and the three of us descended upon the Discovery Pond at Pagham Harbour, just north of Selsey for a day of volunteer labour. Along with a group from the Environment Agency and some local volunteers we set about nettle pulling, willow coppicing, compost bin building, habitat creation, pond clearance and footpath management….A couple of hours later a welcome and well earned cup of coffee arrived and we all wandered the site admiring everybody else’s efforts over a brew and a biscuit. We battled on until lunchtime having managed to complete the coppicing and footpath management, compost bin and habitat creation. The pond was half cleared meaning school parties could come pond dipping again…At the end of the day we all agreed it had been an enjoyable day and look forward to coming again.” Phil Cook, QA