Slippage works update 05.12.24
Further to our previous update, the first lift (graded slope) of clay is now complete. Works are completed now for this year and are unlikely to recommence until Spring/Summer 2025 (to be advised).
The brick edge that you can see along the lake edge (with drains within) will remain in view, but over time we envisage that the reeds will re-colonise along the lake edge and soften the appearance of this somewhat.
We will be working with Forterra as the wider project comes to an end next year to look at how to re-green the final slopes. So, we feel that how the reserve appears at present, is worst case, and should begin to improve moving forward with natural colonisation and growth.
The V-cut now extends straight down into the brickworks and the entrance is narrow. Temporary bunding is proposed to screen this. This is an operational area until the end of the remediation project next year and must not be accessed.
Additional willow reed screening is planned by the bird hide, to screen direct views onto the slope and to deter access.
With site works ceasing very soon, we are very pleased to confirm that we will re-open the reserve to members before Christmas, and will stay open until works recommence on the upper lift in the summer of 2025.
We will also be planning for management days to take place at the reserve once we are re-open. This will focus on the cutting and raking of all wildflower areas on site. Whilst we would usually manage sections per year, we are keen to maximise flower and seed production for 2025, in order to have a good yield for seed collection and future hydroseeding of the disturbed areas in the reserve.
Any fencing or barriers must be respected by members please, to ensure where areas are out of bounds, they are not accessed. Further updates will follow on this and notifications will be posted at the bird hide.
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