Brian Hopkins planning the work. The soil and gravel from
the site was used to construct three bunds (dams) along the old drain, and
make a causeway to a small island in Buck Pool.
The scrape was dug in a low-lying area of the meadow where
it would catch flood water. Test bores were done to identify the summer
water level. The bed of the scrape is clay.
Digging the scrape
The 'scrape' after floods
The 'scrape' was dug in 1998 to retain water after floods
and rain to provide a damper habitat for various species and so increase
the biodiversity of the meadow.
Three ecologists studying the autumn flora in the scrape.
Teasels are abundant. Willow seedlings have been removed by hand. Much of
interest remains.
Ecologists in a scrape
Unusual flora
Pulling up some unwanted willow shoots and examining the unusual flora that
have appeared in the scrape.
The results of all the hard work, five years later.
