This month's task saw the Environment Trust's volunteers making a welcome return to the wonderful Crane Park Island Nature Reserve for a spot of hedgelaying.
Despite the chilly and damp weather, 29 eager volunteers gathered at the foot of the historic shot tower and armed themselves with loppers and bow saws.
The island is made up of a mosaic of habitats, including hedges that provide valuable habitat for birds, small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, and also prevent curious visitors from falling into the river.
The Tower House boys took on the task with their characteristic enthusiasm and soon got the hang of this traditional countryside skill. At the other end of the island, another group continued laying a hedge that was started last year, and managed to lay a large hawthorn tree after careful preparation by Ian, the reserve's dedicated local volunteer.
The final photograph shows the finished article with the shot tower in the background, and there was universal agreement about the sense of satisfaction felt in seeing a job well done.
So, well done to all our volunteers for completing another successful event, and for another great year of conservation volunteering around Richmond.
Happy New Year!
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