On Saturday 8th July, 16 staff from the Society's Head Office spent six hours at Holt Island Nature Reserve, St Ives, Huntingdonshire. They spent the day pulling out and cutting down stinging nettles and goosegrass in order to clear the sides of the boardwalk and remove unwanted growth, thus preserving the wild flowers and plants by giving them room to grow. Their hard work also enabled visitors to the Nature Reserve to move safely around the grounds avoiding stinging nettles that were as high as 8ft in some places. The important thing was to try and avoid pulling out the plants and flowers that are so vital to the balance of the reserve and to the variety of wildlife they support.

The Island requires continual management throughout the year and volunteers play a vital part in maintaining the reserve. One of Huntingdonshire's Countryside Rangers, Bridget Halford, was very grateful for the Society's offer of help, saying in her thank you letter received after the event, "It was really fantastic to have you all to help me and see work that I was unable to do sorted in the twinkling of an eye. Several visitors remarked on how much 'clearer' it looked."


Above: A group picture before starting work

Alongside the hard work, staff enjoyed a much appreciated BBQ which helped to generate an enjoyable atmosphere to the day. The staff finished at about 4pm hot, tired and for most of them, stung, but it was very satisfying to see the difference they had made. 

Bridget added, "It was a joy to work with such a nice group of people; there was a lovely atmosphere to the day. Your help was invaluable."