Peace

An extremely stimulating day at Castor Hanglands NNR, taking part in an event that will help inform the planned 5-year review of the management plan. The new Reserve Manager is keen to work with the local community and had assembled a mix of Natural England experts, NE local staff and representatives from Langdyke Trust, Ailsworth Parish Council, the Forestry Commission and the John Clare Countryside project as well as local experts (Pete and me!). 

We spent the morning walking round the reserve looking at various issues that need to be considered. This sparked some lively and very constructive discussions. After a splendid buffet lunch at the John Clare Cottage we spent time putting as many of our thoughts on paper as we could, so that they can be reviewed and followed up as necessary. 

It was a great day and was the first time for many, many years that NE felt like the old Nature Conservancy Council that I worked for many years ago. Interested and engaged staff, who were thinking big about what can be achieved in the future. Much of this relates to the impact of one particularly good local manager, but it's very satisfying to be part of it. And it may well lead to future paid work next season, as well as quite a lot of unpaid advisory work!

We arrived home about half past three, and after a cup of coffee, I headed off to the Rowing Lake for a bit of down time. I thought that there might be a spectacular sunset, but in the end it was more pastel in tone. I watched the waxing moon rise, surrounded by a colourful halo (see extra) - it will be full for Chris and Lizzy's wedding on Saturday, though I'm not sure whether we'll be able to see it!

Chris brought the cupcakes over - tomorrow we'll be decorating them - a joint effort by the whole family followed by a take-away. We chatted again about the timetable for Saturday and Charley cut his hair so he looks smart for the big day. Not long to go now....